| HIDDEN IN SECRETS |

chapter twenty-one

INTO THE PIPES

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The nightmares got worse. She had never seen anything more vivid – more real. It felt almost as if she was there. It was cold and damp, and something big was moving. She could closely feel that it had an aura of death.

When Verena woke up the next morning, more crows had fallen into the courtyard below the Astronomy Tower. She learned from Marietta that crows were almost always never a good sign. She feared that she was right.

Summer had come to Hogwarts, and the days were bright and sunny with clear skies. Everyone at Hogwarts knew, however, that it was only an illusion. What was happening inside the castle was dark and deadly. More people feared another attack, especially since Professor Dumbledore had been suspended, Professor McGonagall taking his place.

In one of her first proclamations as the Headmistress of Hogwarts, she reminded everyone that exams would take place in the first week of June. Unlike her other classmates, Verena wasn't too concerned about them. Her mind was still on the dream she had experienced. Some things were familiar, yet not at the same time.

"Exams?!" Seamus Finnigan exclaimed, making Verena turn to look at him. "We're still getting exams? With the recent attacks and— "

He was cut off by a loud bang coming from Longbottom as one of the legs of his desk vanished. Professor McGonagall restored it with a wave of her wand, and turned to Seamus, frowning.

"The whole point of keeping the school open at this time is for you to receive your education," she said sternly. "The exams will therefore take place as usual, and I trust you are all studying hard.

"Professor Dumbledore's instructions were to keep the school running as normally as possible," she went on. "And that, I need hardly point out, means finding out how much you have learned this year."

"The one favour Dumbledore could have granted us would be cancelling exams," Draco complained as they ate lunch. "I mean, this is all his fault, you know. I'm quite glad he's been sacked. Maybe the Ministry will step in once there's been another attack."

Three days before the exams, Professor McGonagall made another announcement at breakfast.

"I have good news," she said, and the Great Hall erupted with curious voices.

"Dumbledore's coming back!" several people yelled joyfully.

"You've caught the Heir of Slytherin!" another shouted.

"No more exams!" Damien hollered hopefully.

"Quidditch matches are back on!" Wood roared excitedly.

"Professor Sprout has informed me that the Mandrakes are ready for cutting at last," she informed, and there were a few sighs. "Tonight, we will be able to revive those people who have been petrified. I need hardly remind you all that one of them may well be able to tell us who, or what, attacked them. I am hopeful that this dreadful year will end with our catching the culprit."

That night, after dinner, Verena was reading a book. In the bed near her, Padma was still up practising the Avifors Spell. Verena didn't understand why since they learned it last year. It was getting rather annoying and Verena looked up at her, sighed, and said, "I think you've nailed that spell, Padma."

"Oh, you'll never know what Professor McGonagall will test us on," Padma countered.

"Yes, I do," Verena said. "Rabbits to slippers, beetles to buttons – things we've learned this year."