The following day, the atmosphere in Dark Magic Defense class was so heavy it seemed possible to wring water from the air. Professor Avery, a wizard who always wore a deep frown and constantly preached "vigilance and defense," seemed especially restless today.
His gaze periodically swept over Tom Riddle at the back of the classroom, carrying a mixture of scrutiny and barely concealed wariness.
"Dark magic," Professor Avery stressed in his hoarse voice, "does not exist solely in ancient spellbooks. It also lurks within the human heart. It tempts those who crave power and drags them into the abyss..." His lesson seemed more pointed than usual.
Ares Phoenix could feel Tom's muscles tense beside him. What had happened in the Forbidden Forest the previous night was like an invisible membrane separating them from the world around them. Dumbledore's final, grave look meant that this matter would not end easily. The captured raven and that acolyte of Grindelwald's—who knew how they were being dealt with now.
Sure enough, when class ended, Professor Avery cleared his throat and fixed his eyes on Tom and Ares. "Riddell, Phoenix. Headmaster Dippet wishes to see you in his office. Now."
The classroom fell silent at once, every gaze focusing on them. A flash of understanding passed through Abraxas Malfoy's cold gray eyes, while Katarin Voronova raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing at her lips.
Tom rose expressionlessly, with Ares following close behind. They walked through the corridors in silence. This was not the path to a reward.
The Headmaster's Office door was guarded by a stone beast. Once they gave their names, it silently spiraled open. The office was filled with the faint sounds of various strange silver instruments. Portraits of former headmasters pretended to doze on the walls, but Ares could feel their