Watching the clouds in the sky disperse, Vizet let out a long breath. The tight corners of his mouth relaxed, and a broad smile spread across his face. "It's done!"
The Baby Thunderbird plunged straight down from high in the sky. Just as it was about to crash into Vizet's face, it nimbly flicked its long tail, circled around him once, and landed lightly on his shoulder.
"Chirp!"
It shook its wings, lifted its head high, and let out a clear cry, as if asking for praise.
Vizet raised a finger and stroked the feathers beneath the Baby Thunderbird's jaw. "Good thing you helped. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have known what to do!"
Hearing Vizet say that, the Baby Thunderbird narrowed its eyes smugly and let out a string of satisfied chirps.
It did not just bask in its own pride. It stretched out its neck, leaned its fluffy head over, and rubbed Vizet's cheek, as if saying, "You worked hard too."
Sirius Black walked over, his gaze passing Vizet and landing on the Ritual Magic Array on the ground ahead. "Vizet, does this count as finished?"
He rubbed his chin, his tone carrying a hint of confusion. "Why does it feel like nothing's changed? Or rather... it's not quite what I imagined..."
"But it was pretty dramatic..." he recalled. "That bolt of lightning that came down just now really gave me a fright!"
Harry, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "This rain came out of nowhere too."
The sudden icy rain stirred his memories, reminding him of the Dementor attack two years ago. He could not help but let out a breath, lingering fear still in his chest.
When the rain had started falling, a vague worry had risen in him. He had even prepared himself to summon the Stag