This morning, fifth-year students have Transfiguration class in addition to Defence Against the Dark Arts.
They're still learning the Vanishing Spell, but this time, the animal to transform is a hamster.
Even though it's just a different animal, the difficulty has shot up more than a bit—after two full lessons, most people haven't made any progress.
This situation had never happened before. Recently, every time it's Transfiguration class, the students are all anxious, afraid of seeing Professor McGonagall's disappointed expression again.
This time is no exception.
Throughout the lesson, the classroom is filled with crackling explosions. Everyone wants to finish the task quickly, so their mood inevitably gets more and more frantic. The explosions are caused by spell misfires.
Someone was so nervous they even blew their desk into splinters.
"Everyone, stop for a moment…"
Professor McGonagall repaired the shattered desk with her wand and spoke loudly, "You're too hasty. This actually makes it harder to master the Vanishing Spell. Try to calm yourselves down…"
"Alright, perhaps some news will help relax those tense nerves of yours."
Everyone looked at her.
"The Christmas Ball is coming up soon," Professor McGonagall said. "It's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests."
Sure enough, as soon as Professor McGonagall finished, the room erupted into a flurry of chirping discussions.
A few Gryffindor girls who had been crying earlier suddenly gathered together, whispering and giggling, and occasionally turned their faces to sneak a glance at Kael.
Professor McGonagall ignored them and continued, "The ball is only open to students in fourth year and above, but you may also choose a partner from the lower years if you wish…"
"It'll be held at eight in the evening on Christmas Day, in the Auditorium."
"Remember to wear your dress robes. This is a rare chance for us to… hmm… let down our hair and relax."
The laughter around became louder.
Luckily, the bell rang at that moment. Everyone frantically packed their things and rushed out of the classroom, eager to spread the good news.
But Kael was kept behind.
"As per tradition, the Triwizard Tournament Ball is opened by the Champions and their dance partners…" Professor McGonagall said. "You understand what I mean?"
"Of course, Professor." Kael glanced outside… Conna was waiting for him, holding two books and leaning against the railing.
Professor McGonagall obviously noticed too. She couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Alright, as long as you know. Still, I must remind you—you need to practice your dancing skills a bit these days."
"As the opening act, lots of people will be watching you. If your dancing's a mess, you'll definitely end up as everyone's joke."
Kael's expression instantly became… interesting.
Now the problem was…
The only dancing he knows is that peculiar mating dance of the Moonstruck Beast, taught to him by Newt when he was ten.
Oh, and he can do the Poison Horned Beast's dance too.
But that's useless—the Triwizard Ball probably won't feature music suited for either of those.
And there's no way Dumbledore would allow him to take a Moonstruck Beast as a dance partner.
Seeing his look, Professor McGonagall seemed to realize something and tentatively asked, "You don't know how to dance?"
Kael stiffly nodded.
Professor McGonagall was incredulous. "Wait… your father… Chris never took you to any balls?"
The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures interacts with foreign wizards plenty of times. When those foreign wizards come, Chris, as Deputy Minister, inevitably attends some welcome balls and receptions.
And those balls typically allow family members as guests—a common event.
"Uh… not once," Kael replied.
When it came to balls and such, Chris always dodged if he could, only showing up when absolutely necessary—to grab some buffet.
As for Kael, he avoided them too. If he had the time, he'd rather watch fire salamander matches inside Newt's suitcase.
"Oh…" Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead.
A Champion responsible for opening the ball who can't dance—this was a disaster, both for Kael himself and for Hogwarts.
Thankfully, she'd bothered to ask today.
"You can put aside your other classes for now."
Professor McGonagall spoke in a tone that brooked no argument, "There's only one week until Christmas, so you must learn to dance during this time… Even if it's just one song, that'll do."
"Here's the plan: tomorrow's the weekend, and at ten in the morning I'll hold a dance club in the Auditorium. Remember—no, you must come."
With that, Professor McGonagall hurried out of the classroom, looking like she was off to find Headmaster Dumbledore on the eighth floor.
Kael smacked his lips and followed her out.
"Professor McGonagall seemed pretty anxious," Conna walked over, curiosity piqued. "What did you talk about?"
"A very grim challenge," Kael sighed. "Way scarier than facing two fire dragons alone."
"Huh?" Conna was even more intrigued.
"Never mind, it's nothing." Kael shook his head. "By the way, can I invite you to the Christmas Ball? You know the Champions need to open with their dance partners. I need your help."
If not, I guess I'd have to dance with a Moonstruck Beast… Professor Dumbledore definitely won't approve that."
Conna instantly forgot whatever questions were on her mind just now. She looked at Kael and tilted her head slightly.
"Only you would think about dancing with a Moonstruck Beast… But, alright… Since you asked, I'd love to be your partner."
"That's wonderful!" Kael said, grinning.
Then the two of them headed downstairs together toward the common room.
Meanwhile, in the dungeons.
Snape was brewing a Magic Potion when his hand slipped, dumping an entire bottle of Nine-Banded Armadillo Gallbladder Juice into the cauldron.
The pale blue potion instantly turned deep purple, bubbling furiously.
"Oh, damn!" Snape waved his wand, clearing away both potion and cauldron, then instinctively thought of Sirius Black.
Though Black wasn't here, he'd definitely pin the blame on him.
Ever since Black arrived at Hogwarts, the rivalry has been constant… Snape deducts points from Gryffindor, but then Black will take points from Slytherin students right back—using almost identical reasons.
He's been pestering Dumbledore about it these days, even losing sleep over it.
That mistake just now must have been because he hadn't rested enough—otherwise, how could a Potion Master make such a low-level blunder?
Dumbledore must be senile, letting an idiot become a professor.
...