"The Yule Ball? How come I didn't know our school had anything like that?" Ron looked incredulous.
Just moments earlier, in Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall had announced that students below fourth year could choose to begin their Christmas holidays as usual that year. For fourth years and above, however, the holidays would be delayed until the day after Christmas, December 26.
That was because Hogwarts would be holding a Yule Ball on Christmas night.
The young wizards staying at school could invite their parents to attend as well. Of course, their parents could not stay overnight at the school. But that was no great matter for adult wizards.
Both Apparition and the fireplaces in Hogsmeade were very convenient ways of making the round trip.
In principle, only students in fourth year and above could attend the Yule Ball. However, younger students could also attend if they received an invitation from an older student.
Students in fourth year and above could actually choose not to attend if they could not find a partner. Even if they did not attend the ball, however, they could not leave school early.
Students below fourth year could choose not to leave school early, but they could not attend the banquet without an invitation.
Harry and Ron were somewhat surprised by this news.
Still, there was a difference between their reactions.
Ron was simply shocked.
A ball?
What the hell?
Didn't that mean he needed a partner?
Where was he supposed to find one?
Did the school hand them out?
Harry, on the other hand, was both surprised and delighted.
A ball?
Now that sounded good.
He had just been wondering how to get closer to the lovely Cho Chang, and hey, here was his chance!
At that moment, both of them finally understood why dress robes