Rain on December 3

After the first task, Harry's reputation at Hogwarts took a dramatic turn for the better. The most surprising moment came during a Care of Magical Creatures class when Draco Malfoy and a group of Slytherins stood outside the Forbidden Forest, their faces sour as if they'd eaten something foul. As Harry approached, they simultaneously pressed the badges on their chests. The Gryffindors braced for another round of taunts, and Ron even drew his wand, ready to defend his friend.

But instead of flashing "Potter Stinks," the badges lit up with "Harry, I Love You" and emitted pink heart-shaped bubbles. Harry was stunned.

Draco, looking as though he'd rather be anywhere else, muttered, "Congratulations on your first task, Harry. You're the best."

Harry blinked, unsure if this was a backhanded compliment or genuine praise. "Uh… thanks?"

Ron, unable to contain himself, burst into laughter, clutching a nearby tree for support. "This is priceless! I can't believe I'm seeing this!"

Draco glared at Ron. "What are you laughing at, you poor excuse for a wizard?"

Ron, still gasping for breath, managed to say, "Nothing! Really! Hahaha!" He was in such a good mood that even Draco's insults couldn't ruin it.

The Care of Magical Creatures class that followed was one of Hagrid's most awkward yet. He kept his eyes firmly away from the Slytherins' badges, knowing he'd burst into laughter if he looked too long. The Slytherins endured the lesson with gritted teeth, while the Gryffindors struggled to stifle their giggles.

Joey's bet with Draco had paid off. Until Harry lost a task, the Slytherins were stuck wearing those ridiculous badges. "He said it himself—if Harry could win, he'd do anything," Joey said with a shrug when Ron recounted the scene later.

Fred, hearing the story, laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair. "Joey, you're a genius! Harry's got himself a whole squad of supporters now!"

---

The atmosphere at Hogwarts grew increasingly festive as the professors announced the upcoming Yule Ball. The castle buzzed with excitement as students scrambled to find dance partners. Even those in relationships weren't immune to the chaos. Fred, for instance, was shocked to discover that several boys had the audacity to ask Joey to be their dance partner.

"Don't you know she has a boyfriend?" Fred growled, cornering the latest offender—a Hufflepuff boy—in the hallway.

"A boyfriend and a dance partner can be two different things!" the boy retorted, clutching his bruised cheek.

Fred raised his fist, and the boy scurried away. "Unbelievable," Fred muttered.

George, watching from the sidelines, smirked. "Pretty girls are always popular, even if they're a bit of a troll. Like Madame Maxime—big and scary, but Hagrid's smitten."

Fred shot his brother a glare. "Joey's not a troll."

"I know," George said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "But you should've seen this coming. You need to step up your game, Fred. I already asked Flami to be my dance partner—properly, with flowers and everything."

Fred frowned. "But she's your girlfriend. Shouldn't she just… automatically be your dance partner?"

George shook his head. "That's where you're wrong, brother. Girls like to be asked properly. It's about the "ritual". You've got to make it special."

Fred's eyes widened as the realization hit him. "I need to invite Joey properly!"

"Exactly," George said, clapping Fred on the shoulder. "And don't forget the flowers. And maybe plan a romantic spot for after the dance. Trust me, it'll pay off."

---

Meanwhile, Joey and Flami were in an empty classroom on the fourth floor, unpacking the dresses Flami had custom-ordered for the ball. Joey groaned as she tried on her dress, which was so tight she could barely breathe. "Flami, I can't eat anything in this! Can't I have something looser?"

Flami rolled her eyes. "Stop complaining. You'll look stunning. Fred won't be able to take his eyes off you."

Joey pouted but allowed Flami to zip her into the dress. "Fine, but if I faint from hunger, it's your fault."

As Joey struggled out of the dress, Flami teased, "You know, Fred should think taking off clothes is easier than putting them on."

Joey's face turned bright red. "Flami!"

Flami laughed, folding the dress neatly. "Just saying. You two need to work on your sense of "ritual". It's important."

Joey, still blushing, muttered, "I'll keep that in mind."

---

Fred didn't keep Joey waiting long. He stood at the entrance to the Great Hall, holding a bouquet of red roses, drawing curious glances from passing students. Several Beauxbatons girls lingered nearby, hoping the flowers were for one of them. But Fred's eyes were fixed on the staircase, waiting for Joey.

When Joey finally appeared, Flami gave her a gentle push forward. "Your knight is waiting."

Joey stumbled slightly but caught herself, her eyes widening as she saw Fred holding the roses. "Fred?"

Fred stepped forward, his smile warm and genuine. "Joey, would you be my dance partner?"

Joey's heart swelled with happiness. She took the roses, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "I will," she said softly, leaning in to kiss him.

The students around them erupted into cheers and whistles, though a few Beauxbatons girls muttered under their breath about Joey's hair and posture. Flami, passing by, shot them a cold look. "A bunch of frogs in a well," she muttered, silencing their complaints.

---

The dance lessons with Professor McGonagall were another story. Ron, paired with Dean, looked like he'd rather face a dragon than dance. Fred, on the other hand, pulled Joey into his arms, ignoring McGonagall's instructions to "keep a proper distance."

"Your hand!" Joey hissed as Fred's grip tightened around her waist.

Fred grinned, unrepentant. "What? I'm just following the rhythm."

Joey rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. As they danced, she realized Flami was right—there was something magical about the "ritual" of it all. And with Fred by her side, she couldn't wait for the Yule Ball.