Now Harry was the only one left in the tent, continuing to observe what was happening outside.
Fleur was clearly not as strong as the previous two champions, and she brushed against danger several times. Still, after ten minutes, she succeeded with a clever bit of Transfiguration. For a moment, the arena fell silent. Then Bagman announced Fleur's victory.
Before long, Harry received Bagman's notice. He curved his lips into a perfectly measured smile, warm and natural. When he stepped outside, everyone began cheering for him. Even though they all knew he would not be fighting for the Triwizard Tournament championship, watching Harry take the field and face a dragon was already a dazzling spectacle for most of the audience.
In front of Harry stood a circular set of stands, with a lowered dueling ground in the center. Most of the arena was made up of boulders of different sizes, and in the middle of it, a Hungarian Horntail nearly sixty-five feet long crouched low, guarding the golden egg beneath it.
The dragon's size surprised Harry a little. Faced with such an enormous dragon, he suspected that, among the four champions, he was probably the only one who could pass this task. It seemed luck was part of the Triwizard Tournament too.
After seeing Harry, the Hungarian Horntail glared viciously at him and violently whipped its spike-covered tail, leaving several long, uneven gouges across the hard ground. Then, without warning, it lunged at Harry, its razor-sharp front claws swiping mercilessly toward his face.
From the stands, Hermione and Ron cried out in alarm.
"Harry, dodge!"
But to everyone's shock, Harry stood completely still.
Some of the younger witches had already covered their eyes, unable to bear the sight of what was about to happen. If he was struck by the dragon's massive claws, even Harry Potter would be reduced to a thick smear of flesh.
At that moment, the Hungarian Horntail's right claw was only a few yards away from Harry and would reach him in the blink of an eye. Yet to the dragon, that short distance suddenly seemed like an uncrossable mountain, stretched countless times over. It could not advance even another inch.
Harry said calmly, "Kneel."
A purple magic circle flashed, and the gravity beneath the Hungarian Horntail increased dozens of times over. It was as if tens of tons of weight had suddenly slammed onto its body. Even though the Hungarian Horntail was extraordinarily powerful, its scales and flesh split open at once, and who knew how many bones throughout its body snapped.
Once the Hungarian Horntail was severely injured, nothing stood in Harry's way anymore. He walked easily into the dragon's nest, picked up the golden egg, and raised it high.
All the spectators erupted into earth-shaking cheers once again.
When Harry left the dueling ground, Hermione led a crowd of his friends rushing toward him. She threw her arms around him fiercely and said excitedly, "Harry, I knew you were the strongest."
The results came out quickly. Harry received full marks. But everyone also knew that, even though Harry had earned a perfect score, he was ultimately not eligible to become the Triwizard Tournament champion. From the moment the competition began, Harry had said he did not need the title and would not compete for it. Even if he had the highest score by the end of the tournament, he would, at most, be second place.
Still, before he had even entered the event, everyone already knew who the true champion of the Triwizard Tournament was. It was the greatest young wizard of the modern age, Harry Potter.
After Harry obtained the golden egg, Ludo Bagman gathered the four champions in the tent and said, "You all did very well. Now, I have a few things to tell you. The second task will begin next year on February 24 at nine-thirty in the morning. You'll have quite a long time to rest before then, but we're going to leave you with something to think about. Look down at the golden eggs in your hands, and you'll find that they can be opened. You must solve the clue inside the egg. It will tell you what the second task is, so that you can prepare yourselves. All right, are you ready, everyone? You may go."
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, Christmas was drawing near.
The weather that day was bright and clear, without a cloud in the sky. Warm sunlight made the cold winter seem slightly gentler.
During Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall's irritated voice rang out. "Mr. Weasley, could you please pay attention? This is an important matter."
Ron jumped in fright, quickly lifted his head, sat up straight, and looked solemnly at Professor McGonagall.
Only then did Professor McGonagall nod in satisfaction and smile. She cleared her throat, her stern gaze slowly sweeping over every student before she said, "Students, I assume you have all heard by now that the annual Yule Ball is approaching. This ball is no ordinary event. It is an important traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament, and an excellent opportunity for Hogwarts to interact with the two other magical schools, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang."
She paused briefly, then continued, "To be clear, the ball is open only to fourth years and above. However, if you wish, you may invite a younger student as your partner."
The classroom instantly exploded into chatter. Lavender Brown's sharp, silly giggle was especially obvious, while Parvati excitedly grabbed her hand, the two of them whispering about something.
Professor McGonagall frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping over them like lightning, and the classroom quickly fell silent again. Once the room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop, Professor McGonagall nodded in satisfaction and continued, "On the night of the ball, everyone must wear dress robes. That is a matter of respect for the ball and for the guests from the other schools. The ball will begin in the Great Hall at eight o'clock on Christmas night and end at midnight. Remember, this is not merely a cheerful gathering. It is also a chance to show the poise and character of Hogwarts students. On the day of the ball, you must conduct yourselves with grace while still enjoying yourselves. As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to present your best selves. I say this because the most important part of the Yule Ball is dancing."
When they heard they would be able to dance, many of the young witches and wizards grew excited, especially those who were already couples. Everyone began discussing the matter, asking their friends who they planned to invite.
At that moment, Harry noticed many of the young witches looking toward him. He froze for a second and immediately realized the next few days were not going to be peaceful.
Professor McGonagall spread her hands and pressed them downward, signaling for everyone to quiet down. "Hogwarts is deeply respected in the wizarding world and has nearly a thousand years of history. I will not allow you to tarnish her reputation in a single night. Let me warn you now, there will be no shrieking, no bouncing about, and no making spectacles of yourselves at the ball. Dancing is about making the body graceful and alive. Every girl has a swan inside her heart, and every boy has a lion inside his. Now then, Mr. Potter, come here and assist me. We will demonstrate to the rest of the class how an elegant dance should be performed."
Harry was still thinking about Professor McGonagall's comment that every boy had a lion in his heart. Did that mean Lu Mingfei was inside the lion's eyes? If that was the case, didn't that make every boy a loser?
Then he heard Professor McGonagall's words and froze. Professor McGonagall wanted him to dance with her?
As soon as Professor McGonagall spoke, a stream of muffled laughter came from behind Harry. To young wizards of this age, dancing with an elderly professor was undoubtedly embarrassing. If the person standing there had not been Harry but Ron, those laughs would probably have been much louder and far less restrained.
Harry could even imagine the twins using the incident to tease Ron for the rest of his life.
Harry stood up and walked forward until he was in front of Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded, reminding him, "Now place your right hand on my waist. In a moment, follow my steps."
Harry did not show the same reluctance as the other young wizards. In his eyes, Professor McGonagall was a respected elder, much like the Ancient One had once been.
Harry placed his hand on Professor McGonagall's waist. As Professor McGonagall waved her wand, graceful music gradually filled the classroom.
Across the multiverse, Harry had once learned many kinds of dances for all sorts of banquets and parties. Naturally, that included the waltz and the quickstep needed for a Christmas ball.
At first, Professor McGonagall intended to guide Harry through the dance. But the moment the two of them began, Harry completely took the lead.
The tips of Harry's dress shoes seemed to have been enchanted with an exquisitely precise Levitation Charm, tracing perfect arcs across the polished wooden floor. When he led Professor McGonagall into a turn, the sweep of her robes lifted in an arc no different from that of a top professional dancer. Whenever the professor made a tentative step, he responded with exactly the right amount of strength, as if their souls had already danced together thousands of times.
Hermione's quill dropped onto her parchment with a soft clatter. Ron stared with his mouth open as Harry completed a textbook-perfect closed-position transition. When Harry suddenly dipped Professor McGonagall so low that her silver hair nearly brushed the floor, every young witch and wizard cried out in surprise.
At the climax of the music, Harry suddenly changed the rhythm, incorporating elements of tango he had once learned. He led the professor into a sideways glide, his fingertips lightly touching her back. Surprise flashed through Professor McGonagall's eyes, but she immediately followed in perfect understanding. Their crossing silhouettes stretched long beneath the candlelight, like magical runes dancing across an ancient tapestry.
When the final note faded, Harry bowed elegantly. Professor McGonagall was slightly breathless, but her eyes shone with approval. "Mr. Potter, have you received proper dance training before?"
Harry nodded. "That's right. I have."
At that moment, thunderous applause erupted in the hall. Seamus whistled and shouted, "Harry, you should teach dance class!"
The young witches and wizards looked at Harry with even greater enthusiasm.
After Transfiguration class ended, Harry had just been about to leave with Hermione and Ron when Professor McGonagall's voice suddenly sounded behind him. "Mr. Potter, please stay behind. I have a few words for you."
So Harry asked Hermione and Ron to wait for him outside while he stayed behind to speak with Professor McGonagall. "Professor McGonagall, is something wrong?"
Professor McGonagall waited until every student had left before saying, "Mr. Potter, champions must have partners of their own. Do not forget that."
Harry nodded to show he understood. "Of course, Professor. I know. This is related to the second task, isn't it?"
"That is correct, Mr. Potter. However, I am a little worried about you."
"Why, Professor? What are you worried about?" Harry asked, somewhat confused.
"You are far too popular. I am afraid you may end up with more than one partner. That would make things very difficult for us."
Harry fell silent.
He felt rather helpless. He realized that his image in the eyes of many professors did not seem particularly good. Still, he explained, "Don't worry, Professor. My partner has already been decided."
"Oh? And who is the lucky young witch?"
"Hermione. I think she will be very willing to be my partner, and she will also be willing to help me pass the second task."
Professor McGonagall let out a sigh of relief. "So it is Miss Granger. She is indeed an outstanding young witch. You have excellent judgment, Harry."
After Harry left the Transfiguration classroom and rejoined Hermione and Ron, the two of them asked curiously, "Harry, what did Professor McGonagall want to talk to you about?"
"The matter of my partner for the Yule Ball."
"Oh, so that's all," Ron said, showing little reaction.
Hermione, however, was different. Miss Otter's eyes lit up, and then she patted her chest as if nothing had happened. "Harry, do you already have an ideal partner in mind?"
Harry noticed the expectant look in Miss Otter's eyes and answered with a brilliant smile, "Of course, Hermione."
"Then who is it?" The light in Miss Otter's eyes looked as if it were about to spill over.
Harry suddenly placed his hand on Miss Otter's soft hair and gently stroked it, feeling its exceptionally smooth texture. Then he asked, "Beautiful Miss Granger, would you be willing to be my partner at the upcoming Yule Ball?"
Miss Otter, of course, would not refuse. Or rather, she had been waiting for those words for a very, very long time. "Of course, Mr. Potter. I would be delighted!"
Only then did Ron react from the side. "Wait. You two have already found partners for each other just like that? Then what about me?"
"Then you'll have to work hard, Mr. Weasley," Harry and Hermione said together with a laugh.
Over the following days, after news of the Yule Ball spread to every young witch and wizard, many young witches gathered their courage and came one after another to invite Harry to be their partner.
Of course, after the first few young witches asked, everyone soon knew that Harry already had a partner, his good friend Hermione Granger. But that did not dampen their enthusiasm. If anything, it made them even more excited.
If Harry had not had a partner, being rejected might have felt embarrassing. But once they learned that Harry already had a partner and that success was nearly impossible, everyone began treating the act of inviting Harry as a little rite of passage.
And if one of them actually succeeded, that would be a delightful surprise.
However, unlike the many young witches, two particular young witches did not think that way.
Fleur and Ginny were both extremely unhappy. They also wanted to invite Harry to be their partner. Perhaps because of coincidence, or perhaps because of an unspoken mutual understanding, one evening, Fleur and Ginny appeared together in front of Harry and Hermione.
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