The hallways were quiet as you walked towards the Great Hall, where students gathered for dinner. Turning a corner, you found Ominis standing by one of the walls, his wand tucked in his cloak, and a faint smile on his face.

— "Ah, there you are," Ominis said in his usual soft yet firm tone. "I’ve been thinking about something…"

His footsteps came closer as he moved towards you, his hands at his sides, though his expression seemed a little more serious than usual.

— "The Yule Ball is just around the corner," he said, his voice lowering just slightly as if gauging your reaction. "And, well, I’ve been considering asking you."

The way he spoke was subtle, unmistakably Ominis, but there was something in his eyes—something beyond the usual calm.

— "If you don't have other plans, I'd like you to be my date for the evening," he added, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips, though still not entirely visible. "I think it could be… an interesting night."

The silence that followed was filled with the same comfortable tension that you always shared, but this time, you sensed there was more at play.

Without saying much more, Ominis remained where he was, waiting for your response, his usual calm demeanor at odds with the curiosity of the moment.