Hogwarts' Golden Glory

The atmosphere inside the auditorium was so oppressive it was almost frozen!

The lead-gray magic dome pressed down heavily, as if it might collapse at any moment.

Harry gripped the fork tightly, his knuckles turning white. The shepherd's pie in front of him had long since gone cold, congealing into a cold, unappetizing lump on the plate.

The image of Colin being petrified kept playing uncontrollably in his mind.

The boy's face was frozen in terror, his stiff fingers still gripping the camera, the lens covered with an eerie white frost.

"This is too bizarre," Ron said, his voice trembling.

Dumbledore's tall figure appeared before them.

His silver-white beard and hair shimmered like stars in the candlelight. Behind him followed Professor McGonagall and Snape, all three wearing identical solemn expressions.

"Attention, students." Dumbledore's voice echoed through the Great Hall like a bell, strangely calming some of the commotion.

He stood on the high platform of the teachers' stand, his blue eyes behind his crescent-shaped glasses scanning every terrified face.

"You must have heard about the unfortunate incident that happened last night," the old principal said in a steady and powerful voice.

"Mr. Crevy has been petrified. Ms. Pomfrey is doing everything she can to save him; the antidote can be made once the mandrake matures."

A sigh of relief rippled through the auditorium, but it was quickly drowned out by new whispers.

Harry's fingers unconsciously rubbed the scar on his forehead—it was throbbing slightly.

He noticed that Dumbledore's gaze lingered for a moment at the Slytherin table, especially where Kane Malfoy was.

The dark-haired boy was elegantly cutting a steak, as if the surrounding panic had nothing to do with him.

"Starting tonight," Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her emerald green robes trembling slightly with her tense movements.

"All students must be back in their respective college's common room by 8 p.m." Her gaze swept across the Gryffindor table like a sharp sword.

"Any violation of the rules will be severely punished. Report anything you discover to the professor immediately!"

Just then, Gilderoy Lockhart strode in, wearing his signature peacock blue cloak.

Her blonde hair flowed down her back, and she wore an inappropriately bright smile.

"Don't panic, my dear children!" His voice was as sweet as syrup. "With me here, Hogwarts is absolutely safe! I just returned from Peru, which is far more dangerous than here—"

"Quiet, Gilderoy." A deep, hoarse voice came from the shadows.

Sirius Black emerged from behind the stone pillar, his long black hair casually tied back, and a dangerous glint in his gray eyes.

His appearance caused a stir—after all, he was once a criminal.

Snape's lips twisted into a cold laugh: "Ah, our 'hero' will surely find the killer this time!"

Sirius Black stroked his wand lightly: "It's better than some guys hiding behind cauldrons brewing beauty potions."

"At least my potions can save lives," Snape retorted, "instead of being as stupid as some people who would go to Azkaban when they are innocent."

"Enough!" Professor McGonagall's wand emitted a blinding red light and exploded between the two of them.

"This is not the time to settle personal scores!" Her voice trembled with anger. "A student has been petrified!"

Dumbledore raised a hand, and the entire Great Hall fell silent instantly.

The old headmaster's blue eyes flashed with a rare cold light: "Severus, Sirius."

His voice was soft, yet it made both men take a step back simultaneously: "If you cannot perform your duties professionally, then please leave my school."

Snape's face turned paler than usual, and Sirius's jaw tightened, but both of them silently lowered their heads.

Lockhart seized the opportunity to step forward: "As I wrote in 'Dancing with Werewolves,' the most important thing in the face of crisis is to remain calm—"

“Giddro,” Dumbledore interrupted him gently, “perhaps you could help examine the castle’s protective spells? I recall you mentioned a magical protective barrier in Spells Innovation.”

Lockhart's smile froze for a moment: "Of course! I mean...that's exactly what I'm best at!"

Sirius walked to the Gryffindor table and knelt down next to Harry.

Harry smelled the familiar scent of smoke and leather on him.

"It's alright, kid," he said softly, placing his rough hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll find out who did it."

Snape scoffed, "What a touching family reunion. Too bad your dog nose can't solve anything."

Sirius Black turned around abruptly, but Professor McGonagall's wand was already pressed against his chest.

"Blake," she warned, "now, immediately, go and inspect the defenses of the West Tower. That's an order."

Sirius took a deep breath, and the anger in his gray eyes gradually subsided.

Snape gave a triumphant smirk, but Dumbledore's gaze made him immediately composed himself.

"Severus," the principal said softly, "I need you to check if anyone in the school is acting suspiciously!"

Dumbledore stood on the high platform, his silvery-white beard and hair shimmering softly in the candlelight.

He slightly raised his hands, his wide sleeves spreading like wings, and the entire auditorium fell silent instantly.

"Hogwarts is always the safest place."

His voice was deep and firm, like an invisible wall that kept the panic at bay.

Blue eyes scanned each young face through crescent-shaped glasses, their gaze brimming with unparalleled confidence and power.

"The teachers have strengthened the castle's defenses; you must believe that—"

He paused, then raised his voice an octave, "Trust your professors, trust the protective magic of this ancient castle, and most importantly, trust yourselves."

Neville's clenched fists slowly loosened, Lavender Brown stopped sobbing, and even the usually rebellious Fred and George showed unusually serious expressions.

Dumbledore's voice seemed to possess a certain magic, gradually easing the tense atmosphere in the Great Hall.

"For everyone's safety," the old headmaster continued, tapping lightly on the rim of the golden cup with his fingers.

"All classes are suspended for the next two days. Students from all colleges, please return to your dormitories under the guidance of your class monitors."

A suppressed cheer immediately erupted from between the long tables.

Simo Finnigan abruptly covered his mouth, but the joy in his eyes was impossible to hide;

Dean Thomas secretly made a victory sign under the table;

Even Hermione, who is usually very disciplined, breathed a slight sigh of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing a bit.

A knowing smile appeared on Dumbledore's lips. After the noise subsided, he slowly added, "Of course, your professors will assign the corresponding homework."