Harry was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Xilieikesi to approach him, and was she actually asking him to dance?
Xilieikesi was undoubtedly one of the most dazzling people at the entire ball.
In fact, if not for the almost impossibly beautiful Delacour beside her, Xilieikesi's looks would certainly have made her the center of attention wherever she went.
Not to mention the prestige she carried as a member of Europe's foremost family, the Xilieikesi family.
From a completely impartial outsider's perspective, Qiu, Hermione, and Lavender were at least a league below Xilieikesi in looks.
Harry, however, was not particularly interested in her.
"Sorry, but I still have my partner to keep company." Harry shook his head decisively, then pointed to Qiu beside him.
Although Qiu had been wearing a faint smile all along, Harry could clearly sense that she had grown even happier. Yes, it seemed he had said the right thing.
"Oh?" A trace of surprise plainly crossed Xilieikesi's face. Clearly, she had not expected anyone to turn her down. She looked at Qiu with interest.
"In that case, miss, would you mind joining me for a dance?"
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lavender, Krum, and Qiu: ???
You could do that?
Seeing their dumbfounded expressions, Xilieikesi smiled slightly. "Just joking. Would you mind lending me your partner for a little while? I promise to return him very soon."
Then she turned back to Harry. "Potter, I'd like to speak to you about Mr. Edward Menzies."
As she spoke that last sentence, Xilieikesi leaned a little closer and lowered her voice, speaking quietly enough that only Harry and Qiu beside him could hear.
Harry rolled his eyes and was about to say, Who? I don't know him.
But then he suddenly felt Qiu grip the back of his hand firmly.