Ball, Dance Partners

Regardless of whether Cassandra, who had Canary Operation Plan in her mind, could succeed, Harry felt the chances were slim.

After the First Task ended, the school gradually returned to a peaceful life.

The students went to and from class as usual, still discussing the Triwizard Tournament and expressing optimism about Harry's chances of winning, but their enthusiasm gradually faded as time went by.

However, Karkaroff became the most unpopular student at Hogwarts, and in the eyes of a considerable number of people, he was even more disliked than Snape.

Yes, it's Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Gryffindor hates Karkaroff because Harry is not only Hogwarts Champion, but also a member of Gryffindor.

The reason Slytherin disliked Karkaroff more than Snape was that Snape didn't actually attack them on equal terms.

November passed quietly, and they ushered in the last month of 1994.

December brought strong winds, rain, and snow to Hogwarts. Especially when walking around the castle, one would inevitably be caught in a draft, which made the cold unbearable.

The biting wind felt terrible on our faces, and even the female students had to wear thicker cotton socks to keep up with the cold.

Just like in first grade, Hermione made many jars filled with blue flames in her dormitory and distributed them to her classmates so they could wear them to ward off the cold.

This caused quite a stir. When other people saw the jars, they all came up to ask the students where they came from.

After learning that Hermione had done it, the group of students, who were dizzy from the cold wind, ran to the Great Hall and pleaded with Miss Granger to be merciful and give them a jar.

"We can't do this for free!" Hermione's roommate Lavender Brown, raised her hand, looking every bit like Hermione's best friend. "We have to pay for it, five Sickle a day—"

But five Sickle weren't a huge sum for everyone, Hermione spent a whole week getting all the orders sorted out.

Of course, the harvest was also good; she received a reward of nearly seven thousand Galleon.

To her surprise, on the last day, a Bulgarian strongman appeared in front of her.

"Miss," Krum's voice was thick with a nasal tone, "I need five of these little jars, and I'll need to pay one Galleon and eight Sickle, right?"

Hermione looked up, never expecting that the famous Bulgaria Chaser would come to her to make a fire pot.

"Sure, sure," she said. "But you don't need to pay. Could I have your autographed photo? Oh, I mean—um—"

She realized halfway through her sentence that it wasn't quite right, but she hesitated because she wanted to get Ron an autographed photo of his idol.

But Krum interpreted her reaction in a different way, and Krum suddenly realized what was going on. He pulled out an autographed photo from his pocket and exchanged it with Hermione for five fire pots.

Hermione was overjoyed to receive the autographed photo. She immediately left the Great Hall and ran to the Gryffindor Common Room to find Ron.

"Ron!" she called as she stepped into the lounge.

"What's wrong?" Ron, who was playing Wizard Chess, looked up and asked.

"Ta-da!" Hermione skipped over to Ron, handing him the autographed photo. "Look what this is!"

"Blood Mother Hell!"

Ron stopped playing chess and took the photo with trembling hands. He stared at it intently, then looked up at Hermione with disbelief in his eyes.

Seeing his reaction, the surrounding classmates also curiously gathered around.

"Good heavens!" Lee Jordan exclaimed, "So that's it—" He clutched his throat excitedly. As Quidditch fanatic, how could he not know Viktor...

The value of Krum.

"Where did you get this?" the Twins asked, one on each side. "It's a signed photo of Viktor Krum, and it looks like a collector's item—this photo is completely different from the ones you see on the market."

"Well, I sold that little jar, the one that holds the flame," Hermione explained with a laugh. "He was going to pay for it, but then I remembered Ron really liked him, so I asked him if I could have an autographed picture of him—"

"Oh~" the Twins said in a strange voice, "So that's how it is—so you did it for Ronnie little darling, right?"

Hermione's face flushed instantly, as did Ron's, making his freckles even more noticeable.

"You should thank him properly, Ronnie little darling," the Twins continued teasingly. "He was especially thinking of you—"

Hermione couldn't stand the Twins' embarrassment any longer, so she ran away with her face flushed, leaving without a trace.

"You two have gone too far!" Ron said, his voice trembling as he clutched Viktor's autographed photo.

He was met with good-natured laughter from the Common Room.

Besides the cold, the most harmful thing to students is the Care of Magical Creatures.

Hagrid constantly supplied Madame Maxime's horses with their favorite single malt whisky, and the smell of alcohol wafted from the feed trough in the corner of the temporary horses' quarters, making the students of the Care of Magical Creatures a little dizzy.

That's not the point. The point is that Newt has taken a liking to those Blast-Ended Skrewt, even though they're a species that shouldn't be found naturally. But Newt is really into them.

"I'm not sure if they're hibernating," Hagrid said to Harry and the others inside the hut. "I suggest we try it and see if they want to sleep—we'll put them in these boxes—."

"No, that's better. You know they're ferocious by nature," Hermione said politely. "Professor Scamander will be back tomorrow. I think you shouldn't do anything prematurely, lest these Blast-Ended Skrewt die too..."

This wasn't Hermione saying anything, but rather because of Hagrid's previous actions, most of the Blast-Ended Skrewt had died.

If Newt saw this, he would be heartbroken.

Of course, the students were overjoyed, since nobody likes taking care of these strange things, which look disgusting and are indeed disgusting.

"Okay." Hagrid's heart skipped a beat when he heard Newt's name.

Indeed, previous operational errors resulted in the deaths of many innocent Blast-Ended Skrewt.

If Newt comes back and sees that there are only a few left, he will definitely be angry.

"If you're really bored, you could find something else to do," Ron tentatively changed the subject. "Like taking care of those Pegasus? Or maybe going on another date with Pegasus owner—"

"Ah, this—" Hagrid hesitated, his large fingers twisting together, his thick eyebrows furrowing, as he stammered, "Is this... is this alright? I mean, leaving you all behind—"

"There's nothing wrong with that. After all, your situation is more important." Hermione reached out and patted Hagrid's arm. "Don't worry, we all hope you can find your true love. I think Madame Maxime is really nice, don't you think so too?"

"This, this is indeed true—" Hagrid was clearly tempted.

"Yes, after that date—I mean, the one where you went to see the dragon with Madame Maxime, did you date her again after that?" Harry asked.

"How did you know I went to see the Fire Dragon with Madame Maxime?" Hagrid immediately grasped the key point.

"I just know." Harry showed no intention of answering.

"Sigh." Hagrid sighed, letting his hands fall to his sides. "I did invite her twice more after that, and she came both times, but I—well, you know, I still don't know how to take it further—."

"Did you ask Sirius?" Harry asked.

"I asked." Hagrid scratched his head. "Sirius isn't in Britain right now, but he told me not to mention the Half-giant thing to her. Just treat her like a tall, strong human—but I really want to ask him this question."

"Oh, not everyone's willing to admit it, Hagrid." Hermione patted Hagrid's shoulder sympathetically. "I think you're right to listen to Sirius, aren't you?"

"What if I can't help myself?" Hagrid asked.

"Then we'll never be able to get Madame Maxime to come out again," Hermione said regretfully, spreading her hands.

Hagrid rested his chin on one hand, while unconsciously tapping the table with the other.

After a long pause, he finally made up his mind.

"Great!" he said enthusiastically. "Then it's decided—I won't mention anything about giants to her—"

"That's right!" Harry and the others said in unison.

The next day during the Transfiguration Class, they were still discussing this issue in hushed tones.

"I expect you two to pay attention, Weasley and Granger." Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze swept over the trio, ignoring Harry. "The classroom isn't a place for you to slack off. If you have anything you haven't finished discussing, why don't you stand up and share it with everyone, okay?"

Hermione lowered her head, wishing she could bury it in her skirt.

Being singled out and criticized by a professor is incredibly embarrassing.

"And you, Weasley," Professor McGonagall said in an extremely serious tone, "I hope you don't become the rotten apple, understand?"

"I understand, I understand—" Ron was sweating profusely.

Professor McGonagall once again cast a piercing glance at Ron and Hermione before speaking again.

"I have a few words to say to you all," she said, tapping the table to draw the class's attention.

"The Christmas Ball is coming soon—it's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to socialize with foreign guests. However, the ball is only open to students in fourth grade and above—but if you'd like, you can invite a younger student—"

Lavender Brown let out a shrill, silly laugh, and Parvati Pettigrew nudged her hard. Parvati herself was tensing the muscles in her face as she desperately tried to suppress her laughter.

They both turned to look at Harry, their eyes gleaming with longing.

That clearly meant they were inviting me one by one.

Professor McGonagall ignored them, which Ron found particularly unfair, especially since she had just been scolding him and Hermione.

"Please wear your formal gowns," Professor McGonagall continued. "The ball will be held in the Great Hall at eight o'clock on Christmas night and will end at midnight. Listen—"

Professor McGonagall calmly surveyed the entire class.

"The Christmas Ball undoubtedly gives us the opportunity—well—to let our hair down and relax," she said in a dismissive tone.

Lavender laughed even harder, covering his mouth with his hand to stifle the sound.

Harry knew what was ridiculous: Professor McGonagall's hair was always tied up in a tight little bun, and she never seemed to let it down.

"But that doesn't mean," Professor McGonagall continued, "That we will relax our behavioral requirements for Hogwarts students. I would be very distressed if a Gryffindor student disgraced the school in any way."

The bell rang, and as usual, everyone stuffed their books into their bags and slung them over their shoulders, creating a flurry of activity in the classroom.

Professor McGonagall raised her voice and called out amidst the noise, "Potter— please wait a moment, I have a few words to say to you."

Harry stayed behind, while Hermione and Ron waited for him outside the door.

Professor McGonagall said after all the students had left, "Potter, warriors all have their partners." "What partners?" Harry asked.

Professor McGonagall looked at him suspiciously, as if she thought he was joking.

"Your partner to the Christmas Ball, Potter," she said coldly, "Your dance partner."

Harry was stunned.

Christmas Ball companion—dance partner—

Everyone knows that you can only have one dance partner, but I, Ha, have three girlfriends—

Inviting one of them while ignoring the other two— Pabbie would be fine, but Cassandra's jealousy and Veratia's anger might just burn him to ashes.

Or should we not invite anyone?

But Harry knew that they all knew—especially Veratia, who might call him soon. As he thought this, the Crystal Ball in his arms rang.

Mr. LeMay has now given the Crystal Ball Phone a complete upgrade. Today's Crystal Ball Phone is even smaller than a fist, truly achieving portability.

Furthermore, it is equipped with a sensor- Winguardium Leviosa to prevent it from falling to the ground.

"What's wrong?" Professor McGonagall asked with concern when she noticed that Harry didn't look well.

Harry is now her sweetheart; not only is he good at Quidditch, but he has also become Hogwarts Champion Gryffindor —definitely her favorite son.

Even James back then wasn't this favored in the old lady's eyes—even if he wasn't so mischievous, he wouldn't have reached Harry's current level.

"Hey, Veratia's on the phone." Harry shook the Crystal Ball.

Professor McGonagall also has one of these, so of course she knows what it is.

"It seems Miss Grindelwald wants to be your dance partner? I think she probably knows about it."

Professor McGonagall, who knew about Harry's complicated relationship with the three girls, sighed, "Well, you can figure that out yourself, but I need to warn you that there's no precedent for inviting three girls as dance partners at the same time, understand?"

Okay, so that means I can set a precedent.

Harry apologized to Professor McGonagall and answered Veratia's call.

"Harry," Veratia's ghostly figure greeted him with a smile. She then saw Professor McGonagall and greeted her in return, "Hello, Professor McGonagall, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Me too, Miss Grindelwald," Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded.

"Do you have any plans for Christmas, Harry?" Veratia asked. "I was thinking of inviting you to Vienna."

Let's spend Christmas together, just like we used to—what do you think?

Harry was stunned by what Veratia said.

Going to Vienna? What are my plans for Christmas?

Didn't she know about the Yule Ball?

Since that's the case, Harry doesn't plan to tell her yet. After all, Harry thinks it's better for her to find out later, to give her some leeway.

"I don't know yet, Veratia." He sounded a little guilty. "I'll give you an answer in a couple of days, okay? You know I would never refuse to spend a happy Christmas with you, just like we always do."

"Okay, darling." A strange light flickered in Veratia's eyes.

After hanging up the phone, Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

"I don't think running away is a good choice, Potter." Professor McGonagall looked at Harry with pity, thinking the boy had some potential to be a scoundrel.

"I just feel like I need time," Harry sighed. "I need some time to think, to think about how to make things perfect—"

Professor McGonagall glared at him but said nothing.

"Can I choose all three?" Harry looked up and asked Professor McGonagall, clinging to a last glimmer of hope.

However, Professor McGonagall scoffed and casually replied with a "NO."

Harry was genuinely troubled; what should he do?

Regardless of who he chooses, the situation he fears will inevitably arise.

or..·

He thought for a moment, then decided to invite Cassandra.

No, no, Veratia would be furious if she knew—and Pabbie would be unhappy too.

So, should we invite Pabbie?

That would be even worse. Pabbie might be happy, but Veratia and Cassandra might eat them both alive.

Should we invite Veratia?

That might not work either. What if Cassandra completely ignores him because of this?

What should we do?

Harry was in a deep emo mood; he felt he had never been so emo in his life.

He would rather go back to the arena and challenge a Hungarian Horntail dragon again—no, he would rather challenge ten Hungarian Horntail dragon —than get caught up in the dilemma of choosing a dance partner from three women.

Of course, just because he's emo doesn't mean everyone else at school has to be emo with him.

The last week of the semester was increasingly bustling and noisy at school.

People were spreading rumors about the Christmas Ball, but most of them were a bit far-fetched—for example, Dumbledore bought eight hundred barrels of flavored mead from Rosmerta the Three Broomsticks.

However, it's possible that his reservation about the Weird Sisters is true.

As for who the Weird Sisters really are or what they are, the Muggle-born students have no idea, because they have never heard wizard radio broadcasts, but judging from the excitement of those students who have listened to WWN (Wizarding Wireless Network) since they were young, the Weird Sisters seem to be a very famous music group.

For example, Hermione was completely clueless about the Weird Sisters, but Ron could excitedly explain to her in detail what the Weird Sisters were, patiently going over and over again what they were.

Some teachers, like the short Professor Flitwick, seeing that the students were clearly distracted, simply stopped lecturing.

He allowed them to play games during his classes on Wednesdays, while he spent most of his time talking to Harry.

Discuss the brilliant Knockback Jinx Harry used in the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament, and the other spells he had never seen before.

Harry, of course, wouldn't hold back; he'd say whatever came to mind.

After learning about Ancient Magic, Professor Flitwick lost all interest in lecturing and instead kept talking to Harry.

Of course, other professors weren't as easy to talk to Professor Flitwick. It's easy to imagine that a serious old lady like Professor McGonagall would never be as accommodating to students as the youthful-minded Professor Flitwick.

As for the other one, he was even more of a heavyweight. Professor Snape would rather have a French kiss with James Potter than let his students whisper among themselves in his class.

He gave the class a somber look and told them that he would test their Antidote Potion in the last class of the semester.

"He's so mean," Ron said angrily in the Gryffindor Common Room that night, "To test us on the last day—to ruin the last bit of the semester with a mountain of homework."

"Hmm—you weren't actually working too hard, were you?" Hermione looked at Ron through her Potions Class notes.

Ron was busy building castles with his Exploding Snap —a pastime far more fun than Muggle Poker Cards, and if he wasn't careful, his entire structure could explode at any moment.

"It's Christmas, Hermione," Harry said lazily.

He sat in an armchair by the fire, looking up at the patterns on the ceiling.

The fire was warm and cozy; being able to warm yourself by the fire and drink some tea on a cold winter day was truly the most pleasant experience.

He had almost forgotten about choosing a dance partner; after agonizing over it for so long, all he wanted to do was clear his mind and relax.

Hermione looked at him with a serious expression.

"Harry, I think what you should do right now is find a dance partner as soon as possible. I know you have a very close relationship with Miss Sweeting and Miss Malfoy, but that's no excuse for you to hurt Veratia."

"I didn't hurt her—"

Harry sighed and said, "If we're talking about who's been hurt the most, isn't Cassandra the one who's been hurt the most?"

Yes, from the very beginning, he and Cassandra were best friends. Until Veratia came along, if the ball didn't choose her this time, she would probably be heartbroken.