The sky was an iron gray, like a piece of old, unpolished iron.
Before dawn, Hogwarts lay shrouded in an eerie silence.
Hundreds upon hundreds of students had gathered of their own accord in a safe area far from the Black Lake. They wore thick robes, and their white breath condensed in the cold air like countless floating, silent sighs.
The students from the three schools stood in distinct groups, yet stood silently together in shared anticipation.
This was an unprecedented public showdown, a frontal assault that brought together the very best of Hogwarts' younger generation to challenge that insurmountable magical marvel.
Atop the Astronomy Tower, several figures were also watching it all.
Behind his half-moon spectacles, Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled with childlike curiosity and anticipation.
Professor McGonagall, meanwhile, wore a deep frown, her face full of worry. The parchment in her hands was almost creased by her grip.
Snape stood with his arms folded, his lips curled in his trademark sneer, sour enough to curdle milk, and muttered:
"A pack of arrogant fools, about to pay for their recklessness."
Douglas leaned leisurely against a pillar, holding a steaming cup of tea.
He did not even look toward the lakeside, merely saying calmly to Snape:
"Professor, don't be so harsh. Watching young people hurl their enthusiasm against a perfect theoretical edifice is a pleasure in itself, isn't it?"
Inside the brightly lit Marauders Power command tent on the shore of the Black Lake, however, the atmosphere was an entirely different matter.
"Attention, all units! The champagne is chilled, and betting is closed!"
Fred was shouting into a magical loudspeaker in a theatrical voice.
"The client's magical fluctuations are entering the optimal attack window!"
Like a true engineer, George stared unblinkingly at a huge crystal display, where densely packed magical runes