The atmosphere in the Great Hall was especially relaxed. Even Krum, who had worn a gloomy expression ever since arriving at Hogwarts, was cheerfully chatting with the girl beside him.
Su Er had long since let go of his hostility toward him. The anticipated scenario of Krum falling in love with Hermione at first sight and pursuing her ardently had never happened.
"Ahem..." With a smile that did not reach his eyes, Karkaroff interrupted Krum as he was telling Emily about the interesting life at Durmstrang.
"That's enough, Viktor. Don't give away any more secrets, or your charming friend will know where our castle is."
Karkaroff's words immediately made Krum's expression darken, and he shut his mouth.
"Igor, it's perfectly natural for the children to want to get to know one another better on an occasion like this." Dumbledore smiled, salvaging the atmosphere a little, his eyes twinkling.
"If you guard your secrets so closely, people will think you don't welcome visitors."
Karkaroff was quick to respond. First, he offered a gentlemanly apology, then countered Dumbledore with a high-sounding excuse that no one could refute.
Only Su Er knew that this former-no, he could hardly be called former-Death Eater was merely afraid the Dark Lord would find his hiding place.
Not to be outdone, Dumbledore spoke of how, when he had once urgently needed to attend to a personal matter in the castle, a room filled with luxurious toilets had suddenly appeared to help him.
Everyone thought Dumbledore was telling a very novel joke and obligingly burst into laughter.
As Dumbledore told the story, he discreetly winked at Su Er, who turned his head and exchanged a smile with Hermione, who knew just as well.
Yes, that room was the Room of Requirement.
Fleur Delacour did not laugh. She was