Chapter 522: The Christmas Ball
Chapter 522: The Christmas Ball
On this particular morning, the fifth-year students had a Defense Against the Dark Arts class, followed by a Transfiguration lesson.
The lesson was still focused on the Vanishing Charm, but the animal they were to transform was now a hamster.
Although it was just a change of animal, the difficulty level had increased significantly. After two whole periods, most students had made little to no progress.
This situation was unprecedented. Recently, every Transfiguration class had left the students anxious, fearing the disappointed expression on Professor McGonagall's face.
This time was no exception.
Throughout the lesson, the classroom was filled with the sounds of crackling explosions as students rushed to complete their tasks. Their impatience grew, leading to these mistakes and subsequent explosions.
Some, due to their nervousness, even managed to blast their tables into splinters.
"Everyone, stop for a moment..."
Professor McGonagall used her wand to repair the shattered table and said loudly, "You're all too hasty. This will only make mastering the Vanishing Charm more difficult. Try to calm yourselves..."
"Well, perhaps there's some news that will ease your tense nerves."
Everyone's attention turned to her.
"The Christmas Ball is approaching," Professor McGonagall said, "It's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to interact with our foreign guests."
As expected, as soon as Professor McGonagall finished speaking, the classroom erupted into a chorus of excited chatter.
Several Gryffindor girls, who had been on the verge of tears from anxiety, now huddled together, whispering and giggling. Occasionally, they would glance at Kyle, intentionally or not.
Professor McGonagall paid them no heed and continued, "The ball is open to students from the fourth year and above. However, if you wish, you may also choose a partner from the lower years..."
"It will be held in the Great Hall at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
"Remember to wear your formal robes. It's a rare opportunity for us to... well... let our hair down and relax."
The surrounding laughter grew louder.
Fortunately, the bell for the end of class rang just then, and everyone quickly packed up their things, eager to leave the classroom and 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, "Do you understand what I mean?"
"Of course, Professor," Kyle glanced out the door... Cona was leaning against the railing, holding two books, waiting for him.
Professor McGonagall noticed this as well and couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Well, it's good that you know. But I must remind you that you'll need to practice your dancing skills in the coming days.
"As the opening act of the ball, many eyes will be on you. If you dance poorly, you'll surely become a laughingstock."
Kyle's expression immediately became stiff.
Now, the problem was...
The only dance he knew was the unique one he had learned from Newt at the age of ten, which was used by the Mooncalf during courtship.
Oh, and he also knew the dance of the Erumpent.
But that wouldn't help. It was highly unlikely that music suitable for these dances would be played at the Triwizard Tournament ball.
Moreover, Dumbledore would never agree to him bringing a Mooncalf as his partner.
Seeing his expression, Professor McGonagall seemed to understand something and asked tentatively, "You can't dance?"
Kyle nodded stiffly.
Professor McGonagall was incredulous, "Did your father... Chris, never take you to a ball?"
"The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures often interacts with foreign wizards, and as the Deputy Head, Chris is often required to attend welcome balls and receptions when these foreign wizards visit.
These events are typically family-friendly, making them a common occurrence.
'I've never attended any of them,' Kyle said.
Chris himself tries to avoid these balls whenever possible, only making an appearance and grabbing some buffet food when he can't avoid them.
Kyle isn't keen on attending either. Given the choice, he'd rather watch salamanders fight in Newt's case.
'Oh...' Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead.
It would be a terrible disaster for both Kyle and Hogwarts if the opening champion couldn't dance.
Fortunately, she had asked an additional question today.
'You can put your other classes on hold for now.'
Professor McGonagall spoke 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, that's fine.
'So, tomorrow is Saturday, and at 10 a.m., I'll be opening a dance club in the Great Hall. Remember to come... No, you must come.'
After saying this, Professor McGonagall hurriedly left the classroom, apparently heading to the eighth floor to find Headmaster Dumbledore.
For the error-free version, read it at 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar.
Kyle clicked his tongue and followed her out of the classroom.
'Why is Professor McGonagall in such a hurry?' Cona approached curiously, asking, 'What did you talk about?'
'It's a very daunting challenge,' Kyle sighed, 'Far more terrifying than facing two fire dragons alone.'
'What?' Cona became even more curious.
'Never mind,' Kyle shook his head, 'By the way, can I invite you to the Christmas Ball? You know, the champions need to open the ball with their dance partners, and I need your help.
Otherwise, I'd probably have to dance with a Mooncalf... Professor Dumbledore would definitely not approve of that.'
Cona instantly forgot her previous confusion and looked at Kyle, slightly turning her head to the side.
'Only you would think of dancing with a Mooncalf... But okay... Since you've said so, I'm willing to be your dance partner.'
'That's great,' Kyle said with a smile.
The two then went downstairs together, heading towards the common room.
Meanwhile, in the underground classroom.
Snape, who was brewing a potion, shook his hand, causing an entire bottle of armadillo bile to fall into the cauldron.
The originally bright blue potion instantly turned deep purple and began to bubble.
'Oh, damn!' Snape waved his wand, cleaning up the potion and cauldron together. He then instinctively thought of Sirius Black.
Although Black wasn't present, blaming him was undoubtedly correct.
Since Black arrived at Hogwarts, he seemed to oppose Snape in everything... He deducted points from Gryffindor, and Black would immediately deduct points from Slytherin students, often using the same reason.
Snape had been to Dumbledore several times about this matter in recent days and even suffered from insomnia.
The mistake he made earlier was undoubtedly due to lack of rest. Otherwise, how could a Potions Master make such a basic mistake?
Dumbledore was getting senile, agreeing to let a fool teach.
...
(End of Chapter)"
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