The Yule Ball(chapter 62)

Chapter 62

While studying, he suddenly remembered something. "Why does Mad-Eye Moody smell like Polyjuice Potion?" he said aloud before his brain nearly fried again while studying the Time Turner. "Hm, I think I understand now," he thought as he remembered some of the ingredients he had. "Hm, maybe, just maybe," he muttered as he immediately got up and looked through his storage before finding the ingredient he was looking for. He got to work, eventually crafting a potion. "Now, this should help," he smiled as he gulped down the potion.

[ Name: Elixir of Enlightened Mind ]

[ Grade: Peak ]

[ Description: This potion, crafted with level 8 Potion-Creation skill, uses powdered sage leaves, crushed dragonfly wings, and the essence of a wisdom fruit as its core ingredients. Upon consumption, it temporarily enhances the consumer's comprehension rate by 800% for up to 3 hours. This allows for rapid understanding of complex concepts, faster skill acquisition, and heightened problem-solving abilities. The effect dissipates after the duration ends, leaving no permanent changes. ]

[ Deterioration-Rate: 100%, the freshness of the potion ]

With an increased comprehension rate, it didn't take long for him to find the clue for the second task, which made him ponder for a second. "Well, either way, I won't know until I place this in the river," he thought, tossing aside the golden egg. He then turned his attention to anti-curse potions, which took much more work before he used his own blood, as he had an anti-magic pulse, enabling him to create another ridiculous potion.

[ Name: Curseward Elixir ]

[ Grade: Peak ]

[ Description: Crafted with level 8 Potion-Creation skill, this potion is designed to counteract the effects of Unforgivable Curses or any other curse. Its core ingredients include the blood of an individual with innate anti-magic abilities, crushed obsidian shards infused with protective charms, and powdered ash bark known for its resilience against curses. Upon consumption, the potion grants the user a 1,000% resistance to Unforgivable Curses, greatly diminishing their effectiveness. This protection lasts for 6 hours, making the consumer highly resistant to even the most potent dark magic. ]

[ Deterioration-Rate: 100%, the freshness of the potion ]

"Hhhhhh, my baby," Gray said as he held the potion up like it was gospel, while Rachel watched from the side. "It's like you just gave birth to it," she said, watching him continue to treat the potion like it was his treasure. And it was, as he filled test tubes while saying, "Well, it does allow me to survive the Unforgivable Curses." This stunned Rachel, who rubbed the bridge of her nose as she said, "You developed an anti-curse potion for the three Unforgivable Curses?" Gray laughed. "No, don't be ridiculous," he replied, making her sigh in relief before he shattered it. "It's anti-curse for all curses. Who knows, it might even work on you," he said, throwing one of the test tubes at her. She just looked at him, dripping with potion, unimpressed.

"This is a curse from John Constantine. Of course, you can't break it," she said, making Gray slowly turn his head toward her. "Is that a challenge?" he asked, clearly high on the potion. "You are high. Get some rest; your next task is coming up soon," she replied, taking on her cane form again. Before she transformed completely, she spoke, "Gray," she called, making him turn around. "Save her," she asked sincerely, continuing, "Since Harry isn't participating, then save her in his place." Gray sighed and got to work.

-scene change-

In the assembly room, McGonagall stood before the students, her authoritative presence demanding attention. "The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception," she began, her tone firm yet instructive. She elaborated on the event, emphasizing the importance of proper behavior and decorum. "As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward—literally—because the Yule Ball is first and foremost... a dance." Groans erupted from the boys, while the girls appeared more enthusiastic. McGonagall silenced the room, declaring, "The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded respect for nearly ten centuries, and I will not have you besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons." Fred leaned over to George and whispered, "Try saying that five times faster," prompting the twins to stifle their laughter as they attempted it.

McGonagall continued, waxing poetic about the elegance of dance. "Inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers, longing to burst forth and take flight," she said, her words inspiring a mixture of admiration and snickers. Ron, whispering to Seamus, joked, "Something's about to burst out of Hilary, but I don't think it's a swan." Ignoring the remark, McGonagall added, "Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance." She then turned her gaze to Gray. "Mr. Gray, will you join me?" Unfazed, Gray stood confidently and approached her.

 McGonagall instructed him to place his hand on her waist, which he did. As she maintaining her composure. As the music started, McGonagall guided Gray through the steps, counting aloud, "One two three, one two three." Gray moved with surprising grace, fully embracing the moment, even as wolf whistles filled the air. Harry, watching from the side, grinned and said to the twins, "Oi! Never gonna let him forget this, are you?" "Never," they replied in unison.McGonagall called the students to join in, prompting the girls to eagerly step forward while the boys hesitated. "Boys, on your feet," she commanded, and Neville stood nervously, looking around for guidance. 

While Gray tried to sneak out after his dance, a sharp voice stopped him. "Gray Knight, I better see you dressed like a gentleman and clean up, otherwise you'll find that test tube of yours half full." Gray froze mid-step, sighing as he looked back. That brief hesitation was all the girls needed to swarm him. "Why does he get all the attention?" Jamal asked as he and the others—Ron, Harry, and Neville—watched the chaos unfold. "Well, he is rich, genius, handsome, fit, and a genius," Ron pointed out, to which Harry replied, "You already said genius."

The next morning, Gray hid inside his suitcase, avoiding the throng of girls searching for him. "Seriously? You're hiding? What happened to being fearless?" Rachel teased, finding him engrossed in his notebook. "There's no way I'm dancing at a ball, let alone with anyone. My schedule is too packed," Gray muttered, flipping through his notes on the time-turner, which had become more complex since he drank the Enlightened Elixir again. Rachel smirked, leaning close. "Then you'll only get half a test tube of phoenix tears," she whispered devilishly, even shifting into her demonic form for effect.

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A/N guess who gray is going to the dance with it/