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THE NAVY INK, bearing no indication of ownership, catalyzed exhaustive perplexity in Esther's already sleep-deprived mind. Hours had ticked by since the mysterious arrival of the owl, and Esther, fidgeting with a loose thread on her patchwork quilt, remained fully cognizant. Slight envy began to bubble in her stomach as the surrounding dormitory slumbered on, soft snores harmonizing with the occasional patter of a cat's paws. Despite Esther's plenary irritation, golden beacons of light began to soak the wall before her. A messy symphony of yawns arose from the chain of wooden bedsteads, and morning broke in the Hufflepuff quarters. Esther heaved a farcical sigh, lifting herself from the squashy surface of her mattress. The lavatory was buzzing with conversation as Esther's housemates overtook each available mirror, hair-ties lining their wrists as they unloaded their makeup bags across the counters. Esther proceeded to drape a beige bath-towel over one of the many metal rods lining the wall. She stepped into the shower, tossing her pajamas over the curtain and pulling her umber hair into a sloppy knot. As the sultry stream hit her back, Esther's mind travelled back to the abstruse parchment lying on her bedside table. A calescent fog gushed into the encompassing area; the steam clung greedily to the mirrors, melting the reflections of their occupants. Numerous complaints eventually extracted Esther from the comforting downpour.
The excursion to breakfast was eminently bitter, frigid gusts blasting viciously through the archway of each corridor. An ashen sky glowered over Hogwarts, distant growls escaping the charcoal thunderheads. Esther stuffed her hands into the fleecy pockets of her cardigan, giving a theatrical huff. The magnificent ingress of the Great Hall glowed brightly, its blazing fireplaces welcoming the shivery students. Esther sank onto the extensive bench of the Hufflepuff table, warming her numb fingers on a chalice of hot cider. The Hall, normally bustling, was afflicted by the lull of the weekend, students entering and departing on their own accord. Esther was indulging in a slice of buttered toast when Ivy appeared on the opposite side of the table, beaming. "Why are you so cheery?" Esther couldn't help but crack a small smile. "Amos asked me to visit the Black Lake with him." Ivy peeped. "So, he does fancy you..." Esther raised her eyebrows, glancing in the direction of Amos Diggory, a modestly stout sixth year. He pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose before sipping his pumpkin juice, spilling a few drops on his Hufflepuff scarf. The wind had wreaked havoc on his mousy brown hair, leaving it evidently disheveled. "Why the Black Lake?" Esther inquired. "He wants to try to feed the Grindylows." Ivy giggled, looking at Amos dotingly. She had been keen on him since her third year, admiring his commitment to further his understanding of magical creatures. "Just be careful." Esther ordered, electing not to burden Ivy with worry over the note. She shoveled a small mountain of scrambled eggs into her mouth, rising from her seat. "I'll be in the Owlery if you need me."
