As the moment approached, eyes across the Great Hall turned to the entrance. Even the professors were watching with bated breath. Professor McGonagall, who had been nearly dozing off with boredom, opened her eyes wide, her gaze fixed on the double doors.
Strictly speaking, a professor should have opened the festivities. But Headmaster Dumbledore had refused; for the elderly Headmaster, dancing was entirely out of the question.
Argus Filch, however, was unusually excited. His typically surly face was split by a wide grin. Erwin was the most popular student in Hogwarts—practically everyone admired him. (Well, perhaps not Ron, but does an embittered fool count as an 'intelligent being' worth considering? Erwin's relationship with petty grudges has never been favorable.)
Suddenly, a spotlight hit the doors, and Filch slowly swung them open. As the gap widened, the beam of light illuminated the figures standing there. The shadows solidified, revealing two distinct silhouettes.
The Great Hall fell into sudden, stunned silence, followed immediately by a collective gasp.
Standing at the entrance was Erwin, dressed in a sharp purple suit. He wore no other embellishments except for a purple lotus brooch pinned to his chest. Beside him stood Charlotte, wearing a matching purple dress, though her brooch was a deep, striking crimson—the sigil of the Selwyn family.
The spotlight bathed them, making the crimson lotus mark on Charlotte's fair shoulder seem to bloom in harmony with her brooch. The sheer elegance of their entrance left the entire hall speechless.
Hermione stood frozen, her eyes wide. "Charlotte looks... absolutely breathtaking!" she whispered. The others nearby nodded in silent agreement. At that moment, Erwin and Charlotte were the undisputed stars of the evening.
Erwin extended his arm. Charlotte smiled sweetly and placed her hand into the crook of his elbow. With synchronized steps, they walked into the Great Hall.
Just then, the Weasley Twins, who had been lurking nearby, whipped out their wands. They exchanged a mischievous glance and grinned.
With a synchronized flick, they summoned a storm of rose petals that rained down from the ceiling. It created a lush, crimson path right beneath Erwin and Charlotte's feet—a carpet of flowers leading them forward.
Erwin looked at the twins. They shouted, "You're welcome, Erwin! We thought your entrance needed a little more flair, so we added the special effects!"
Erwin chuckled. The Twins never failed to deliver. But if they thought that was impressive, why not elevate it further?
Erwin snapped his fingers lightly. The falling rose petals instantly shifted color, swirling from red to a vibrant purple. As they touched the ground, they transfigured into blooming purple lotuses, creating a mystical pathway for the couple.
Professor McGonagall couldn't help but begin to applaud. "Erwin, if this were a class, your Transfiguration would surely earn Slytherin ten points!"
Erwin offered a slight, graceful bow in her direction. The path of purple lotuses extended all the way to the center of the dance floor. Exchanging a glance, Erwin and Charlotte stepped onto the magical path and walked steadily to the heart of the room.
As they took their places, the music began to swell softly. Charlotte released Erwin's arm. Erwin placed a hand over his heart and bowed slightly.
"Miss Charlotte Theresa," he said, his voice clear and warm. "May I have the honor of this dance?"
He extended his right hand. Charlotte curtsied gracefully, grasping her skirt, and placed her hand into his. Erwin took it firmly, his other hand resting lightly on her waist.
The other professors, originally meant to lead the dance, exchanged knowing looks. Recognizing that the spotlight belonged to the students, they approached and formed a semicircle around Erwin and Charlotte, allowing the young couple to take center stage.
The others watched in quiet admiration. As an opening dance, it was a feast for the eyes. Erwin, having been forced to learn ballroom dancing at various high-society events since childhood, moved with practiced ease. Charlotte, too, was graceful and poised.
In particular, Erwin had grown considerably in height recently. He was now noticeably taller than Charlotte. Standing together, they were a striking pair—tall, elegant, and dressed in matching purple. Under the spotlight, they outshone everyone else, turning the professors into little more than a backdrop. The professors didn't mind; seeing their students so accomplished filled them with pride, especially since it was Erwin.
On the floor, Charlotte looked up at him. "You're taller than me now," she murmured.
Erwin smiled. "Time flies, doesn't it?"
"It does," she agreed softly. "I still remember that moment years ago in your chambers, when you held your wand to my throat. It feels like my fate changed in that instant."
Erwin's expression softened. "It wasn't me, or my wand, that changed your destiny, Charlotte. It was your own choice."
Charlotte smiled, resting her head gently against his chest. She closed her eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, inhaling the familiar scent of him. She felt a peace she hadn't known since the destruction of her family. She wished this moment could last forever, but she knew it couldn't. Once they left the floor, she would have to return to being his right hand, cutting down obstacles in his path until her final breath.
The music swelled to its crescendo and began to fade. The professors finished their sets and bowed to the crowd. Erwin loosened his hold, but suddenly, Charlotte wrapped her arms around his waist, embracing him tightly.
Erwin stiffened for a second, surprised by the public display. But recovering quickly, he gently patted her back.