Incendio

Christmas morning arrived and Samantha was only slightly disappointed to not be spending the day at home. She was very pleased with the gifts she had received. Her parents had sent her a beautiful set of hair combs to be worn with her dress that night. Her father had also sent her a special gift of his own, muggle pens, two dozen of them. Ginny gave her a new scarf her mother had knitted, saying her mother had insisted since Samantha's mother had helped with Ginny's dress robes. Ginny's mother also kept insisting she would pay Samantha's mother back, but Samantha was sure her mum wouldn't accept it. Samantha gave Ginny a new journal in return, it was gold and green, the color of her favorite Quidditch team, The Holyhead Harpies.

She also received a few cards from both sides of the family. Her maternal grandparents sent her a card with a few Galleons. Her paternal muggle grandparents who didn't know they were wizards, sent her a gift card to a muggle restaurant. After opening her gifts, she dressed in her favorite sweater, which changed to feature green Christmas Trees instead of golden stripes.

She decided since it was Christmas, she'd eat breakfast with her brother.

"Merry Christmas Jack." Samantha said sitting down across from him. She handed him the small package. Inside was a new book about muggle philosophy compared to wizard philosophy.

"Yeah, Merry Christmas." Jack barely looked up from the food he was eating. He did smile though and handed her another package.

"Thanks." She responded before opening it. It was some new parchment with her name in beautiful calligraphy at the top. She smiled and momentarily thought maybe her brother didn't hate her.

"Are you excited for tonight?" Samantha asked trying to break the silence between them.

He nodded.

"I heard you are going with Tracy Davis." Samantha continued. "I've had potions with her before." They'd never spoken, but they'd seen each other. Tracy was a pretty scarlet haired Slytherin with olive skin.

He nodded again. "Yeah, she's alright. Do you have a date?"

Samantha smiled, just happy he was asking her. "Yes, his name is Nicolas."

Her brother's demeanor slightly shifted, looking her in the eyes, for the first time in a while. "What house is he in?"

"He's from Beauxbatons." Samantha started eating her breakfast with a smile.

"Oh," His eyebrows stitched together. He was being oddly quiet, normally he had something outrageous to say. Instead, he stayed relatively quiet through the rest of breakfast.

Samantha spent much of her Christmas afternoon alone, working on homework in the Gryffindor common room. She suspected she may be too tired the next day after dancing to complete it all. She also knew she wanted to have time to write about the ball.

Hermione met her in the common room around five pm. The two of them planned to give themselves ample time to do each other's hair. They had been practicing, but they wanted to make sure it was all perfect. They weren't the only ones, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, their bunkmates were also in early to do their hair and makeup. Hermione also took the time to give her a small Christmas present, a book with a bunch of archived Daily Prophet articles. Samantha gave Hermione a jar of Coshmere's Coil Oil to use after the ball as her Christmas gift in return. Preparing for the ball had truly brought them to become closer friends.

Ginny would eventually join them as well, showing them how beautiful she looked in her robes.

Samantha's dress robes were everything she could have wished for. She almost felt she looked grown up. She also hadn't seen herself in anything other than her signature pig tails in a very long time.

She came down into the common room and was quickly blinded by a flash of light. Colin was dressed in Dress Robes that were too big and he was laughing vibrantly. He'd been given a special allowance to be at the ball to take photographs.

"You look beautiful Sam!" Colin practically yelled at her. "Like a real princess."

"Thanks Colin." Samantha laughed. Colin was essentially the little brother she had always wanted.

"I have a Christmas present for you!" He practically yelled before running up to his dorm. He brought back a box. Inside was a whole stack of muggle pens.

"Thank you Colin." She laughed looking at them. "Can I give you yours later? I don't want to try those stairs again in this dress." She had bought him more film for his camera.

"That's fine. Until then, let me take a better picture of you Sam." He begged.

"One, before Hermione comes down, we both have to meet our dates." Samantha insisted but posed slightly. She did feel pretty enough to have a proper picture.

"I'll walk with you both, I'm supposed to be there early for pictures anyway." Colin reached out his arm for her to take.

"Thank you Colin!" Samantha laughed taking it before Hermione descended the stairs as well. Samantha and Colin both gasped at her appearance, she was beautiful and almost unrecognizable.

The trio walked together to the lawn in front of the castle. Colin left them there and made his way back inside. The lawn in front of the castle had been transformed into a grotto of sorts. It was also warmer than it should have been for a December day after a snowfall. There were fairies flying and twinkling around them. Hermione and Samantha were both supposed to meet their dates there. They both noticed a few classmates who were also waiting on dates from the other school. Several Beauxbatons students had already arrived. Samantha recognized Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw Quidditch captain standing with Fleur Delacour. Fleur looked gorgeous, as she always did, but there was something about her silvery gray robes that made her look even more effervescent. Beside Fleur and Roger stood Nicolas, who walked over politely and took her hand.

"Tu es magnifique." He said before kissing her hand and Samantha knew just enough French to understand it was a compliment. He took her arm and walked her over to be with the other Beauxbatons

"Thank you," She responded before waving to Hermione who was smiling widely. "You look very nice yourself."

Nicolas was wearing bronze dress robes and Samantha was very excited to realize it complimented the stars on her dress. He led her first to see his champion. Fleur greeted Samantha graciously, kissing her on each cheek.

"So very nice to see you again Mademoiselle Fyre." She looked her over. "And how different your hair looks. It is a very nice change."

Samantha felt blood rush to her cheeks, maybe she would consider other hairstyles from then on. "I love the color of your dress robes."

"Oh, thank you. I thought it would compliment my complexion." Fleur said with a glimmering smile. Roger looked like he was bewitched by her every movement.

"It does." Samantha said nervously.

Fleur pulled her slightly away from their dates and leaned closer to her, "I was quite worried the dress would not fit. The food your school serves is quite heavy. How do you manage to stay so petite here?"

Samantha thought about it slightly, she felt slightly insulted on Hogwarts' behalf, but complimented on another. She had never truly considered her body frame at length. She also had never truly considered her eating habits before. She suddenly began wracking her brain for the last time, other than her Christmas morning breakfast, that she'd truly enjoyed a full meal. She'd always been so busy, that she realized she had been neglecting her stomach. She wondered if that was even remotely healthy.

"I guess I'm just busy." Samantha shrugged, but she suddenly felt her stomach begin to growl.

Fleur seemed slightly satisfied by that answer after Roger took her arm again.

Nicolas and Samantha followed Fleur and Roger into Hogwarts' entrance hall along with several other couples from Beauxbatons. Nicolas introduced her to several of his friends, who each kissed her cheeks and Samantha made a very quick decision never to live in France. She did not quite enjoy the close contact.

Fleur and Rogers went to stand with the champions. Hermione and Krum had also taken their places with them.

The doors to the Great Hall opened and there was a resounding gasp by everyone. It was beautiful. The walls were covered in silver frost and garlands of many colors draped the ceiling. It was a true winter wonderland, it was even snowing.

Samantha walked with Nicolas to the entrance where there was a seating chart. The house tables had been replaced by hundreds of tiny candle lit tables. Each table was to seat about a dozen attendees. She and Nicolas were to be seated at a table with people she thankfully knew. They were mostly housemates and she was thankful to see Ginny and Neville were a part of that group. Samantha noticed Ginny who was smiling, but looked uncomfortable as she searched for the table with Neville. Samantha and Nicolas quickly went to aid them. Samantha took this opportunity to introduce Nicolas.

"Nicolas, this is my best friend Ginny Weasley and this is her date, Neville Longbottom." Samantha motioned to them both. Neville was looking nervously around the room. He stood behind Ginny but wordlessly reached out a hand to shake.

"A pleasure to meet any friends of Samantha's." Nicolas then took and kissed Ginny's hand. Ginny turned slightly red. "Are you both also writers?"

Ginny nodded before grabbing Neville and pulling him forward. "Of course. We're all on the Gazette. I handle the Sports Editing and Longbottom here, he handles the miscellaneous writing."

"How wonderful. Samantha says you will be at our table." Nicolas quickly observed before taking Samantha's arm again. "Shall we search together?"

They did eventually find the table.

Lavender Brown, her bunkmate who came with Seamus Finnegan were already both at the table, along with Ron Weasley and his date, Padma Patil from Ravenclaw. Dean Thomas and his date, a fourth year Ravenclaw, Mandy Brocklehurst were the last couple to find their seats. Everyone at the table was very much in awe and enthralled by the festivities. Ron was the only one who looked less than thrilled with almost everything. Poor Padma seemed most forgotten, luckily for her, Lavender was best friends with her twin sister, Parvati. So the two of them were quickly braced in conversation.

The Champions entered after everyone in the hall was settled. Everyone stood to applaud them.

Samantha noticed both Weasleys looking incredibly awkward as the Champions passed by. Ginny looked longingly at Harry as he walked past, she still seemed very upset to have lost her opportunity to go with him. Ron was glaring at Hermione and Krum as they passed. Samantha wondered why. Hermione was his best friend and Krum was literally his idol. She'd heard Ginny say he had a miniature figure of him who sat on his bedside table.

Samantha decided to pay it no mind. Everyone in the room took their seats and Samantha noticed little menus in front of them. There wasn't any wait staff, so what was she supposed to do with it?

Nicolas seemed to know what to do, just saying his order to the plate in front of him. Everyone at the table seemed to catch on. Samantha hoped it wasn't extra work on the House Elves, but her conversation with Fleur had made her so hungry she was just happy to eat.

"Your school is truly decorated in a nice way." Nicolas observed, "However, I will say it is nothing compared to Beauxbatons during this season."

Samantha turned to her date and laughed. "Dangerous words to say at a table of very dedicated Hogwarts students."

"I mean no offense of course." Nicolas laughed. "I am a bit homesick, so you must forgive me."

Samantha smiled back, "I can understand that. What is Christmas like there?"

She found herself hanging on every word, hearing about ice sculptures that didn't melt, singing wood nymphs and the most delectable food. She really liked watching his eyes as he talked.

When the food had been consumed, Dumbledore stood and instructed everyone to do the same. The tables were magically moved and a dance floor appeared.

Samantha cheered enthusiastically with the rest, as the Weird Sisters came into the room. She had grown up listening to them on the Wizarding Wireless Network. She'd considered if she didn't get a job at the Daily Prophet someday, she'd work for the WWN instead.

The Champions started the dancing and Samantha decided Harry could not dance one bit compared to the older Champions.

Once other students began entering the dance floor, Samantha was lead by her date and she giggled as he twirled her around. She loved dancing, she'd even taken a few dance classes before. Nicolas was an excellent partner and she liked watching her skirt float across the floor.

Samantha and Nicolas were one of the couples who rarely left the dance floor.

"You dance very well." Nicolas complimented as the two of them took one of their rare breaks.

"Thank you." Samantha curtsied slightly before hearing Ginny's voice behind her.

"Sam!"

"Hey Gin! Having a good time?" Samantha asked.

Ginny raised her eyebrows and Samantha realized something was wrong.

"Mind if I steal her for a moment?" Ginny asked and without really hearing an answer drug Samantha behind her.

"What's wrong Ginny?" Samantha asked looking at her friend's eyes, wide and confused.

"It's Hermione." Ginny insisted. "Ron's a real git. He keeps berating her because she came with Krum."

"I thought he was Krum's biggest fan?" Samantha asked wondering if this was why his demeanor changed. "Wouldn't he be thrilled, he can finally meet his idol?"

"No, he's being a git." Ginny shrugged before pulling her into the restroom.

There, standing beside the sink was Hermione looking impossibly flushed. She wasn't sure why Hermione would be so affected by Ron Weasley of all people. She and Ron had been best friends since first year, but he wasn't really someone who's opinion mattered. However seeing Hermione's face made a slight realization in Samantha's mind. Samantha may not have thought much of Ron, but Hermione obviously cared about him. This realization made Samantha and Ginny both jump into action.

"He's a rite foul wanker for making you feel bad." Samantha said as she took a damp towel and cooled off Hermione's back.

Ginny continued helping her powder her nose again. "Who cares what my arsehole brother says anyway?"

The two girls continued quickly spewing as many compliments and words of encouragement as they could muster.

Hermione eventually started laughing as did Samantha and Ginny.

"Thank you." Hermione turned pink looking at them.

"Now, I think she should get back out there and get some punch with her Quidditch Star don't you think so?" Samantha nudged Ginny in the shoulder.

Ginny laughed, "Of course I do. Deal with my dolt of a brother later."

Hermione hugged them both and the three exited the restroom looking for their respective dates.

Samantha and Nicolas almost immediately reentered the dance floor. He laughed heartily when she explained her friend was dealing with boy trouble.

As the ball began winding down, Samantha was very disappointed, even verbally expressing, "I wish it could have gone on longer."

Nicolas walked arm in arm with Samantha through a few halls of Hogwarts. They were one of the last couples to leave the hall.

"Tonight has been truly magical Samantha." He commented as they reached the hallway nearest the staircases. She had planned to part ways there and they both stopped walking.

"It has been." Samantha smiled widely. "I really had a great time."

"May I call upon you again, in the library perhaps?" He asked taking both of her hands into his'.

She nodded. "I'd like that very much. I should get up to my dormitory now. Thank you for being a wonderful date Nicolas."

She felt it should have been the moment for him to let go of her hands. He didn't though, just kept staring at her. The lanterns were beginning to dim, she needed to get to her dorm, she didn't want to be in trouble. She felt a light tug on her arms and without true warning, she was much closer to him. His face was much closer to her's and she realized what was happening. He was trying to kiss her. She wasn't sure what to do, it was like time slowed down. Was she ready for this? Was this to be her first kiss? She liked Nicolas, but did she like him enough to kiss him? Too many thoughts to truly process what was going on.

"IdonthinkImreadyforthat." A jumble of words escaped her mouth and she ducked out of his arms. She began walking away.

"What do you mean?" Nicolas asked following her at a close pace.

"I'm not ready for that." She said continuing her walk. "I've never been kissed before."

"That's quite hard to believe." He stopped his walk, she also stopped and looked back to him.

"Thank you for a wonderful night." She reiterated and practically ran to the staircases. She wondered afterward if it had been rude to just leave him there. She wasn't sure what to do, she just wanted to get out of there. She decided she wasn't ready for that. Her heart was beating like crazy. She stopped and took off her shoes, her feet were killing her and the stairs looked perpetually exhausting by this point.

"Sam!" Ginny called from the top of the stairs with Neville, she left him there and sprinted down to her. "Are you alright? You look exasperated."

Samantha shook her head and told Ginny everything.

"But why didn't you kiss him?" Ginny asked. "I thought you liked him."

"I do, but it didn't feel right." Samantha was practically shaking.

"You aren't one of those people who think their first kiss has to be perfect right?" Ginny's eyes rolled as they reached the portrait.

"Fairy Lights." Ginny said the password to the Fat Lady who seemed very sleepy.

"No," Samantha pondered, "But I would like it to mean something."

"Like what?" Ginny asked. "True love or something?"

"You have nowhere to talk, you haven't had your first kiss yet." Samantha reminded.

"I'm a whole year younger than you." Ginny reminded as they stepped through the door. Samantha really couldn't pay attention to anything around her, her head was spinning.

Samantha nodded, "I just wasn't ready."

Ginny shrugged. "Well I'm going to bed. Goodnight Sam."

"Goodnight Gin." Samantha made her way to her dorm, she took down her hair and cleaned her face. She was exhausted and rolled herself into her bed. The lights were all still on, and her bunkmates were all still changing and talking, but Samantha was quick to slip into sleep.

She awoke a few hours later to the sounds of whispers.

"Can you believe Fyre turned down a kiss from her date?" Parvati's whispers came sounding through the room. "Eloise said she overheard her telling Ginny."

The words stung at Samantha's heart. People were gossiping about her? She wasn't ashamed of her actions.

"Oh, I'm not too shocked." Lavender Brown whispered. "She seems the type to be a prude."

"What right does she even have to be particular?" Pavarti asked, "I mean, it's not like she isn't pretty-but, she's got a very loud personality. She's lucky she had a date."

Samantha internally groaned, she liked her loud personality, it would be good for her career someday. It's how the Gazette flourished.

"I mean no one at this school was going to ask her."

"I heard Neville asked her."

"Oh please, Neville asked everyone. Besides who would want to go with him anyway?" Lavender laughed.

"Well he at least danced with his date." Pavarti sounded rather hurt. Everyone had seen that Harry barely danced with her.

"Badly." Lavender laughed.

"Neville told Ron he didn't want her to be the only girl without a date."

"I would have thought Neville would be scared witless."

"Of her?"

Lavender's words spilled like a fountain. "No, about the fact her brother threatened to hex anyone who considered asking her out."

Samantha sat up in her bed and practically yelled, "He threatened what?"