"Oh! Oh... it's so sudden," Tonks stammered, surprised. "You caught me unprepared."
"You have plenty of time to prepare," Moriarty said softly. "There's still the whole afternoon before the dinner begins."
"Alright then," Tonks placed her hand on Moriarty's other hand, like a princess letting her prince hold it, her eyes sparkling with joy.
She said, "Since my younger brother is so sincere in his invitation, this older sister will reluctantly accept—on one condition."
Tonks raised her small face playfully, her hair turning a bubbly pink that matched her delicate heart-shaped red face. In Moriarty's eyes, it resembled a perfect red heart.
Moriarty glanced at the cutting boards, knives, and cauldrons around him. He guessed, "You're not going to make me cook all this, are you?"
"Well... how about letting me cook it properly?" Tonks's usually sharp voice softened, sounding like a kitten yawning, or a feather brushing gently against Moriarty's ears.
"At least finish this dish," Tonks floated the half-cut bergamot with magic, shaking it teasingly in front of Moriarty's face. "Little brother~"
"Fine, go ahead. I fully believe you'll be the first to open a proper restaurant in Hogsmeade someday." Moriarty gave Tonks's small white hand a gentle squeeze and added, "Just be careful not to roughen your hands."
"Okay, now get out." Tonks giggled and pushed him out. "It's kitchen time."
Moriarty shook his head with amusement. What kind of person was Tonks, really?
A Quidditch player, an aspiring Auror at the Ministry of Magic, and now apparently a Magical Chef.
If Moriarty remembered correctly, there were several chef uniforms stored in the Slytherin Castle's dressing rooms—Luke had preserved them.
Moriarty imagined her in a black-and-white outfit, with a short hemline that only just covered her hips, her long legs possibly wrapped in thigh-high suspenders.
The thought of Tonks in a chef-girl costume made Moriarty narrow his eyes in pleasure. Tonks noticed and gave him a half-suspicious glare. She tugged at Moriarty's sleeve, trying to change the subject. "You asked me to be your dance partner—what about Lilith, Penelope, and Gemma Farley?"
"We're not them," Moriarty said indifferently. "And we shouldn't try to put ourselves in their shoes. They're still young girls, and I gave them the freedom to express themselves however they like."
"Hey!" Tonks gave him a light shove. "I've always thought of them as my sisters."
"That makes you a big girl," Moriarty teased, his eyes roaming recklessly over her. He leaned in close and whispered, "Of course, with me, you have the same freedom to throw tantrums whenever you like."
"I didn't mean it that way," Tonks mumbled, shrinking her neck as Moriarty's breath tickled her skin. A warm flush rose in her cheeks.
"Then what did you mean, hmm?"
"Did you really invite me, little brother? It's a bit late to go back now, and I don't even have a proper dress," Tonks fretted, her expression flustered.
"Don't worry. I'll prepare one for you."
"But—"
"No more buts. If you feel you owe me something for it, think about how you're going to repay me."
"I'll cook for you."
"That's not enough. Not even close."
Laughter and flirtatious teasing filled the Hufflepuff kitchen, gradually softening into quiet whispers.
Shortly after Moriarty returned from the Hufflepuff canteen to the Slytherin dungeons, the news had already spread like wildfire throughout the castle: Moriarty had found a dance partner—and it was Tonks.
Many students thought they made a charming pair, while others, mostly troublemakers, eagerly waited to see the girls' reactions.
But the expected storm of tears never came. The girls accepted it calmly, almost as if it didn't affect them at all. They continued to admire Moriarty from afar while seeking partners for their own companions.
As a result, there were hardly any lonely girls at Hogwarts—much to the frustration of boys trying to invite them. Of course, Gryffindor boys were an exception.
Their bravery wasn't limited to facing danger—it extended to bold romantic pursuits as well, especially the Weasley twins.
George and Fred asked Angelina Johnson to be their date in the Gryffindor common room.
Angelina was puzzled. "How can I be a dance partner for both of you?"
The twins, undeterred, began a passionate debate with her about it.
Eventually, Lee Jordan joined in too. He seemed just as eager to invite her.
Angelina, for the first time, felt flattered. She never imagined she'd be so highly sought after.
But eventually, she sighed. "Merlin... what do you want me to do, dance with all three of you? Maybe we should just start a four-person aerobics class!"
Too bad the twins had no idea what aerobics was.
The story quickly spread around the school as a warning tale, passed along by the girls of the other three houses.
When it reached Jericho, he laughed and mocked Leon, saying, "You're just like the Weasley twins—chasing girls and getting rejected."
Leon's face darkened. Desperate to prove he wasn't a failure, he began seeking a dance partner within Slytherin. But it was no use.
Most Slytherin girls already had dates, and those who didn't were all closely associated with Moriarty. Leon sensed they wouldn't accept anyone else, so he left the Slytherin Common Room.
Fortunately, the strengthened bond between Hufflepuff and Slytherin, thanks to Moriarty and Tonks, worked in his favor. Leon eventually managed to invite a seventh-year Hufflepuff girl to the dance.
By 6:40 p.m., the sky had dimmed. Marcus knocked on Moriarty's bedroom door. "Sir, it's time to go."
He wore a dark gray robe and took the lead, walking like a dignified herald.
Moriarty stepped out, clad in a new silver dress robe. His natural handsomeness and noble bearing made him the most striking figure.
He held the Slytherin staff in his left hand. Jericho followed at his left rear, and together they entered the common room.
The Slytherin students were already gathered. Everyone was neatly dressed and stood in organized lines.
Leon, in a formal black robe, stepped forward and bowed. "Awaiting your command, my lord."
Moriarty looked over the assembled students and spoke evenly, "Let's go."
He walked ahead, his strides long and confident. Marcus followed, Jericho and Leon flanking him, and the rest of the Slytherins fell into line.
Just as they exited, the twin doors of the girls' dormitories swung open.
Lilith and Gemma Farley emerged gracefully. They exchanged surprised glances, then smiled and linked arms before stepping through the stone archway.
In the foyer, the transformed Great Hall stood before them, lavishly decorated for the evening. Gleaming gold and silver frost adorned the walls.
The enchanted ceiling remained a starry night sky, now adorned with sprigs of mistletoe and garlands made of enchanted blooms and seasonal greenery.
The professors' table had become a dais of honor, and the four house tables were gone, replaced by a hundred smaller tables with candles and goblets.
Lilith noted that Dumbledore must have allowed the students a taste of wine tonight.
They couldn't spot the headmaster or professors, assuming they hadn't arrived yet—until Moriarty and the Slytherins entered.
Their arrival ignited a wave of cheers from boys and shrieks from girls.
Moriarty acknowledged the attention with a composed smile, his charm and elegance on full display. He scanned the crowd, searching for someone.
Then, a splash of red descended from the staircase, drawing every eye.
It was Tonks.
She wore a long, flowing red gown, the fabric clinging gracefully to her figure like liquid silk.
To complement the dress, she had turned her hair a deep burgundy, elegantly twisted into a bun at the nape of her neck.
She wore amethyst heels, like violet blossoms at her feet, exuding both beauty and confidence.
Tonks walked toward Moriarty, her smile radiant. "Kept you waiting long?"
Moriarty extended his arm. "Everything's right on time, my little chef."
Tonks took his arm and rested her head on his shoulder naturally. "I thought you'd call me 'princess'."
"I don't believe in fairy tales—you know that." Moriarty led her toward a table near the head dais. "Marcus, go fetch Charlie and the house presidents. I've just had an excellent idea."