The Slytherin Champion (The Four Maidens of Hogwarts #1)

Chapter Twelve

Jade was still thinking about the lyrics from the egg. She would have one hour to rescue something, but what she had to rescue she did not know yet. She had a very strong feeling in her gut, though, that the second task would involve water. The egg would only give her the clue when opened underwater. Water would be a big factor in the second task. Jade was sure of it.

She had just finished her Potions classwork with Cait, who jumped up happily before randomly giving Jade a brief hug to celebrate. Jade snapped out of her serious daze, giving a soft chuckle at Cait's lightheartedness.

"We finished right on time!" Cait cheered again.

Before Jade could respond, she heard Snape clear his throat in a loud and irritated sort of way from the front of the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to face Snape, who crossed his arms.

"It is almost the end of class. Those of you who did not complete your work in time, you won't be going far in the workforce." Jade rolled her eyes as Snape ranted his usual spiel of work ethic within the span of one class. "Before all of you imbeciles leave today, Headmaster Dumbledore has told me to say this to you all." He cleared his throat once more before finally declaring. "The Yule Ball is approaching soon, a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament." His gaze shifted to Jade for a moment. "Fourth years and above only unless invited. Dress robes must be worn. The ball will be on Christmas Day and will start at eight o'clock in the Great Hall, and will end at midnight."

Jade raised her eyebrows slightly as she heard people start to excitedly talk amongst themselves. A ball on Adonis's birthday? From where she was standing, Jade saw Preethi merely cleaning up the classwork. Laverna was exchanging smiles and whispers with Angelina and Alicia. She glanced at Cait, who looked electric. Her hazel eyes were wide with wonder, and Jade could practically see the gears spinning in Cait's head as Cait was probably picturing what the Yule Ball would look like at that very moment.

Snape then narrowed his eyes at the chatter and slowly spun his head around the room to scrutinize everyone. "It is expected that everyone attending will be on their best behavior, as our foreign guests are also invited." He then gave a small sneer before saying. "That is all. I expect your essays on my desk next class." Jade bent down to put her textbooks in her bag, but then she heard Snape's irritated voice once more. "Miss Lin, I require a word with you privately before you leave."

Jade shoved her textbook in her bag, wondering what else Snape wanted to say to her. It wasn't like she had planned to go to this Yule Ball anyway. Christmas was going to be at Cho's house this year. Did Snape have a problem with the way she and Cait were doing their work? She knit her eyebrows. Then why didn't he also ask Cait to stay back?

She looked up at Cait, who gave her a questionable glance as she gestured her head towards the door. Jade merely gave a wave, silently telling Cait to go on without her. She didn't want Cait to have to wait for her because she had to talk to Snape, out of all people. Cait's eyes softened and she gave a light wave before following Preethi and Laverna out the door.

Jade crossed the room to stop in front of Snape's desk. He was scribbling indecipherable words on a parchment.

"You wanted to speak with me, Professor?" Jade asked.

"Yes." Snape replied in a clipped tone. "As... one of the Hogwarts champions of the Triwizard Tournament, you and your dance partner are required to open the Yule Ball with the first dance."

Jade blinked, repeating Snape's words in her head. Her eardrums probably haven't recovered yet from the egg. "Dance partner." She repeated dumbly.

"Are you so daft that I need to repeat myself? Yes, Lin, you and your dance partner." Snape gave an annoyed huff, as if he was just as eager to end this conversation as Jade. "I don't care who your dance partner will be, but you need to find one for the ball."