A magical journey that begins at Hogwarts

Harry nodded silently.

Aaron was speechless. What a pair of unfortunate brothers!

I finally mustered up the courage to invite people, but they all turned me down.

“At least I wasn’t rejected in public,” Harry said with a forced smile. “I waited until she was alone before extending the invitation.”

“Much better than me,” Ron said sarcastically. “Harry, we desperately need a dance partner right now, or we’ll lose face.”

"Your time is running out, and the number of people you can choose from will be decreasing."

So, lower your expectations a bit and think twice!

Upon hearing this, Harry and Ron exchanged a knowing glance.

They were filled with a sense of urgency. As for dance partners, they could just find any girl to make do with; they didn't dare to hope for anything more.

They did indeed find dance partners in the afternoon; Harry went to Parvati Petil, Hermione's roommate, while Ron went to her sister, Padma Petil from Ravenclaw.

......

Because of the Christmas ball this year, many more students chose to stay on campus than in previous years.

After the first semester ended, most students forgot about their homework and played to their hearts' content at school.

On Christmas Day, it snowed heavily outside.

Aaron sat up in bed; a pile of gift boxes were placed on the bedside table.

My parents sent me a few postcards with pictures of snow-covered forests, which were quite poetic and picturesque.

Genes sent a piano and some sheet music, which could add some decoration to the Temple of the Gods.

To his greatest surprise, Adrian also sent him a gift box.

When he opened it with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, he found a piece of pure black ore inside, presumably intended for the unfinished artifact.

In addition, there is another sentence: I wish you a memorable dance.

"baffling."

Aaron pursed his lips, quickly washed up, and then led Abe out of the dormitory.

Draco is showing off his tuxedo in the common room, with his dance partner Pansy Parkinson offering occasional comments.

"There are still more than ten hours until the ball, do you have to be so serious?" Aaron teased.

"It's just a matter of getting used to it beforehand; there are still some differences between wizard robes and formal attire."

You're one of the brave souls about to start dancing, so I suggest you practice with your partner beforehand, otherwise it'll be embarrassing if you don't dance well tonight.

Aaron: ......

"You don't need to worry about that, I'm a professional."

Chapter 377 My dance partner hasn't arrived yet. Did he stand me up?

At seven o'clock in the evening, the night gradually deepened.

White snowflakes danced in the yellow light as Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students disembarked from the carriage and the giant ship, passing through the gates of Hogwarts Castle.

Aaron changed into a black formal robe and also got Abe a pet suit.

A man and a dragon walked out of the dormitory and entered the common lounge, where many male and female students gathered. While feeling awkward, they also joked about each other's fashion sense.

"You're dressed too... plainly!" Draco looked at Aaron with some confusion.

"Is there a problem?"

"No problem, but I feel this dress is a bit too common."

Crabbe and Goyle were dressed in the same style, and their dance partners...

"Wait a minute, how did those two manage to find dance partners?" Aaron asked in surprise. "Whose eye is so unique?"

Draco's lips twitched slightly. "I was also surprised that they both found dance partners."

Uh... they invited third-year Slytherins, and two average-looking female students agreed without much hesitation when they heard they could get your autograph.

"What the hell!" Aaron stared wide-eyed in astonishment, turning to look at the two burly men in green suits. "You two have really gotten something out of you."

"You wouldn't refuse to give us even a single autograph, would you?" Crabbe said with an awkward laugh.

“I heard Weasley has found a dance partner, we can’t be worse than him!” Goyle lowered his head guiltily. “Malfoy didn’t object to our plan either.”

Aaron's gaze shifted to Draco, and noticing the resentment and annoyance in his eyes, Draco immediately chuckled, "Two autographs for two dance partners, what a bargain!"

"Fine, this won't happen again," Aaron said weakly. "For the sake of knowing you for three years, I'll give you the autographs tomorrow."

"We are extremely grateful," Crabbe and Goyle said in unison.

"But speaking of which, you're a warrior in the Triwizard Tournament, so at least dress a bit more high-class!"

Aaron waved his hand dismissively, "Our family only pays attention to weddings and funerals; otherwise, we don't really care."

"Even so, you're still Slytherin's representative. What if you get outshone by Diggory and Potter..."

“You’re overthinking it. Most people dress like me, and…” Aaron paused, then stood in front of Crabbe and Goyle, who had changed their clothes. “Personally, I don’t think clothes are the point, as long as they’re not too outrageous.”

Draco couldn't help but click his tongue. Aaron standing between the two of them was like a phoenix standing out against a pheasant; he was exceptionally eye-catching.

"Comparing them like this really leaves one speechless."

“It’s almost time.” Neller glanced at his watch. “Everyone can set off now. The auditorium doors will open at eight o’clock. Before that, you’ll need to find dance partners from other colleges or schools.”

Of course, if the dance partner is a Slytherin, that's a different story.

A group of Slytherins passed through the doorway and exited the underground common room, heading towards the foyer.

The place was crowded with students. Aaron, Draco, and the others separated and began searching for Hermione, but they didn't find her after walking around for a while.

"We agreed to meet here!" Aaron didn't feel like he'd been stood up, but he was still a little embarrassed to be alone here without anyone around.

"Hi, Aaron," Cedric greeted as he walked over. His dance partner was Cho Chang, Harry's long-time crush.

"Hasn't your dance partner arrived yet?"

"Perhaps I arrived a little early."

"Have Fleur and Krum not arrived yet either?"

"You are here!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Furong's voice came over.

She wore a silver-gray satin robe, her silver hair particularly striking, radiating charm and captivating beauty.

“This is Roger Davis, my dance partner,” Fleur introduced. “You probably all know him.”

“An old friend,” Cedric chuckled. “Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.”

"Where's your dance partner?" Fleur looked at Aaron, her eyes teasing. "You didn't come alone, did you?"

"She'll be here soon."

"Haven't Krum and Potter arrived yet?"

“No,” Cedric shook his head. “There’s still half an hour until then.”

"You guys chat first, I'll go find my dance partner, otherwise I'll feel embarrassed standing with you," Aaron said, then turned and walked up the stairs.

He had only taken a few steps when he bumped into Harry and Ron, neither of whom had their dance partners with them.

"My God!" Aaron gasped as he looked at Ron's suit. "Did you bring out an antique that the Weasley family has treasured for hundreds of years?"

This dress—no, this gown—is just too indecent!

The brown color is one thing, and the lace and modest collar are tolerable, but what's with the frayed edges on the sleeves?

“My mom sent it to me. At first, I thought it was a dress for Ginny,” Ron said, barely containing his humiliation and on the verge of tears. “George and Fred both have their own dresses, but mine is…why?”

"Given the large investment they received, Lyon gave them several thousand Galleons, which is more than enough to buy formal wear with a small portion of it."

"Yes! They bought one for Ginny too, but I... I really doubt if I'm their brother."

“Ginny is a girl, she still has to maintain her dignity,” Harry said somewhat awkwardly. “As for you… you know what George and Fred are like, they’re always stirring up trouble, they’d never stop making fun of you.”

Ron's face darkened further; if the occasion hadn't been so inappropriate, he would have burst into tears.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Can anyone tell me where Hermione is? I can't find her.

"She hasn't arrived yet?" Ron said in surprise. "She started preparing at five o'clock in the afternoon."

“Alright!” Aaron scratched his head. “Looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer.”

Who are your dance partners?

“Parvati and Padma, one Gryffindor, the other Ravenclaw.” Harry said, his gaze unconsciously drifting forward. He saw Cho Chang, dressed in a brightly colored tuxedo, standing with Cedric, and felt a pang of emptiness in his heart.

"Stop looking. I told you to make a move sooner, but you kept hesitating."

Ron patted Harry on the shoulder and comforted him, saying, "It's alright, we've found a dance partner."

"Hibiscus is there too."

"What?" Ron's face flushed instantly, and he quickly hid behind Harry. "She didn't see me, did she?"

"Probably not," Aaron said, half-laughing and half-crying. "But you don't have to be so surprised!"

“I’m not like Harry,” Ron said bitterly. “At least he dresses properly. What about me?”

She dressed like an old woman, and she smelled like an old woman too.

"Hello, you two."

The Pavati and Padma sisters walked over, and both of them looked at Ron's dress with some bewilderment.

“This is really…” Padma paused for a moment before adding, “It’s fashionable.”

"Potter, are you and Parvati ready?" Professor McGonagall hurried over and asked. "It's almost time, and the Warrior is going to lead the dance."

"almost."

“And you, Mr. Gaius?” Professor McGonagall asked, looking at Aaron.