The Great Hall was filled with clinking glasses, song, and dance.
The young witches and wizards finally released the emotions they had suppressed for so long, stirred by the phoenix's song.
Of course, the most important thing was that Professor Dumbledore had returned!
As long as Professor Dumbledore was at Hogwarts, Hogwarts would be the safest place in the world!
This was the shared conviction of every young witch and wizard who had witnessed Dumbledore cast magic.
At that moment, Cypher quietly withdrew from the prefects' conversation.
There was no curfew tonight, and everyone was more than happy to remain in the Great Hall and celebrate. It seemed they had no intention of sleeping tonight!
Cypher swept his gaze across the Great Hall.
More than half of Slytherin's young witches and wizards were absent.
Gryffindor had everyone present.
Hufflepuff... several familiar faces were missing.
Ravenclaw... those few from the Pure-blood families had vanished as well.
As he withdrew his gaze, Cassandra, not far ahead, happened to meet his eyes.
She gave him a smile, then waved her wand and transformed her wineglass into a tiny Basilisk.
She then vividly explained the Basilisk's special abilities and weaknesses to everyone.
Seeing that the Ravenclaws did not seem hostile toward Cassandra of Slytherin,
Cypher silently nodded, then closed his eyes and began to reflect.
He could not shake the feeling that something was wrong.
When he entered the washroom and was attacked by an Enchanted Painting, why had Casper Crouch seemed completely unaware of it?
He had even told him to watch out for the people around him. Seriously? Someone hinted at that last year. Did he think I'd believe it this year?
"Face it, take the initiative, Room of Requirement."
"What exactly did 'face it' mean? Taking the initiative was easier to