"Nothing, just blinking." Will took the tissue and wiped his mouth. "Looks like Gryffindor will win this year's House Cup again."
Sylvia pursed her lips. "Anyone can tell Professor Dumbledore is playing favourites with Gryffindor, deliberately giving them all those points."
Only after seeing that Will seemed perfectly normal did Sylvia curiously follow his earlier gaze. All she saw was a white-haired old man with a kindly smile—surely Will hadn't been exchanging secret signals with Dumbledore.
She casually handed Will a glass of juice. "Aren't you thirsty after eating all those fried sausages?"
"All right, everyone, enjoy your breakfast. Don't be late for your morning lessons, especially with exams coming up." Dumbledore smiled kindly, then said something that sent a chill through everyone's hearts.
Groans immediately filled the Great Hall.
"You were admitted here to receive an education," Professor McGonagall said sternly. "Harry's safe return is good news, so examinations will proceed as usual. I trust you will all revise diligently."
"So if Harry hadn't come back, we wouldn't have to take exams?"
"Maybe we could tie Harry up under a bed in the dormitory and spare everyone the exams!"
George and Fred played off each other.
Professor McGonagall, dressed in emerald robes, fixed the pair with a death glare. "Mr. Weasley, I suspect you enjoy polishing trophies rather too much. Perhaps I should consider having you clean a few more classrooms?"
Both immediately buried their faces in their plates.
"George, who was talking just now? Good heavens, I absolutely love exams."
"Fred, if I find out someone doesn't want to take exams, I'll give him a good kick in the backside with my boot!"
The pair successfully sent another wave of laughter through the Gryffindor table.
The festive atmosphere lasted until lessons began. Apart from Snape, all the