This party was not just to cheer for Loren and the other three; more importantly, the little lions had found a reason to make up for the revelry interrupted on Halloween Night.
The laughter continued until late at night, when Professor McGonagall's voice came from outside the door. "Celebrations are permitted, but keep them moderate!"
Professor McGonagall did not come in. She merely enhanced her voice with Amplifying Voice, and her reminder echoed around the common room.
Percy jolted awake and shouted back, "Understood, Professor McGonagall!"
"Everyone! That's enough for today. We still have classes tomorrow!"
Percy began organizing the little lions as they returned to their dormitories. Having heard Professor McGonagall as well, everyone headed upstairs laughing and joking, ready to rest. They had already had plenty of fun today.
As George and Fred passed Loren, they high-fived him.
"You should thank us!"
"We got the food from the Kitchen."
One sentence each again—the Twins' movements were always perfectly synchronized.
"You should get some rest too." Percy was the last to leave. After saying that, he headed upstairs.
Only Loren, Hermione, Harry, and Ron remained in the common room. They sat before the fireplace as the logs crackled, warm firelight shining on their faces and casting crimson reflections in their eyes.
This was the first time the four of them had been alone together since Halloween Night. For a while, no one spoke.
"Everyone! We went through a great adventure!"
Loren broke the silence, waggling his eyebrows at them. "Tell me, who were the troll-slaying champions?"
Hermione and Harry could not help laughing at Loren's ridiculous expression.
"I want to apologize to you all."
Ron did not laugh. Alone with them, he finally relaxed enough to open up and reveal his guilt. At last, he had found the chance