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Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Ball
"Professor, no one else invited me, so I'm your dance partner!" Pandora ran over, her expression bright and determined. It was clear she had declined other invitations just to dance with him.
Lockhart muttered under his breath but let Pandora take his arm. To be honest, she looked every bit as stunning as Fleur that evening. Her elegant dress, subtle makeup, and golden headband gave her a maturity beyond her years. It seemed she had deliberately chosen this style after Lockhart's earlier comment about his age. Standing next to him, she didn't look like a girl dancing with an old man—she looked confident, poised, and self-assured.
When Hermione entered the hall wearing the dress Lockhart had given her, the boys' admiring gazes and the girls' envious whispers all focused on her at once. For a moment, she even outshone her dance partner, Viktor Krum. Lockhart couldn't help but feel a strange pride, as if witnessing a child he'd watched grow up take her first steps into society.
Pandora's graceful movements, her slender waist and fair, smooth skin, stirred admiration in Lockhart as they danced. Yet he quickly dismissed any improper thoughts—she was only fourteen, and even if precocious, she was far too young for romance.
After the first dance, a short break allowed everyone to find new partners.
Lockhart guided Pandora back to her seat and then approached Hermione. "Miss Granger, would you do me the honour of joining me for the next piece?"
Hermione had clearly been waiting for the invitation. She immediately stepped away from Krum. "Of course, Professor! It's an honour."
As the music began, Lockhart leaned closer. "So, Krum is a pretty good fellow, isn't he?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "He's fine, but let's not talk about him. Hold me tight—I'm not very good at dancing this one!"
Lockhart complied, guiding her carefully to the rhythm. Hermione lacked Pandora's refinement, but her intelligence and determination shone in her posture and expression, making her a captivating dance partner.
After the dance, Krum waited patiently at the edge of the floor. Lockhart smiled and handed Hermione back to him, keeping his promise.
The rest of the first half saw Lockhart entertaining other invitations, dancing with Ginny, Cho Chang, Luna, and Fleur. When the music paused, he finally had a chance to reconnect with Pandora.
"Professor, shall we go outside for some fresh air?" Pandora asked, her tone playful but insistent.
"I'd love to," Lockhart replied, grateful for a moment of respite from the crowded ballroom.
Outside, the wind was crisp, and their breath formed little clouds in the cold air. Lockhart and Pandora found a sheltered spot and sat down.
"What a beautiful evening, Professor," Pandora said softly.
"Yes, it's much more enjoyable with the charming Miss Pandora by my side," Lockhart replied with his usual flair.
Pandora hesitated, clearly wanting to say something more. "Um…"
"Yes?" Lockhart prompted.
"I like you," she admitted shyly.
Lockhart, ever the charmer, replied lightly, "Well, that's very kind of you. I quite like Miss Pandora as well."
Pandora frowned slightly at his casual tone and, gathering courage, leaned closer. "No! I've… I've fallen in love with you, Professor. I want to be your girlfriend!"
Lockhart quickly set boundaries in his mind. She was only fourteen, and he was a grown man. He needed to handle this delicately.
"Pandora, you're still very young," he began gently.
"No, I'm almost fifteen!" she insisted, her voice trembling. "I want to spend more time with you tonight!"
Before Lockhart could respond further, a familiar voice interrupted:
"Miss Fudge, what are you doing here? Slytherin, ten points!" Snape appeared suddenly.
Spotting Lockhart, he added with mock severity, "Giddro? Well, that's another ten points for Slytherin."
Pandora hid behind Lockhart, both embarrassed and nervous.
"When you danced with Granger," Snape continued sarcastically, "you looked like a dog that had just seen a bone!"
"Severus, mind your tongue," Lockhart said smoothly. "Perhaps you'd better find some partners willing to dance with you before I do."
Realizing he had been outmaneuvered, Snape reluctantly walked away, wand in hand to maintain his composure. Lockhart chuckled quietly and turned back to Pandora.
"It's getting late. Let me escort you back inside," he said.
Pandora swallowed her words and quietly followed him, content to spend a few more minutes in his company, even under the crisp winter sky.
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