Early the next morning, the castle was still very lively, and all the young wizards were discussing the exciting game they had played the day before.
This led to Ivan hearing people talking about his glorious deeds wherever he went.
Also a champion, Harry's reputation at school took a 180-degree turn.
No one fussed about his cheating in the competition anymore, and everyone put aside their prejudices against him. Even students from other Houses greeted him when they saw him.
After all, Harry's performance as a hero was completely worthy of his status as a champion!
Harry's good mood did not last long, as Professor McGonagall solemnly announced the start of the Christmas Ball that afternoon.
"The Ball is a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament, and an opportunity for us to bond and interact with foreign guests. All students in the fourth year and above are allowed to attend!
As for the younger students, if anyone would like to take you on as a dance partner…"
Professor McGonagall's words undoubtedly ignited the already lively atmosphere in the castle, pushing everyone's emotions to another climax!
Words like dance partner selection, dancing, and bonding made boys of suitable age stir.
The young witches were also looking forward to the upcoming Christmas Ball, and before Professor McGonagall could finish her sentence, they were already whispering to each other about it.
Several bold girls stole glances at the boys in the classroom, especially at Ivan. When Ivan found out, they didn't shy away from him.
Yvonne was nonplussed by his enthusiasm. She shook her head to herself, thinking that being too good at something was not entirely a good thing!
There are always some unnecessary complications in life.
Perhaps… this was the price one had to pay to complete a mission…
Like Ivan, Harry was troubled by the dance, and nearly stood up to retort when Professor McGonagall told him that the champions must attend.
When they stepped out of the Transfiguration classroom and into the corridors of the castle, Harry immediately complained, "Why do champions have to go to that Christmas dance? I can't even dance…"
Inviting a girl to a dance was an almost impossible task for the shy Harry.
How awkward would it be if she was rejected on the spot?
Just thinking about it made Harry's head spin.
"I'd rather Professor McGonagall sent me to deal with another dragon for Christmas!" Harry said, troubled.
Ivan gave Harry an odd look.
Is this what they call a girl more fearsome than a dragon?
However, the thought of the upcoming ball made Ivan hesitate, wondering who he should invite.
At the same time, an image popped into Ivan's head, and he was about to turn around when Hermione's voice spoke first.
"Harry, you're the champions of Hogwarts. What are you worried about? Even if you don't do anything, you'll be invited! All you have to do is decide who to dance with…"
Hermione's tone sounded strange as she stepped into the hall, then pouted and pointed. "No! Just look at them!"
Harry peered dubiously into the Great Hall.
Due to the Triwizard Cup, the decorations of the Great Hall had changed quite a bit. The flags of the three schools were flying high in the air, and four new hourglasses had been placed in conspicuous places.
Krum, Durmstrang's champion, was standing nearby, surrounded by a group of older witches.
Fleur sat at the Ravenclaw table with a resigned look on her face, perhaps because she was constantly being invited to balls by boys who had lost their minds.
However, it seemed to Ivan that Fleur was enjoying herself. Every time someone approached her, she would exchange a few more words.
She seemed to enjoy being sought after…
"Do you want to invite her to the ball?" Hermione asked, catching Ivan staring at Fleur.
Yvonne shook her head.
Fleur, who was sitting at the Ravenclaw table, suddenly stood up and said something to the girls around her.
She seemed to be the centre of attention, attracting everyone's attention with every move she made. However, Fleur did not care much about the looks she was receiving. She walked straight up to Ivan and asked him with interest.
"Hales! I don't suppose you've found a partner yet? What do you say? Will you join me for this year's Christmas Ball?"
Fleur's bold words shocked everyone present, and some young wizards who were infatuated with her felt their hearts break.
Ivan had not expected Fleur to invite him, as he had not had much contact with her in the past few days.
"You're both champions, you should be inviting everyone else to the ball!" Hermione interrupted, looking annoyed and glaring at Fleur.
"Really? I didn't see that rule!" Fleur said haughtily.
Though she had sensed Hermione's closeness to Ivan in the tent in the withdrawing room yesterday, she had a chance since they were not yet partners, and Fleur was confident that no one could resist her charms.
However, to her surprise, he rebuffed her outright. "I'm sorry, Fleur, but I already have someone in mind, and I can't say yes!"
Fleur's smile froze on her face and she stared at Ivan in astonishment. For the first time in her life, her ever-successful charm had failed her in front of a wizard.
"I think it's time you left, Miss Fleur!" Hermione said sarcastically, although she was strangely pleased at Fleur's distress.
"Really? What a pity!" Fleur glanced at Ivan with regret, but she quickly composed herself and left without another word.
As soon as Fleur left, George, Fred, and the others, who had been watching from the sidelines, came over and looked at Ivan as if he were a monster.
"God, I can't believe you turned her down!" George exclaimed, patting Ivan on the shoulder.
"We're not dreaming, are we?" Fred shouted dramatically.
"It's no big deal! Not everyone has to like her!" Hermione looked at them angrily.
(PS: The emotional threads are more difficult to write. Today's chapters are one, and I owe you two. I will definitely make up for it within this month.)