McGonagall looked at Dumbledore.
Then at Douglas.
"They've already reached the limit of what they can take psychologically."
"The string is already stretched to its limit."
"And now you want to take that string into a real tomb full of Dark Magic."
Douglas did not flinch.
He met her gaze.
"If you keep a string taut without releasing it, it'll snap from within."
"I want to prove that the things we teach at Hogwarts can keep them alive."
Douglas's tone was steady.
"If they can't succeed in that tomb."
"When Voldemort really makes his move."
"They won't even have a chance to run."
Snape gave a heavy snort. He knew Douglas was scaremongering; he was one of the few clearheaded people here.
The Dark Lord is completely absorbed in his research. Conquer the world? Don't you know how many traps you've dug for the Dark Lord?
"You always manage to dress up mad ideas as righteous causes."
"I'm only responsible for leading the team."
Snape moved to leave as he spoke, taking hold of the door handle.
"If anyone falls behind, I will not turn back to pick them up."
He left them with those words.
He pushed the door open and left the office.
Sirius looked at the closed wooden door.
"He certainly agreed readily enough."
Dumbledore spoke softly.
His gaze fell on the top of the list on the parchment.
"Get ready to leave, everyone."
"Tomorrow morning at eight. The Portkey will activate on the Quidditch Pitch."
When summer holiday truly arrived, Hogwarts first breathed a sigh of relief.
More than half the footsteps in the Castle disappeared.
The staircases finally no longer had to change direction all day.
The suits of armour were no longer sent clanging by first years crashing into them.
The Great Hall emptied.