The Hagrid's son

The Great Hall underwent a drastic transformation to host the Yule Ball, and for once, Barnaby didn't need to help, allowing him to focus on preparing everyone's outfits with calm and care.

As everyone entered and settled into their designated areas, waiting for the champions and their partners to perform the opening dance, Hagrid arrived with Madame Dimitrescu, who undoubtedly attracted a great deal of attention.

Maxime unconsciously made a comparison as soon as she saw her and couldn't help but secretly frown. At first, she thought she could be magnanimous and take Hagrid to the ball out of pity, but unexpectedly, that fellow didn't even try to ask her once.

Now she stood there, accompanied by Professor Flitwick, which only emphasized her height even more by contrast.

Hagrid thought everyone was looking at the suit his son had made, and he almost strutted with a proud expression, while Dimitrescu observed her surroundings with interest, comparing this castle to her own and looking at the young ones around her with hidden regret, though she never lost her elegance.

"I didn't expect the restrictions Barnaby used to be so powerful!" thought Dimitrescu.

In any case, she'd have to wait a bit before going to Knockturn Alley to gather the ingredients needed to brew her famous wine. Besides, it would be fun to go hunting with her family; it had been a long time since she'd spent quality time with her daughters...

"Hagrid, I'm impressed!" Professor Flitwick approached, looking at the half-giant's suit with interest. "Where did you get it? The craftsmanship and detail are splendid."

He wanted to know where the shop was so he could see if he could order some custom robes and suits.

The ears of those around twitched. Everyone could see the level of craftsmanship was excellent, the kind that didn't use magic to create the product, but rather a skilled tailor who paid attention to every detail throughout the process.

"This little thing? My son made it," Hagrid said, raising his chin while smiling, as if it were his own achievement.

Flitwick nodded with a sudden expression of understanding and made a mental note to talk to Barnaby again after the ball, while those eavesdropping were left baffled.

"Since when could Barnaby make clothes?"

Even the Slytherin students, who came from pure-blooded families with tailoring businesses, couldn't help but give their nod of approval to Hagrid's suit.

While people were gossiping about the moment's hot topic, Harry and Ron arrived with the Patil twins. Both were completely surprised to discover that Hermione was Krum's dance partner. They couldn't even understand how the two had struck up a conversation.

Ron felt especially bitter inside for some reason.

"Must be because I'm hungry or too nervous," he concluded.

Cedric appeared with Cho Chang, and now only Fleur and her date were missing before the opening dance could officially begin.

People started stepping aside to make room for the central dance floor when a spotlight (of unknown origin) turned on, revealing the arrival of the last couple.

People thought Fleur wanted to stroke her ego by arriving at the last minute to regain some confidence, but the Great Hall quickly realized it wasn't Fleur and company who had entered.

It was Barnaby and Tonks, arm in arm.

The murmurs and movements froze on the spot as they were recognized, everyone captivated by the couple's entrance, which, though a bit ostentatious, managed to capture enough attention to spark the envy of many present.

Barnaby, wearing his Cerberus suit, walked confidently with a gaze that exuded assurance, cutting an imposing figure in his sharp black-and-red contrast, especially when students noticed how well-defined his muscles were.

The Durmstrang students nodded in secret, slightly regretting not having followed a similar plan. But while they felt a small sense of brotherhood with Barnaby for his display of dominance, masculinity, and elegance, the women of Hogwarts and Beauxbatons were completely absorbed by Tonks.

The jealousy they felt nearly set their makeup on fire.

Not only was she wearing a stunning silver-white off-shoulder dress with a striking feathered brooch, but most could tell that the dress had been made with unicorn hair due to the gentle magic it emitted, which made the dress even more captivating and ensured it stayed pure and spotless.

That night, Tonks had chosen to transform her hair into a color close to the dress, while her hairstyle became a braided ponytail that fell over her left shoulder down to her collarbone. She didn't even need makeup like the other witches around her (in fact, she couldn't stand wearing makeup); with her Metamorphmagus abilities, she could slightly pale her skin, apply a soft blush to her cheeks, and tint her lips a vibrant color.

The astonishment continued for several seconds even after the mysterious spotlight gradually faded, as they approached the table, and like a gentleman, Barnaby pulled out the chair for Tonks to sit and gently pushed her closer to the table before taking his own seat.

When the male students felt a piercing gaze beside them, they turned to see their dates looking at them with an expression that said: "Why can't you do the same?"

Many students lost points that day, but no one could hold a grudge against Barnaby, remembering the disparity in skills between them.

As the Great Hall came back to life, Fleur stood with her date at the entrance, but it seemed no one had noticed her arrival.

Even if she had stood there waiting for a full two minutes, there wasn't a single gasp of awe or applause.

Damn it, even Maxime seemed lost in thought, not noticing her!

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she stepped forward, dragging… whatever his name was, and prepared to perform the opening dance with the other champions.

A perfect dance.

Because she was a champion, she repeated to herself over and over in her mind.

But the night didn't seem to be in her favor, especially when Barnaby took Tonks to the dance floor after dinner, and in some way she couldn't understand, the two managed to dance peacefully on the enchanted ceiling with stars and constellations.

Once again, everyone was stunned as they wondered how they did it.

It seemed like gravity had reversed for them!

For Barnaby and Tonks, it was a slow night with soft music, an enormous dance floor just for them as they were surrounded by stars, dancing as if they were the earth and the moon.

Their eyes were only for each other.