Chapter 1835: Dance Partner
Chapter 1835: Dance Partner
"This place is getting colder and colder."
In the makeshift stable, Hagrid, draped in a sable coat, was feeding the Thestrals while talking to Alice, who had just come over to help: "These little guys are having a hard time adapting to the cold here."
"Actually, you could suggest to Headmistress Mcgonagall that the Thestrals be sent back to Hogwarts ahead of time, and we can fetch them after the Triwizard Tournament", Alice suggested, looking at the listless Thestrals confined in the pens.
"I've thought about it, but after talking with Olym, I gave up. She seems to think that..." Hagrid muttered as he distributed the remaining fresh meat from the wooden bucket to the Thestrals and spread a large amount of dried hay on the ground.
With ample food and a warm stable, the harsh winter wouldn't be too difficult to endure. The only issue was the lack of freedom, which was particularly tough for the Thestrals, who were rarely confined.
Alice, of course, understood Hagrid's thoughts. He hadn't planned to return to Hogwarts earlier mainly because he wanted to stay and be Madame Maxime's dance partner at Christmas. So she didn't press the matter further. She gently stroked the bony heads of the Thestrals with her wool-gloved hands and then refueled the blue flames in the stove used to keep the stable warm.
The winter at Durmstrang Institute was getting increasingly cold, and even the strong winged horses from Beauxbatons Academy were starting to fall ill. It was thanks to Hagrid and Albert's improved Warming Charm that they managed to avoid casualties over the winter.
"I suspect he's having an affair with Madame Maxime!"
While Alice was refueling the stoves in the Beauxbatons stables, a familiar voice suddenly sounded behind her.
"Is there something you need?"
Alice refueled the remaining stoves.
"My girlfriend admires you and wants to take a picture with you."
"Are you sure... she's your girlfriend?"
Alice couldn't understand the logic of Matthew's girlfriend.
"How can her boyfriend, who is a champion from her own school, plan to support a competitor?"
"Mainly, she's... how should I put it? A bit manly, and wants to become as powerful as you", Matthew said, feeling quite helpless about the situation.
Since Alice had completed the first task in a way no one could have imagined, she had gained a following at Durmstrang Institute, especially among the boys who had broken up with their girlfriends and were impressed by Alice's prowess.
"I thought you'd be more charming than Ian."
Alice looked at her half-brother with a critical eye.
"When are you free?" Matthew asked with a smirk.
"I just happen to need a dance partner for the Yule Ball", Alice said suddenly.
"I don't think you'll be short of that. The line of guys wanting to be your dance partner could stretch from here to your camp", Matthew said, not understanding what his half-sister was up to. "I have a girlfriend, you know. This could..."
"I don't know what's going on with you, but I have to remind you that one-sided effort won't get you love", Alice said, suspecting that Albert hadn't taught Matthew the right approach to relationships. "Dad always says: sycophants never end well."
"Cough, our situation is different from what you think. I don't need... I mean, Polina is a Muggle-born..."
Faced with Alice's skeptical gaze, Matthew quickly capitulated, accepting Alice's offer with a sigh of resignation.
"Then I'll thank Polina on her behalf. I guess she'll be under a lot of pressure."
"It's just one dance", he said, trying to reassure himself.
Alice soon met Matthew's girlfriend, Polina Bonaparte, a very spirited and straightforward girl who could easily be mistaken for a boy with a bit of disguise.
If she could share some of her spirit with Matthew, it would be better. But it was clear they complemented each other, which was probably why they ended up together.
After taking a few photos with Miss Bonaparte and chatting over afternoon tea, Alice got a good sense of their relationship.
They had feelings for each other, but it wasn't solid. Miss Bonaparte, being well-cared for, lacked a sense of urgency.
Alice bid farewell before sunset and returned to her tent, where Daphne was already back with a lot of news.
"You've gained a lot of loyal supporters. I heard some people are planning to form a fan club for you", Daphne said, seeing that Alice wasn't reacting, and changed the topic. "Many people have been asking me who you'll be taking as your dance partner for the Yule Ball?"
"I don't like dancing."
"I've already prepared the Polyjuice Potion", Daphne said, pulling out a vial of bubbling liquid as if by magic and grinning. "How about I transform into someone else and be your partner?"
"No need, I have a dance partner!"
"Who is it?"
Daphne's expression fell.
"Matthew Delacour!" Alice said calmly.
"Wow, you finally fell in love at first sight and are going to abandon your longtime friend!" Daphne pounced on Alice, looking very upset.
What could she do? With Veela blood, Matthew was incredibly charming. Apart from his slightly lacking in demeanor, his face was more popular with the girls than the young Albert's.
"I'm just going to dance once."
"No, no!" Daphne seemed to remember something. "I heard Matthew Delacour has a beautiful girlfriend, named Polina..."
"Polina Bonaparte", Alice said, pushing Daphne's head away, realizing her friend was becoming more and more like a clingy kitten.
"Right, Polina Bonaparte!" Daphne paused, thinking of something. "That Bonaparte, a descendant of Napoleon. But knowing you, you wouldn't..."
"He's my relative", Alice said calmly.
"You're actually related."
Daphne's eyes widened. She didn't doubt Alice but couldn't understand how they were related.
"The relationship is complicated", Alice said, not planning to elaborate.
"Is he...?" Daphne seemed to have an idea, her expression becoming complex.
Alice made a zipping motion over her lips.
"No, you know I never speak without evidence", Daphne nodded vigorously, then asked curiously, "You two seem to get along well?"
"We met when we were young and went out to play together."
"My family had a similar situation."
Daphne thought of her half-brother and said sarcastically, "But our relationship was terrible. Or rather, such situations are common in our circles. Good relationships can be counted on one hand." (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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