Chapter 409: Sir Cadogan, Keeper of the Password
Just as Mikel had anticipated, by nightfall, a lively celebration was underway in the Hufflepuff common room, carrying on late into the night.
At one point, Ratton flew out of a window with a suitcase clutched in his claws, and when he returned, it was brimming with Honeydukes sweets in place of the gold coins it had held. This sent the atmosphere soaring to new heights of excitement. Kyle was certain their laughter must have been echoing all the way to the kitchen next door, as the House-elves kept their plates perpetually stocked with snacks, replenishing them the instant any went empty.
Late into the night, one by one, the partygoers began to tire out. Someone finally gave in, setting down a cookie, stifling a yawn, and heading back to their dormitory. Slowly, the gathering was winding down. Kyle climbed into bed and soon drifted into a deep sleep.
...
He didn't know how long he had been asleep—maybe only a couple of hours—when suddenly there was a knock on the dormitory door.
Cedric, still in his pajamas, walked in, switched on the light, and woke up the two others in the room.
"What's going on, Cedric? Is the party still going?" Ryan asked, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.
"It's not the party..." Cedric's face was grave. "Sirius Black just broke into Gryffindor Tower and tried to kill a student."
"Black broke into the dormitory?" Ryan was instantly wide awake, his face filled with disbelief. "You're joking!"
"I'm not," Cedric replied, shaking his head. "Professor McGonagall has already confirmed it—it's true."
Ryan stood there, frozen in shock.