Compared with her rather straightforward older sister, Astoria thought much more deeply, which greatly pleased Rhys.
If Astoria had also said something like, "He's ridiculously weak. I could drain all the blood from his body with a snap of my fingers," Rhys truly would not have known where to go and cry.
"We really do need to guard against students with shallow judgement being tempted by these dark methods."
Rhys did not know whether dragon transformation magic would interfere with learning the flow of magic and thus become an obstacle to comprehending a Domain, but he had to prepare for that possibility.
For young wizards with little talent, there was nothing inherently wrong with learning this sort of magic. After all, the improvement in combat strength was very real.
But for students like Daphne and Astoria, sacrificing their path towards a Domain for the sake of a temporary increase in strength would be a genuine waste.
Rhys's thought was simple.
Why not research a similar form of magic himself?
As long as he found an opportunity to obtain Jack's memories and understand exactly how he had done it, Rhys would eventually be able to develop something similar.
If one could transform into a dragon, why could one not transform into a phoenix, a Thunderbird, or a Basilisk?
After casually chatting with Daphne and Astoria for a while longer, Rhys noticed that it was getting late. He took the wand back from the two girls and returned to the dormitory to rest.
...
The following days were extremely productive for Rhys.
He sneaked into the Hogwarts hospital wing, examined Jack's memories from the alchemical world, and learned the method behind dragon transformation magic. He immediately began researching it, though progress was relatively slow.
At the same time, he was also developing a specialised antidote capable of countering the plague in order to improve the contestants' chances of survival.
Progress in that area was equally slow.
After all, this was a potion Rhys had personally developed. If it were so easy to counter, there would have been little reason to place such high hopes in it in the first place.
Time passed quickly, and soon the end of November arrived.
During this period, life at Hogwarts could only be described as peaceful.
The students shifted their attention back towards their studies, while the contestants took advantage of the rare break between stages to begin preparing for the next part of the tournament.
That peace lasted until the final day of November.
After the bell rang through the dungeon classroom, Snape did not dismiss the class as usual. Instead, with a strange expression on his face, he announced some news.
"According to Triwizard Tournament tradition, the school will hold a Yule Ball on Christmas night to encourage interaction with our guests from the other schools. The ball will only be open to students in fourth year and above, though older students may invite one younger student if they wish."
Snape's voice echoed through the dungeon classroom.
This was the first time most of them had heard about the Yule Ball.
Everyone immediately wanted to discuss the event with their friends.
However, Snape was still standing at the front of the classroom, looking down at them.
So although everyone was shocked and excited, no one dared make a move.
"The ball will be held in the Great Hall at eight o'clock on Christmas night and will end at midnight. You must wear dress robes. The Yule Ball is an occasion for relaxation, but that does not mean the standards of conduct expected of Hogwarts students cease to exist. If any student brings disgrace upon their House or the school in any way..." Snape's tone turned sinister, and the implication was perfectly clear.
Anyone who embarrassed their House would pay the price!
Rhys propped his chin on one hand, his face practically covered with the words "boring" and "uninteresting."
He had absolutely no interest in something like a Yule Ball. Given the choice, he would much rather stay in the library or his secret chamber and work on the problems he currently had at hand.
Of course, he would not openly stand up and object either. It was only a ball. He could simply hide in a corner and do whatever he wanted.
Rhys had already made up his mind, but Professor Snape at the front of the classroom seemed to have more to say.
"As for those of you qualified to represent Hogwarts in the tournament, you have additional requirements."
Rhys: ???
He raised his head, his expression turning wary.
He knew perfectly well that the chances of Snape saying, "Contestants do not have to attend the Yule Ball," were extremely low.
Whatever Snape was about to announce was probably bad news.
"You must prepare a partner, someone to accompany you to the Yule Ball. You will also be required to dance, because by tradition, the ball is opened by the Champions and their partners."
Rhys could hardly believe his ears.
Why did the contestants have to go up there and dance?!
He immediately overturned the decision he had made only a few seconds earlier about not openly expressing any objections.
"Professor, that is a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament. What does it have to do with the World Youth Wizarding Championship?"
Since his own interests were now involved, Rhys directly challenged the matter.
Snape gave Rhys a calm glance. He had extraordinary patience for this student, whom he regarded most highly.
If it had been Potter from Gryffindor, Snape would already have delivered a smooth combination of point deductions and cutting sarcasm.
"The Championship was derived from the Triwizard Tournament, so many of its traditions were retained as well. Regarding the ball, Professor Dumbledore made this decision after listening to suggestions from the other professors. We have already informed the other schools. The matter is settled. You will dance."
Rhys knew that his face must be extremely red right now.
From Snape's words, he had keenly detected the unmistakable stench of Rowena's involvement!
Rowena was definitely behind this!
The "other professors" whose suggestions Dumbledore had listened to probably meant Rowena Ravenclaw!
She had arranged all this because she wanted to watch him dance on stage!
Rhys's face was flushed red, and anyone glancing at him would probably assume that he was extremely excited.
"This is tradition. As Champions representing Hogwarts, and as representatives of the school, you must behave as everyone expects you to. Therefore, all contestants must find themselves a partner and participate in the opening dance," Snape said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Unlike Rhys, Daphne was extremely excited when she heard the news.
Her gaze drifted towards Rhys beside her, but another figure inevitably appeared in her mind.
When she saw that equally silver-haired figure in her thoughts, Daphne froze for a moment before suddenly realising something.
Her greatest rival had appeared!
Seeing that Rhys had stopped arguing, Snape was satisfied.
"Class dismissed!"
After announcing the end of class, he quickly left the dungeon classroom, leaving the noise and chatter behind him.
"Um..."
Before Daphne could finish what she was about to say, Rhys grabbed his schoolbag and bolted out through the dungeon classroom door.
Daphne: "..."
The other students gradually recovered from their surprise as well.
Seeing that Rhys had already disappeared, Malfoy straightened his collar, walked over to Daphne's desk, and gave what he believed to be an extremely elegant smile.
"Miss Greengrass, may I have the honour of being your partner?"
"Get lost!"
Already in a foul mood, Daphne's answer was equally direct.
____
12 Chaps ahead at Patreon.com/HornyFBI