The ballroom was alive with movement and music, as both students and professors took to the dance floor. Among the dancers, John noticed Dumbledore and Madame Maxime, their height difference making their dance an amusing sight. Despite Dumbledore's efforts, even with his pointed hat, he barely reached Madame Maxime's chin. Madame Maxime, a tall and graceful woman, moved with an elegance that John, with his hastily learned steps, could not hope to match.
Even Moody, with his wooden leg, was on the dance floor, partnering with Professor Sinistra. John had expected this to be a comical scene, yet Moody moved with surprising agility, making the dance look decent. There was a moment of hesitation on Moody's face, a rare glimpse of vulnerability. His image, usually so stern and distant, seemed momentarily closer, more human, though the next dance seemed to embarrass him slightly.
The students continued to join the dance floor, including Neville, who appeared distracted, his thoughts likely on his parents. Ginny, seeing his distress, had agreed to be his dance partner, her soft heart unable to resist his pitiful look. As the Weird Sisters transitioned from one song to another, Padma invited John to dance. However, having been accidentally bumped by Daphne earlier, John felt a bit of discomfort in his chest and declined. He did so with grace, leaving Padma without hard feelings, and she was soon asked to dance by a boy from Beauxbatons.
John rubbed his chest, feeling the stuffiness of the air, a result of the excessive use of mind magic and the fatigue from dancing. The emotions of the students around him were as vivid as neon lights, each one distinct and colorful. Glancing towards Dumbledore, he noticed the headmaster had parted ways with Madame Maxime, who was now being invited to dance by Hagrid. Hagrid's joy was palpable, mixed with nervousness and shyness. Madame Maxime seemed to harbor some fondness for Hagrid, though it was clear he still had a long way to go to win her over fully.
Dumbledore's emotions were harder to read, his mastery of Occlumency shielding his true feelings. Karkaroff was notably absent, likely having slipped away from the festivities. John's attention then shifted to Moody, who, after his dance, was sitting and listening to the music, a delicate flagon in hand. A faint hint of joy could be detected in Moody, subtle and easily missed. His use of Occlumency made sense, given his past traumas.
The rest of the professors, including Professor McGonagall, were thoroughly enjoying themselves. McGonagall even seemed eager to get Moody back on the dance floor.
Feeling the need for a break, John decided to step outside for a walk. He noticed Heinrich, who appeared impatient, yet his demeanor changed to one of mischief when faced with Percy's serious attitude. Percy, King, and Heinrich engaged in a conversation about the import and export of new tents, leaving Heinrich feeling somewhat out of place.
"I hope he doesn't expect to discuss any groundbreaking business with me," John thought, shaking his head as he left the ballroom.
Outside, Ron and Harry were sitting at a table, their bond as close as brothers. Harry's dance partner, Parvati, had left him for another Beauxbatons boy, unable to tolerate his inattention. Hermione approached, concerned about her "two sons," just as Krum went to get drinks. Ron's jealousy was evident in his sarcastic remarks about Krum, misinterpreting Hermione's nickname for him as a sign of intimacy.
Crabbe, eating fruit nearby, grimaced at the sour taste, wondering why the red ones were so tart. Ron continued to make snide comments about Krum, accusing Hermione of fraternizing with the enemy and suggesting Krum was only interested in her to uncover the secrets of the golden egg. Hermione, frustrated and hurt by the accusations, chose to ignore them, unwilling to be blamed for crimes she hadn't committed. Ron, blinded by jealousy, seemed to forget his once-admired view of Krum, now seeing him only as a rival. Krum had decided to sleep on the sofa, leaving the bed unoccupied. The atmosphere inside was buzzing with energy, yet outside, the world was quiet, blanketed by a fresh layer of snow that had settled on the bushes. In the rose garden, John had hoped to escape the overwhelming emotions that seemed to light up the night like neon signs, but he quickly realized he had underestimated the students' capacity for romance. As he passed a rose bush, three lines of frustration creased his forehead. From his perspective, the flowers were almost drowning in the students' love and desire. "Can't these young lovers wait until after graduation to discuss love?" he muttered to himself. In his previous life, at their age, he was still grappling with problems, while here they were, openly displaying affection. "Snape should have caught them by now," he thought, just as a wave of apprehension washed over him.
Following this feeling, he stumbled upon an unexpected scene. "Severus, you can't pretend none of this is happening!" Karkaroff hissed, his voice hoarse and lowered to a whisper, likely fearing eavesdroppers. "Over the months, it's become more and more obvious."
"I'm very worried right now, and I can't deny that..." Karkaroff continued.
"Then run away," Snape replied, his tone laced with impatience.
John, trying to decipher Snape's emotions, found it challenging. Snape was a master of Occlumency, making it difficult to read him. After several attempts, John could only pick up on the emotions Snape allowed to surface. It was no secret that Karkaroff had been a Death Eater, and John, being well-informed, knew of Karkaroff's past deeds. Karkaroff's panicked demeanor suggested he was terrified of the Dark Mark's implications. "Indeed, he was ruthless back then, betraying the Death Eaters. If Voldemort were to return, he'd be the first to fear," John thought to himself. Voldemort despised traitors more than his enemies, which led John to dismiss the idea that Karkaroff had tampered with the Goblet of Fire.
As John turned to leave, he noticed two figures approaching from another direction. Deciding to avoid further encounters, he walked away, seeking a quieter spot. However, his attempt was in vain as he soon encountered Hagrid and Madame Maxime. Their towering presences made them stand out conspicuously. Weary from their walk, they sat on a stone bench to rest. Hagrid's shyness around Madame Maxime was palpable, and just as John considered leaving, he spotted another figure lurking nearby—Rita Skeeter, her curiosity and greed barely contained.
Through his observations, John knew Rita was on the hunt for a scandalous story, and her interest had unfortunately landed on Hagrid, who was known for his inability to keep secrets. "As soon as I saw you, I knew," Hagrid began, only for Madame Maxime to cut him off with a look of displeasure. "What do you know?" she demanded.
Hagrid, undeterred, continued, "I know... are you, like me, born of a giant parent?" Madame Maxime's displeasure quickly turned to anger, while Rita, in her Animagus form, seemed thrilled by the potential scoop.
John, realizing the situation was about to escalate, decided to intervene. He made a deliberate noise to attract their attention, then approached with a polite smile. "Sorry, Hagrid, Madame Maxime, did I interrupt something?" he asked, knowing full well that Hagrid's courage faltered in the presence of an additional witness.
John observed the rapid shift in Hagrid's emotions, akin to a kaleidoscope of changing patterns. Casting a knowing glance at Rita, he remained, despite the silent wishes of those present for him to leave. With a warm smile, he then said to Madame Maxime, "Just now, I saw Fleur being led to a nearby rose bush by a boy."
"What!" Madame Maxime, already frustrated with Hagrid, stood up abruptly, transformed by her anger into a formidable force intent on confronting the "Hogwarts pig" who dared to encroach on her territory.
Hagrid, attempting to calm her, reached out but was unable to stop her. John sat down, his frustration palpable, as he noticed Harry and Ron glaring at him from behind a reindeer decoration. They were likely upset with him for interfering in their plans with Hagrid, but John paid no mind to their displeasure. Approaching Rita Skeeter, who was attempting to disguise herself as a beetle, John effortlessly flicked her away with a precise and powerful gesture, likely leaving her disoriented.
Turning his attention to Hagrid, who looked downcast, John leaned in and advised, "Hagrid, there are some things better left unsaid."
Confused, Hagrid asked, "What do you mean?"
John pressed, "What were you about to ask just now?"
Hagrid, with an air of innocence, replied, "I just wanted to know which of her parents is a giant."
John sighed, rubbing his forehead in irritation. "Hagrid, you shouldn't inquire about such personal matters upon first meeting someone. You're aware that individuals of mixed heritage face discrimination in the magical world, similar to werewolves. Despite the existence of Wolfsbane Potion, prejudice persists."
Hagrid's expression turned pale as he grasped the gravity of his mistake, admitting he hadn't considered the implications. "Ms. Maxime detests having her heritage discussed. If you have feelings for her, never bring it up again," John warned, his tone stern.
Hagrid nodded, understanding the severity of his error and feeling grateful for John's timely intervention. He recognized he had nearly broached a subject that was a sore point for Ms. Maxime.
Meanwhile, the anger emanating from the "reindeer queens" — Harry and Ron — seemed to dissipate as they overheard the conversation. Realizing their misplaced blame towards John, they departed in a state of dejection.
_________
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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