Draco let go as though she had been shocked, her cheeks instantly flushing scarlet. She stumbled back two steps in a panic, her eyes darting away, unable to look at anyone.
Why had I instinctively done that just now?
Oh no, oh no! My image is completely ruined!
Harry remained frozen in place. The soft touch and faint fragrance seemed to linger on his neck, his heart pounding loudly.
Ginny stared at the scene, dumbfounded, her mouth forming an "O." She looked from Draco to Harry, her eyes filled with shock and anger.
Cedric and Cho Chang looked equally stunned.
Only Hermione, faced with the chaos before her, finally couldn't hold back a giggle.
What a spectacular scene from hell.
Amid the chaos, Cedric cleared his throat softly, trying to break the awkward silence. "About the second task, I heard it won't take place until after the Yule Ball."
At that, Hermione stopped laughing and nodded thoughtfully.
Since there was still time, there was nothing at Hogwarts she needed to worry about for now.
"Got it."
Hermione's gaze swept over the boys and girls before her, each wearing a different expression amid the charged atmosphere. "I'll be going, then."
Before her words had finished ringing out, she vanished before their eyes.
She couldn't even be bothered to pretend anymore.
Why bother finding a bathroom? What Anti-Apparition Jinx? I can force my way through and use Apparition at Hogwarts. So what?
The Marvel Universe, aboard the Dark Aster, on the bridge.
Space warped slightly, and Hermione appeared out of thin air.
The crew busy on the bridge froze for a moment, then erupted into cheers.
"The boss is back!"
"Boss!"
"Quick! Go tell everyone! The boss is back!"
In an instant, the entire warship erupted with excitement.
Countless figures poured