Trick 66: The art of conversation ft. Hermione

Ace was sitting in McGonagall's classroom, reading from a book as McGonagall spoke, "The Yule ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception." as she looked at Ace, who waved without looking up, fixing up a Phonograph.

She continued, "On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well mannered frivolity." Ace looked up with a confused look as Minerva went on, "As representatives of the Host School I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward. And I mean this literally, because the Yule Ball is, first and foremost a dance."

The Students gasped and whispered amongst each other as Ace chuckled and went back to reading, flipping a page.

Minerva turned around and said "Silence! The House of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the Wizard World for nearly 10 centuries. I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons." as she looked around.

She nodded and continued "Now, to dance is to let the body breathe. Inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight. Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance. Now, Mr. Brand."

Ace froze and everyone turned to him, he looked at Minerva and said "No, no, no." Minerva smiled and said "If you would like to demonstrate with me. Come on now." Ace exhaled smoke from his nose and ashed the cigarette into a tray as Harry and Ron chuckled, covering their mouths.

Ace glared at them and Minerva cleared her throat, "Mr. Brand!" Ace sighed and got up, putting his book down as he walked over.

Minerva said "Now, take-" Ace held her waist with his right hand and grabbed her left hand, saying "I know." Minerva smiled "Very good, Mr. Brand." Ace flicked out a finger and the music started playing as Minerva said "One, two, three."

Ace moved his feet according to a waltz as he let go and ran his hand through his hair, getting it out of his eyes before returning to position. Minerva and Ace waltzed around the room as she explained "You see, this is very simple and easy to do if you should give a bit of effort!"

Ace smiled and continued dancing to the music until Minerva let go and smiled "Everyone come together! Boys on your feet!" as the girls stood up.

However only Neville stood up.

A group of girls walked to Ace, smiling "Professor Brand, can you teach me? No, me." Ace looked at Minerva, who chuckled in amusement. He smiled apologetically, saying "Sorry, kids… However, Harry and Ron know how to dance very well!"

Harry and Ron froze their laughter as the girls looked at them.

Ace chuckled to himself and walked back to his seat, returning to his book.

Just like that, a month passed very slowly.

Ace was currently reading in the library as Hermione stormed in and nearly threw a book across the room. Ace looked up at her and she said "I can't believe this!" Ace felt a sense of deja vu and asked "Moody again?"

Hermione was all frazzled and shouted "No! Ronald! I can't believe how completely dimwitted he is! He's looking for a partner to the Yule Ball and he turns to me, saying 'Oh, HerMiOnE, YoU'Re a gIrl rIgHt?' Then he has the balls to assume I don't have a date! The nerve!"

Ace was speechless and said "Well, I me-" Hermione continued "Honestly! If he would only just ask like a normal person, I would've said yes! He's my friend, of course I'd rather go with him rather than a random! Or at least Harry could've asked me! We've been friends for 4 years now! I wouldn't have to go with Viktor Krum if they would just ask!"

Ace blinked and said "Well, you kno-" Hermione groaned in frustration, pacing back and forth as she continued "And it's not like Krum is ugly! No, he's alright looking, however I don't really like him! Sure, he's a nice person and all, and he has big muscles, but he's got sawdust in his head! You know?! At least, if I have to go with a nincompoop, I would rather Ronald!"

Ace opened his mouth and Hermione added, "You know! We've only been in dangerous situations for 4 years straight now! You-Know-Who this, You-Know-Who that! It's not absurd to figure 'Hmm! Hermione's right here. Why don't I ask her to the Yule Ball?' Like Honestly! I can't even begin to understand it!"

Ace licked his lips and raised a finger, saying "But y-" Hermione shouted "AND ON TOP OF THAT! He talks to me as though I couldn't possibly have a date! You know, Neville has a date! Neville! But oh no! Merlin Forbid that little ole Hermione has a date, that's completely unthinkable!" as she continued pacing, swinging her book, saying "Stupid, stupid, stupid!"

Ace swallowed and put his hand down, saying "I don't thi-" Hermione said "That's it! I'll go with Krum! I'll show them! Those buffoons! Ugh! Good Idea, Teacher!" before storming off.

Ace was completely speechless as he watched Hermione leave. He rubbed the back of his neck and muttered "Women." before letting out a breath with stunned eyes, turning back to the notebook…

The following Friday