Winky was wearing her best; pretty white clean dress, her eyes free from tears for once, her breath not smelling of butterbeer. Normally she didn't bother looking nice, but Winky was feeling cheerful. She stood in front of the broken old mirror, looking herself over.

Dobby was nervous. He had a cleaning date with Winky, or that's what he kept telling himself; he thought it was just two elves cleaning together. The music started and the Yule Ball began. He took another good, hard look and caught up with Winky.

They snuck down to the ball, careful to stay invisible.