#393 - Chapter 393 Christmas Ball

Thanks to the Christmas Ball, the Great Hall had been meticulously decorated, transforming it into a shimmering, silver wonderland.

The walls were covered in glittering silver frost, emitting a soft glow that made the entire space feel exceptionally dreamlike.

Flags from the five schools—Hogwarts, Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, Uagadou, and Ilvermorny—hung on the walls.

They fluttered gently in the soft light, symbolizing an inclusive, international atmosphere.

The ceiling had been enchanted to display a starry night sky, with countless stars twinkling like crystals.

Snowflakes gently drifted down from above, disappearing silently into the air halfway down.

In addition, wreaths made of mistletoe sprigs and ivy hung diagonally from the ceiling, filling the air with a fresh fragrance.

A dozen tall Christmas trees dotted the hall, their branches adorned with colorful, magical lights.

The usual four long House tables had vanished, replaced by hundreds of small round tables, each lit by an antique magical lantern that reflected the gold thread embroidered on the tablecloths.

Each table also featured an exquisite menu listing delicacies from various countries.

At the front of the hall was a long, elevated head table, arranged with solemn elegance. Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch, and the five headmasters, forming the judging panel, were already seated there, chatting with smiles on their faces.

Two teacher's tables were symmetrically placed on either side of the head table, for the Hogwarts professors and the visiting guests.

In front of the head table and teacher's tables was a large, round table exclusively for the champions, undeniably the center of attention from any angle.

Sebastian led Mia toward the teacher's table, taking seats next to Snape.

"Severus, where's Professor McGonagall?"

"Organizing the students and champions for the entrance," Snape replied, still wearing his black robes. Perhaps influenced by the Christmas atmosphere, his facial lines seemed softer than usual.

"Still wearing that? Where's your dress robe? You could at least have worn that suit from last time."

"I still have to patrol the castle later to prevent these youngsters from doing anything improper. A dress robe wouldn't be very convenient."

"Tsk, tsk—" Sebastian clicked his tongue in distaste. "Such a killjoy."

"If you're bored, you can join me in patrolling the castle later, and we can be killjoys together."

As soon as he said that, Snape noticed Sebastian and Mia turning to look at him with expressions of utter disbelief.

So, he said slowly, his face expressionless, "Just kidding. No sense of humor."

As he spoke, the doors of the Great Hall opened, and students filed in, taking their seats at the small round tables.

Outside the hall, Professor McGonagall was giving the champions their final instructions: "Champions, please prepare yourselves. Ladies, take your escort's arm and follow me in."

The procession began, and led by Professor McGonagall, the champions moved through the gaps between the tables toward the champions' round table in front of the head table.

The Great Hall erupted in thunderous applause, as if the entire space was filled with cheers.

Among the crowd, the Weasley twins were undoubtedly the most eye-catching. They whistled, then cupped their hands around their mouths like megaphones and shouted loudly at Ginny.

"Ginny, you're the prettiest!"

"You and Harry are the best couple tonight!"

Hearing this, Ginny smiled like a radiant flower. She glanced playfully at the twins, then tightened her grip on Harry's arm and walked quickly toward the center of the hall.

In contrast to Ginny's composure, Harry was awkward.

The twins' teasing only made him more uncomfortable, as if all eyes were on him.

He straightened his back, forcing himself to appear nonchalant, but his pace was noticeably half a beat slower, even a little stiff.

For some reason, Harry felt a faint sense of unease.

This feeling made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles, but he couldn't grasp the source of this emotion and could only brace himself and move forward.

At the teacher's table, Sebastian leaned over to Mia's ear: "Mia, look at Harry. He's as stiff as a board. Even swinging one arm looks a little uncoordinated."

Mia looked at Harry and Ginny, a motherly smile on her face.

"They're just kids. It's normal to be nervous, especially with a beautiful girl on your arm. You know, the Weasley's youngest daughter, Ginny, is really pretty. She and Harry look great together."

"Have you noticed? Ginny is looking at Harry with hearts in her eyes, and Harry hasn't even glanced at that girl Cho Chang all night. It looks like there's a chance for Harry and Ginny."

Mia and Sebastian's conversation obviously caught Snape's attention.

There was nothing he could do about it. His persona was set, and it wasn't usually convenient for him to inquire about Harry's love life.

Now that he had the opportunity, he immediately perked up his ears, ready to hear what Sebastian and Mia would say next.

At the same time, he glanced at Harry and Ginny without showing any emotion. After seeing the two of them clearly, he casually picked up his wine glass and took a sip to hide the corner of his mouth that was turning upward.

Mia looked at Sebastian and smiled softly, "Hey, I remember you being quite the charmer when you were in school. Why don't you give Harry a few pointers, teach him a thing or two, so he doesn't end up being a block of wood and disappoint the girl's feelings."

"That..." Sebastian smiled, "Let's see how their relationship develops first."

The champions were the last to enter, and once they were seated, the Christmas feast officially began.

Dumbledore picked up the menu and ordered a pork chop. The young wizards followed suit, picking up the menus and choosing their favorite foods.

The dinner lasted about half an hour, and after everyone had eaten their fill, Dumbledore waved his wand, and all the small round tables in the center of the hall instantly disappeared, leaving a large, open dance floor.

Then, a small stage appeared at the base of the right wall, filled with all sorts of instruments, including a drum set, guitars, lutes, and even some strange-looking instruments.

A group of men with thick hair and strange attire stepped onto the stage. They wore black robes that had been deliberately torn, with shiny silver chains draped over their shoulders, looking both casual and bizarre.

Each of them wore a cynical smile, seemingly unconcerned about the vagabond air they exuded.

This was the famous magical band, the "Weird Sisters." They picked up their instruments, and to the cheers of the young wizards, they began to play a slow, gentle tune.

The champions led their partners to the center of the dance floor, beginning the first dance.