Chapter 143: Trying on Clothes

The Christmas holiday arrived as scheduled.

A few days earlier, some students who weren't attending the ball had already taken their luggage and left the school, boarding the train home.

But even so, many students stayed, and Hogwarts still brimmed with festive atmosphere.

The Hall had already been set with twelve Christmas Trees, sparkling snowflakes drifted from the ceiling, and lanterns and decorations hung everywhere.

This was John's first Christmas at school, so it felt quite novel to him.

Moreover, during this period John rarely had to join Professor Flitwick for morning training.

In his old man's words, a holiday should be taken to relax properly.

Thus he slept until the sun was high each day before lazily getting up, sometimes even wanting to stay in his dorm all day.

But he never actually lounged all day, because Hermione would always block the entrance of Ravenclaw Tower, having passing students call John out for her.

After all, the ball was about to start.

So Hermione came to John every day to practice dance steps with him.

Even the second challenge was tossed aside by them.

Also practicing dance daily were Neville and Harry.

According to Hermione, Harry had also successfully invited Ginny to the ball.

This made Hermione very pleased, because she knew Ginny actually liked Harry, though Harry had never noticed.

Now that the two could dance together, it might give them a wonderful beginning.

As for Ron, it was said he even went to invite Furong, and after extending the invitation without waiting for an answer, he bolted away.

And Furong obviously could not accept his invitation, because John had heard early that their house's Quidditch Captain LuoJie had already successfully invited Furong as a dance partner.

So even if Ron hadn't run, he would still have been rejected in the end.

Later, when Ron heard that Harry had invited his own sister as a dance partner, he became sullen for several days, because he had no partner.

Later Harry mentioned that Lavender was nice, and Ron mustered the courage to invite her, finally getting a partner.

Then, finally, the day of the Christmas Party arrived.

"How does it look, Professor Hagrid, does this outfit fit me?"

"Oh my, it's too fitting."

"Can you stop using such exaggerated tone..."

"But you've asked me seven or eight times already."

The party, of course, is held at night.

So during the day, it remains free time.

But today John got up early and came to Hagrid's Hut.

Because Ryan and the others had gone back, no one could check whether his formal wear fit him.

So he went to Hagrid for advice.

Fortunately, after his repeated 'interrogation', Hagrid gave a confirming reply, and John reluctantly felt at ease.

"My turn, my turn."

"John, what do you think of this outfit?"

At this moment, Hagrid also put on his fur coat suit, wearing a yellow tie, spun a circle in front of John, and asked excitedly.

John couldn't help but laugh, nodding repeatedly, "Professor Hagrid, this outfit is simply fantastic."

"I'm being serious, John."

Seeing John's expression, Hagrid pretended to be displeased and frowned.

"Alright, alright, crouch a bit, I'll adjust your tie."

John had to wave his hand, letting Hagrid crouch so he could adjust the tie.

"Hmm, that's much better."

After adjusting, Hagrid also touched the tie and smiled broadly with satisfaction.

"Hagrid, John."

At that moment, Hermione's voice came from outside the hut.

Hermione was seen walking in the falling snow, steps light, her hair tips dusted with fine snowflakes.

John and Hermione had arranged in advance to visit Hagrid together today.

But it wasn't ball time yet, so she was still wearing her everyday robe.

When she entered, she saw John in a crisp formal suit, her pretty face flushed instantly, her heart racing a few beats faster.

Because John's outfit was cut extremely well, it highlighted his straight shoulders and his figure stood tall like a pine.

The suit's cuffs revealed a strip of snow‑white shirt, the bow tie was tied meticulously, like a gentleman stepping out of a fashion spread.

She was momentarily dazed, and after regaining herself she quickly lowered her head, awkwardly flicking her hair.

"You... already changed clothes? The party won't start for several more hours."

Hermione paused, then asked awkwardly.

"Ah, we're trying on clothes, we have to prepare in advance."

John laughed and said, pulling Hermione's hand.

"You came at the right time, you can also take a look for us."

Hagrid also nodded repeatedly, smiling earnestly and agreeing: "Right, right, Hermione, your eye is sharp, give us some advice quickly."

Hermione's cheeks reddened further from the sudden request, but she forced herself to stay calm, lifted her head, glanced lightly over John's tie and shoulders, and whispered.

"Hmm, all... good, very fitting."

She nodded gently, her voice so soft it was almost drowned by the crackling of the hearth.

Speaking, she unintentionally reached out and gently brushed John's chest, as if smoothing nonexistent wrinkles.

Unconsciously, John had already grown taller than her, though only by a little.

But compared to before when she had to look down at him, now she can finally look him straight on.

Putting on that dashing suit gave him a touch of unfamiliar maturity and nobility, and took away some of his youthful naivety.

He was a far cry from his usual joking self, making one can't help but feel a sudden flutter.

And when Hermione lowered her head and gently stroked John's chest, John felt his heart tremble.

Because Hermione was so close—close enough that he could smell the faint citrus scent from her hair, mingling with the crisp winter air, making his spirit stir slightly.

Her warm, soft hand pressed tightly against his chest, and with her head half‑tilted, only her slightly trembling lashes beneath her hair and her lightly pursed lips were visible.

She indeed looked like a little bird clinging to a person, downright cheating.

John unconsciously held his breath and leaned closer to her; their heads were almost touching.

Then the two remained silent together for a few seconds.

This caused Hagrid, standing nearby, to scratch his head, showing a puzzled expression.

Why did you stop rating halfway?

My formal wear hasn't been rated yet.