Eve of the Final Battle (II)

At the head of the group was Professor Sybill Trelawney. Behind her signature thick lenses, her gaze was no longer misty and unfocused, but gleamed with an eagle-like sharpness utterly unlike her usual self. Wrapped in shawls and draped in chains, her body stood straight at this moment, as though a dignity long concealed had finally revealed itself.

Beside her stood Alchemy professor Ibinos Burke. The old man, usually buried among bottles, jars, and ancient tomes, now carried an exceedingly antiquated lantern that seemed woven from bronze and glass. Its wick was unlit, yet it gave off a soft, steady milky-white glow of its own.

Following behind was Arithmancy professor Septima Vector. In her arms rested a brass astrolabe that rotated ceaselessly on its own, covered in Ancient Runes and intricate geometric patterns. Her brow was tightly furrowed, her lips moving soundlessly; she was clearly carrying out rapid, precise calculations in her head.

On the other side of the group was Astronomy professor Aurora Sinistra. She held an elaborate orrery that projected countless phantom celestial bodies, her deep gaze passing beyond the instrument itself as though she were directly observing the real, distant night sky overhead.

Their arrival caused a subtle stir in the tense atmosphere. Confusion even flashed through some students' eyes—these professors, in most people's minds, seemed far removed from "frontline combat."

As though she had sensed those looks, Professor Trelawney stopped. Rather than heading toward the teachers' table, she turned toward Professor McGonagall and everyone watching her.

She pushed up the glasses that had slipped to the tip of her nose, and a smile suddenly appeared on her face that was utterly at odds with the current atmosphere—one that was even a little childishly mischievous. Yet her voice carried clearly. "Oh! Look, look!" She waved an arm