With that, Snape lifted Black with a Levitation Charm and led the way downstairs.
The others followed close behind, while Dumbledore brought up the rear.
As he passed the spot where Gerald stood invisible, Dumbledore paused and glanced sideways.
His gaze lined up precisely with Gerald's eyes, as though he could see through the Invisibility Talisman to the student hiding behind the pillar.
Gerald's heart gave a jolt.
Could Dumbledore see him?
That made no sense. This was an Invisibility Talisman, not a Disillusionment Charm. Something from the immortal arts system gave off no magical power fluctuations at all.
How had he noticed?
While Gerald was thinking this, Dumbledore had already turned back and continued on his way.
Gerald waited a while, making sure everyone had left before heading down the Astronomy Tower stairs.
Dumbledore's sideways glance might have been a coincidence. Perhaps he had simply taken another look at tonight's unusually bright, starry sky from the top of the Astronomy Tower.
Yes, that had to be it.
Gerald told himself that, but he still felt vaguely unnerved.
That old man really was rather frightening.
And what had he meant when he spoke to Professor McGonagall just now, saying I was destined to take that path?
What path?
If you want me as your pawn, forget it.
By the time Gerald had finished that thought, he had left the Astronomy Tower.
All the fires in the Castle had been extinguished. Some walls and staircases blasted apart by spells had been restored with Mending Charms, while only a few corridors destroyed by Fiendfyre would probably need rebuilding.
He crossed the deserted Entrance Hall. As he passed the Great Hall, he saw Flitwick standing on a ladder, repairing the enchanted ceiling. Shards of blue glass shattered by spells were flying back into