Chapter 137: News of the Christmas Ball

The Triwizard Tournament's First Challenge concluded successfully.

The two groups exchanged compliments, then each returned to their own college.

John also finally received a warm welcome from the Eagle House family, with cheers rising and falling.

After this battle, no one anymore questioned John's qualification as a Warrior.

John also finally enjoyed the true treatment of a Warrior.

Even the next day when he came to the Great Hall, the looks from the other colleges were much friendlier than before.

This made John's mood very pleasant.

"Mr. Merick."

At that moment, Professor McGonagall suddenly walked over and stopped John in the Great Hall.

"Professor."

John was about to go have breakfast, so he stopped, turned, and looked at Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall waved at John, signaling him to come over.

John could only let his friends go have breakfast first, while he followed Professor McGonagall out of the Great Hall.

Professor McGonagall didn't take him anywhere, but instead stopped in the hallway outside the Hall.

"John, first of all, congratulations on successfully passing the First Challenge; it was truly splendid."

Professor McGonagall looked at John, wearing a gentle smile, and gave him a compliment.

"Thank you, Professor, actually it's also thanks to you..."

John was about to say something nonsensical, but Professor McGonagall raised her hand to interrupt him.

"Stop the chatter; I called you here today for other matters."

"Um, you speak."

John, having been interrupted, also scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.

Professor McGonagall also continued speaking.

"The Triwizard Tournament has had an old tradition since its inception."

"That is to hold a dance at Christmas time."

"This dance is not only to relieve the tense schedule, but also to promote friendship development among the three schools."

Professor McGonagall slowly began speaking, telling John about the special event to be held at future Christmas.

"According to normal regulations, only students in fourth year or above may participate in this dance."

"But John, as a Warrior, you need to lead the dance at the ball, so you may participate as an exception, and indeed you must participate."

After hearing Professor McGonagall's words, John was also taken aback.

"Lead the dance... me?"

"I've never learned to dance since I was young."

Professor McGonagall looked at John's clueless appearance and was momentarily speechless.

"That's why I came early to tell you."

"You must learn how to dance before Christmas, and you must dance decently."

"Also, go invite a dance partner."

"Dance partner?"

"If you say this, I won't be sleepy."

The first thing that appeared in John's mind was Hermione's figure.

As soon as Professor McGonagall saw John spacing out, she knew without thinking what he was thinking about.

She then said no more and patted his shoulder.

"Do your best; I don't want to see Hogwarts' Warrior make a fool of himself at the ball."

Having said that, she turned and left.

And John also returned to the Hall with this news.

Titus had somehow already come over to have breakfast together.

"John, John, you've finally come; I have some news."

Upon seeing John, Titus immediately waved.

"What news?"

John was about to tell them about the dance, but Titus spoke first, so John asked strangely.

"Exactly, I heard that the Triwizard Tournament has an old tradition, namely on Christmas Eve..."

"You wouldn't also be wanting to talk about the dance, would you?"

Unexpectedly, Titus had only said half when John felt it was familiar, so he interrupted him.

"Huh? You know?"

Titus was also taken aback, and asked back.

"Just now Professor McGonagall called me out to talk about this."

"......"

John waved his hand and recounted exactly what Professor McGonagall had told him.

Ryan and Ethan, upon hearing this, were greatly disappointed.

Because this dance only allows participation by those in fourth year or above.

Although students below fourth year can be invited to participate, they don't know any fourth-year girls they could invite.

Titus, however, had already known this.

He nudged John's shoulder and, with a pointed tease, spoke up.

"Then who are you going to invite?"

John let out a shy cough.

"…asking knowingly."

Titus burst into laughter, a hint of mischief flashing in his eyes.

"Then you'd better hurry."

"You must never keep a girl waiting; otherwise she'll think you only approached her because you had no other options."

John nodded at the remark, seeing the point.

Sss, wait a moment, you kid, you think you know a lot?

Titus smugly flipped his bangs.

"I am unworthy, but I know a little about matters of the heart."

Hearing that, John and the others simultaneously rolled their eyes.

But John immediately gave Titus's words serious thought.

Indeed, it can't be delayed; the invitation may seem simple, but it concerns etiquette and sincerity.

If he asks too late, it not only seems perfunctory, but may also lead Hermione to think she's merely a backup.

Only by extending the invitation at the first moment can one demonstrate genuine intent and regard.

He doesn't want Hermione to feel he doesn't value her.

John looked toward the Gryffindor Long Table and saw that Hermione had already finished breakfast and gone to class.

He had no choice but to seek out senior Neville, who was still eating.

From senior Neville he learned that their first class was the Transformation Class.

He immediately decided to find her during the break.

Although the news hadn't been officially announced and going straight to her might startle her, John didn't want to wait.

Soon, the Transformation Class on the other side began.

Now fourth‑year Gryffindor and Slytherin students were in session.

Professor McGonagall stood at the podium and finally finished the lesson's material.

She closed her textbook, scanned the room, paused briefly, and said,

"Before the class ends, I have an announcement to make."

"The Christmas Ball is approaching; it's a traditional event of the Tri‑Wizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to interact with foreign guests."

"The ball is open only to students in fourth year or above, so I hereby inform you that if you wish to attend, you may do so."

"Of course, if you wish, you may also invite lower‑year students as dance partners."

Professor McGonagall informed them of the upcoming Christmas Ball.

She also mentioned some ball etiquette, such as the dress code requiring formal gowns, appropriate manners, and a prohibition on any prank Magic during the ball; violators will be expelled from the hall immediately.

She stressed in a solemn tone that Hogwarts's reputation must not be tarnished.

The students murmured among themselves, some excited, others nervous.

Hermione's eyes lit up when she heard that.

After class, Professor McGonagall called Harry over alone, and it's unclear what they discussed.

Hermione didn't wait for him or Ron; she gathered her books and hurried out of the classroom.

Thus she missed the reason Harry was kept behind.

Hermione briskly walked down the corridor as a cold draft slipped through the window cracks, lifting her slightly wavy hair.

She tightened her School Robe, yet kept moving.

This Christmas Ball is open only to students in fourth year or above, but inviting lower‑year students as partners is permitted.

That means John cannot take the initiative to attend the ball.

But now, as a Warrior of Hogwarts, he shone brilliantly during the First Challenge.

So, taking advantage of this, many will surely want to ask him to be their dance partner.

If I don't act quickly, I'll probably be beaten to it by others.

Sss, but how should I approach him…

They probably haven't received the Christmas Ball notice yet.

If I invite him now, will it seem too abrupt?

But if I don't take the initiative, that idiot might, at the slightest distraction, be taken by some other nasty girl.

Hermione bit her lip and decided to find him first.

At least to ensure he isn't taken away first.

But as she turned the corner, she ran straight into John, who was heading to the Transfiguration Classroom to find her.

When they met, both froze for a moment, then became a bit at a loss.

"Uh, He—Hermione… "

"Ah… it's John… "

Both, who had been full of Determination, froze the instant they saw each other.