The paper crane fluttered its wings gently and landed beside his gravy-stained fingers.
Will waved a hand and unfolded the little note. Dumbledore's familiar, slender handwriting came into view:
"Dear Will, if you still have some energy tonight, why not come to the Headmaster's Office for a cup of tea? The password is still Sherbet Lemon."
Well, the White Lord was inviting me for tea. What could I do? I'd slept all day, so I couldn't really refuse now.
Will glanced at the clock on the wall—it was just past nine.
He summoned Anco to clear away the dishes, changed into a clean robe, and pushed open the door of the Room of Requirement.
The Castle's corridors were unusually quiet at night.
Only Filch and his cat, Mrs. Norris, passed in the distance on their occasional patrol. Will greeted Filch from afar and continued upstairs. Reaching the stone gargoyle outside the Headmaster's Office, he softly spoke the password.
The gargoyle leaped aside, and the spiral staircase slowly rose.
The office was warm and bright, with flames dancing merrily in the fireplace. Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his blue eyes smiling gently behind his half-moon spectacles.
Fawkes dozed on his perch, occasionally letting out a soft chirp.
"Good evening, Will." Dumbledore gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. "Please, sit down. Would you like some honey tea? I bought a particularly fine batch of honey from Honeydukes this evening."
"Thank you, Professor." Will sat down.
Dumbledore waved his wand, and an elegant teapot flew over, pouring golden liquid into a cup. The sweet scent of honey immediately filled the air.
"I hear you fainted today." Dumbledore slid the teacup toward Will, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather. "Madam Pomfrey said you were perfectly healthy