Hurnorth: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Chapter XXV: Caught

I'm staring at the clock on the wall of my room. Christmas is just minutes away from ending. I can't sleep; I'm restless. My chest is filled with worry.

I don't know what prompted me, but suddenly I found myself secretly walking down the dormitory hallway. It's past 11 at night, and there probably won't be any students around because it's so late. Hopefully, I won't run into any teachers either; I'll be in trouble if I get caught.

I envy others who can peacefully sleep despite the chaos. Sometimes I wonder if I'm incredibly unlucky because things haven't been going well since I came here. Am I bringing bad luck?

I have no idea where to go; I just want some fresh air and to clear my mind. I don't want to do anything that might put me in harm's way. I don't want to burden anyone else.

I went to the Evergreen Garden, the one Ate Charlotte pointed out to me before, a garden near the dark forest. I wrapped my cloak tighter around myself because of the cold. If not for its magic, I probably would have frozen earlier. Snow fell gently, covering the once-green grass and many paths are now cloaked in ice. My footprints marked the path I walked.

I climbed up the tree where I could clearly see the moon. It wasn't full yet, but it emitted a powerful glow. Minutes passed before it was covered by clouds, accompanied by faint footsteps. I immediately hid behind the tree and covered my face to avoid being recognized if someone saw me.

A figure, just a few meters away, passed in my direction. It was moving fast and seemed in a rush, yet still cautious in their steps. It was dressed entirely in black, seemingly hiding in the darkness. I was surprised when I caught a side view of its face.

"Ate Charlotte..." I whispered softly and tried to follow her gaze. I was about to climb down when I heard a series of hurried footsteps. I saw Ate running faster.

"Oh no, the guards..."

"Ms. Sonama! Stop running away from us!" Professor Barty shouted.

"No! Don't stop me! I can't just stay here while they have my Auntie!" Ate Charlotte's shout startled me.

Francois has been caught?

"And what can you do? You'll only make matters worse if you get involved. What if you end up dead? Do you think your family would like that?"

"Don't you dare interfer-!"

Ate was cut off as Professor cast a sleeping spell on her. The guards carried her body and swiftly took her back to the castle.

I couldn't believe what I heard.

Nang masigurado na wala ng tao ay saka ako nagmadaling bumalik ng dormitory. Hinalungkat ko ang drawer kung nasaan ko inilalagay ang mga dyaryo na ibinibigay araw-araw. Hinanap ko ang sa ngayon at dinala ito papunta sa sala. Nagtimpla ako ng isang tasa ng kape dahil unti-unti nang binabalot ng antok ang aking sistema.

**Wizard News: Tragic Events Unfold Across Hurnoth**

The once-resplendent Shrine of the Great Wizard has been tragically reduced to rubble and ashes. Mystical energies that once emanated from this revered sanctuary have vanished, leaving an ominous void in its wake.

Troubling reports suggest that the foundation of our esteemed Ministry is faltering, causing distress among the wizarding community. Chaos looms as administrative turmoil threatens to destabilize the governance structure.

Disturbingly, Hurnoth, our cherished haven of enchantment, is no longer the bastion of safety it once was. Dark omens cloud the skies, signaling an era of uncertainty and peril for all magical beings within our realm.