My Date Hasn't Arrived Yet-Did I Get Stood Up?

At seven o'clock in the evening, the night gradually deepened.

Snowflakes of different colors danced in the yellow light as Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students disembarked from the carriage and the giant ship, passing through the gates of Hogwarts Castle.

Aaron changed into a black formal robe and also got Abei a pet suit.

A man and a dragon walked out of the dormitory and entered the Common Room, where many male and female students gathered. They felt cramped and teased each other about their fashion sense.

"Your clothes are too... ordinary!" Draco looked at Aaron with some confusion.

Is there a problem?

"No problem, but I feel this dress is a bit too common."

Crabbe and Goyle wore the same type of dress, and they danced with their partners...

"Wait, how did those two manage to find dance partners?" Aaron asked in surprise. "Who has such unique taste?"

Draco's lips twitched slightly. "I'm not surprised that they both found dance partners."

Uh... they invited two third-year Slytherin students, and the two average-looking junior girls agreed without much hesitation when they heard they could get your autograph.

"Wortefa!" Aaron stared in astonishment, his eyes widening. He turned to look at the two burly men in green suits. "You two have really grown up."

"You wouldn't refuse to give us even a single autograph, would you?" Crabbe said with an awkward laugh.

"I heard Weasley has found a dance partner, we can't be worse than him!" Goyle said guiltily, lowering his head. "Malfoy didn't object to our plan either."

Aaron's gaze shifted to Draco, noticing the resentment and annoyance in his eyes. Draco immediately chuckled, "Two autographs for two dance partners, what a bargain!"

"Fine, this won't happen again," Aaron said weakly. "Considering we've known each other for three years, I'll give you the autographs tomorrow."

"We are extremely grateful," Crabbe and Goyle said in unison.

"But speaking of which, you're Champion in the Triwizard Tournament, so at least wear something classy!"

Aaron waved his hand dismissively, "Our family only pays attention to weddings and funerals; otherwise, we don't really care."

"Even so, you're still a representative of Slytherin. What if you get outdone by Diggory and Potter..."

"You're overthinking it. Most people who wear 'tips' look like me, and..." Aaron paused, then stood in front of Crabbe and Goyle, who had changed their clothes. "Personally, I don't think clothes are the point, as long as they're not too outrageous."

Draco couldn't help but click his tongue. Aaron standing between the two of them was like Phoenix standing out against a pheasant; he was exceptionally eye-catching.

"Comparing them like this really leaves one speechless."

"It's almost time." Niall glanced at his watch. "Everyone can set off now. The Great Hall doors will open at eight o'clock. Before that, you'll need to find dance partners from other colleges or schools."

Of course, if the dance partner is Slytherin, that's a different story.

A group of Slytherin passed through the doorway and proceeded from the underground Common Room into the entrance Entrance Hall.

The place was crowded with students. Aaron, Draco, and the others separated and began searching for Hermione, but they didn't find anything after walking around.

"We agreed to meet here!" Aaron didn't feel like he'd been stood up, but it was still a little awkward to be alone here without anyone around.

"Hi, Aaron." Cedric walked over and greeted him. His dance partner was Cho Chang, Harry's longtime crush.

"Hasn't your dance partner arrived yet?"

"Maybe I arrived a little early."

"Have Phoebe and Krum not arrived yet either?"

"You guys are here!"

No sooner had she finished speaking than Phoebe's voice came over.

She wore a silver-gray satin robe, her silver hair was particularly striking, she was charming and beautiful.

"This is Roger Davies, my dance partner," Phoebe introduced. "You probably all know him."

"An old friend," Cedric chuckled. "The captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team."

"Where's your dance partner?" Phoebe looked at Aaron, her eyes teasing. "You didn't come alone, did you?"

She'll be there soon.

"Haven't Krum and Potter arrived yet?"

"No," Cedric shook his head. "There's still half an hour until then."

"You guys chat first, I need to find my dance partner, otherwise I'll feel awkward standing with you," Aaron said, then turned and walked up the stairs.

He had only taken a few steps when he bumped into Harry and Ron, neither of whom had a dance partner by their side.

"My goodness!" Aaron gasped as he looked at Ron in his tuxedo. "Did you bring out some centuries-old antique that the Weasley family has treasured for centuries?"

This dress—no, this gown—is just too indecent!

The color is brownish-red, and the lace and the modesty collar are tolerable, but what's with the frayed edges on the sleeves?

"My mom sent it to me. At first, I thought it was for Ginny's dress," Ron said, barely containing his humiliation and on the verge of tears. "George and Fred both have their own dresses, but mine is...why?"

"Given the large investment they received, Lyon gave them several thousand Gold Galleons, which is more than enough to buy formal wear with a small portion of it."

"Yes! They bought one for Ginny too, but I... I really doubt if I'm their brother."

"Ginny is a girl, she still has to save face," Harry said somewhat awkwardly. "As for you... you know what George and Fred are like, they're always stirring up trouble, they'll never be able to stop making fun of you."

Ron's face turned even uglier; if the occasion hadn't been so inappropriate, he would have burst into tears.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this for now."

Can anyone tell me where Hermione is? I can't find her.

"She hasn't arrived yet?" Ron said in surprise. "She started preparing at five o'clock in the afternoon."

"Okay!" Aaron scratched his head. "Looks like I'll have to wait a little longer."

Who are your dance partners?

"Parvati and Padma, one Gryffindor, the other Ravenclaw." Harry said, his gaze unconsciously drifting forward. He saw Cho Chang, dressed in a brightly colored suit, standing with Cedric, and felt a pang of emptiness in his heart.

"Stop looking. I told you to make a move sooner, but you kept hesitating."

Ron patted Harry on the shoulder and comforted him, saying, "It's okay, we've already found a dance partner."

"Phoebe is there too."

"What?" Ron's face flushed instantly, and he quickly hid behind Harry. "She didn't see me, did she?"

"Probably not," Aaron said, half-laughing and half-crying. "But you don't have to be so surprised!"

"I'm not like Harry," Ron said bitterly. "At least he dresses properly. What about me?"

She dressed like an old woman, and she smelled like an old woman too.

"Hello, you two."

The Parvati and Padma sisters walked over, both looking at Ron's dress with a bit of a daze.

"This is really..." Padma paused for a moment before adding, "Fashionable."

"Potter, are you and Parvati ready?" Professor McGonagall hurried over and asked. "It's almost time, Champion is going to lead the dance."

"Almost."

"And you, Mr. Gaius?" Professor McGonagall asked, looking at Aaron.

"I think I might have to wait a while longer, my dance partner hasn't arrived yet."

"What? It's already this late."

"She will arrive in time."

"Go ahead!" Professor McGonagall nodded. "Potter, take Parvati to Cedric. Get ready to line up in a bit."

As for you, Weasley, you go into the Great Hall with Padma first.

After the others left, Aaron continued pacing back and forth in the same spot.

Krum entered the Entrance Hall with his dance partner, presumably a member of his fan club.

He stopped as he passed Aaron. "She hasn't arrived yet?"

"Yeah, not yet," Aaron said instinctively, but quickly realized what he meant. "Who are you talking about?"

"Her... M... En."

"Hermione," Aaron said speechlessly, "Your pronunciation is a little off."

Krum nodded slightly, showing no sign of displeasure.

"Viktor," Professor McGonagall called out, "You should come and line up."

Krum immediately led his dance partner, Cedric, and the others away.

"So, it seems only I'm left." Aaron picked Abei up. "And you too."

Time ticked by, and with only five minutes left until eight o'clock, Professor McGonagall and the other four groups of Champion gradually turned their attention to Aaron.

"Mr. Gaius," Professor McGonagall anxiously called Aaron over, "I hate to say this, but... if Miss Granger still doesn't come, I must suggest you find a different dance partner."

"Wait a little longer, wait a little longer."

"Still waiting?" Professor McGonagall's voice was clearly laced with anger. "We can't wait any longer."

"Professor, Hermione might have been held up by something," Harry said. "You know her; she's always reliable, isn't she?"

"That's what they say, but now all the students and teachers are here."

"The five Champion of the Triwizard Tournament are unprepared. What am I supposed to do?" Professor McGonagall looked distressed. "Gaius, this concerns Hogwarts ' reputation."

Aaron took a deep breath. "How much time do we have left?"

"Three minutes." Cedric glanced at his watch. "Either Granger has to get there in three minutes, or you have to find a new dance partner in those three minutes."

"Aaron, listen to me, it's not that I'm being heartless, it's just that we really don't have time." Professor McGonagall forced herself to calm down. "You wait here, I'll go find you a dance partner."

She patted Aaron on the shoulder, then quickly turned and walked away into the crowd.

"Beautiful." Aaron shrugged. "I never thought I'd get stood up the first time I ever invited a girl to a dance."

"This is incredibly embarrassing," Phoebe laughed gleefully. "If you hadn't refused my invitation, things might not have gone this far."

Aaron:...

Roger Davies:...

Is it really appropriate to say this in front of me, your dance partner?