A young reporter courted death with her provocation? My ally would teach her the meaning of cruelty!

Schneider and Bonnet stood frozen in place.

They felt as though they were not speaking to a Hogwarts professor.

Instead, they were facing a lion draped in scholarly robes, lazily licking its paws.

You never knew whether it would yawn the next second or bite through your throat.

The two officials instinctively cast pleading looks toward the other end of the main table.

Toward Cornelius Fudge, who was positively glowing as he basked in everyone's flattery.

They needed a way out.

A way to withdraw gracefully from this oppressive conversation dominated by Douglas.

And Fudge was undoubtedly the best choice.

He represented the Ministry of Magic's official position, as well as a certain predictable, foolish stability.

Amid this delicate stalemate.

The banquet's master of ceremonies, Sirius Black, walked to the center of the venue once more.

He clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming."

His voice carried just the right measure of warmth and solemnity.

"The final part of our graduation ceremony, and the most meaningful-"

He pointed to a wall at the far end of the dining hall.

At some point, that wall had been covered with an enormous magical canvas resembling a Chinese scroll.

Gold patterns shimmered against a red background.

"The Graduation Blessing Wall."

Sirius explained with a smile.

"Every guest may use a magical quill to leave their blessings for the graduates, or their hopes for the future, on this wall."

"These words will be preserved forever, becoming part of Wolfmane Academy's history."

This part of the ceremony instantly eased the tense atmosphere from moments before.

Everyone's eyes focused on the magnificent wall.

As Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge was the first to stand, claiming the honor without hesitation.

He adjusted his bow tie and thrust out his belly,