Chapter 297: The Immature Harry
Chapter 297: The Immature Harry
Just as Harry had expected, this year's Christmas would be different.
Or rather, historically, whenever the Triwizard Tournament was held, the Christmas evening was always a grand celebration for the students of the host school.
Not only did everyone indulge in feasting and merrymaking, but the students and professors also hosted a ball.
At this ball, the chosen champions were naturally the center of attention.
Unfortunately, Harry did not want to be the center of attention.
"You can't refuse!" Professor Mcgonagall said firmly. "As Hogwarts' champion, representing the school, you must do what everyone expects. So, you must find a dance partner, Potter."
"This is a tradition and a responsibility you must fulfill."
After hearing her words, Harry looked utterly dejected.
He had never imagined he would face such a choice.
Not only was the ball mandatory for the champions, but all fourth-year and above students at Hogwarts were required to stay at school for Christmas this year.
For them, this was a welcome change. Celebrating Christmas at home was nothing compared to the excitement of a school ball.
Recently, girls had been gathering in groups, giggling whenever a boy passed by.
Harry sat gloomily next to Ron. A row of girls walked past them, and they, too, noticed Harry, sizing him up and giggling secretly.
"Why do they always walk in groups?" Harry complained, feeling frustrated. "It leaves me no chance to speak. How am I supposed to pick one out and invite her to be my dance partner?"
He seemed troubled, but his eyes kept drifting in one direction.
There, a group of Ravenclaw girls had gathered, and among them was a beautiful girl with an Asian face and a cascade of black hair, drawing his attention like a magnet.
Ron, oblivious to Harry's infatuation with Cho Chang, shrugged.
"Use a lasso? Have you decided who you want to invite?"
Harry was reluctant to reveal his choice, but his fidgeting didn't go unnoticed by Ron.
"You don't have to be so nervous, Harry. You're Hogwarts' champion. Think about how bravely you faced the fire dragon, and you'll be opening the ball. No girl would refuse you if you asked."
Though Ron's tone was a bit sour, he wasn't wrong.
The next day, Harry received a dance invitation from a girl, and he was so surprised that he immediately declined, much to her disappointment.
Several other girls approached him with invitations, ranging from second-year students to fifth-years.
But the person Harry truly had his heart set on never came to him.
With only a week left before the end of the semester and the Christmas ball, Harry still hadn't found a dance partner.
It was only during a late-night heart-to-heart with Lily that he finally confided his feelings.
"You're nothing like your father in this regard."
Lily's face, glowing with a faint light, wore a nostalgic smile.
"In pursuing girls, James had a thicker skin than the walls of Hogwarts castle. He used to stick to me like glue, which I found really annoying."
Harry, lying in bed, couldn't help but poke his head out from under the covers and said, thinking he was being clever,
"So I can't be like him."
Lily couldn't help but laugh.
"But in the end, I married him. Harry, you still don't understand girls. Sometimes, what seems like dislike is just another way of expressing affection. Girls often mature emotionally faster than boys, so many find their peers childish. If a girl acts like she hates a boy, it might actually mean she likes him. She just subconsciously hates herself for liking such a kid."
Unfortunately, Harry was still that childish kid and didn't understand the wise words Lily was trying to impart.
He pouted and muttered under his breath that he would never be someone who was hated.
Lily looked at him and smiled gently, reaching out to touch Harry's hair, even though she couldn't actually feel it.
"I'm not telling you to be someone girls will hate, but to be more bold. Try inviting her. What if she says no? She's just rejecting the current you. Who knows what the future holds?"
Harry's face turned slightly red. He buried his face back in the covers, as if making a decision.
There were only a few days left until the Christmas ball, and it was at this time that Harry decided to make his move.
After a History of Magic class, he found an opportunity and approached Cho Chang, who was with her friends on their way to the Great Hall.
"Can, can I talk to you for a moment, Cho Chang?"
The girls with Cho all giggled, which made Harry feel very angry, thinking they were ruining such a serious moment.
Cho, being considerate, didn't let Harry down in front of her friends. She nodded and walked with him to a corner where no one else was around.
Even though he had mustered up his courage beforehand, Harry still spoke hesitantly.
"Um, you, well, the ball—"
Even with four ears, Cho Chang wouldn't have understood what Harry was trying to say.
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"I, I was wondering, if you would, um, be my date for the Christmas ball?"
Harry felt his face burning as if it could fry an egg, but he managed to get the invitation out.
However, his courage, though commendable, didn't change the outcome.
Cho looked surprised, her face turning red, but she still said apologetically,
"Sorry, Harry, I've already promised someone else."
Harry was stunned, but he managed to stammer out a few simple words.
"Oh, okay."
Cho looked just as awkward, and the atmosphere between them became strange.
"Well, I should go have lunch with my friends."
Just as she was about to leave, Harry couldn't help but ask one more question.
"Can I know who you promised to be their date?"
"Cedric." As if afraid Harry didn't know his full name, she repeated, "Cedric Diggory."
(End of Chapter)
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