Suddenly, Ernie Macmillan of Hufflepuff raised his hand and asked loudly, "Um... Professor McGonagall, may I..."
"...Well... I mean, I have a male friend who wants to know if we can invite boys to the Yule Ball?"
As Macmillan asked the question, he wore a silly, hopeful smile.
Harley couldn't help secretly giving Macmillan a thumbs-up. She liked teammates who knew how to take the initiative and provide the perfect assist!
At Macmillan's question, many people around them burst into laughter.
Dean and Seamus laughed in perfect unison, both doubled over. It was hard to imagine why they found it so funny.
Still, jokes aside, quite a few Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors watched Professor McGonagall with anticipation.
After all, Macmillan's question was perfectly serious. It was a fine example of the Great Ying Empire's traditional arts!
The ways of the ancestors must not be abandoned. Great Ying's traditions must not be lost!
"Hmm..."
Professor McGonagall hesitated for a moment. She clearly hadn't expected a question like that, so she hadn't prepared an answer in advance.
But after carefully recalling the rules and the Great Ying Empire's historical traditions, Professor McGonagall nodded.
"Of course you may, Mr. Ernie Macmillan. That's your choice, and we won't interfere."
"Professor, you should say it's my friend's choice."
Macmillan nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly remembered something and loudly protested.
"I'm asking on behalf of my male friend. He's the one who really wants to know!"
Loud laughter broke out in the classroom again. Justin gave Macmillan a poke in the small of his back and asked quietly:
"Who's this friend of yours? How come I don't know him?"
"Of course it's you!" Macmillan glared at him and dumped the whole thing on Justin.
This time, it was Justin who was left bewildered.
He thought for a