𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘 . 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐓

𝐋𝐘𝐂𝐔𝐒.

1993;

As midnight struck, Headmaster Dumbledore swiftly gathered all the students in the Great Hall for their safety. It was a precautionary measure to have everyone together in one room instead of scattered across different dormitories.

Every inch of the castle was secured, with safety checks completed and all open spaces closed off. The sight of the Fat Lady painting, torn by four deep gashes courtesy of Sirius Black, sent everyone into a state of heightened vigilance.

The once cozy Great Hall now felt chilly, leaving Viola unsure if it was the presence of dementors or simply her own unease.

"Ive searched the astronomy tower and owlery sir, theres nothing there." Flitwick said. "The third floor's clear too."

"Very good." Nodded Dumbledore.

"I've done the dungeons." Then came the cold voice that could only belong to Snape. "There was no sign of Black nor anywhere else in the castle."

"Well, I didn't expect him to linger."

"Remarkable feat, don't you think?" Snape rhetorically asked. "To enter Hogwarts Castle on one's own... completely undetected?"

"Quite remarkable, yes."

Viola, feigning sleep, lay between Pansy and Theo, her mind racing. The presence of her father, Sirius Black, in the castle unsettled her deeply, twisting her stomach with anxiety.

"And what about Black?" Snape inquired sharply, as she redirected her attention back to their conversation. "Viola Black, that is. Should we take any measures to warn her?"

"Yes, indeed, that unfortunate young girl," Dumbledore murmured. "Allow her to rest for now, as I intend to have a conversation with her later."

The next week, everything returned to normal. Classes proceeded as usual, with teachers behaving normally. This made Viola suspect that something definitely had occurred.

She sat in her usual spot at the back of the class, her mind foggy and a pounding headache. With no sleep, she struggled to focus. Her gaze wandered out the window, her thoughts scattered.

Theo's shoulder bumped into hers, causing her to remove her hand from her cheek. "You look exhausted," he observed.

"Thanks," she replied sarcastically.

"You know I didn't mean it like that," he sighed, looking at her with a soft look in his eyes, a look he only used with her."I--"

Before he could continue, the door abruptly slammed shut, causing the room to practically tremble. Snape strode in, flicking his wand to close all the window blinds before taking his place at the front.

Viola was aware that it wasn't his class to teach, but a slight sense of disappointment welled up inside her. It made her feel somewhat apprehensive, as if she might have actually been looking forward to Lupin's class. Of course, she would sooner die than admit it.

"Turn to page 394," he demanded, his expression as blank as ever.

Theo glanced at Viola, arching both eyebrows, while she responded with a gentle smile, appreciating his lighthearted effort to cheer her up.