"Albus."
Her expression was incredibly complicated. A thousand things welled up in her heart, but she had no idea where to begin.
Dumbledore rubbed his slightly damp eyes, a gratified smile spreading across his face as he stammered in excitement, "This is wonderful, Ariana. Truly wonderful."
Edward reached toward Ariana again and pulled out two translucent figures-the souls of a man and a woman that the "Creator" had asked Ariana to help house in the Underworld within her.
Then he conjured two bodies and placed their souls inside them.
After half a minute of adjustment, the two opened their eyes one after the other, their gazes filled with bewilderment.
Inside Snape's office.
Harry was so nervous that his voice trembled. "I... I really forgot, Professor. After the feast last night, I went back to the dormitory with everyone else. I swear I didn't do it on purpose."
"Hmph! Your talent for making excuses is exactly like your father's was."
Harry hung his head, not daring to breathe loudly, much less talk back.
Snape's tone grew even colder. "Another week of scrubbing toilets! If you dare skip it again, I'll add another month. Do you understand?!"
"I-I understand, Professor."
"Get out!"
As though granted a pardon, Harry swiftly opened the door and slipped away.
Snape returned to his desk, sat down, and picked up a potions book to leaf through. Just then, an ill-timed knock sounded at the door.
His brow instantly furrowed deeply, and he asked impatiently, "Who is it?"
Yet the rhythmic knocking continued without an answer.
Already in a foul mood, Snape shot to his feet, strode over aggressively, and yanked the door open, declaring loudly, "If I find out someone is playing a prank, don't blame me for-"
His words abruptly caught in his throat halfway