Chapter 621: Ball
Although Natalia hadn’t actually given Clementine a second clue, the moment the other girl softened her tone, she couldn’t maintain her icy remarks. Their conversation gradually shifted into light, easy chatter—so natural and familiar that, from afar, they looked like two close friends sharing secrets.
Once everyone inside had taken their seats, Wade noticed that his golden plate remained empty. Instead, each person was handed a menu. Several students glanced around curiously, craning their necks to check if the other long tables had food yet.
Wade flipped through the menu. Though he knew exactly what to order, his eyes instinctively drifted toward the staff table.
There, Dumbledore was smiling as he announced, “Pork Chop!”
Instantly, a sizzling, juicy pork chop appeared on his plate. The demonstration clicked for everyone. One by one, they followed suit.
Wade spoke calmly, “Pan-Fried Goose Liver, Onion Soup, Carrot Stew with Beef…”
Each dish he named appeared with a soft thud on the table, gleaming under the golden cutlery, fragrant and inviting—enough to make anyone’s appetite stir.
Clementine leaned toward Natalia, urging, “Don’t even think about skipping the Butter-Baked Snails. You have to try them. That’s the most authentic version you’ll ever taste.”
Natalia smiled, returning the enthusiasm. “At Kodostoriz, our dining tables always have beetroot soup that refills itself automatically. No matter when you show up, it’s never disappointing.”
“Our castle is much larger than this one,” she continued, “and our classrooms are so spacious. Hogwarts—well, sorry, Wade—our classrooms always feel a bit cramped.”
“Is it true,” Clementine asked, eyes wide with curiosity, “that Kodostoriz is sealed with a portal to Hell?”
“Hahahaha!” Natalia laughed. “Just a legend! Our school doesn’t have any of those mysterious, otherworldly corners. The most impressive thing we have are the ice sculptures—frozen for centuries, never melting.”
“Maybe you just don’t know how to look,” Clementine mused. “Old magic schools are full of secrets. They never tell students, do they, Mr. Gray? I bet Hogwarts is packed with hidden chambers.”
“Maybe,” Wade said, casually spearing a piece of goose liver, his tone light. “But as students, even if there are secrets, we can’t possibly know them.”
Clementine studied him closely, then turned to Natalia and whispered, “Liar. He knows so many secret chambers—he just doesn’t want to tell us.”
“If he doesn’t want to talk about it, then we won’t ask,” Natalia said calmly. “This caramel pudding is really good. Want a piece?”
When the final layered tart vanished from the plate, Dumbledore stood and waved his wand with a flick.
The long tables and chairs shot like rockets against the walls, clearing the center of the Great Hall. The space transformed into a dance floor.
The Strange Sisters—famous rock wizards—stepped onto the stage to thunderous applause.
As the cello was drawn, the enchanted candles above the ceiling dimmed, replaced by countless floating stars that swirled slowly in the dark. Tiny specks of light, like fireflies, drifted down, drifting through the air like silver fish, weaving through the dancers and painting the room with a dreamlike glow.
“Time for us,” Natalia said, quickly touching up her lipstick. She stood, then offered Wade a small bow, extending her hand.
“Ready?”
“Of course.”
She took a deep breath, placed her fingertip gently on his palm, then added, “Be careful—don’t step on my dress.”
“Relax,” Wade said, placing his hand lightly on her waist. “I may not be much of a dancer, but I’m not that clumsy.”
They spun into the center of the floor, her blue dress flaring out like a deep indigo cornflower.
“Not bad,” Natalia murmured with a smile. “Did you practice in secret?”
“My mother taught me,” Wade said simply, guiding her around the dance floor.
His gaze, sweeping casually across the room, caught Harry—still spinning in place, sweat beading on his forehead, as if dancing were more exhausting than fighting a Fire Dragon.
Harry hadn’t asked Wade for lessons. He knew Wade’s time was too precious to stretch even in half. So during the holiday, he’d sneaked through the Vanishing Cabinet into Hogsmeade and spent several days learning from Sirius Black. Now, in the moment, he still looked stiff and awkward.
Hermione and Krum, by contrast, moved beautifully. She beamed with joy, her steps light and fluid. Krum matched her rhythm perfectly, his eyes never leaving her face.
“Hmm?” Natalia’s voice suddenly came close, cool and teasing. “Am I not as entertaining as those two?”
“Sorry,” Wade chuckled, turning her gently away from the couple. “I was just expecting Harry to embarrass himself. That’s all.”
“Oh?” Natalia emphasized the word blue, lifting her eyes to meet his with a playful glint. “So you like the girl in the blue dress?”
“She’s my friend,” Wade said softly. “Looks like she’s doing really well with Krum.”
“Doing well?” Natalia laughed. “He’s head over heels.”
…
The champions’ opening dance ended before the music finished, and soon, everyone else rushed to join the floor. The Great Hall, once spacious, quickly filled with a swirling sea of robes and skirts.
The first piece was soft and flowing. The next grew livelier—guitars leapt with bright notes, drums urged people to move faster.
Wade and Natalia danced three songs in a row. Only when the fourth melody began did he step back, releasing her hand.
“Not dancing anymore?” Natalia asked, breathless, her cheeks flushed.
“I’m taking a break,” Wade said, adjusting his collar. “Want something to drink? I’ll get it.”
Amid the pulsing lights and music, the wild energy of the crowd seemed to leave him untouched. His gray eyes remained calm, detached.
“No, thanks,” Natalia said, smiling up at him. “I’m not done yet.”
As soon as they parted, a boy seemed to Apparate in front of her, bending low to offer his hand.
Natalia glanced back at Wade—then accepted.
Wade moved through the couples, weaving past dancers until he reached the horn-etched table. As he approached, a clear glass of water appeared before him.
He drank, cooling his throat, easing the heat of the ball. Laughter, music, even arguments blended into a noisy hum that made his temples throb.
He had no intention of staying in the chaotic Great Hall. He walked through the doors and stepped outside.
The cold air struck him like a slap, instantly clearing his mind.
He paused, considering whether to return to his dormitory or go to the Room of Requirement—when suddenly, a stifled sob broke the night.
“Give me back my Galleon, Bagman!” Professor Trelawney cried, voice trembling and shrill. “My money—my entire savings! You’re a liar!”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
