During Transfiguration class, Neville Longbottom found himself the subject of Professor McGonagall's criticism. They were learning how to perform cross-species transformations, a task that proved too challenging for Neville. His confusion only deepened after being singled out, causing him to shrink further into himself.
Hermione, unable to watch her friend suffer in silence, interjected, "Professor, Neville has been feeling quite down lately."
Professor McGonagall, with a stern glance at Hermione, responded, "Granger, being in a bad mood does not excuse transforming a guinea fowl into a wood mouse during my class." Her strict demeanor momentarily lifted the class's spirits. Despite her firm exterior, Professor McGonagall showed her softer side by reprimanding Harry and Ron for their playful sword fighting with makeshift wands.
As the class drew to a close, she cleared her throat, signaling she had more to say. "The Yule Ball is approaching, a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament and a wonderful opportunity for us to welcome our foreign guests," she announced. The news excited the students, especially when she mentioned that the dance was open to students from the fourth year and above, though younger students could attend if invited by an older one.
Lavender Brown couldn't contain her amusement, earning a quick nudge from Parvati, who was also struggling to keep a straight face. The thought of attending the ball sparked joy among the students.
"Remember to wear your dress robes," Professor McGonagall continued, ignoring the girls' giggles. "The ball will take place in the auditorium at eight o'clock on Christmas night and will end at midnight."
The announcement left Hermione in a daze, pondering the upcoming event. Professor McGonagall, noticing the students' excitement, added, "This is a chance to unwind and enjoy yourselves." Her comment, coupled with a glance at her tightly bound hair, amused Harry, who found the idea of Professor McGonagall letting her hair down quite amusing.
"However, this does not mean we will relax our standards of behavior," she warned, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Any Gryffindor who brings shame to our school will deeply disappoint me."
Her words, though cryptic, resonated with the students, who were keenly aware of the expectations placed upon them. The mention of the handsome boys from Durmstrang and the charming ones from Beauxbatons sparked lively discussions among the students about the upcoming ball.
After class, Hermione noticed Neville's despondent demeanor and approached him with concern. "Neville, are you okay?" she asked, noticing his troubled expression.
Neville managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, Hermione," he assured her, though his voice lacked conviction.
"Really?" Hermione pressed, recalling a recent incident involving Neville and Malfoy. Since joining the Stars Club, Neville had found a sense of belonging and confidence, especially with John's support. However, a recent altercation with Malfoy had reignited old tensions.
"Maybe I did something wrong," Neville admitted, his confusion evident. Despite seeking answers, he was met with indifference and ridicule, which only compounded his sense of isolation. The warmth and acceptance he had once felt within the Stars Club now seemed a distant memory, leaving him feeling more alone than ever.
Hermione's attempt to offer comfort was cut short as Neville, overwhelmed by his emotions, turned and walked away. His departure was marked by a clumsy collision with a suit of armor, which scolded him harshly, adding insult to injury.
Meanwhile, John, who was also aware of the upcoming Yule Ball, found the concept intriguing, though hearing about it from Snape gave it an entirely different tone. John was meticulously explaining how to properly slice a repulsive slug into the cauldron. Observing him, it was clear that our dean had been single for over 30 years. Danifu, for reasons unknown, chose to sit a bit farther from John today. She was quietly conversing with her best friend Pansy, likely discussing the upcoming prom. Malfoy, with a teasing tone, asked, "John, who will you be inviting?"
"I'm not a warrior, so I don't feel compelled to find a dance partner," John replied, shaking his head. He wasn't keen on dancing, mainly because he rarely did. If one considered a group of drunken men dancing wildly as dancing, then the last time he danced was in his childhood at his grandfather's house.
Malfoy's smile froze upon hearing this. He glanced towards Pansy, who made a throat-slitting gesture. Swallowing hard, Malfoy tried to sound casual as he said to John, "But don't you think it's a shame to miss out on a tradition that's been revived after a century?"
"That's a valid point," John pondered for a moment. Just as Malfoy let out a sigh of relief, John asked seriously, "So, you're planning to dance?"
"Uh...no...well, yes, I am," Malfoy stammered, wanting to deny it but then noticing Daphne, who had been quietly talking to Pansy, was now glaring at him. He couldn't read minds, but her look clearly conveyed, "Do you want to die?" No, he decidedly did not.
John, surprised, then asked, "So, who will you be inviting?" He was almost certain Malfoy would choose Pansy.
"Ah, Astoria," Malfoy's voice faded.
"Who?!" John exclaimed, genuinely surprised. "Shouldn't you be inviting Pansy?"
Feeling cornered by John's obvious surprise, Malfoy replied with an awkward expression, "Astoria Greengrass. Why would I have to invite Pansy?"
"Weren't you two childhood sweethearts?" John pointed out. "You were even jealous of her in second grade."
"No!" Malfoy reacted as if he had been accused unjustly. Facing John's calm demeanor, he finally admitted, "Alright, I had a crush on her initially, but I later realized she only saw me as someone to use."
Malfoy vented his frustration, "She would spend money recklessly and expect me to help her with everything. When have I ever tolerated such treatment!"
"I remember now," John said thoughtfully, "Astoria is in second grade, isn't she?"
As he spoke, John's gaze towards Malfoy shifted, making Malfoy feel judged.
"No, I just thought... since she didn't have to participate..." Malfoy stammered, feeling as though John saw him as despicable.
"Alright, no need for explanations," John said firmly. "I'm not unreasonable. By the way, you need to run three extra laps today."
Malfoy was on the verge of despair, wondering why the punishment had suddenly increased from the day before. This interruption made Malfoy lose interest in inquiring about John's prom plans. When he looked up, he noticed Neville approaching with a professional demeanor, though not to speak with him. Neville, addressing John, said, "John, I need to talk to you."
"What about? How much did you spend on the medical bills for your parents in the hospital?" Malfoy couldn't resist provoking.
Seeing Neville clench his fists, John nodded and stood up, walking out with an air of indifference. Neville quickly followed, leaving Malfoy to realize this was not his moment to continue his taunts, so he remained in the auditorium. Turning around, he saw two girls had taken the front seats. Struggling to speak, he started, "That..."
Daphne smiled gently, "You don't need to explain, I understand."
Malfoy spent the afternoon running laps, clutching his stomach. The combination of scrambled eggs with durian and mango was proving to be a formidable challenge.
On the covered bridge, John stopped and faced Neville. Reflecting on recent events, Neville asked with a hint of hope, "John, did I do something wrong?"
"No," John replied, shaking his head. As he looked up again, a mix of coldness and disdain in his gaze pierced Neville's heart. With a fierce tone, John declared, "Your sheer stupidity is what makes you utterly incompatible with the Stars Club. I've had enough." Neville's face turned pale as John approached, a dangerous glint in his eyes. He whispered menacingly, "You'd be wise to quietly disappear from this school, Neville. You know, I'm aware of your weakness."
The threat left Neville breathless, sweat cascading down his forehead. A look of revulsion briefly crossed John's face before he spoke with disdain, "Your parents... I truly wonder why you cling to every lie. Did you honestly think I would protect them?"
Neville's head snapped up, his gaze locking onto John's with intensity. John chuckled darkly, leaning closer to murmur, "I've been lying to you. But make no mistake, if you cross me, I won't hesitate to make your parents vanish. They may be Aurors, but remember, Death Eaters exist too. Understand?"
"No, you can't do this!" Neville protested.
"I can and I will," John replied with a chilling indifference. "You really know nothing about me, Neville. I've never claimed to be a good person. That's something you should have realized."
Drained of his strength, Neville clung to the railing to keep himself upright as John walked past him, not sparing a backward glance. Time seemed to stand still for Neville until a dangerous resolve sparked in his eyes. He couldn't allow anyone to harm his parents, not even someone as formidable as John Wick.
The confrontation revealed a darker side to John, one that threatened the safety of Neville's family. Neville knew he had to act, but the path forward was fraught with peril. The stakes were higher than ever, and Neville understood that he might be the only one capable of thwarting John's sinister intentions.
_________
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https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge