Chapter 152: The School Has Arranged One for You
As the bitter winter arrived, the Christmas holidays drew ever closer.
The staff and students of Hogwarts seemed determined to make this Christmas leave a lasting impression on the guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Decorations had been going up for over half a month, and by Christmas Day, everything was sure to look absolutely stunning!
On the last Thursday evening before the Christmas break, Professor Pomona Sprout made a rare appearance in the Hufflepuff common room.
She had gathered nearly all the Hufflepuff students there.
“My apologies for interrupting your rest!” Professor Sprout announced. “But there is something I must inform everyone about...”
All the Hufflepuff students set down what they were holding and gathered around Professor Sprout.
Jon followed behind Zacharias Smith and Ernie Macmillan... His mind was completely occupied with the Potions sequence chart. Those over a hundred different sequences had nearly made him dizzy...
Although he had returned the chart to Professor Snape after Tuesday’s Potions class, he had memorized everything.
“I am delighted to announce that the Yule Ball is approaching!” Professor Sprout declared slowly. “The Yule Ball is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a wonderful opportunity to socialize with our friends from other schools.”
Many Hufflepuff students immediately began whispering among themselves.
“Can anyone attend?” Zacharias Smith exclaimed excitedly. “Can we invite any girl?”
“I’m afraid not, Zacharias!” Professor Sprout gave him a regretful smile. “The dance is open only to fourth-year students and above... However, if a dance partner wishes, they may invite a younger student... So if you want to attend, you’ll have to wait for an older girl to invite you!”
Zacharias’ face, which had been lit up with excitement just moments ago, froze instantly.
Hannah Abbot covered her mouth with a giggle, then leaned over to Susan Bones... The two seemed to be discussing something. Susan laughed even harder, clamping her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound.
“Quiet, girls, don’t get so excited!” Professor Sprout glanced their way. “The dance will be held in the Great Hall at 8 PM on Christmas Eve and end at midnight... All students attending must wear formal attire!”
“Yes, the Yule Ball is a rather relaxed affair and a rare chance for you all to unwind... I hope everyone finds a suitable partner, and I also hope no one embarrasses Hogwarts or Hufflepuff at the dance!”
As she spoke, Professor Sprout gave them a slight nod.
“Right then, it’s getting late... you may go now!”
Everyone headed toward their respective dormitories... Jon walked among the crowd, his mind still occupied with thoughts about the potion sequence list.
“Jon, come here for a moment!” Professor Sprout called out loudly, waving him over. “There’s something I need to discuss with you specifically...”
...
Jon approached Professor Sprout with a somewhat listless gait.
“Let’s step into the corridor...” Professor Sprout suggested, glancing at several curious students lingering in the common room.
She led him past the wooden barrels into the corridor beside the kitchen.
“Jon, every champion must have a partner—” Professor Sprout reminded him softly.
“Partner...” Jon, still lost in thoughts about potions, didn’t immediately grasp the meaning. “What kind of partner... a tea companion?”
Professor Sprout gave him a slightly surprised look.
“Your partner for the dance!” she said quite seriously. “Every champion must have their own dance partner...”
“But...” Jon had finally grasped the situation and protested, “But I was planning to go home for the Christmas break...”
“It’s fine!” Professor Sprout shook her head. “I’ll arrange to refund your ticket for the Hogwarts Express back to London...”
“This isn’t about the ticket...”
“There are still over ten days of vacation after Christmas. You can go home then...” Professor Sprout explained.
“Ah...” Jon felt somewhat speechless. He tried to argue, “But Professor... I don’t know how to dance...”
That much was true. Whether ballroom, ballet, or pole dancing, he knew nothing about any of it.
“You must learn!” Professor Sprout’s tone hardened unusually. “That’s precisely what I was about to tell you. By tradition, the dance is opened by the champions and their partners. Therefore, you must be present at the dance.”
Professor Sprout added, “I suggest you seek out Minerva... Let her teach you properly. I recall Minerva was quite skilled in dance in her youth!”
A vision of himself dancing step-by-step with Professor McGonagall flashed through Jon’s mind, sending a cold sweat down his back. He quickly protested, “No, no... please don’t trouble Professor McGonagall!”
Fortunately, Professor Sprout didn’t press the issue further.
Suddenly, a blind spot struck Jon.
He blurted out, “Oh, Professor Sprout! Didn’t you just say the dance is only open to fourth-year students and above? I’m only a third-year—I shouldn’t be eligible...”
“That is a problem...” Professor Sprout nodded thoughtfully. “The rules of the dance cannot be changed...”
“Oh, but wait...” Professor Sprout exclaimed excitedly. “You could have an upperclassman girl invite you! That would solve the problem!”
“Sounds like a perfect solution...” Jon muttered, sounding a bit defeated.
“There is one slight problem with that approach...” Professor Sprout realized it wasn’t quite right either. “After all, having girls invite boys to the dance does go against the spirit of the event...”
“Exactly! Exactly!” Jon nodded repeatedly. “So... I still don’t have a formal gown!”
“The school can buy you one!” Professor Sprout blurted out without hesitation. She suddenly froze, then jumped up. “Right! Great idea...”
“I’ll go tell Professor Dumbledore right now!” Professor Sprout seemed inspired. “Have the school arrange one for you!”
“What?” Jon gaped. "The school will arrange what for me?”
“Exactly—a dance partner!” Professor Sprout declared with finality. “Now, Jon... you should go rest too.”
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