While everyone was still puzzling over Luna's words, the countdown had already returned to 0.
The instant it hit zero, the grayish-white stone spheres flashed again.
They drew everyone's attention once more. Setting aside what Luna had meant, they began recording according to the method they had just divided up among themselves.
The first flash came, but it was completely different from before: six stone spheres spaced far apart lit up simultaneously, each with a different brightness. Faced with this for the first time, they did not know which one to record first.
"What the hell kind of trick is this?"
"Heh, a Holmes trick. What else could it be?"
Before they could complain any further, the flashes that followed grew even more erratic, as chaotic as a wildly flashing disco ball in a nightclub.
The sectional relay memorization method they had agreed upon fell apart in an instant.
"Oh, listen, guys. From this moment on, I'd sooner put my wholehearted faith in those nonexistent Crumple-Horned Snorkacks and Wrackspurts than ever believe Professor Holmes would show even the tiniest shred of human kindness or conscience."
A Ravenclaw boy was so exasperated by the sight that he laughed.
"Oh-ho, actually, Crumple-Horned Snorkacks really do exist. They're just rather shy and usually live in muddy marshes in Sweden. Besides, don't you think the professor arranged that display to accompany our dancing?"
Everyone turned to Luna. She seemed to genuinely appreciate the flashing lights from just now.
"Luna, are you serious?" Harry tilted his head as he looked at her, seemingly unsure whether he should believe her. Could these lights really be like a dance rhythm, meant to make them dance here, after which the door would open?
Cho Chang also asked in confusion from beside him, "You mean like the sacrificial rituals