Dusk was like ink wash mixed with moonlight, slowly seeping over Hogwarts' spires and walls, tinting the snow-covered lawns into a blue-violet dreamscape.
Amid the silvery scene, Hermione watched the two Little Witches before her with a guarded expression.
"Wait, what are you two doing? Is something the matter?"
Compared to the somewhat shy Ginny, Fleur was far bolder. She nodded, her face slightly flushed, but she gathered her courage and seriously looked Harry over before asking,
"Harry, would you be my partner for the Christmas Ball?"
Harry shook his head and refused. "Sorry, Fleur, I already have a partner. It's Hermione."
Fleur did not lose heart and pressed her case again.
"No, Harry, I feel you need a more outstanding partner, like me!"
Hermione was furious. Clenching her hands, she demanded,
"What makes you think you're more outstanding than me?"
Fleur did not explain much. She merely thrust out her chest forcefully, but that gesture explained everything.
Hermione immediately froze. She looked down at herself. Though her curves were fairly noticeable, compared to Fleur, who had Veela blood, the difference was far too great.
With the bearing of a victor, Fleur raised her chin slightly and said,
"What do you think, Harry? I'm much better than a little witch who hasn't fully developed yet. Maybe after the competition, we can go chat in some secluded bushes and do things we both enjoy."
This time, not only Hermione but even Ginny beside her stared at Fleur with flushed faces.
After all, Fleur was two or three years older than them and had a bolder, more outgoing personality. Those words dealt a heavy blow to the two Little Witches.
Ginny lowered her head despondently and looked at her toes. Nothing blocked her view, which made her even sadder.
It seemed that