Both the clouds and the moon had drifted into a deep slumber, and the young wizards fast asleep across the castle had no idea how busy Hogwarts was this very night.
The figures in the portraits were too agitated to sleep, while the ghosts hung upside down from the ceiling, watching in amazement as the search parties combed through every inch of Hogwarts with relentless determination.
Severus gripped the bracelet on his other wrist; the gemstone set within it was as dark as ink, yet gleaming with a soft luster. He stood before a solid wall, flanked by the Hogwarts professors, Remus, and Barty Jr.
Chapter 253