Dance (I)

Several girls went home early to prepare for tonight's Christmas party.

Su Yu and the Slytherin boys played until almost six in the afternoon before leisurely returning to the common room, where they needed to prepare for the evening party.

Before leaving, Su Yu reminded Ron not to forget the bet.

The group of silly Gryffindor boys, after watching Su Yu lead the Slytherin students back, started playing in the snow again until seven o'clock, when it was already dark and they could no longer see anything. Only then did they reluctantly leave and return to the common room to change into their formal robes.

Ron sat in the common room with a long face, being pestered by Harry to see if he looked handsome tonight. Ron looked up at Harry's not-so-handsome face, pouted, but didn't say what was on his mind. He was in no mood to worry about that; he was already in a complete mess himself.

"By the way, Ron, why aren't you changing into your tuxedo? It'll be too late if you don't, the party's about to start."

After Harry changed into his new suit, he started urging Ron on and on.

"Um, well, you guys go ahead, I'll be right there, don't wait for me, Harry."

Ron looked at the gift box delivered by the Egg Beater on his right and answered Harry incoherently.

He felt as if the gift box beside him contained Voldemort; if he opened it, it would unleash an Avada Kedavra upon him, accompanied by a mocking "Heh... heh heh..."

Neville was dressed very well today and even had a stylish haircut.

"Didn't you know, Harry? The fireplace in the Slytherin common room was specially opened today, so you can go to Floo Network Diagon Alley. My mom and dad were waiting for me there. They brought me a new dress and even gave me a new haircut."

"Really? I was probably too engrossed in playing this afternoon and didn't notice..."

Harry recalled that Hermione had told him about this a few days ago, but he hadn't paid much attention to it at the time. It was just a party; did he really need to dress up for it? He really couldn't understand what those people were thinking.

In the Gryffindor Common Room, they no longer had to wear their black robes today; they had all changed into colorful formal gowns.

"Look! Neville, your dance partner is gorgeous today, isn't she?"

Seamus and Dean looked at the beautiful girl in front of them with envy. Parvati was wearing a dazzling pink dress today, her long black hair was tied into a braid with a gold ribbon, and she had a gold bracelet on her wrist that shone brightly.

"Neville, how did you manage to get a date with such a beautiful girl?"

Neville ignored Seamus's words and walked straight toward Parvati. When his eyes met Parvati's, he was momentarily stunned, but only for a moment. He couldn't help but take Parvati's hands in his own.

"I must say, you're always so captivating. Tonight, you're like an elegant white swan. I'm truly honored."

Neville was reciting the sweet nothings his mother had written for him that afternoon, the kind of things to say to girls. He wasn't that clever; he didn't have the knack for saying things girls wanted to hear. His mom was the best wingman for him.

Upon hearing Neville's gentlemanly words and actions, Parvati chuckled softly, then raised her slender fingers and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you for your compliment, Neville. You really surprised me tonight," Parvati said, taking Neville's arm and whispering in Neville ear, "You have excellent taste. I'm so happy."

Harry grew increasingly anxious as he looked at the couples in the common room. What was wrong with Ron? Why wasn't he coming out yet? Time was almost up, and where was his dance partner? Nevertheless, Harry reluctantly followed the group toward the hall.

The entrance to the hall was crowded with people, all waiting for the Great Hall doors to open at eight o'clock. Some students were also looking for their dance partners from other colleges. The whole Entrance Hall was chaotic, just like a vegetable market.

Harry craned his neck to look around, but didn't see Hermione or the Slytherin students. He figured they were probably still getting ready, but weren't they in a hurry? It was almost eight o'clock, and they still hadn't arrived.

He also saw Phoebe Delacour, the captain of Beauxbatons and the girl who had Ron swooned over. She was wearing a silver-grey dress today, and standing next to her was none other than Roger Davis, the captain of Ravenclaw's Quidditch team.

"I thought she would choose Su Yu..."

Clearly, Dean had seen it too, and he casually remarked it to Harry.

"Well, she's probably terrified of Su Yu; she doesn't dare say a single word to Su Yu..."

Harry knew a lot of inside information. Su Yu had done quite a few things in front of Phoebe. Now, the girl would stay far away from Su Yu Su Yu whenever she saw him, afraid of angering him and being punished like that Japanese devil. She couldn't even bear the punishment that Rita Skeeter received.

Soon, the oak doors slowly opened, and Professor McGonagall appeared at the entrance of the hall, asking the Champion to stay behind while the other students went in first.

"Good luck, Harry," Dean muttered to Harry before taking his female companion's hand and walking into the hall first.

Harry looked around at the empty space. Where was his dance partner? Wasn't that supposed to be? Had Ron pulled a fast one on him?

"Potter, where's your dance partner?" Professor McGonagall, having clearly noticed Harry's unusual behavior, spoke up to remind Harry.

"Ah... this... that..." Harry stammered, unable to speak, and finally had to give up helplessly. "Professor, I think I forgot to find a dance partner..."

Just then, the sound of high heels rushing by came from the doorway, followed by a shout, "Oh, Professor McGonagall, he hasn't forgotten to find his dance partner, but I'm a little late..."

"Ron!!!"

"Ron!!"

"Ron!"

The first sound was the surprise of those around them, the second was Harry's surprise, and the third was Professor McGonagall's anger!

"What the hell are you guys playing?!"

Professor McGonagall roared angrily. Ron was dressed in a white tuxedo, looking like he was rushing to a wedding. He was holding up his dress with both hands, and because of the discomfort of his high heels, his steps were pigeon-toed. His face was covered in white powder and lipstick...

For a moment, Harry seemed to suddenly understand the bet Su Yu made with Ron...

"Are you trying to kill me tonight, Ron?!"

Harry desperately wanted to punch Ron in the face; he was really about to lose control!