Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.
As they passed through the cold wrought-iron gates, the breeze in the sparse oak grove suddenly turned biting.
The young wizards seemed as though they had all been hit by a Petrification Curse. They stared blankly at Professor Breen, their gazes seeming to hope that he would suddenly reveal a teasing look and tell them he had merely been joking.
But he did not.
Professor Breen looked at them calmly. Mr. Barry, the prison guard beside him, wore an equally composed expression.
And so, the young wizards all understood that this was no joke.
Gulp—
Someone swallowed. Harry closed his open mouth as well, his throat bobbing.
"This isn't allowed!"
Suddenly, someone among the students screamed. Harry and the others hurriedly looked over and found it was Millicent Bulstrode of Slytherin.
This Slytherin girl was the strongest-built young woman Harry had seen at Hogwarts. Most ordinary boys did not have a physique as sturdy as hers.
But now, Millicent's face was deathly pale. She shouted at Professor Breen in a shrill voice, like a timid girl who had spotted a mouse.
"I never heard about this!"
Millicent continued to cry out.
"The Daily Prophet never reported that the Ministry of Magic had decided to approve the death penalty, Professor Breen!"
Daphne, Zabini, and the other young wizards from Slytherin nodded frantically.
Harry looked at Hermione. Understanding his meaning, Hermione fell silent for a moment, then nodded as well.
"You're right, Miss Bulstrode—"
Amosta nodded calmly.
"The Ministry of Magic is indeed still discussing whether the death penalty should be reinstated, as well as the circumstances in which it should apply. It may take some time before a decision is reached—"
In other words, the death penalty truly might be reinstated.
The color gradually drained from Daphne Greengrass's