Chapter 496: A Visitor from Afar
A History of Magic was the last class of the afternoon, and with the promise of an early dismissal, everyone was out of their seats the moment the bell rang, eager to escape the monotony of the lesson.
Kyle and Kanna made their way back to the Hufflepuff Common Room, where they donned their formal cloaks—the same ones they typically wore only for the Christmas feast. Once ready, they joined the other students gathering in the entrance hall.
Professor Sprout was waiting in front of the Great Hall, arranging the students in a line by year, with the first years at the front. Next to her stood Professor McGonagall, who was inspecting everyone's attire with her usual sharp eye.
"Weasley, straighten your hat..."
"Finnigan, button up your cloak..."
"Patil, take that ridiculous thing off your head!"
...
Once all the students had gathered, Professor McGonagall glanced at her watch before leading them out of the castle and to the front entrance. The moon hung high over the Forbidden Forest, casting a silver glow, and many younger students stood there shivering, unsure if it was from excitement or the brisk evening air. Out of the professors' sight, whispers broke out among the crowd as students speculated about how the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students might arrive.
"I'm betting on Apparition," Fred whispered. "Just picture it—a whole group of them popping into the school grounds in an instant. It would be brilliant."