Hermione's Subtle Changes

Amosta and Hermione delayed a while longer before setting off, mainly because of Hermione.

The young witch said she could not find her toothbrush cup and wanted to buy one from a Muggle shop near St Mungo's. Watching Hermione's retreating figure as she hurried away, Amosta felt mildly puzzled. This girl had always possessed an exceptional memory and a meticulous nature. How had a single injury made her a little scatterbrained?

Fortunately, they still made it back in time for lunch.

When Amosta entered the Entrance Hall with Hermione and appeared in the Great Hall, the noisy hall fell silent as though time had frozen, from the four House tables to the staff table above.

That eerie silence did not last long. Then, the sudden eruption of cheers and applause made even the hanging chandeliers and windowpanes tremble!

Many Slytherin House students felt the commotion was not loud enough. They jumped onto their benches, pulled the silver platters holding grilled sausages from the tables, and banged on them with a clatter. No reprimand came from the staff table, either.

The professors also applauded Amosta, showing their respect for his uprooting an immensely powerful and heinous dark wizard organization. Even Professor Snape lazily clapped a few times.

Karkaroff, however, wore a lukewarm smile while his eyes remained icy. After Amosta raised a hand and smilingly asked everyone to quiet down, Karkaroff lowered his head and continued eating his lunch. But after taking a few bites of sausage, Karkaroff vomited.

"Disgusting!"

Karkaroff said with a look of revulsion.

"The house-elves cooking in the kitchen ought to be hanged. Those damned creatures overcooked the sausages!"

Dumbledore, the Heads of House, and Madame Maxime all noticed Karkaroff's affected behavior. Apart from Professor McGonagall gripping her fork and shooting him a cold glare, as though