The young wizards hurried toward Professor McGonagall's office.
Ron was already desperately trying to remember whether something had gone wrong with his homework again.
Ever since Professor McGonagall's warning, he had given up on "translating English into English" and switched to combining several sets of homework into a newly compiled version.
Professor McGonagall's office was not far away. When they arrived, the elderly witch was scowling furiously at the homework in her hand.
Even the young wizards could feel her seething anger. They watched in trepidation as Professor McGonagall picked up her quill, crossed something out forcefully on the parchment, then added a line of writing.
It looked like a very stern criticism. Fortunately, Professor McGonagall had not summoned them to reprimand them.
She looked up, took several deep breaths, and managed a gentle expression.
"Oh, you're here."
She stood and walked around her desk, her expression growing serious again, as though she had something important to tell them.
"I have a few things to say to all of you.
"The Yule Ball is approaching-a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament, and an excellent opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests.
"This Super Tournament has retained that tradition."
Zhang Xiao heard several of the young wizards make ambiguous clicking noises with their tongues.
"Now, the ball is open only to fourth-years and above-but if you wish, you may invite a younger student-"
Neville shakily raised a hand.
"Professor-"
Looking at the student who had made something of a name for himself worldwide with his newfound image, Professor McGonagall's face softened, a rare sight.
"Mr. Longbottom?"
"Do we have to-I mean, is attending the ball compulsory?" Neville's round face was full of alarm. "But I can't dance."
"Oh, I'm afraid so. You must dance," Professor McGonagall said with a