Erwin froze.
"Zoe, why are you blocking my way?"
It was indeed Zoe who had stopped him. She was petite, dressed in a striking Lolita-style gown today, looking for all the world like an innocent ingénue.
Her eyes crinkled into crescent moons. "Then, Master, would you do me the honor of this dance?"
"Didn't you say the other day there were too many people queuing and you weren't going to wait?" Erwin asked, confused. "Why the change of heart? This would be the ninth dance; don't tell me you want to wait even longer?"
Zoe smiled knowingly. "Master, how long has it been since you attended a formal ball? Have you forgotten the tradition? The final dance determines the King and Queen of the evening."
Hermione and the others widened their eyes instantly. They hadn't been unaware of the custom; they had simply forgotten. Now that Zoe had brought it up, they realized she had been planning this moment all along.
Erwin looked around. The other young wizards were poised, preparing to make their move. The music had stopped for the final partner selection.
Zoe extended her hand, her smile sweet as honey. "Well then, Master, you won't refuse me, will you? If you're going to inherit my magical legacy, consider this fair compensation."
Erwin chuckled. He took her hand.
Hermione and the others ground their teeth in frustration. They had been outmaneuvered.
At that moment, Professor McGonagall stepped into the center of the Great Hall. "Alright, everyone!" she announced loudly. "This is the final dance of the ball. Those who wish to compete for the titles, please bring your partners to the floor!"
It was originally Dumbledore's duty, but the Headmaster and Grindelwald had vanished on some mysterious errand. Reluctantly, Professor McGonagall, as Deputy Headmistress, had stepped in.
Erwin led Zoe to the dance floor. The crowd parted respectfully, giving the pair center stage. They could ignore Zoe's status, but they couldn't ignore Erwin—regardless of which House they belonged to. Erwin was no longer the uncertain first-year who had entered the wizarding world; he now wielded immense influence.
The floor wasn't crowded. By this hour, many young wizards had already slipped out of the Great Hall with their partners. Asking where they had gone was unnecessary.
Professor McGonagall clapped her hands. Instantly, the Great Hall plunged into darkness. Soft music began to play as dim, shifting lights spilled onto the floor. Spotlights roamed across the dancers, freezing momentarily on each couple as the rhythm swelled.
"Go for it, my Lord!" Zoe whispered. "I believe you can lead me to the title of Queen!"
"That depends on whether you truly have the skill," Erwin teased.
"My Lord," Zoe smiled confidently, "of the four great families, only yours has faded from public view in recent generations. Our family, though always operating in the shadows, has attended countless formal events. As long as you don't hold back, I'm certain I'll be Queen tonight!"
"I hope so," Erwin said.
The music swelled to its final crescendo. The spotlights spun wildly before freezing—blindingly bright—on Erwin and Zoe. The rest of the hall plunged into total darkness, leaving them illuminated in a solitary column of light. They were the King and Queen.
The crowd stopped dancing and erupted into thunderous applause.
Professor McGonagall smiled and approached, presenting the ceremonial crown and scepter.
"Excellent, Erwin. Your dancing is as impressive as your magic."
"Thank you, Professor," Erwin replied graciously.
Zoe took the Queen's scepter with undisguised delight. Though it held no monetary value, the honor was significant. She took the King's crown from McGonagall. Erwin understood, bowing his head slightly. Zoe gently placed the crown upon him.
Another wave of enthusiastic applause followed.
"Alright, children!" Professor McGonagall announced. "I have good news. Tonight, the prefects are suspending dormitory checks. You may celebrate all night—but only tonight!"
The young wizards cheered with wild enthusiasm. Satisfied, McGonagall and the other professors tactfully withdrew, leaving the students to their revelry.
Erwin left the Great Hall, accompanied by his partners from the evening. He wasn't entirely sure why they were following him, but he paid it little mind.
Back in the Slytherin Head Boy's quarters, the group split into activities. One faction sat down to play mahjong—a game Sunny Finch had introduced—while the other played cards. Both were far more engaging than Wizard's Chess. Erwin had strictly forbidden Sunny Finch from spreading mahjong to the rest of Hogwarts; he had no desire to see the school transform into a gambling den. The allure of the game was simply too potent.
Just as Charlotte had promised while leaving the ball, she had hot water prepared and waiting for him.
"Charlotte, go socialize with them for a while," Erwin said gently. "You don't need to attend to me constantly."
She shook her head stubbornly. "I don't care about that. I'd rather be here than anywhere else."
Erwin smiled. "Alright. Let's visit the Room of Requirement later. I want to see just how much you've improved."
Charlotte's eyes lit up with anticipation. "But, sir, you danced so many times tonight!"
Erwin let out a dry chuckle. "What, do you think that's a challenge for me?"