Pearly White Mist

This plan seemed feasible in theory, but the more Severus listened, the less reliable it sounded.

Mainly, now that Ravenclaw had emerged, was Quidditch training in the other Houses still meaningful? They had long heard of Raven's Feather's wonders.

And under such circumstances, Quidditch training in Ravenclaw House did not seem all that necessary either...

Manus did not know what Severus was thinking. Although Severus had inexplicably revealed a trace of guilt, such shifts in mood were not uncommon for either Severus or Lily.

Before they could chat any longer, Tracey entered, carrying a book and a crystal ball in her arms.

"All right, there are about... less than ten minutes until class begins. Everyone, go to the cabinet at the back of the classroom and take a crystal ball. When class starts, I want to see one in front of every single one of you."

As Tracey finished speaking, the classroom filled with the noisy scrape of chairs against the floor. Everyone got up and headed to the back.

"Hey! Don't push!"

"If you've got a crystal ball, move out of the way already!"

"Quit rushing me, let me see which one I should pick..."

Amid the overlapping clamor and the rattling cabinet, a sharp clink suddenly rang out. A crystal ball rolled from between everyone's feet.

"Hm? It's pretty sturdy. I'll take this one, then."

Manus snatched up the crystal ball. After confirming it had not shattered from the fall, he put it away and turned to leave. He had no desire to squeeze through the crowd at the front with the other students.

"Huh? Manus, are you sure?"

Severus was surprised by Manus's carelessness.

"It looks like they picked that crystal ball and decided they didn't want it. What if it has some defect or cracks or