The practical lesson classroom for Defense Against Dark Magic had been updated again for the new term.
Douglas stood at the entrance to the remodeled classroom, his hands tucked into his trench coat pockets.
He surveyed the expanse of water before him.
Simulated waves surged in from the side, their sound low and deep, carrying a salty, damp smell.
A triangular building stood in the middle of the lake. Black mist seeped from its cracks and spread across the water, as though it were breathing.
It was the outline of Azkaban.
It was fake, of course, but the black mist was genuine Dementor mist. Why wasn't he afraid of trouble from the Ministry of Magic? As Hogwarts' Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, it was perfectly normal for him to catch a few wild Dementors, right?
The sixth-year students walked in one after another.
Harry stood by the water, looking at the building's silhouette, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.
Beside him, Ron whispered, "Is that..."
"Azkaban. At least, it looks a lot like it. There have been pictures in the papers."
Harry spoke quietly.
Hermione hugged her schoolbag to her chest. The black mist was deeply unsettling.
Something moved beneath the lake. Occasionally, a shadow flashed through the water plants, moving much faster than we had expected.
"There are creatures underwater," she said. "Not ordinary fantastic beasts."
"I know," Neville said beside her. "The Academic Affairs Office started making arrangements last week. The professor borrowed some merpeople guards."
Ron glanced at him.
"How do you know?"
"I'm a prefect."
Neville forced a wry smile.
"Some of the arrangements were filed with the Academic Affairs Office in advance, and I saw them. But the office issued a notice forbidding anyone from leaking anything before it was made public."
Douglas