"Oh come on, this will be fun," Hermione tried to cheer up her two friends.
Ron just gave a grunt and continued to shovel food into himself.
“Take a look around the hall. How many excited faces do you see? ”Harry wanted to know.
Hermione let her gaze wander over the house tables.
“Not even the girls look happy. What is so bad about a dance event? ”the curly hair really didn't understand.
Neville, explained to her.
“Nobody is happy because it will be a ball. An official one at that. I don't know what the Muggles are like, but in our world these events are very rigid. and if you also take into account that our parents are invited, then you probably don't need any further explanation. "
The Weasley siblings almost sank under the table at the mention.
“That’s going to be sooooo funny again. gred, Feorge, do you have a parental defense spray or something like that? "
"Sorry little sister, we're still doing research," grinned Fred. But the laugh looked pretty bad.
"Honestly, are these balls really that bad, or is it the presence of parents, teachers and the minister?" Hermione wanted to know.
"A mixture of everything I would say." Ron muttered. then he buried his face in his hands.
"We will embarrass ourselves to the bone in front of the whole magical society."
Harry and Hermione looked perplexed at their friend. This time it was Ginny who told the story. and you could tell that she was very uncomfortable with it all.
“We never learned all these old traditions like dancing. With our parents it was always about one thing. "
"It won't be that bad, I can't dance either," said Hermione soothingly. Harry shook his head though.
“It's not about that, Mine. Tradition is very important in wizarding families. You learn all the customs from an early age. also how to behave in society. There are a lot of rules. And the fact that an old family like the Weasleys did not teach their children in this area casts a very bad light on them. "
Hermione gave Ron a startled look.
"Society won't blame you for it, will you?"
Ron shook his head.
“No, but that doesn't mean we won't embarrass ourselves anyway. people also complain about our table manners. ”With that, the boy threw a gloomy look at the teachers' board.
Harry had to smile. Severus hadn't just talked like that. the man had really started teaching the Weasley children good behavior.
"It doesn't hurt that you learn good manners," said Hermione. she was secretly very happy that she was no longer hit by flying food.
Then the girl turned to Harry.
"How do you know the customs of the magical society so well?"
Harry just looked meaningfully at both of his parents.
"Oh, which of the two is teaching you?" She wanted to know now.
“Mainly Severus. Sirius tries to teach me about the rights and duties of a wizard. at least when he moves in higher society. And I already do that because of my birth. Sev started his class when he was living in the leaky cauldron with Blacky and me. I can lend you the book. "
Hermione grinned. That used to be a difference. By the time Severus Snape had entered Harry's life, her friend had enjoyed reading too, but certainly not studied voluntarily. in the meantime everything had changed a lot. Hermione shot her teacher a grateful look. He stared at her helplessly, but she didn't mind.
"How was it then, with Snape and your godfather in the cauldron?Neville wanted to know curiously.
Harry grinned at his friend.
"I will tell you. If you answer me a question. Who are you going to the ball with? "
Neville blushed bright red.
"Um, why do you want to know? it is, ... I mean, ... well I, ... "
Harry grinned again.
“Doesn't it happen to be a pretty blonde girl with long curly hair and a dreamy look? Who also likes to talk about all kinds of beings? "
if it was possible, Neville blushed even more. But he nodded.
Harry smiled at the boy.
“Congratulations, she is a beauty and absolutely lovely. Don't spoil it with her. "
Now the shy Gryffindor began to shine. he looked at his dreamy girlfriend.
Then Harry told Neville and the twins all about his time with Severus and Sirius. Well, he left out a few things. Mainly because otherwise Severus would probably kill him.
a disgruntled group of teenagers stood for Transformation in the classroom. McGonagall had converted the room into a dance hall. And now she tried to instruct her students in ballroom dancing.
draco and Daphne shook their heads at once.
"We can already do it."
Minerva nodded.
"Well, who else has experience with ballroom dancing in the magical world?"
Some students pointed out.
Hermione looked around uncomfortably. she had read the book Harry had given her with enthusiasm, of course. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned into a panic. There were so many rules to follow in the magical world. Narcissa Black had offended a great many of them with her infidelity. That's why we didn't hear from her anymore. But what bothered Hermione the most was that ball. So many etiquette. what should she do if someone tried to kiss her hand? Looking for a bride was quite normal at balls. And she was already the right age. When the children were 14, the parents often began looking for suitable spouses for them. That is why the younger students were only allowed to attend this event if they were invited by someone.
she leaned against Ron.
"This will be hell," she muttered disaffected.
"I'm telling you all this dancing is ridiculous."
"I didn't mean that," the girl grumbled.
The redhead knew exactly what the girl was alluding to.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that you're sure to get a lot of looks at this event. And in contrast to the ones I will get, they will be benevolent with you. "
"What makes you think that?" Hermione wanted to know.
“Well, you read Harry's book after all. And you will certainly have it all memorized. I'm not worried about you embarrassing yourself. besides, everyone knows what a great witch you are. The parents will fight to be allowed to take such a talented, beautiful girl into their family. "
Hermione smiled at her friend.
“That's sweet of you, but that's exactly what scares me. I don't feel like doing any of this. I want to choose my partner myself. "
"Come on, Ron, get going and ask her."
Startled, the two turned around. Draco was standing behind them, grinning stupidly at them.
"What do you mean?" The redhead wanted to know.
“How well? We all know the two of you love each other, so ask. Or do you really want to leave Hermione to someone else? maybe I should try my luck? ”the blonde teased on.
"No way. Hermione, please go to the ball with me. I don't want you in someone else's arms. "
the curly angel blushed and accepted, relieved. She didn't think that stubborn redhead would dare to ask her.
"Thank you," she whispered to Draco about it. He nodded with a grin. Then he looked at the dance floor.
"Merlin, my poor sister."
The others followed his gaze. Daphne was being dragged across the area by George Weasley. She should teach the boy to dance. He seemed to step on her feet more often.
"If you're sorry for your sister, take a look at Harry," muttered Ron.
The hero of the wizarding world was tutored by McGonagall. And the way the boy looked, he would rather be anywhere than here.
"But he's doing better than your brother," Hermione said.
"He's probably afraid of losing points if he takes a wrong step," suggested Neville. He had just had to dance with Fred. That's why his feet hurt too.
“Merlin, can someone take over please? I can not anymore."
Draco was so nice and agreed.
Harry really didn't know where to look. That was so incredibly embarrassing. First Severus, then Sirius, and now his Head of House. who came next, Hagrid or Flitwick? At least the practice with his parents seemed to be worth it.
“Very good Mr. Potter. You learn really quickly. "
"The praise goes to my fathers, they learned with me."
"Severus, really?asked the Head of House in astonishment.
“Yes, he knows all these things very well. All through his friendship with Mr. Malfoy. "
Seeing how embarrassed her student was in this situation, McGonagall ended the whole thing. she couldn't teach him anything anyway. At least not for the ball.
“Maybe you should redeem Ms. Greengrass. In the meantime I'll try out Mrweasley to do something that bears less resemblance to a trample. "
“But don't forget the protective charm on her feet,” the boy advised her.
The teacher laughed.
“Daphne, may I? or do you want to flatten your toes a bit? "
The blonde started to grin. George stuck his tongue out at Harry.
"Behave yourself, Mr. Weasley, I'll keep practicing with you."
immediately the boy turned pale, but he obediently submitted. It could have hit him worse. For example Professor Snape, he took the behavior lessons very seriously.
"Thank you," Daphne muttered. "The twins certainly don't have a talent for dancing."
Harry smiled and led her gallantly across the parquet.
“You can feel sorry for your friends. Tell me, who are you going to the ball with? "
daphne hung her head and groaned.
“If my brother has my way, it will be with our father. You can't imagine how glad Draco is that Astoria isn't allowed to attend the ball. "
"Not as happy as she is," Harry grinned.
“Right, I envy you. Draco wants to ask Ginny, do you think she will say yes? "
"She'd chuck something at him if he didn't ask her," Harry said readily.
"Well. And you? I'm sure many have asked you. "
Now it was Harry's turn to hang his head.
“Yeah, and I don't even know most of them. I don't want to go there with someone who is only interested in my fame. "
“Do you have that one favorite? Or a favorite? "
Harry didn't know why he was suddenly nervous, he had no one he wanted to go there with. And why did Draco's godfather suddenly come to mind?
"No, I just want it to be over," he muttered.
"Then what do you think if we go together? We're friends and we're sure to have a lot of fun as such. besides, I don't have to fear having Draco around me all the time. "
"And you don't mind just serving as an alibi appointment?"
The girl laughed out loud.
“Certainly not, you are nothing else for me either. so, let's have as much fun as possible at this boring event. Even if we will be surrounded by parents, teachers and politicians all evening. "
Harry nodded, then smiled mischievously.
“I'm really curious what kind of dress you will wear. That's the only thing I look forward to seeing how all the girls will try to keep up with the beauty of my dear friends. "
Daphne laughed again.
"You only say that because you can count a Veela among your friends."
"Plus you, Astoria, Hermione, Ginny and Luna," Harry added.
Daphne blushed.
"No matter who gets you, I hope your partner knows how lucky he will be with someone like you .."
"You're sweet. But I'm not worried about that yet. I want to get through this tournament first. if possible without looking like Professor Moody. "
"Do you already know what the egg is?"
“Oh that, I deciphered this secret on the same day. But my plan is a little more difficult to carry out than I thought. "
"I don't suppose you will tell me?"
The boy shook his head.
"Let yourself be surprised."
"And what about the one who had destroyed the dragon lady's chain?" The girl wanted to know now.
"I don't know, but someone snuck into Severus' pantry and stole some potion ingredients from him."
"What?"
“Yes, but it won't work a second time. Now there is an alarm in the room. but don't ask how angry Severus was. At first he thought it was me. "
Harry shook it inwardly. He hadn't seen the Potions Master so angry in a long time. and it was some time before he could convince the man that he had nothing to do with the theft.
Although Severus had apologized, he did not escape Beast's revenge. the faithful book had bitten the teacher at every opportunity. And somehow it had managed to get Hedwig on his side. The two Severus didn’t let any rest for three days. until Harry talked to them. Sirius had enjoyed himself royally and almost had an argument with Sev about it. All in all, Harry was happy when this tournament was over. It just brought trouble.
"So, everyone, listen up," McGonagall tore the students from their exercises. “Those of you who have mastered dancing now come to the next step. Exceptions are all boys who go to the ball with another boy. "
seamus and Dean looked at each other relieved.
"And what should we do?" Asked Ron.
“Nothing yourself, but your partner. At the ball, the ladies will all wear dresses and high heels. we will now practice walking and dancing with these shoes. "
"Ow," muttered Daphne.
"Bad?" Harry wanted to know sympathetically.
"Yes, I want to know who invented these things. I was sure someone hated women. "
harry shook his head.
“I don't know much about it either, but back then these shoes were mostly worn by men. It was considered particularly masculine to be able to walk with these things. "
“I can understand, it's not easy either. above all, you have to learn to straighten your knees. Otherwise you look like you pissed your pants. ”Daphne grumpily accepted the shoes that the teacher was holding out to her.
"Well then, let's go. and gentlemen, be careful not to go too fast. Otherwise it can be easy for your ladies to fall. "
Harry held out his arm to his partner.
"Shit, with those things you're even bigger than me."
"You can be very manly and wear heels too," grinned Daphne.
The dance moves were really harder with the shoes on. And cursing could be heard from everywhere. be it by boys who were stepped on their feet, or by girls who didn't know how to move properly. Fortunately, the mother lion had made the floor soft. Somebody kept losing their balance.
"Careful Ms.granger, don't stomp like that. It has to look like you're floating. ”Minerva explained.
“How are you supposed to float when you're dragging that extra weight around with you? It's like walking on stilts or raw eggs. How are you supposed to walk properly in those 'fuck me' shoes? ”Hermione cursed the most of all the students.
"She already sounds like you," giggled Daphne.
"Ron said once in our first year that we would be a bad influence on Mine."
After a few more wobbly laps across the dance floor, Harry stopped.
"What is it?" His partner wanted to know.
"I'm just thinking, maybe I'll get a better feeling if I really try it."
"What are you trying?"
Harry didn't answer, he got another pair of high heels, conjured them up to his size and put them on. almost immediately he felt like he was on a ship.
"Now I know how a sailor feels in a strong wind," he muttered. Harry remembered Daphne's words and tried to straighten his knees. something that wasn't so easy, he began to row his arms.
Everyone was watching him now. There were also some stupid sayings.
“Try it yourself before you make fun of me. that's hard work, ”said the boy-who-lost-his-balance.
Amazingly, it didn't take long and every boy tried to walk in the shoes.
"Merlin, I'll never make fun of high-heeled girls again.muttered Ron.
Minerva stood on the edge and watched the hustle and bustle, visibly amused. Their young lion's idea seemed to be working, as the children's posture got better with every step. it also made it fun for them. Hopefully the ball would not be a complete disaster after all.