The white robes made Sunny Finch look like a celestial being from legend.
Her extraordinary presence combined with the outfit gave her an ethereal quality.
Hermione was completely mesmerized.
Draco noted, "She looks nothing like the girl who stormed Durmstrang's door that day."
Harry and Hermione nodded in agreement. Hermione had to admit that no matter how much she had prepared, she felt somewhat overshadowed by Sunny. That outfit was a definite advantage.
Sunny approached Hermione. "My, you look stunning today!"
"You're the one who looks gorgeous!" Hermione replied, admiring the robes. "That outfit is incredible."
Sunny smiled. "It's my first time wearing traditional attire like this. It's called Hanfu, from my homeland. If you like it, I'll have one made for you."
Hermione nodded eagerly. It was rare to find a witch who didn't appreciate fine traditional robes, regardless of age.
One by one, Pansy and the others arrived, naturally causing a stir. Pansy wore a sleek black gown, while Cho Chang sported a fitted cheongsam. Penelope Clearwater wore a light blue evening gown, and Cassandra Vablatsky wore bright crimson. Each was stunning in her own right.
But when Fleur Delacour appeared, it nearly stopped time itself. Fleur possessed Veela blood, and the fashion sensibilities of her homeland were distinct from England's. Her dress perfectly accentuated her figure, making the younger witches feel quite inadequate by comparison.
Aside from Charlotte, Erwin's seven dance partners gathered together. Entering the Great Hall, they drew nearly every eye. The other witches paled in comparison. What infuriated them most was that their own partners—chosen as fallback options—were also staring at the group of seven. If they hadn't been pressed for time, who knows how many confrontations would have erupted?
Once the students had arrived, the doors to the Great Hall closed. The lights dimmed instantly, and a spotlight illuminated the center of the floor. Dumbledore appeared, smiling.
"I'm really not accustomed to this contraption Erwin invented," he said, his voice echoing through the hall, "but I must admit, it creates a wonderful atmosphere!"
The students laughed.
Dumbledore continued, "First, a warm welcome to our guests from Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and the Kunlun Institute! Hogwarts is honored to host this Christmas Ball for the four schools. As is customary, we shall begin with the opening dance. While it used to be the champions exclusively, considering the large number of guests, we have adapted the rules—after all, this isn't the first time we've modified tradition tonight!
"So, please welcome our first dancers: Headmistress Olympe Maxime of Beauxbatons, and her partner, Rubeus Hagrid!"
Filch, acting as the gatekeeper, opened the doors. A spotlight hit the entrance. Maxime and Hagrid stood there. Even the usually disheveled Hagrid had dressed in formal attire. Hagrid extended his hand, and Maxime placed hers delicately on his wrist. They approached Dumbledore, who beamed at them.
He announced, "Next, we have Headmaster Igor Karkaroff of Durmstrang, and his partner, Professor Sprout!"
The doors opened again. It was clear Professor Sprout looked less than thrilled, but there was no avoiding it. Aside from Professor Flitwick, who couldn't easily participate due to his stature, all staff were expected to join the opening. Sprout had no choice but to endure the company of the disagreeable Karkaroff.
Dumbledore continued, "Next, you all know them well: Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape!"
As the doors reopened and the spotlight swept the entrance, the Great Hall fell into stunned silence. Every eye turned to Snape.
"Merlin's beard? That's Professor Snape?"
"His hair is so... clean!"
"Look at how handsome he is! I never noticed before!"
Even the other professors, including Dumbledore, were momentarily stunned. They barely recognized him. Dumbledore smiled warmly. Looking at Snape, he seemed a completely different man. Dumbledore was genuinely pleased; it meant Snape had finally emerged from the shadows of his past.
Professor McGonagall stood beside Snape, her face lit with a radiant smile. She had been startled when she first saw him. The Snape of today lacked his usual melancholy. He seemed to have returned to his youth—handsome, composed, and radiating a quiet pride that seemed etched into his very bearing. For a moment, McGonagall felt transported back to her own youth, meeting him for the first time.
Snape seemed unaccustomed to the attention. He extended his arm, and McGonagall placed her hand gracefully on his wrist. She whispered, "Severus, my dear friend... welcome back to the light."
Snape froze. Before he could respond, McGonagall moved forward, and he quickly followed. They reached Dumbledore's side.
"Severus, you remind me of days long past," Dumbledore said softly. "I prefer you this way. Welcome back."
Professor Sprout smiled warmly as well. Looking at the colleagues he had worked with for years, Snape was overwhelmed with emotion. After a moment of silence, a genuine smile spread across his face.
"Yes, I'm back, everyone. It's been too long."
The students, seeing Snape smile, thought they might faint. It was such a rare sight, yet undeniably captivating. Some of the younger witches looked ready to swoon.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Now, for the pair you've all been waiting for: Erwin Cavendish and Charlotte Theresa!"