The words "graduation gift" struck the banquet's cheerful atmosphere like a Silencing Charm.
Every eye focused on Sirius's face, more serious than it had ever been.
He surveyed the room, his voice steady, yet carrying an unquestionable, penetrating force.
"We all know that the fear surrounding the werewolf community often does not stem from those of our fellows who work hard to control themselves."
His gaze lingered half a second longer on Fudge's face, flushed with self-satisfaction.
"It stems instead from one name-"
Sirius paused. He deliberately slowed his speech, letting those syllables sweep slowly across everyone's eardrums like a winter wind.
"Fenrir Greyback."
A buzz-
The name was like a jinx.
The air instantly froze.
In a corner, a crystal glass slipped from a waiter's hand and hit the floor with a piercing crash.
But no one looked.
Everyone stared at Sirius, their faces filled with utter disbelief.
What exactly was he trying to do, bringing up that taboo name on an occasion like this, just after all that talk of inclusion and progress?
The smile on Fudge's face froze stiff, as though he had been struck with Petrificus Totalus.
"Mr. Black..."
He spoke instinctively, trying to interrupt this utterly unforeseen loss of control.
But Sirius paid him no attention at all.
"The Ministry of Magic has kept this secret, attempting to maintain a false stability."
His voice abruptly rose, carrying an undisguised accusation.
"They feared this name would cause panic, so they chose concealment. But we believe true safety should not be built on concealment."
"True safety should be built on-"
Sirius swept his wand sharply.
"-facts!"
Behind him, the magical canvas covered in countless elaborate messages of congratulations crashed down!
Behind the canvas was no wall.
Instead, there was an enormous crystal coffin, flawlessly enchanted with a