Wizet paused. "It is a mountain—a mountain that anyone can climb. Some may be faster, while others may be slower."
"And those who temporarily 'slip down the slope' have not been abandoned either. On that point..." He drew a deep breath. "I can make that guarantee!"
The moment his words fell, applause erupted in the circular hall.
Whether wizard or Muggle, everyone began clapping. The scattered applause grew denser and denser until it became a thunderous roar.
Prime Minister Major applauded, his eyes filled with emotion and contemplation. In Wizet, he saw an opportunity for the two worlds to truly merge;
President Jacques applauded as well, a smile on his lips—a heartfelt hope for a better future;
Toivo Koskinen applauded, and the tears in his eyes finally rolled down his cheeks. He felt fortunate for having made the right choice...
The only one who did not applaud was Carl Gustafsson, who had been struck by the Stupefy.
Like a piece of forgotten luggage, he lay alone on the floor, unconscious. Even though his colleagues were nearby, not one of them paid him any attention, unwilling even to spare him a glance.
As the applause gradually subsided, Dumbledore rose at just the right moment. With a gentle, gratified smile on his face, he cleared his throat and said, "Everyone, today's Ritual Magic has now officially concluded."
"We thank St. Mungo's for providing the venue, thank Mr. Lovegood for his wonderful demonstration, and thank all our guests for their patience and candor."
"One friendly reminder: because we conducted an additional Ritual Magic today—one unlike anything ever seen before..."
"If any of you feel unwell as a result, you may visit the Spell Damage Ward on the fifth floor for an examination. Finally, I wish you all a pleasant Easter holiday."
The guests