Chapter 522: The Christmas Ball
Chapter 522: The Christmas Ball
In addition to their Dark Arts Defense class, the fifth-years had a Transfiguration class scheduled for that morning.
The lesson was once again on the Vanishing Spell, but this time they had to transform hamsters instead.
Even though it was just a change of animal, the difficulty level had increased significantly. For the entire two-hour lesson, most of the students made no progress at all.
This situation had never occurred before. Lately, during every Transfiguration class, the students had been anxious, fearful of seeing Professor McGonagall's disappointed expression.
This time was no exception.
By the end of the class, the classroom was filled with the sound of crackling explosions as students rushed to complete the task, their anxiety mounting. These explosions were the result of incorrect spellcasting.
Someone was so nervous that they even blew their desk to smithereens.
"Everyone, stop for a moment..."
Professor McGonagall repaired the shattered desk with her wand and said loudly, "You're all too eager. This will only make it harder to master the Vanishing Spell. Try to calm yourselves...
"Well, perhaps I have some news that will ease your tension."
All eyes turned to her.
"The Christmas Ball is approaching," Professor McGonagall said, "It's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a wonderful opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests."
As expected, as soon as Professor McGonagall finished speaking, the classroom buzzed with excited chatter.
A few Gryffindor girls, who had been on the verge of tears just moments ago, now huddled together, whispering and giggling. Occasionally, they would turn and glance at Kyle, their intentions clear.
Professor McGonagall ignored them and continued, "The ball is open only to students in their fourth year and above, but if you wish, you may choose a partner from the lower years...
"It will be held in the Great Hall at eight o'clock on Christmas night.
"Remember to wear your dress robes, and this is a rare opportunity for us to...well...let down our hair and relax."
The surrounding laughter grew louder.
Fortunately, the bell signaling the end of class rang at that moment. Everyone quickly gathered their belongings and hurried out of the classroom, eager to share the good news with more people.
However, Kyle was asked to stay behind.
"According to tradition, the Triwizard Tournament ball is opened by the champions and their partners..." Professor McGonagall said, "I trust you understand what I'm implying?"
"Of course, Professor," Kyle glanced towards the door. Beyond it, he could see Connor leaning against the railing, waiting for him with two books in hand.
Professor McGonagall noticed as well and couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Well, as long as you understand. But I must remind you that you should practice your dancing skills in the coming days.
"As the opening dance, many eyes will be upon you, and if you fumble and stumble, it will surely become a source of ridicule."
Kyle's expression turned interesting.
Now, a problem emerged...
The only dance he knew was the unique mating dance of the Moony Beast, taught to him by Newt when he was ten years old.
Oh, and he also knew the dance of the Poisonous Horned Beast.
But that wouldn't be useful here. It was highly unlikely that there would be music at the Triwizard Tournament ball that suited either of those dances.
And there was no way that Dumbledore would allow him to bring a Moony Beast as his partner.
Seeing the look on Kyle's face, Professor McGonagall seemed to guess something, and she asked tentatively, "You don't know how to dance, do you?"
Kyle nodded stiffly.
Professor McGonagall was a little incredulous, "Surely your father...Chris, he must have taken you to balls before?
'Er... I've never been to one,' Kyle said.
Chris himself would avoid these events if he could, and if he really had to attend, he would just make an appearance and enjoy the buffet.
As for Kyle, he would rather spend his time watching fire lizards fight in Newt's case than attend those balls.
'Oh...' Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead.
It would be a terrible disaster for both Kyle and Hogwarts if the chosen champion couldn't dance.
Fortunately, she had asked that extra question today.
'You can put your other classes on hold for now,' she said in an unquestionable tone. 'There's only one week left until Christmas, and during this time, you must learn to dance... even if it's just one song.
'Tomorrow is Saturday, so at ten in the morning, I will be opening a dance club in the Great Hall. Make sure you come... no, you must come.'
After saying that, Professor McGonagall quickly left the classroom, probably heading to the eighth floor to find Headmaster Dumbledore.
Kyle smacked his lips and followed suit, exiting the classroom.
'Why does Professor McGonagall look so flustered?' Connor asked as she walked up to him, curious. 'What did you guys talk about?'
'A very daunting challenge,' Kyle sighed. 'It's far more terrifying than facing two fire-breathing dragons alone.'
'Ah?' Connor's curiosity grew.
'Never mind, it's nothing,' Kyle shook his head. 'By the way, would you like to accompany me to the Christmas ball? You know, the champions are supposed to open the ball with their partners, and I need your help. Otherwise, I'll probably have to dance with a Moony Beast... and Professor Dumbledore certainly won't approve of that.'
Connor momentarily forgot her previous curiosity, her eyes fixed on Kyle as she twisted her head slightly to the side.
'Only you would think of dancing with a Moony Beast... but alright... since you put it that way, I'd be delighted to be your partner.'
'That's wonderful,' Kyle said with a smile.
The two then headed downstairs together, making their way towards the common room.
Meanwhile, in the underground classroom...
Severus Snape, who was brewing a potion, suddenly jerked his hand, causing an entire bottle of armadillo bile to spill into the cauldron.
The originally bright blue potion instantly turned deep purple, with bubbles frothing at the surface.
'Oh, damn it!' Snape waved his wand, vanishing the potion and cauldron. His thoughts immediately turned to Sirius Black.
Although Black wasn't present, he was sure the blame lay with him.
Ever since that man had come to Hogwarts, he seemed to be opposing him at every turn... He would deduct points from Gryffindor, and Black would retaliate by deducting points from Slytherin students, using almost identical justifications.
He had gone to Dumbledore numerous times over this matter and even suffered from insomnia because of it.
The mistake he had just made was undoubtedly due to a lack of rest. Otherwise, how could a master potion maker like himself commit such a basic error?
Dumbledore must be getting senile, allowing such an idiot to become a professor.
..."
(End of Chapter)
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