Charlotte looked up and smiled at Erwin.
"Well then, sir, thank you for the dance. I'll remember this moment until the day I die! I'm heading back now. I'll prepare some hot water for your feet when you return! I imagine you'll be quite busy today!"
She lifted her skirt in a graceful curtsy and turned to leave.
In that instant, a single crystal tear dropped to the floor.
Erwin noticed it glisten in the dim light. He sighed.
There were many things beyond his control. He and Charlotte, like everyone else, had choices forced upon them.
Perhaps, once everything was resolved, Erwin would consider matters of the heart. But right now, he couldn't afford to think about such things.
He didn't even know if he would survive the year.
His strength was considerable, but compared to the enemy he was about to face, he lacked absolute confidence.
Erwin shook his head, dismissing the thoughts, and moved to the edge of the dance floor. Hermione and the others were waiting impatiently.
The process of partner selection began—a pleasant distraction.
Before the next track started, Erwin extended his hand to Sunny Finch. He said nothing, but she didn't need him to.
She placed her hand in his, turned to the others, and grinned. "I'm going first! You all wait a bit!"
Together, they walked to the center of the dance floor.
The other young wizards began to fill the floor, and the professors gathered at the perimeter, chatting and eating while keeping a watchful eye—mostly fixed on Erwin.
As the music swelled, Erwin and Sunny Finch moved gracefully across the floor.
Professor McGonagall, standing beside Snape, chuckled. "Look at that boy, he's so popular! I wonder which girl will ultimately win his heart?"
"Charlotte, perhaps?" Snape replied. "They have excellent rapport, and she's been tremendously helpful to him. Sunny Finch is also impressive—strong and beautiful, if a bit... spirited."
McGonagall rolled her eyes. "Severus, why do you always prioritize strategy? Erwin's feelings are what matter! These girls are all exceptional; he's fortunate to have such options!"
"I'm the Head of Slytherin," Snape reminded her dryly. "Strategy is usually my first consideration. But you're right... when it comes to Erwin, perhaps strategy can take a secondary role."
McGonagall smiled warmly. "I'm so glad you've returned to yourself. You wouldn't have said that before. Thank goodness for Erwin; he's changed so much at Hogwarts for the better."
Snape offered a rare, genuine smile.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore sat at a table, savoring a slice of cake with unmistakable delight.
"Albus, you really should consume fewer sweets," a voice chided. "We aren't young anymore."
Dumbledore froze, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face as he quickly set the cake down. "Gellert! I was just... sampling it."
Grindelwald chuckled. "Sampling? I just watched you finish your third piece."
Dumbledore looked like a child caught stealing treats.
Grindelwald extended a hand. "How about a distraction, Albus? May I have this dance?"
Dumbledore hesitated, then a genuine smile spread across his lips. He placed his hand in Grindelwald's. "I would be honored."
The two men walked hand-in-hand to the dance floor. The young wizards' jaws dropped in unison, but the pair paid them no mind. They moved with a skill that defied their age, completely absorbed in each other.
Erwin glanced over, a smile touching his lips. He didn't care much for Dumbledore's machinations, but seeing Grindelwald content pleased him.
Just as he looked away, something in the corner of his eye made him do a double-take.
His eyes widened in genuine surprise.
In the shadows of the dance floor, two figures swayed gently to the music. Both wore black tuxedos—men's tuxedos.
Erwin looked closer.
Merlin's beard. Harry Potter.
And Draco Malfoy.
Erwin nearly lost his composure entirely.
He couldn't help but think of the forums from his past life. It seemed they were right: some pairings really did exist.
"Erwin, what are you looking at?" Sunny Finch asked.
Erwin snapped his gaze back to her and shook his head. "Nothing. I just didn't expect you to dance so well! You must have learned faster than anyone in Kunlun."
Sunny Finch laughed. "You said I'm a quick learner! How did I do?"
"Brilliantly," Erwin nodded. "If you hadn't told me otherwise, I'd have thought you attended Western balls regularly."
Sunny Finch flushed slightly at the praise. "You certainly know how to flatter."
On the other side, Harry and Draco danced with surprising grace. Harry could feel Draco's hand on his waist—warm, not uncomfortable, but a comforting presence. Draco's ears were tinged with red.
In the dim light, Harry's face seemed exceptionally clear to him, etched into his mind like an indelible mark.
They were of similar height. With every sway, their breaths mingled. Gradually, they drew closer.
Without realizing it, Harry rested his head against Draco's shoulder. He swore he didn't know how it happened, but it felt incredibly natural.