Chapter 327: Just half a bite

Professor Slughorn's ball didn't invite too many people.

After all, the Poison Wine incident is still fresh in memory.

He didn't want to cause any more trouble that would damage his reputation.

Nevertheless, the students of Hogwarts still found out about the ball.

After all, such events are rarely held at Hogwarts.

Especially those boys and girls just beginning to experience love, they longed for it even more.

But merely looking forward, without an invitation they ultimately couldn't attend.

However, there were still other ways to participate.

For example, becoming the dance partner of an already invited student.

Like our Luna, she was invited by Neville to be his dance partner.

And Ginny, too, was invited by Harry to be his dance partner.

As for John and Hermione, they were both invited students, so even without being asked to be a dance partner, they could attend directly.

But John still solemnly invited Hermione to be his dance partner.

Hermione naturally agreed gladly.

As Titus would put it, even if they were an old married couple, the sense of ceremony would never go out of style.

One can tell that Mr. Claude surely often creates various romantic surprises for Mrs. Claude in his daily life...

Today Hermione wore a pink dress similar to the one from two years ago, and she had her hair specially done.

Compared to two years ago, Hermione's demeanor is now more mature, her brow betraying confidence and composure.

Her figure has also become more slender; compared to two years ago, she has gained some of the graceful beauty and strength unique to mature women.

Seeing John's unblinking gaze scrutinizing her, Hermione couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

"What, John?"

"Did I get something on my face?"

Hermione's pretty brows and eyes curved as she looked at John, smiling and saying.

Upon hearing that, John immediately nodded solemnly and said, "Indeed, there's something on it."

"Really? What is it?"

Hermione propped one hand on the table behind her, the other lightly brushing her hair, and smiled teasingly.

"Let me get closer to take a look."

John was about to shamelessly move close to Hermione's face, but Hermione mercilessly pinched his cheek, causing his mouth to pout.

"I know what you're thinking."

"Behave yourself; I put on makeup today, and later you'll smudge it with your kisses."

Hermione pinched John's cheek and said angrily.

Today she did indeed wear light makeup, not conspicuous, but enough to highlight the clarity of her eyes and the warmth of her lip color.

"Just one bite."

John let Hermione pinch him, without resisting or moving forward forcefully, but instead extended a finger to negotiate.

"No."

"Then... half a bite?" John blinked his eyes and continued to negotiate.

"..."

Hermione almost couldn't help laughing from anger at that.

But seeing John unusually obedient, with a bit of childish appeasement, she finally softened, her fingertips loosening slightly.

"Just half a bite... no cheating, okay."

John then moved closer, one arm around Hermione's waist, forehead against hers, and said with a smile.

"We never really settled on what counts as a half bite, right?"

Hermione's ears tinged red, knowing John would definitely not keep his promise honestly.

But she didn't push John away again, slowly closing her eyes.

John's mouth curled into a smile as he leaned in and lightly kissed her moist lip corner.

But it was like a dragonfly touching water—he kissed once and then pulled back half an inch.

Hermione, who had been closing her eyes awaiting a kiss, felt her heart itch from that dragonfly‑water kiss.

She immediately opened her big, shining eyes, her cheeks flushed like blooming peach blossoms, and glared at John resentfully.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you!"

"What on purpose?"

John asked knowingly, teasing.

Hermione's face turned even redder, she bit her lower lip, embarrassed to speak.

"... You know exactly what..."

"Know what? Tell me."

John again lightly kissed Hermione's lip corner, then immediately pulled back, teasing slowly.

Hermione stared at John's smug grin and finally couldn't hold back.

She grabbed a handful of John's shirt front, stood on tiptoe, and gave a slight tug.

She actively pressed her lips to John's.

With the shyness and decisiveness unique to a girl.

After a long while, they finally slowly separated.

"This doesn't count as half a bite, does it?"

John gently pinched Hermione's flushed cheeks with his hand and said with a smile.

Hermione's eyes held both shy affection and dissatisfied annoyance.

"Hmph~"

"Anyway, it's not yet decided how to do a half bite."

She pushed John away directly, then turned her head and let out a soft hum, saying.

"Indeed, then I'll consider it as you taking advantage of me."

John spread his hands, pretending to have lost out, and said.

Upon hearing this, Hermione immediately stepped on John's foot in dissatisfaction.

"Ow!"

John, still pretending, immediately cried out in pain.

"Serves you right!" Hermione lifted her chin, dissatisfied, and muttered.

Then, without caring whether John kept up, she headed straight for the dance.

John could only rub the top of his foot, grimacing as he chased after her.

Professor Slughorn specially selected a seldom-visited area of the castle for this dance.

He decorated the hall with curtains; it was brightly lit inside, many tables were arranged around, and the tables were filled with assorted desserts and bubbling pumpkin juice.

By then, many people had already come to the dance.

Besides some students from their own school, there were also some invited outsiders.

As Professor Slughorn had said before, he would invite some old friends or former star students to add glamour and weight to the dance.

Of course, they were only allowed in after passing strict checks.

As soon as John and Hermione stepped into the hall, they heard a melodious violin sound drifting down from the ceiling.

All around were the sounds of people clinking glasses and chatting, and already several young couples were dancing gracefully in the center of the dance floor.

"Oh, John, Hermione, you've finally come."

Professor Slughorn was standing near the hall chatting with a few old friends; upon seeing the two at the entrance, he immediately went over to greet them enthusiastically.

"Good evening, Professor." The two bowed slightly toward the professor.

Seeing the talented and beautiful pair, the professor's face was full of a relieved smile.

"Look, what a perfect pair."

"Let me introduce you: these two are the students I mentioned before, John Merick, a regular of The Daily Prophet, a genius boy—you surely know him."

"This is Hermione Gelanjie, the smartest witch I've ever met; no problem can stump her."

Professor Slughorn immediately turned and enthusiastically introduced the nearby outsiders.

"Professor, you're overpraising us; we're not as excellent as you say."

Hermione quickly waved her hands, speaking modestly.

"But I think the professor's praise is justified," John said matter-of-factly from the side.

Upon hearing this, Hermione immediately stepped on John's foot again, then restored her smile and politely nodded to the several guests.

"Hehe... sorry for the laughter."

Several people couldn't help but laugh at the sight.