As Hermione's words fell, cheerful music began to play. Amid leaping flames, an illusory floating stage appeared in the center, instantly making the sparsely populated Great Hall come alive.
Everyone looked up to see a group of palm-sized sprites in colorful leaf outfits dart out. Their transparent wings, like cicada wings, fluttered behind them as they flew about above the Great Hall, playing cheerful music on all manner of instruments.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were stunned by the sudden performance. Hermione especially seemed to have had the thoughts in her mind abruptly interrupted, and she held her breath as she watched the sprites perform.
The sprites' dance was vibrant and magical. Accompanied by the lively music, the entire Great Hall overflowed with a festive atmosphere.
What was more, the sprites began performing magic. Flames of different colors danced through the air, taking on all sorts of shapes. A chorus of astonishment rose from the hall.
Hermione was completely captivated by the visual spectacle, her eyes shining as she watched the sprites perform.
At last, the performance ended. All the sprites bowed to the students in the Great Hall, then returned to the stage floating above it. Just as suddenly as they had appeared, the sprites and the floating stage vanished in an instant.
"Wow," Ron exclaimed. "I heard Neville say that there'd be amazing fireworks and illusion shows after dinner tonight. I thought we'd already missed them."
"Looks like we're pretty lucky!" Harry said with a grin.
"Maybe it wasn't just luck." Hermione recalled the sprites formed from fireworks and illusions.
"So, boys, tell me—what did you run into in New Hogsmeade Village and New Tyneham Village?" Hermione's voice suddenly turned bright and lively.
"It was loads of fun!" Ron said excitedly. "Did you know? Fred and George have opened