HP: Wormwood and Lightning Wood

When Draco crawled into the tent, Hermione and Ron were already surrounding Harry.

"That biased, annoying guy! He only gave you six points! You're clearly the fastest!" Ron was speaking up for Harry.

Harry caught a glimpse of dazzling gold out of the corner of his eye, turned around in surprise, and exclaimed, "Draco!"

For some reason, Draco felt a little awkward, so he coughed awkwardly. "Well done, Harry."

"Is it just good?" Harry walked up to Draco, looked down at him, his thick black eyelashes drooping down, making him look like a wronged big dog.

"...Great, Harry," Draco said.

Hermione tugged at Ron's sleeve. "...I think we should go."

"Huh?" Ron scratched his head in confusion, as Hermione pulled him out of the tent.

Now only Harry and Draco remain here.

Draco was a little embarrassed. "Um... well, me too..."

"Oh, right," Harry interrupted Draco, picked something up from a chair beside him, and shoved it into Draco's arms, "this is for you."

Draco looked closely and saw that it was a model of a Hungarian hornet-scorpion.

The tree bee dragon has a pair of bright yellow eyes that are piercing and bright, like two small, glowing beads. Its sharp, bronze horns stand upright, and the spikes on its tail are clearly defined.

The model has been enchanted and can move freely.

The tree bee dragon spread its wings, wrapped them around Draco's arm, and breathed a thin flame at Harry.

Harry scratched his head. "It seems to like you a lot."

Draco stroked the Hornet Dragon's back, subconsciously recalling Harry's outstanding performance on the field.

"Do you like it?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Thank you, I like it very much," Draco replied, a smile playing on his lips.

In December, a cold wind carrying heavy snow howled into Hogwarts.

As Christmas draws ever closer, the students and teachers of Hogwarts are eager to make an unforgettable impression on their guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.

Therefore, the preparations for this Christmas are more meticulous and grander than in previous years.

The handrails of the marble staircase are adorned with crystal-clear, never-melting icicles.

Upon entering the hall, twelve tall Christmas trees stand in neat rows, adorned with a dazzling array of ornaments: holly berries shimmering with brilliant light, like rubies scattered among them; and golden owls fluttering their wings and emitting clear chirps.

Even the armor in the castle was imbued with magical powers. Whenever someone walked by, accompanied by the clanging of metal, they would sing a melodious Christmas carol in unison, adding a strong festive atmosphere to this winter.

Harry has been very anxious lately.

West told him to find clues for the second level on his own and solve the puzzle of the golden egg.

"Although I know the challenge of the second level, I'm very curious about what kind of key clues the golden egg will give. So, you give it a try, Harry." These were West's exact words.

But Harry still has no clue.

The golden egg was empty, but once opened, it emitted a piercing scream powerful enough to shatter his eardrums.

Of course, this wasn't the only thing bothering him—he still didn't have a dance partner, even though he already had someone in mind.

For the first time, Harry felt like a coward, lacking even the courage to extend an invitation.

He lay on the long table, letting out a muffled groan.

Hermione calmly continued writing her paper, not even looking up, and said, "Hurry up, Harry, Draco is very popular."

Harry looked up abruptly. "How did you know I was going to invite...?"

"It's so obvious, Harry," Hermione rolled her eyes. "You might not succeed if you speak up, but you definitely have no chance if you don't."

Hermione gestured toward the Slytherin table, "Look."

Draco was surrounded by several girls, chatting happily, his face beaming with smiles.

Harry's face darkened. "You're right, Hermione."

He was distracted, but he didn't forget to check on his friend, "And you, Hermione, have you found a dance partner yet?"

"Don't worry about me, Harry, I already accepted someone else's invitation." Hermione flipped through the book without changing her expression.

Hermione didn't say who it was, but Harry was too preoccupied to care.

He watched Draco's figure, stood up, and felt his stomach clench.

Harry took a deep breath and walked over to Draco. "Can I speak with you alone, Draco?"

"Harry?" Draco looked at him questioningly. "Of course."

Harry pulled Draco away from the group of girls and took him away.

Pansy, who was polishing her nails while leaning against Blaise, couldn't help but click her tongue when she saw this. "Finally, they've made their move. I was so anxious!"

Blaise chuckled. "Looks like you can't keep Draco company anymore?"

"I think so, dear Blaise," Pansy raised her hand, admiring her work. "Perhaps you have a better idea?"

"Then, may I invite this beautiful lady to the ball?" Blaise asked.

"You're honored," Pansy chuckled.

"Harry, you're using too much force," Draco frowned in displeasure.

Harry snapped out of his daze, loosening his grip on Draco's wrist. "Sorry, Draco."

He looked at Draco's slightly reddened wrist with guilt.

The two were now standing in an empty corridor. There was nothing there except for the armor that suddenly started singing a Christmas carol.

"...Draco, do you...do you have a dance partner?" Harry mustered his courage and stammered.

Draco looked at Harry, a dark glint in his grey-blue eyes. "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll be attending the ball with Pansy."

Harry felt his insides convulsing, a chill rising in his stomach. "...Oh."

He heard himself say, "Okay."

Harry kept a straight face, not daring to look at Draco's face, afraid that he would do something stupid.

"Potter," Draco stepped forward, grabbing Harry's tie, "what exactly are you going to do?"

Harry felt like he'd exhausted all his courage here. Draco forcefully pulled him up, and he looked Draco directly into his eyes. "Um... I'm sorry, Draco—I was going to ask you if you'd like to come to the Christmas Ball with me..."

"Idiot," Draco muttered.

"What?" Harry raised his eyebrows in confusion, his eyes involuntarily glued to Draco's exquisite face.

He traced Draco's eyebrows and eyes down to his lips.

Harry suddenly became confused, his mind a complete mess.

Draco was looking up at him, his fair and delicate skin glowing softly in the sunlight, his eyes slightly upturned, and Harry's reflection shone in his grey-blue eyes.

Harry's gaze shifted to Draco's beautifully shaped, thin lips, which were moving as if saying something. Harry tried his best to understand what Draco was saying.

I promise you.

Harry felt as if he'd been struck by a giant sledgehammer, his vision blurring with stars. He meant, had he heard correctly? This might be a dream—

"Harry?" Draco raised his hand and waved it in front of Harry's eyes. "Did you hear what I said?"

The next second, Draco was pulled into Harry's arms.

Harry's hot breath brushed against his reddened earlobes, and the force with which his knuckles gripped the back of his neck was almost obsessive.

"I heard you!" Harry couldn't contain his smile. "I heard you! Draco, thank you."