Chapter 478: The Ball

"Harry Potter, warriors all have their partners—"

"What partner?" Harry said. Professor McGonagall looked at him skeptically, as if she thought he was joking. "The partner you bring to the Christmas Ball, Potter," she said coldly, "your dance partner." Bai Lang gave a mysterious smile, "Professor, actually Potter only needs to say he needs a dance partner, and I think not only the fourth‑year Lavender, but even the third‑year Ginny would jump in and claim her selection."

"Regarding poking Harry Potter's lungs at this moment, Bai Lang felt no psychological burden—Harry Potter is just a youngster with fresh skin, and when he grows up he'll be grateful to Bai Lang. When Bai Lang spoke, Professor McGonagall also stared at him sternly, \"I approve that you may go without a dance partner, Mr. Ron Weasley! \" Harry Potter wailed, \"That's unfair, Professor, why can he go without a partner? \""

"Oh, you must dance," Professor McGonagall said irritably, "I was just about to tell you that. By tradition, the ball is opened by warriors and their partners." Harry twisted his face, "I won't dance!" and Bai Lang simply let out a Hehehe laugh.

"This is tradition," Professor McGonagall said firmly, "you, a Hogwarts warrior, as a representative of the school, must act as everyone expects. Therefore, you must find a dance partner for yourself, Potter." Harry made a face as if the sky were falling......

Delighted, Bai Lang left with Harry—Professor McGonagall probably thought a guy like Bai Lang would harm the female students? Maybe the big cat is like that? "I really envy you, Ron," Harry said dejectedly, "I'd rather have another round with a fire dragon than not know how to invite a girl."

Bai Lang sneered, "Trust me, when you truly face a dragon, you'll still think finding a girl to dance with is easier. I've already said, you can go straight to Lavender or even Ginny; they'll certainly agree—others? That's uncertain." Bai Lang thought for a moment, "As for me, I do have some thoughts about inviting that Bussbaston Furong... but I really can't dance."

Of course, Harry didn't believe a single word of the latter, as if a big cat who can move gracefully in combat like Bai Lang wouldn't be bothered by simple dance steps? A trickster? Bai Lang actually gave it a try, finding it quite fun—perhaps after his Animagus transformed into a tiger, his Tiger Form Fist finally reached a pinnacle, and he increasingly seemed able to switch freely between the concept of a 'tiger' and a martial artist.

The tiger is originally a concept, not simply a literal large feline carnivore......

Bai Lang, under everyone's gaze, walked toward the Bussbaston student group, looking at the Bussbaston warrior Furong Delacour inside, "Would it be possible to invite you to be my dance partner?" he asked in a completely insincere tone. Furong flinched like a deer spotted by a tiger, but then said very resolutely, "Sorry, I already have a dance partner!"

Bai Lang raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I see." Then, quite naturally, he noticed the wildly electrifying French woman beside him—though she was still a student, she was still a French woman, and many resented Furong's beauty. Bai Lang may not bear the title of warrior, yet he is a 'warrior' stronger than all warriors, so hooking up with her would prove he is more impressive than Furong Delacour, wouldn't it?

Thus the wild electricity, indicating that there is a woman here eager to accept your invitation.

To avoid trouble—Hogwarts also has such female students—Bai Lang cut through the mess and chose the most beautiful French woman directly, "It's you, then. May I have your name, miss?"

"You can call me Sophie," the girl replied, delighted, glancing sideways at Furong with a teasing look. "Then, see you at the Christmas Ball." Bai Lang said politely.

Hogwarts teachers and students continually showed a desire to leave a deep impression on the Bussbaston and Demstlong guests, seemingly determined to showcase the castle's finest appearance this Christmas. Indeed, from sparkling holly berries to constantly chirping live golden owls. The armors were enchanted; whenever someone passed, they would sing Christmas carols. Hearing an empty helm sing, "Oh, come forth, you devout ones," was especially comical.

The armors only knew half the lyrics; the gatekeeper Felchi had to pull the imp out of the armor several times, because the imp hid inside and, when the armor couldn't continue singing, it would improvise crude, harsh verses. Marble staircase railings were hung with ice pillars that never melted, and the twelve Christmas trees habitually placed in the hall were adorned with all sorts of trinkets.

The conflict between the imp and Bai Lang was eternal; Bai Lang now found it hard to smash certain armors on the spot, so the imp often hid inside the armor, loudly singing various taunting songs about Bai Lang. Bai Lang outside kept the beat for the imp, cheering, "Imp, come out for a moment, let's talk. How about I give you some free food?" Bai Lang invited the imp more than once, but the imp steadfastly refused to show its head.

Bai Lang watched with great pleasure in the common room as two foolish youths still fretted over inviting a dance partner—yes, Harry and Ron, the two idiots, already dragging themselves to the deadline. Ginny and Hermione ultimately rejected those two idiots; Bai Lang wanted to say he had warned them early, but on reflection it was pointless—salt on Harry and Ron's wounds brought little joy.

Finally, out of desperation, the two could only agree with the Indian twin sisters to attend the ball... making it seem like they suffered a huge loss; the sisters were undoubtedly of high caste, quite beautiful, and accompanying the two idiots to the ball was merely giving them face.

Christmas arrived, marking Bai Lang's first Christmas at Hogwarts; unsurprisingly, the gifts he received were all from classmates, and the gifts he gave were similar—various candies, what else? Besides giving Neville a set of sword and shield. At seven p. m., the male students began changing into their ball attire—Bai Lang certainly wouldn't wear a magical robe; he changed into a tailored, cinched long robe with a cape from a ready‑made shop—just like Gornick's.

Bai Lang's robe was black and white, black base with white trim, silver buttons and a leather belt. His physique had finally taken shape, and wearing it gave him a truly human appearance—he left the newly grown stubble unshaven for a more mature look. Ron's ceremonial robe resembled a women's gown, even with lace. After descending into the great hall, Bai Lang headed straight to the Bussbaston area to look for Sophie. One must admit, the French woman, dressed up, was indeed beautiful; at least Bai Lang thought she was no less than Furong.

When she saw him, she smiled, stepped forward and extended her hand... Bai Lang performed a kiss‑hand salute. In return came a soft "wo......" from nearby; Sophie's nose seemed to be pointing to the sky as she looked around smugly. She might not be the prettiest there, but her dance partner was undoubtedly the most dazzling and formidable student present.

Besides, Bai Lang looked human, and his attire was quite cool.