Douglas struggled to keep a straight face as he led the Headmaster and the four Heads of House to stand before the wooden plaque.
"Feet together, legs straight, heels touching. Chest out, stomach in, eyes forward. Hold your wand in your left hand, pressed to your left leg, tip pointing down.
Right hand clenched in a fist—upper arm level with your shoulders, forearm at a forty-five-degree angle, knuckles facing forward, fist lined up with your temple, about four inches away..."
"I don't feel any magic in this ceremony," Snape muttered, unimpressed.
"Are you sure this does anything?" asked Flitwick, a skeptical eyebrow raised.
After several rounds of awkward repositioning—and just before Snape could lose his temper—Douglas reluctantly accepted their less-than-perfect stances.
"Now I'll say a line. Everyone, repeat after me. You'll see what happens."
"I swear!"
"I swear!" the group echoed, some with more enthusiasm than others.
"As outstanding young wizards of Hogwarts, we must possess powerful magical abilities, be brave and fearless, steadfastly pursue our dreams, and always be ready to fight for justice."
"Uh, young wizards…" Dumbledore murmured with a twinkle, "Well, I suppose I'm a hundred-year-old young wizard… As…"
"We possess intelligence and wisdom, adaptability, a love of learning, and the drive to improve ourselves—striving to become the finest witches and wizards in the magical world."
"…"
"At Hogwarts, we not only learn the fundamentals of magic, but master all manner of magical knowledge, constantly challenging and surpassing ourselves."
"…"
"When faced with adversity, we remain calm and composed, using our wit and wisdom to solve problems as swiftly as possible."
"…"
"At Hogwarts, we pursue not only personal growth, but also strive to contribute to the entire magical world. We aim to become its guardians, fighting for the peace and happiness of all wizardkind."
As the final syllable faded, a shimmering Hogwarts crest materialized where the door had been. The "H" at its center expanded, transforming into a grand double door.
Douglas caught Snape reaching for his badge and called out, "Just a reminder—this is the last checkpoint. Only those wearing a Hogwarts badge can open this door."
With that, he pushed the door open and strode out, ignoring Snape's thunderous glare.
Snape muttered coldly, "That boy has far too many tricks. Who's to say he won't extract this memory and make the students watch it—all in the name of 'learning'?"
He glowered at the others, who seemed utterly unconcerned, then snorted and swept through the doorway. Well, it seemed he was the only one who felt those poses were the least bit humiliating.
The group emerged outside into the bright morning light.
Instantly, they felt their magic return, and with a flick of their wands, dried themselves off.
That brief spell of being as powerless as Muggles—a sensation none of them had experienced in decades—left the Heads of House with much to ponder.
"Good morning! What are you all doing coming out of the Demon-Suppressing Tower so early?" called Lupin, who was leading a group of students toward the Great Hall after morning training.
Spotting Lupin, Snape's scowl deepened. He turned to Dumbledore and said icily, "Headmaster, I won't be attending the holiday gathering later. Please inform the Slytherin students on my behalf…"
Without another word, he strode toward the dungeons, never once glancing at Lupin. After a few steps, he remembered the Hogwarts badge still pinned to his chest, tore it off, hesitated, then slipped it into his pocket rather than discard it.
The others greeted Lupin, and Professor McGonagall said to Dumbledore, "You'll have to handle the rest, Albus. We need some sleep—and there's a mountain of student essays to grade.
Remind the students staying at school to cooperate with Mr. Filch's inspections."
With that, she and Professor Sprout departed. Flitwick shrugged, "I've got to climb all the way up to the Ravenclaw Tower, so I'll be off as well. The rest is up to you."
Douglas stifled a yawn. "I—"
Dumbledore peered over his glasses, "You…?"
Douglas grinned, "Of course I'll join you for breakfast, Professor. They're heading out to Godric's Hollow today—I'd like to give them a few last words."
He slung an arm around Lupin's shoulders and steered him toward the Great Hall.
The students who'd returned with Lupin were already in the dining hall, whispering excitedly.
"Did you see? Professor Dumbledore and the four Heads of House were locked in the Demon-Suppressing Tower by Professor Holmes…"
"All night long! They looked exhausted."
"Soaked to the bone…"
"There's got to be a story there…"
George and Fred exchanged a look, silently vowing to remember every detail.
After their morning run, they'd gone straight to the common room to tackle their holiday homework—missing out on Lupin's impromptu magic lesson and, consequently, this whole spectacle.
Why the sudden enthusiasm for homework? They'd signed up for the excursion, too.
Harry had warned everyone: finish your assignments while you can. Professors would be popping up at every stage of the trip, ready to check their work at any moment.
—
King's Cross Station—one of London's most iconic and busiest railway stations.
As Harry stepped off Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, he was stunned by the festive decorations. Truth be told, since coming to Hogwarts, he'd never left for the Easter holidays before.
Inside, the station was awash with Easter cheer. Giant painted eggs, intricate wreaths, bright colors and lively patterns everywhere. The decorations made the whole place feel joyful and welcoming.
Outside, the streets and squares around King's Cross were just as festive. People strolled in holiday attire, carrying gifts and treats, music and laughter filling the air.
It was the start point for countless holidaymakers heading all over Britain to enjoy the spring. The crowds were thick with excitement and anticipation.
"Harry, look over there."
Ron pointed to a corner of the square, where a bus was parked.
On its rear was a giant Hogwarts crest. Standing beside it was a man in a wildly unconventional outfit—a bright red suit jacket over a yellow shirt, denim shorts showing off a forest of leg hair, and his hair tied back in a jaunty little braid.
"Is that Sirius?"
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