Vincent began working on a new map as soon as he returned from Hogsmeade.
This is a huge project that needs to be carried out discreetly, far more massive and complicated than imagined.
It took a whole week just to prepare the Quidditch match, and that was even though there were no matches this school year, and it was done by Hermione and me.
The greenhouse is much simpler; you only need to be there when you don't have classes. But the Forbidden Forest and Black Lake are not so easy.
The former covers a large area, while the latter is not only deep but also home to a variety of Fantastic Beasts, making it virtually impossible to complete before the Second Task.
However, Vincent had a good attitude and wasn't in a hurry at all.
Sirius Black and Lupin are still searching for other spells to replace the original spells on the Marauder's Map, and they also have the Prongs brand to deal with, which is no easier than drawing a new map.
Gradually, Hermione lost the urgency she had at the beginning.
On Monday,
Professor McGonagall announced some news after her Transfiguration class:
"The Yule Ball is coming soon. It's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to interact with foreign guests."
No wonder the students were asked to prepare formal attire this semester; it turns out they're having Yule Ball this year.
The ball will be held in the Great Hall at 8 p. m. on Christmas Eve and will end at midnight.
Although the dance is only open to students in fourth grade and above, students can invite a younger student as their dance partner if they wish.
"The Yule Ball will undoubtedly give us the opportunity—well—to let our hair down and relax," McGonagall said, sounding rather dismissive.
Lavender below laughed so hard he covered his mouth with his hand, trying his best to keep quiet.
The students immediately understood that McGonagall always wore her hair in a tight little bun, as if no one had ever seen her with her hair down.
If I had to name one person who had seen it, it would probably be Dumbledore.
McGonagall glanced at Lavender and continued, "But that doesn't mean we'll relax our standards for Hogwarts students' behavior. I would be very distressed if any Gryffindor student disgraced the school in any way."
Although her tone was unusually calm, the students could all hear the warning in her words.
If any student, especially Gryffindor student, embarrasses the school, their fate will be dire.
After class, the Little Lions discussed who they should invite to be their dance partners.
Amid the commotion, McGonagall raised her voice and called out, "Potter —please stay a moment, I have a few words to say to you."
According to tradition, the dance will be started by the Champion and their partners.
As Harry is Champion of Hogwarts, she certainly has many things to tell him.
Upon arriving at the Great Hall, James patted Vincent on the shoulder with an air of maturity and said, "Old Vincent, it seems you only have one option, right?"
As he spoke, he winked at Hermione, who was surrounded by Lavender and the others.
She used to be a bookworm with a dowdy style, but ever since she got a boyfriend, she dresses up beautifully every day, and her casual clothes on weekends are even more fashionable and eye-catching, with each outfit exuding a unique charm.
Vincent smiled but remained silent, so James had no choice but to steer the conversation toward the formal gown.
"Just wait, I'll definitely be the brightest star at the ball."
His bright silver tuxedo was certainly dazzling; I wonder which lucky girl will be invited to be his dance partner.
Alfred shifted to the side with a look of disgust. "Old James, have you decided who you're going to invite yet?"
James straightened his back and said, "I've already decided. Of course, I'll invite my goddess."
Alfred moved to the side again. "I advise you to give up."
He stood up and looked around the Great Hall. "There are plenty of guys who want to invite Phoebe. What competition do you have?"
James, enraged, stood up and wrapped his arms tightly around his neck. "You underestimate me, huh? I'll show you what I'm capable of right now."
Neville watched the two playfully bickering and sighed softly, "I don't know why, but I always feel like no girl will accept my invitation."
Vincent gestured for him to look at Ron, who had a long face. "Compare yourself to Ron, and you'll have more confidence."
Neville was taken aback at first, then remembered Ron's unbearable-looking formal robe.
If any girl doesn't mind this incredibly ugly, musty-smelling secondhand dress, then she must be Ron's soulmate.
After this comparison, Neville really became much more confident.
Just as he Vincent were discussing who to invite, the entire Great Hall suddenly fell silent.
The boys all stood up and crowded towards the entrance of the Great Hall.
Alfred, whose neck was being held tightly by James, hurriedly shouted, "Look! LeBron, your goddess is here!"
James loosened his grip slightly and looked towards the entrance of the Great Hall.
It turned out that Beauxbatons' students had arrived, and Phoebe was leading the way.
She skillfully evaded the boys' encirclement and walked towards the Gryffindor table.
Her movements were agile yet elegant, suggesting that her injuries had fully healed.
James quickly pushed Alfred away and carefully straightened the wrinkles in his school uniform.
Phoebe didn't even glance at him, joining the girls opposite her in their discussion about clothing and styling.
"Tsk tsk tsk—" Alfred clicked his tongue, "Old James, what did I just say? You'd better..."
James sat down with a pout, completely oblivious to what he was saying.
The sheer number of boys rushing forward was quite impressive; I wonder who will ultimately have the honor of plucking this French court flower.
Throughout lunch, the boys kept their eyes fixed on the Gryffindor table.
The Little Lions, who had the biggest advantage, arrived after Phoebe finished her meal, but they all received the same polite rejection.
First wave, second wave, third wave...
Phoebe rejected wave after wave of boys, and even after she and the students from Beauxbatons walked out of the Great Hall, more than a dozen persistent boys still chased after her.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this situation will likely continue.
Three days later, an exasperated Phoebe went to Hermione, who was drawing a greenhouse map with Vincent, to complain.
Hermione came up with a solution for her: to announce to the public that she had a dance partner.
"They probably won't give up so easily, will they?"
"At least it will deter most boys from trying."
Phoebe thought her idea was feasible. "What about the remaining small portion?"
Hermione looked at her suspiciously. "You're not planning to reject all the boys, are you?"
Phoebe nodded somewhat shyly, "Mainly because I don't want to just find any guy to do it for me."
Hermione shrugged helplessly. "Then there's nothing I can do. You're Champion of Beauxbatons, you have to find a suitable dance partner."
"Hey—" Phoebe's eyes suddenly lit up. "Hermione, we're good friends, right?"
"Yes." Hermione immediately became alert. "You wouldn't be thinking of..."
Phoebe glanced at Vincent, who was drawing maps in greenhouse number 3, and pitifully took her little hand and shook it gently.
"Since we're good friends, you wouldn't have the heart to see me surrounded by them every day, would you? Please help me out."
Hermione was ultimately defeated by her pitiful appearance.
However, the fact that the Champion need to dance with their respective partners is quite a tricky thing.