Chapter 993: Conna, Will You Marry Me?
Chapter 993: Conna, Will You Marry Me?
Kyle had to admit that Fleur's choice was impeccable. Despite Conna never leaving Hogwarts, the robe she wore seemed tailor-made for her.
Whether it was the size or the style, there wasn't a single flaw to be found.
The robe also showcased the most common style among French witches—elegant yet not overly extravagant.
So, when Conna appeared at the Lombards' home on Christmas Day in this robe, she instantly drew everyone's attention.
"Blue suits you, dear," Sylva said with a smile.
She was also on the guest list but didn't travel from Hogwarts with Kyle and Conna.
"Thank you, Professor," Conna replied with a smile.
Just then, the Weasleys arrived.
"Arthur, Molly..." Frank Lombard, who was in charge of welcoming the guests, called out happily as he hurried towards the two at the front.
The couple initially felt a bit awkward, but they soon immersed themselves in the joy of their reunion.
Kyle looked behind them but only saw Bill and Fleur.
"Looking for Fred and George?" Bill approached and asked.
"They love a crowd, so why aren't they here today?"
"Of course they are, but they might be a little late," Bill said with a meaningful smile. "This Christmas dinner isn't held at Hogwarts... they need to bring dance partners."
"Hmm?" Kyle immediately understood. "Who is it?"
"Angelina... I think that's her name, but she's not in Britain, so it'll take some time for her to get here. Fred went to pick her up."
"Angelina... the Seeker from Gryffindor?"
"Yes, that's her," Bill nodded. "I heard that at the Triwizard Tournament ball, Johnson was his dance partner."
"That's right," Kyle agreed.
He also remembered that Fred had invited Angelina in the Great Hall, and she had accepted.
"But Fred never mentioned it to me."
"He never told me either," Bill said. "But once, I saw Fred carrying a thick stack of letters from home, and I noticed they were letters between him and Johnson. Fred didn't want to admit it."
...
As the two chatted about Fred and Angelina, they quickly attracted the attention of those around them, and others joined in.
The number of guests wasn't particularly large, actually fewer than Kyle had imagined.
Aside from the Lombards, almost everyone else had been part of the Order of the Phoenix.
The Weasleys, Cedric, Remus, Tonks, Hagrid, Dedalus, Doge... they were all familiar faces.
Even Mundungus had received an invitation.
After all, this cowardly wizard had provided the Order with a lot of intelligence, and in the Lombards' eyes, he was also considered one of the few remaining companions.
Kyle also spotted a familiar trio in the crowd—Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Neville must have invited them.
However, Neville seemed to have forgotten to tell them that this Christmas dinner was different from the ones at school.
None of the three had brought dance partners, making them stand out in the crowd.
Sirius, who also felt out of place, was in an even more awkward situation.
In Frank Lombard's memory, he was the Death Eater who had betrayed the Potter family.
Now, he had suddenly become one of them, and it took some time for him to adjust.
Sirius, having forgotten about the dance partners, was explaining something to Harry with an embarrassed look on his face.
It had been a long time since he had attended a formal Christmas dinner hosted by an individual, the last time being before his graduation.
Given the duration and his experience in Azkaban, it was understandable that he had forgotten.
Unfortunately, this also affected Harry's trio.
So, when Frank Lombard went to greet him, both of them felt a bit uncomfortable.
Thankfully, this awkwardness didn't last too long, as Fred and Angelina Johnson arrived, diverting Frank's attention.
Moreover, the Christmas dinner was about to begin.
To be honest, the Lombards' home wasn't particularly large, significantly smaller than number twelve, Grimmauld Place.
However, with the help of the Seamless Expansion Charm, hosting a Christmas dinner was manageable.
As the dinner started, the Lombard couple once again expressed their sincere gratitude to Kyle...
"That's strange. This is different from what I read in the Daily Prophet," Angelina suddenly spoke up. "It said that you only assisted St. Mungo's, but from what Mr. Lombard said, it sounds like it was all your doing."
"Or is there another conflict between the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts?" She remembered the time when Voldemort was around, and Headmaster Dumbledore and Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge almost parted ways.
Fudge had even manipulated the newspaper to smear Dumbledore.
"This time, it's not like that," Kyle shook his head.
In fact, Amelia Bones had sought out Kyle after Lombard's recovery, and the two had discussed the matter in the Headmaster's office for an entire afternoon.
Due to certain reasons, Kyle couldn't publicly disclose this process, only agreeing to teach this method to every St. Mungo's headmaster.
The only people who have gone mad from the Cruciatus Curse in St. Mungo's over the past decade are the Lombard couple, and only the Headmaster knows about this solution, which is enough.
Of course, even this has its prerequisites.
To ensure that the Horcrux Curse isn't used elsewhere, a magical contract is also essential... and it's a magical contract prepared by Bones herself, from the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic, more reliable than the one prepared by Professor Saxia.
At the same time, she didn't ask why, her only request was that Kyle agree to keep this matter hidden.
The reason is also simple.
Once everyone knows that there is a fixed counter-curse for the damage the Cruciatus Curse inflicts on the soul, it will be removed from the Unforgivable Curses.
Bones doesn't want this to happen.
Because the Wizarding Law treats the Unforgivable Curses and other curses, and the punishment for Dark Magic, differently.
The punishment for using Dark Magic can be light or severe, as seen in Knockturn Alley.
Many people know that there are many Dark Magic shops there, but whether it's the Ministry of Magic or the Aurors, they basically turn a blind eye.
There's also the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade, even students know that it's the favorite place for Dark Wizards to hang out, and no Aurors go to capture them.
There are too many Dark Wizards, it's unrealistic to catch them all, so as long as they don't go too far, the Aurors generally don't bother with them.
But the Unforgivable Curses are different.
As long as they are used, whether against other wizards or cast into the air, even if they are just recited for fun, as long as they are used, the wizard holding the wand and reciting the spell will be sent to Azkaban to face the most terrible punishment.
This is the difference.
Bones doesn't want the Cruciatus Curse to be treated this way, a curse invented purely for torture should be classified as ordinary Dark Magic, and every wizard who has used it must receive the harshest punishment.
At the same time, she also knows that if it weren't for the counter-curse, Kyle's achievement would directly shrink by more than half, or even all of it.
That magical contract is her compensation.
At the same time, she also promised to do her best to help Kyle obtain the Order of Merlin, First Class.
The main reason is that Kyle's act of killing Voldemort only appears in Snape's memory, and no one else saw it, otherwise, the First Class would be a sure thing.
However, Kyle also agreed to her proposal.
In a sense, the two of them were in perfect agreement.
Hence, the news report emerged, shifting the focus to St. Mungo's, and Kyle's involvement was minimized.
But upon careful thought, he hadn't lost anything, or rather, he had gained.
The Horcrux Curse and the Wolfsbane Potion are different, it's unlikely to be used for profit, and without disclosing the specific process, it's highly unlikely to receive the Order of Merlin's recognition.
The situation is almost identical to the present, yet he has gained the favor of both St. Mungo's and the Ministry of Magic.
Oh, and Professor Saxia even wanted to offer all her Felix Felicis as compensation to Kyle.
However, Kyle didn't accept.
He didn't lack Felix Felicis.
Kyle selected a few key points and briefly explained them to Angelina.
"The Cruciatus Curse can only be an Unforgivable Curse, I think you're an insider to have told you this, don't leak it out."
Kyle spoke softly, and Angelina's face suddenly turned red, subconsciously looking towards Fred beside her.
"He's right, you're an insider," Fred said straightforwardly, putting his arm around her,
"I wish this dinner would end sooner, I'm so eager to invite you for a dance."
"Wait a moment," Kyle pulled him over, "I was about to ask, where's George? Why are you here alone, don't tell me he's gone to find a dance partner too."
"No, he's not," Fred's lips curled up slightly, "He said he wasn't interested in this banquet and preferred to stay at the shop."
"I guess he didn't come because he didn't have a dance partner," Cedric's voice came from the side.
"Oh, smart boy, Student Council President, you should pretend not to know at this time," Fred opened his mouth wide and said in an exaggerated tone: "You can't rub salt in his wound just because you have Cho, that's not nice."
"Don't tell me you didn't do it," Cedric said, squinting.
Fred emitted an ambiguous chuckle.
Obviously, Cedric, as a close friend, knew these two Weasleys well.
"I just didn't expect..." he said softly, "that your bond would be broken so easily."
"What can we do?" Fred shrugged, "He invited Jordan to the Triwizard Tournament dance, not Alicia, Katie... so many nice girls, and he chose Lee Jordan.
"Otherwise, he might have come with us, or if he was bolder, he might have invited Lee Jordan again."
At this point, Fred couldn't help but laugh.
Kyle laughed too.
"I'll tell him all this."
"I can help you convey the message," Fred raised his eyebrows, unconcerned.
After the banquet, it was time for the highly anticipated ball.
Fred led Angelina to the courtyard dance floor first, just as he had said, he couldn't wait to dance with Angelina.
Kyle also extended his hand to Conna.
"Beautiful lady, may I have this dance?"
"Of course." Conna placed her hand in Kyle's palm.
"It's my honor." Kyle led her towards the center of the dance floor.
The Lombards couldn't invite the Odd Sisters to perform like Dumbledore, but they came up with a unique idea and invited a Centaur band, which worked out well too.
...
Kyle and Conna danced three dances together before reluctantly returning to their seats.
Dancing wasn't easy either, Kyle wiped the sweat from his forehead and casually took the pumpkin juice Harry handed him, taking a big gulp.
"Thanks." Kyle glanced at him.
Next to him, Hermione also gave Conna a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Where's Ron?"
"Oh, he went over there." Harry said, "There's a cake he likes over there."
"Eating cake at the Christmas Ball..." Kyle opened his mouth, ultimately deciding against making any comments.
"Speaking of which, why are you still here?"
Kyle's casual question made Harry turn bashful.
"I... I didn't bring a dance partner, I thought I was just coming for the banquet, like at Hogwarts."
"I know." Kyle said, "But why didn't you invite Hermione?"
"Hermione?" Harry was taken aback.
Not only him, but Hermione beside him was also stunned.
It was as if they had just realized that the other was also a girl (boy).
"You're not going to sit here all the time, are you?" Conna?"
Harry and Hermione fell silent.
At this moment, Conna realized she had guessed right.
Unexpectedly, they had indeed been sitting here all along.
"Alright." Kyle put down the pumpkin juice in his hand, "I'll remind you, Harry, you've graduated from Hogwarts, and so has Hermione.
"You don't have to dance at the ball, but sitting on the sidelines all the time isn't appropriate either."
"Of course, most people here are acquaintances, and no one will mind, but you should still attend other banquets or balls."
"Sometimes, two good friends dancing together is also a good choice, at least it can help you turn down unwanted dances."
Harry was quite smart, and upon hearing Kyle's suggestion, he immediately invited Hermione to dance.
After the two of them left, only Kyle and Conna were left.
Fred and Angelina were still dancing.
"It's incredible, Conna rested her chin in her hand, curiously asking, "When do you think they'll announce their wedding?"
"I don't know." Kyle thought for a moment, "But if it's Fred... honestly, even if he announces his wedding tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised."
"That's true." Conna nodded in deep agreement.
Fred and George always did unexpected things.
"Conna..." Kyle looked at her profile and suddenly said, "If I propose to you, will you marry me?"
Conna's hand froze in mid-air, and her ears seemed to be blocked by something, hearing only a buzzing sound.
"What?"
"It's like this." Kyle looked towards the dance floor, "I was just thinking about what would happen if Fred really announces his wedding with Angelina tomorrow."
"What would happen?" Conna asked.
"The Weasley family will have another wedding." Kyle said, "And soon, Cedric and Cho will also get married."
"By then, I'd realize I should propose to you too."
Kyle smiled, "But since I've realized it, why wait until then?"
He took a deep breath.
"So, Ms. Conna Prince, will you marry me?"
The quiet night sky, the bustling ball, the music, and the noise seemed to disappear at that moment.
But the next second, they reappeared, and the world regained its colors and sounds.
The Centaur band felt the atmosphere was a bit dull, so they played a faster-paced tune.
The music, amplified by magic, filled the courtyard, and a few fireworks exploded in the air, transforming into fire-breathing dragons soaring in the sky.
It was clearly Fred's handiwork, always promoting their Weasley Wizarding Fireworks at every lively occasion.
But the effect was indeed impressive.
Compared to the traditional Water Bloom Fireworks, these interactive and lifelike creations were more favored by wizards.
The people around became more excited, and some who were about to take a break also rejoined the dance floor in this cheerful atmosphere.
Amidst the deafening cheers, Conna's lips moved slightly.
Then, Kyle laughed and naturally extended his hand, and the two embraced under the fireworks.
Kyle wrapped his arms around Conna's neck, and Conna kissed his lips.
The music was a bit loud, but if you listened carefully, it was quite pleasant.
...
(End of Chapter)
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