I, Hogwarts Second Time Around.

Chapter 295 The Ball is in Progress

As more and more young wizards gathered in front of the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, "Warriors, please come this way!"

Then the other young wizards went in first, followed by the warriors and their dance partners. The professor told them to line up in pairs and follow behind her.

They filed in and walked toward a large round table at the front of the hall where the referees were seated, and the people applauded enthusiastically.

The walls of the auditorium were covered with shimmering silver frost, and the ceiling displayed a starlit night sky, adorned with hundreds of mistletoe twigs and ivy wreaths. The four college tables were gone, replaced by a hundred small tables lit with lanterns, each with about ten people seated around it.

The warriors went straight to the front of the main seating area, where Dumbledore sat in the middle, looking at them with a rather displeased expression.

Irving guessed that it must have nothing to do with the Christmas present he gave out today.

The other three principals had different expressions.

Professor Yurali was taken aback when she saw Koyatl and Ron enter side by side, but then a smile appeared on her face.

Beside her, Mrs. Maxim had changed out of her usual black satin uniform and was now wearing a flowing pale purple robe. She also looked excited, but not at them; instead, she was gazing towards the entrance of the auditorium, seemingly waiting for someone to enter—something Owen thought couldn't be Hagrid.

As for his grandmother, Wenda, she had no interest in the ball. She was still wearing her dark green robe and looked as if she had just rushed to Hogwarts.

She wasn't in the main seat, but rather standing to one side talking to several unfamiliar wizards.

A few weeks ago, Owen learned that his grandfather would be leaving the castle before Christmas; otherwise, why would he have sent the Correspondence to Dumbledore this Christmas?

Hmm—it's like rubbing salt into a wound.

Ludo Bagman, dressed in a bright purple robe with large yellow stars, clapped enthusiastically like his classmates.

Mr. Crouch was not beside him; Percy Weasley sat in the fifth seat at the table.

He doesn't look good at all.

His dark circles made him look like he was about to collapse. When Percy saw Owen looking at him, he suddenly snapped to attention. He then pulled a pocket watch from his chest, pointed at it, and nodded to himself.

"What is he doing?" Hermione asked curiously.

"That means—find some time to talk," Irving explained.

Suddenly, many floor tiles rose up behind the main seating area, taller than Dumbledore and his companions. The headmaster and the guests smiled and stepped aside to the sides.

The young wizards' attention was completely drawn to it.

Suddenly, many chairs appeared on the raised floor tiles, and then a group of young wizards dressed in Hogwarts uniforms walked in through a side door, carrying all sorts of musical instruments. Leading them was our beloved Professor Flitwick.

"Yugadimurleviosa!"

The professor gently tapped the floating floor tiles with his wand, and they immediately stabilized.

The young wizards in the orchestra took their seats one by one, and the professor, dressed in a tailcoat, stood in front of them with his hands raised high.

It begins with the first note.

The mistletoe on the petals of the celestial flower sprouts new buds at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The magnificent, melodious, and graceful symphony seemed to slowly part the clouds, then suddenly erupted with overwhelming momentum, like a whirlwind sweeping across the land. The tempo suddenly accelerated in the middle section, and a strong sense of urgency rushed over us.

On the violin, the notes danced rapidly, the tuba resounded, and Owen could even faintly hear the whistle of a train, heading into the distance alone and mysteriously in the pouring rain.

"That sounds beautiful," Miss Granger said, looking at the young wizards playing the ensemble in the main hall. "What's it called?"

"Hedwig Variations," Owen whispered.

Besides being a master duelist, Professor Flitwick's other great passion is classical music.

Every year at the Halloween and Christmas dinners, his Hogwarts Orchestra would play a wide variety of pieces.

Some are works by classic European masters, while others are compositions he made himself.

Yes, Professor Frivi is also a musician.

—I just don't know if he knows how to fluff cotton.

"Hedwig?" Hermione was taken aback. Of course, she knew that was the name of Harry's owl.

"That's right, Hedwig," Owen said calmly.

After the song ended, Professor Flitwick didn't even take a break and immediately continued casting spells.

The next song then began.

The professor's solo dance lasted for twelve minutes before it finally came to an end.

"Clap clap clap!"

A round of enthusiastic applause filled the hall, and Dumbledore clapped his hands as he invited the guests to return to their seats.

By then, the table was already full of plates.

The gleaming platters were empty, but each person had a small menu in front of them. Hermione hesitantly picked up her menu and looked around—no waiters were visible. Dumbledore examined her menu carefully, then, pointing to her plate, said very clearly, "Pork chop!" Immediately, a pork chop appeared. The others at the table understood and followed suit, ordering their own favorite dishes.

"Hmph—the elf's workload has doubled again," she said, somewhat displeased.

"Indeed," Owen agreed. "They clearly have better ways, but they're just used to being waited on and have never thought of any other methods. They just don't have that kind of awareness."

In fact, all it takes to achieve such a magical phenomenon is a simple teleportation spell.

It's not a very difficult thing.

Hermione was reluctant to eat the food on her plate; she puffed out her cheeks angrily, her expression gloomy.

Owen didn't say much; he simply picked up his knife and fork and began to eat heartily. Since the food was already prepared, there was no reason to waste it. For Hufflepuff, there was only delicious food and magical creatures.

The other young wizards also ate happily. Although Professor Flitwick's music was very nice, everyone was starving because it had been so long since they started eating.

Hermione, after agonizing for three or four minutes, finally gave up and chose to compromise with the oppressive darkness. She understood that things at the castle had to be done step by step, and even if she starved herself to death, the wizards, who were used to being high and mighty, would not realize their mistake.

"Phew~" She let out a soft breath, then, with a touch of demureness, she gripped her knife and fork and began to eat from Owen's plate.

In her words, if you're going to trouble others, don't go to so much trouble. One plate is enough for the two of them.

— Gradually, the atmosphere in the auditorium became lively, and everyone was chatting happily.

Hagrid was waving at the table directly opposite them. He had just come in from outside.

He put on that ugly, fuzzy brown suit again, which looked terrifying.

Then they saw Hagrid quickly shift his attention to the VIP seats.

There, Mrs. Maxim waved to Hagrid, her opal drink gleaming in the candlelight.

The conversation naturally shifted to Hagrid, Mrs. Maxim, and Beauxbatons.

Gabrielle described Christmas in Beauxbatons: "Every year at this time, our auditorium is filled with ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes. They don't melt and look like giant diamond statues, sparkling in the auditorium. Oh, and there's the Mountain Fairy Choir; they sing serenades for us while we eat, and—"

After more than half an hour, when everyone had finished eating, Dumbledore stood up and told the students to stand up as well.

With a wave of his wand, the tables flew to the wall, leaving an empty space in the middle.

He conjured up a tall stage, which was placed against the right wall, on which sat a drum set, several guitars, a lute, a cello, and several organs.

At that moment, the eccentric sisters rushed onto the stage, and the audience erupted in thunderous applause.

Their hair was exceptionally thick, and they wore black robes that were deliberately torn to shreds.

They picked up their instruments, and everyone watched them with great interest, almost forgetting what they were going to do next.

This is the most famous band in the magical world.

Its influence extends throughout Europe.

Of course, compared to Muggle bands, their compositions were only of average quality. Compared to famous bands, such as the legendary Beatles, Britain's most famous band, they were simply insignificant.

However, this level of skill is sufficient to deal with wizards.

Just then, the lanterns on the other tables went out, and the five warriors and their dance partners stood up.

"It's time to dance!" Everyone was very excited, as this was the highlight of the dance.

Miss Granger looked extremely nervous.

She held Irving's hand, somewhat at a loss.

This is when it's the boys' turn to perform.

You have to take the initiative. It would be embarrassing if you were more nervous than the girl.

He took Hermione's restless hand and led her into the brightly lit dance floor. With his other hand around her waist, he began to guide her to move gently.

Then music started playing; it was a lyrical tune.

This is to warm up the little wizards.

The two swayed their bodies to the music. At first, they were a little clumsy, and their footwork was just basic, but they quickly became more and more skilled.

It was as if they had found a tacit understanding.

As the melody gradually intensifies, the two seem like musical sprites, their simple yet graceful dance moves and passionate emotions captivating the viewer.

Their teamwork was flawless, a perfect harmony.

The dance steps were poetic and picturesque; every turn and every tilt was as fluid and natural as a meticulously designed dance movement.

His figure stood out so prominently in the play of light and shadow that it influenced the other warriors.

Owen's gaze was fixed on Hermione, as if he were admiring his own work of art.

Hermione, on the other hand, smiled shyly and happily, as if she were completely immersed in the sweetness of this love and couldn't extricate herself.

Of course, the two of them didn't have many fancy moves in their dance, after all, they had only studied for a few hours, and Professor McGonagall wasn't a professional dance teacher, so she only knew that many moves.

So they were simply moving around the dance floor following a set of fixed dance steps.

Of the five warriors, Furong and her group have the best dance moves.

Her elegant figure makes one wonder if Beauxbatton takes dance classes.

Cedric and Qiu jumped well too; it's obvious they've been practicing secretly.

Krum was completely distracted, but his dance partner was enthusiastic, and overall it looked alright.

As for Ron

Oh! All I can say is that he and Miss Granger easily came in second to last in this dance competition.

But their strength lay in the sincerity of their feelings.

Of the five couples, it seems that only their feelings were the most intense.

While their youthful and beautiful dance moves weren't particularly stunning in their eyes, they possessed a simple and natural beauty, especially when there were five pairs of warriors present, and only one couple.

Their every move seemed to tell a beautiful story, moving all who heard it.

As the music faded, Owen and Hermione's dance gradually subsided. They stood in the center of the hall, embracing tightly, as if savoring this beautiful moment.

Their eyes met, and they spoke their hearts.

The next second, the music from the eccentric sisters changed pitch, as if it were a signal. The warriors' dance officially ended, and then many other groups of young wizards joined in.

Neville and Hannah danced nearby—the two moved slowly, exuding a quiet beauty.

Harry was dancing with Luna—his dancing was so bad it was practically performance art. If it weren't for Luna beside him, anyone else would have run away from embarrassment long ago.

Owen even thought that Harry standing still and waving his hands would be better than him wiggling his butt out of rhythm!

Thankfully, Sirius wasn't in the auditorium tonight, otherwise he would have been driven mad by his godson.

That bastard Justin—he's actually the best dancer among the little wizards; his dancing skills even surpass Fleur's.

He had vaguely reached a certain professional level, which shattered Owen's filter of judging people by their appearance. He couldn't help but wonder if this guy who was going to Eton College instead of Hogwarts was really a British aristocrat.

He wouldn't be in the flag, would he?

Old London with the Union Jack? Their ancestors followed William the Conqueror into the Central Plains?

In addition to the young wizards, the professors also joined in.

Dumbledore was waltzing with Madam Maxim. Compared to her, he was practically a dwarf; the top of his pointed hat barely touched her chin. However, for such a large woman, her dance steps were remarkably graceful.

Mad-Eye Moody was dancing awkwardly with Professor Sinesta, who, thanks to Victor's prosthetic leg, didn't have to nervously dodge it. The leg was more agile than his other, perfectly good one.

With so many people around, their focus shifted away from the Warriors.

Owen and Hermione snuggled together, making no unnecessary movements, simply spinning around.

The girl was too close; his nose was filled with her pleasant scent, probably the smell of fabric softener. Miss Granger had a very good figure, which was not noticeable when she wore a long robe, even in summer when she wore a thin long shirt. But today was different; the delicate dress clung to her waist, and the girl trembled noticeably when his hand touched it.

She was too shy.

She buried her face completely in Owen's arms, not daring to look around, even though no one was watching them anymore.

He looked like he was holding a doll.

"You're so beautiful," Owen whispered in her ear.

Suddenly, a wave of heat came from her ear, and Miss Granger's cheeks flushed even more. She raised her head slightly, her eyes full of affection.

Owen's words suddenly reminded Hermione of something—things Harry had told her.

Then she suddenly smiled slightly and said in a lazy and shy tone, "You are 'pretty' too."

Her eyes were shining, and her face was beaming with an unstoppable smile.

"."

Owen knew perfectly well what she was thinking about.

I feel like she'll laugh about this for the rest of her life.

Heaven knows, it's not his fault that he looks like this; this face is a precious legacy left to him by his mother.

"I think you should describe him as handsome."

"It's alright, actually." Hermione stared at him blankly. "I don't think you're like a 'girl'." She said.

"I wonder what those boys are thinking."

"Miss Granger!" he suddenly called out.

Before Hermione could react...

She only felt that the boy in front of her suddenly moved closer.

Then someone kissed my lips.

"Eek~"

It was an aggressive kiss, unlike the gentle one from before.

Hermione felt as if her heart had risen to her throat.

It bounced around wildly with a thud.

She was in turmoil, yet she was also completely absorbed in it.

This was followed by a warm response.

The two kissed for what seemed like an eternity until the music slowly faded away. Only then did they quickly separate.

"Hoo~" Taking a deep breath, Owen smiled slightly, looking at Hermione with a playful expression.

We must teach Miss Granger a lesson she won't forget, and show her what a real man is all about.

Hermione, still dazed from the kiss, immediately looked around to see if anyone had noticed them afterward.

Fortunately, they were indeed seen.

But not many.

However, they were not the only ones as bold as them at the ball; the close contact between men and women inevitably sparked the flames of desire.

Because she saw some couples holding hands as they left the dance floor and went into the garden outside.

Miss Granger's dreamy gaze naturally caught Owen's eye.

He also wanted to leave this place as soon as possible and find a secluded spot.

But before that, we need to rest for a bit, don't we?

The two remained silent, surrounded by several pairs of burning eyes, and left the dance floor to sit on a nearby seat.

"What would you like to drink?" Owen asked the girl next to him.

"Fruit juice, please!" she said, her head bowed.

"No problem. I'll get it!" Owen replied, then took two butterbeers from a table with drinks nearby.

This is a milk candy-flavored beer with a sweet and cloying taste. It is the only alcoholic beverage that underage wizards are allowed to drink at Hogwarts.

It has a very low alcohol content; a novice wizard can drink several glasses without getting drunk. Unless you add something to it.

Harry commented that it had no alcohol content whatsoever.

He might have secretly drunk Vernon's wine at home.

Seeing Owen return with two glasses of butterbeer, Hermione instantly understood what he meant.

My emotions, which had just calmed down, started to stir again.

Everything was going in a direction that Owen would like to see, until Harry and Luna, Justin and Susan danced and then it all fell apart.

"Hey! Have you seen Ron?" As Ron's best friend, Harry immediately called out his favorite name.

Hmph—if you two don't get married, things will get really messy!

Irving thought to himself.

"Hmm—" He looked around and then saw Ron and Koyatl sitting on a secluded chair not far from them.

It seems that the two left the dance floor after the Warriors finished dancing.

Moreover, the two of them weren't really dancing just now; they were just holding hands and "strolling" around, with Ron being the one being strolled around.

"Tsk tsk!"

What a tragedy! Not only Owen, but also Harry, Justin, and even the girls looked at him with pity. He was just too pitiful.

He seemed quite restrained; he dared not leave, nor did he dare invite Koyatl to continue dancing.

He just sat there, looking so listless. Like a poor child in kindergarten waiting for his parents to pick him up.

When he noticed Harry and Owen's gaze, he immediately sent them Morse code—the gaze—which Harry decoded to mean: Help me—Quick!

Irving's response was, "Dad! Help me!"

Miss Granger's kindness suddenly surged, and she seemed somewhat tempted to try and rescue her useless son.

But before she could take a step, someone stopped her. Harry, as Ron Weasley's destined one and only male protagonist, took the lead and grabbed Hermione's wrist.

Then he plopped down on a chair nearby, smiled broadly at Ou, and asked, "How long do you think he can last?"

"Until the end of time!" Irving said.

"That's what I think too."

"Hahaha—" After saying that, the two immediately burst into hearty laughter.

Aren't good brothers just for betraying each other?

Harry was even secretly pleased!

If your best friend is also cheating on you with other girls, then you won't feel guilty about cheating on him.

Speaking of which, that Koyatl is really interesting.

Irving glanced at the two of them.

She was the kind of person who wore her intentions on her sleeve; she wanted to get close to Ron, or rather, the Weasley family, but she herself was completely unwilling.

Someone must have asked her to do this.

So this is what happened. She was annoyed by Ron's invitations to dance, but she wouldn't allow him to leave or invite other girls.

It's all about manipulation.

As for Ron—actually, if the two of them were to really fight, he wouldn't be a match for Koyatl. Although he certainly couldn't beat Koyatl, after four years of being tormented by Owen, escaping wouldn't be a problem.

The problem is that she doesn't fight him at all. Whenever he tries to leave, Koyatl looks at him with a scrutinizing gaze, making Ron exclaim that he's a terrible person—he has such a beautiful girl right next to him, yet all he wants to do is run away; he's not even human.

I despise myself for two minutes.

He would then have the urge to escape again, then meet Koyatl's gaze again, and then despise himself once more, in an endless cycle.

(End of this chapter)