The Yule Ball

This morning, fifth graders had a Transfiguration Class in addition to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

They still had to learn the Vanishing Spell, but the animal they needed to Transfiguration into was now a hamster.

Although it was just a different animal, the difficulty level increased significantly. For two whole lessons, most people's progress remained unchanged.

This situation had never occurred before, because recently, the students had been very anxious every time they had a Transfiguration Class, and everyone was afraid of seeing Professor McGonagall's disappointed face again.

This time was no exception.

After a class, the classroom was filled with various crackling and popping sounds. Everyone wanted to finish the task quickly, so they inevitably became more and more impatient. These explosions were caused by incorrect spellcasting.

Some people were so nervous that they even shattered the table into pieces.

"Everyone, please stop for a moment..."

Professor McGonagall repaired the Reducto table with her wand and said loudly, "You're all too hasty. This makes it even harder to master the Vanishing Spell. Try to calm yourselves down..."

"Okay, perhaps there's some news that can ease your tension."

Everyone looked at her.

"The Yule Ball is just around the corner," Professor McGonagall said. "It's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests."

Sure enough, as soon as Professor McGonagall finished speaking, a flurry of chatter immediately filled the classroom.

Several Gryffindor girls who had been crying just moments before were now huddled together, whispering and giggling. Occasionally, they would turn and glance at Kyle, seemingly casually.

Professor McGonagall ignored them and continued, "The ball is only open to students in their fourth year and above, but if you wish, you can also choose a younger student as your dance partner..."

"The event will be held at 8 p. m. on Christmas Eve in the Great Hall."

"Remember to wear your Dress Robes then. This is a rare opportunity for us to... um... let our hair down and relax."

The laughter around them grew louder.

Fortunately, the bell rang at that moment, and everyone quickly packed up their things and left the classroom, seemingly eager to share the good news with more people.

However, Kyle was left behind.

"As is customary, the Triwizard Tournament ball is to be opened by the Champion and their partners..." Professor McGonagall said, "Do you understand what I mean?"

"Of course, Professor." Kyle glanced towards the door... Kanna was leaning against the railing, holding two books, waiting for him.

Professor McGonagall naturally noticed this as well, and she couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, it's good that you know, but I still have to remind you that you need to practice your dance skills more recently."

"As the opening act of the ball, you'll be watched by many people. If you dance haphazardly, you'll definitely become a laughingstock."

Kyle's expression immediately became quite interesting.

Now the question is...

The only dance he knows is the unique dance that Mooncalf perform when courting, which Newt taught him when he was ten years old.

Oh, and he can also do the Erumpent.

But that won't work; at the Triwizard Tournament party, there's a high probability that there won't be music suitable for these two dances.

Furthermore, Dumbledore would never agree to him bringing a Mooncalf as his dance partner.

Looking at him, Professor McGonagall seemed to realize something and tentatively asked, "You can't dance?"

Kyle nodded stiffly.

Professor McGonagall was incredulous. "You mean your father... Chris never took you to a prom?"

The Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures deals with foreign wizards quite often, and when those foreign wizards arrive, Chris, as the deputy director, inevitably has to attend some welcome balls and parties.

These dances are usually open to families, which is a common activity.

"Um... I've never participated even once," Kyle said.

Chris tries to avoid parties and such whenever possible, only showing up at parties where he absolutely has to go for a buffet.

As for Kyle himself, he didn't want to go either. He'd rather spend that time watching Salamander fight in Newt's box.

"Oh..." Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead.

As the Champion responsible for opening the show, not being able to dance is a terrible disaster for both Kyle himself and Hogwarts.

Thankfully, she asked one more question today.

"You can put your subsequent classes on hold for now."

Professor McGonagall said in an unquestionable tone, "There's only a week left until Christmas, and in that time you must learn to dance... even if you only know one song, it doesn't matter."

"Okay, tomorrow is the weekend, and I'll be opening a Dance Club in the Great Hall at 10 a. m. Remember to come... no, you absolutely have to come."

After saying that, Professor McGonagall hurriedly left the classroom, seemingly heading to the Seventh Floor to find Headmaster Dumbledore.

Kyle clicked his tongue and followed him out of the classroom.

"Professor McGonagall looks so anxious," Kanna asked curiously as she walked over. "What did you two talk about?"

"A very serious challenge," Kyle sighed, "Far more terrifying than facing two Dragon alone."

"Huh?" Kanna became even more curious.

"Never mind, it's nothing." Kyle shook his head. "By the way, can I invite you to the Christmas dance? You know, the Champion need to start with their partners, and I need your help."

Otherwise, I'd probably have to dance with the Mooncalf... Professor Dumbledore obviously wouldn't approve of me doing that."

Kanna instantly forgot her earlier doubts, looked at Kyle, and slightly turned her head to the side.

"Only you would want to dance with Mooncalf, right... But, alright... since you've said so, I'd be happy to be your dance partner."

"That's great," Kyle said with a smile.

The two then went downstairs together and headed towards the common lounge.

Meanwhile, in the underground classroom.

Snape, who was brewing Potions, accidentally tossed an entire bottle of Armadillo Bile into the cauldron.

The bright blue Potions instantly turned deep purple and started bubbling.

"Oh, damn it!" Snape waved his wand, clearing away the Potions and cauldron together, and then his first thought was of Sirius Black.

Although Black isn't here, it's safe to pin the blame on him.

Ever since that person came to Hogwarts, they've been going against him at every turn... He deducts points from Gryffindor, and then Black deducts them back from Slytherin students, using almost the exact same reasons.

He'd been going to Dumbledore these past few days to talk about it, and had even been having trouble sleeping.

He must have been lacking rest just now, otherwise, how could a Potions Master like him make such a basic mistake?

Dumbledore must be senile to agree to make a fool a professor.