Moreau's Invitation (Bonus Chapter)
The Sleeping Dragon Society's plan is progressing very smoothly.
Thanks to Cho Chang and Susan's efforts, the Sleeping Dragon Society have grown by 12 members: 6 from Hufflepuff and 6 from Ravenclaw, including Luna.
Besides Luna, Ravenclaw had another student that Skylar highly valued— Melinda Bobin, a second-year student. The Bobbin Family had been running thirteen chain pharmacies in Britain for generations, covering almost every county in Great Britain, and were quite powerful in the Britain business world.
Hufflepuff also had a student who caught Skylar's eye— Joanna Derwent, a second-year student. The Derwent Family had a history of producing Dilys de Derwent, the beloved headmistress of Hogwarts, who also enjoyed a high reputation in the healing community.
This pleased Skylar greatly. Although most of the members of the Sleeping Dragon Society were second or third-year students, Skylar believed that under his guidance and training, they would become his capable assistants within two years and be able to contribute to the Battle of the Astronomy Tower two years later.
Meanwhile, Harry finally mustered up the courage to invite Cho Chang to his wedding. The girl was initially surprised, then politely declined without giving any reason.
Harry felt he must be cursed, and he didn't know why he was like this—he blurted out, almost involuntarily, "You rejected me because you have plans with someone else?"
Cho Chang didn't actually have a dance partner, nor did she want to attend the ball. Her ideal partner was only one person, but she knew she had absolutely no chance right now. She was already unhappy about this, and Harry's question made her feel like her weakness had been exposed. She frowned slightly and said angrily, "Potter, this is my business, and you have no right to interfere!"
She glared at Harry, then walked away without giving Harry another second glance.
Poor Harry stared blankly at her retreating figure, completely unaware of what he had done wrong or why he had displeased the goddess of his dreams.
When he returned to the Gryffindor Common Room in a daze, he found Ron sitting in a corner in the distance with a gloomy expression.
Ron did not invite Phoebe Delacour to dance as described in the original book. The reason for his expression was that he had invited Hermione to dance, but she had refused without hesitation.
No one knew what he was feeling at that moment, not even his best friend Harry.
He was angry.
He's jealous.
Many people misunderstand Ron, thinking he's stupid, incompetent, a typical straight man, and jealous.
Actually, he was just lazy, playful, and craved attention.
Whenever Hermione nagged Harry and Harry was about to lose his temper, it was Ron told jokes and eased the tension with his humor.
He could tell Lockhart was a fraud after only one class.
When Hermione said she wouldn't like a guy just because he's handsome, Ron whispered "Lockhart," perfectly revealing Hermione's true nature of judging people by their appearance.
He was also the first to suspect that the Mirror of Erised, Tom's diary, and Crookshanks were all involved.
He is adept at reading people's expressions and understanding their thoughts, a skill he developed from observing his large, diverse family from a young age. If he had known how to control his emotions, he would probably be a master of emotional intelligence. He is a typical example of emotional intelligence gone astray.
(Note: Social intelligence is divided into "interpersonal" and "self," and Ron leans heavily towards the former.)
Thanks to his exceptionally keen observation skills, while others might not understand why Hermione rejected him, he saw it clearly long ago.
Hermione likes Skylar.
On what grounds?
That pretty boy, relying on his family background and good looks, is surrounded by countless beautiful women. He already has three girlfriends and he's still not satisfied; he's a total scumbag. For three semesters, Meredith, who was inseparable from him, has been missing for so long, yet he continues to live his life without a care in the world. Once again, he's certified a scumbag.
His father was Death Eaters, he came from Slytherin House known for its cunning and ruthlessness, and his brother had surrounded Hermione... even though he was the enemy...
And what about me? I was the one who protected you in front of Malfoy, I was the one who stood up to Snape in class for you, we were the ones who were supposed to be Gryffindor friends...
What do you all take me for? Savior's lackey? A clueless fool? The unloved youngest son?
Ron clenched his fists tighter and tighter, his whole body trembling from the exertion, and a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashed deep in his eyes.
On the other side, as Skylar passed through the Entrance Hall, he saw Phoebe Delacour, surrounded by a group of young wizards from three magic schools and four colleges. They were like peacocks in heat, desperately trying to display their most glamorous side to the beauty. The two exchanged a quick glance and a barely perceptible nod, and Skylar walked away.
Skylar walked into the Great Hall.
Suddenly, someone blocked his way.
Katarina Monroe.
She gently tossed her crimson hair, her eyes slightly unfocused. "Mr. Malfoy, may I say a word to you?"
"Of course!" Skylar said, leading her to a secluded corner.
Seeing Katarin's expression, he already guessed what she was going to say.
To be honest, Katarin is indeed very beautiful. Unlike Phoebe's allure or Cho Chang's innocence, she possesses an innate, pure and virtuous quality.
Her oval face possessed a striking yet aloof air, and her slender, sword-like eyebrows conveyed a coldness that kept people at a distance. Yet, her naturally vibrant crimson hair was like a burning flame, igniting all the desires in people's hearts, coupled with her large, expressive eyes...
"I heard you haven't chosen your dance partner yet. Would you like to come to the ball with me?" She looked at Skylar with bright eyes, and even with Skylar's composure, for a moment he was very tempted.
Skylar gently bit the tip of his tongue; the stinging sensation brought him slightly back to his senses. He said softly, "It's an honor, Miss Monroe..."
"However, I've already decided who I want to invite." Skylar's gaze was clear and honest, because it was truly the truth.
"Oh, it's alright!" Katarin smiled. "Mr. Malfoy, I just think you should reconsider..." She leaned closer to Skylar, so close that Skylar could clearly smell the unique fragrance emanating from her. It was completely different from ordinary women's perfumes; the scent was all-natural and refreshing, likely a high-end product passed down among powerful Pure-blood families in the France wizarding world.
Katarin's lips brushed against his ear, and she whispered, "Think about it... the Monroe family, the strongest family in France, and the Malfoy family, the strongest family in Great Britain —what kind of scene would their union create in the Europe wizarding world, and even the global wizarding world?"
With that, she chuckled softly, turned around cleanly and gracefully, leaving behind a fragrant breeze, and departed with elegant steps.
Skylar stared at her retreating figure expressionlessly, his eyes flickering with an unpredictable light, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
Eleanor appeared beside him without him noticing.
In her slightly magnetic voice, she teased in a low, mocking tone, "You actually rejected such a beautiful girl... You're something else, Mr. Malfoy... But..."
Are you sure you won't regret it?
A confident smile returned to Skylar's lips as he said nonchalantly, "There's nothing to regret..."
"The Moreau Family is the most powerful family in France, so what? Family can be a support, but it can also be a shackle that limits us! Wizards born with magic should create the future they want."
Skylar turned his head, his eyes shining brightly as he looked at Eleanor. "What do you think?"
Eleanor carefully examined Skylar's face, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Why is your answer not surprising at all?" With that, she turned and left.