Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard-Chapter 523 - 521: The Christmas Ball

Besides Defense Against the Dark Arts, fifth-year students also had a Transfiguration class this morning.

They’re still learning the Vanishing Spell, but this time they had to transform hamsters.

Although it was just a switch of animals, the difficulty increased significantly, and most of the students made no progress during the two full classes.

This situation never happened before; recently, whenever it was time for Transfiguration class, students were quite anxious, afraid of seeing Professor McGonagall’s disappointed face again.

This time was no exception.

Throughout the class, the room was filled with all sorts of popping and exploding sounds. Everyone was eager to complete the task quickly, so their moods inevitably became more agitated, leading to these spellcasting errors.

Someone was so nervous that they even blew up their desk into pieces.

"Everybody, please stop for a moment..."

Professor McGonagall fixed the shattered desk with her wand and said loudly, "You’re too impatient; this makes the Vanishing Spell even harder to master. Try to calm yourself down...

"Well, perhaps there’s some news that can help ease your nerves."

Everyone turned their attention to her.

"The Christmas Ball is approaching," Professor McGonagall said, "It is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and a great opportunity for us to interact with foreign guests."

Sure enough, after Professor McGonagall’s words, a wave of chatter erupted in the classroom.

A few Gryffindor girls who were previously on the verge of tears now gathered together, whispering and giggling while occasionally casting glances at Kael.

Professor McGonagall didn’t pay them any mind and continued speaking, "The ball is only open to students in fourth year and above, but if you choose to, you may select a lower-year student as a dance partner...

"It will be held at eight o’clock on Christmas evening in the auditorium.

"Remember to dress in your formal robes; this is a rare opportunity that allows us to... hmm... let our hair down and relax."

The laughter around grew louder.

Fortunately, at that moment, the bell rang to signal the end of class. Everyone quickly packed up their things and eagerly rushed out of the room, seemingly intent on spreading the good news to more people.

But Kael was left behind.

"Traditionally, the Triwizard Tournament Ball is led off by the champions and their dance partners..." Professor McGonagall said, "Do you understand what I mean?"

"Of course, Professor." Kael glanced outside the door... Conna was leaning against the railing with two books, waiting for him.

Professor McGonagall naturally noticed this too, and couldn’t help but chuckle softly, "Well, since you understand, let me remind you that you’ll need to practice your dancing skills more during this period.

"Opening the ball means many people will be watching you, and if you dance awkwardly, you’re sure to become the subject of ridicule."

The expression on Kael’s face suddenly became quite interesting.

Here’s the problem...

The only dance he knows is the unique courtship dance of the Moonstruck Beast, taught to him by Newt when he was ten.

Oh, and he also knows the Poison Horned Beast’s dance.

But these are of no use at the Triwizard Tournament Ball, where the odds are there won’t be music suited for such dances.

And Dumbledore certainly wouldn’t allow him to bring a Moonstruck Beast as a dance partner.

Seeing his expression, Professor McGonagall seemed to realize something and tentatively asked, "You don’t know how to dance?"

Kael stiffly nodded.

Professor McGonagall looked incredulous, "Hasn’t your father... Chris ever taken you to a ball?"

The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures must have quite a few interactions with foreign wizards, and when those wizards come over, Chris, as the Deputy Minister, is expected to attend some welcoming balls and banquets.

Usually, these events allow family to be brought along, which counts as a common activity.

"Uh... I’ve never attended any." Kael said.

Chris himself tends to avoid balls whenever possible, only showing up for the buffet if he absolutely can’t get out of it.

As for Kael, he’d rather spend his time watching Fire Salamanders fight in Newt’s case.

"Oh..." Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead.

Having a champion who can’t dance as the opener is a disaster both for Kael himself and for Hogwarts.

Fortunately, she decided to inquire more today.

"You can put aside your other classes for now." Professor McGonagall insisted, "There’s only one week until Christmas. In that time, you must learn to dance... even if it’s just to one song.

"So, tomorrow’s just right; it’s the weekend, and at ten in the morning, I’ll hold a dance club in the auditorium. Be sure to come... No, you must come."

After that, Professor McGonagall hurriedly left the classroom, seemingly heading up to the eighth floor to find Headmaster Dumbledore.

Kael smacked his lips and followed her out of the classroom.

"Why was Professor McGonagall looking so urgent?" Conna walked over, curiously asking, "What did you two talk about?"

"A very daunting challenge," Kael sighed, "One much scarier than facing two Fire Dragons alone."

"Ah?" Conna looked even more intrigued.

"It’s nothing," Kael shook his head, "Oh, by the way, can I invite you to the Christmas Ball? You see, champions need to open the dance with their partners, and I need your help.

Otherwise, I’d probably have to dance with a Moonstruck Beast... which Professor Dumbledore clearly won’t allow."

Conna instantly forgot her previous curiosity, looking at Kael with her head tilted slightly to the side.

"Only you would think of dancing with a Moonstruck Beast... But, alright, since you put it that way, I would be happy to be your partner."

"That’s wonderful," Kael said smiling.

Then the two headed downstairs together toward the common room.

Meanwhile, in the underground classroom.

Snape was brewing a potion when his hand slipped, dumping an entire bottle of Nine-Banded Armadillo Gallbladder Juice into the cauldron.

The potion, originally bright blue, instantly turned dark purple, bubbling at the surface.

"Oh, damn it!" Snape waved his wand, clearing away both the potion and the cauldron, instinctively thinking of Sirius Black.

Though Blake wasn’t present, blaming him was undoubtedly right.

Ever since Blake arrived at Hogwarts, he’s been going out of his way to oppose him... When he deducted Gryffindor’s points, Blake would immediately deduct the points from Slytherin students for the same reasons.

He has frequently gone to Dumbledore about it these past few days, even losing sleep over the issue.

This mistake must be due to a lack of rest; there’s no way a Potion Master like him would make such a basic error otherwise.

Dumbledore must be senile to agree to appoint such an idiot as a professor.

...