Chapter 582: Targeted Harry
For Dumbledore and most of the professors, last night had been destined to be sleepless.
The next morning, Kyle noticed a sharp decrease in the number of people in the castle. Sirius was gone, as were Snape and Professor Moody. Hagrid and Madam Maxime from Beauxbatons had also disappeared, likely called to the Headmaster's Office.
"We could have stayed a few more days," Fleur remarked as they stood outside the castle to see off the Beauxbatons students. "But Madam Maxime insisted we leave today. She seemed to have something urgent to do, though she wouldn't tell me what it was."
In the clearing near Hagrid's hut, which was now shuttered, the tall Abraxans were harnessed to the massive Beauxbatons carriage. The Durmstrang students, too, appeared to be leaving. Early that morning, another Durmstrang professor had arrived via the ship, accompanying Viktor Krum, who was still recovering from his injuries.
Soon, the Beauxbatons students began boarding their carriage, leaning out the doors and windows to wave farewell to their new friends.
Fleur helped Gabrielle and a suitcase into the carriage before turning to give Kanna a hug. She was reluctant to leave; her time at Hogwarts had been the best school year she'd ever experienced.
She had especially grown fond of Hufflepuff House, where sincerity and kindness seemed to flourish. Unlike in many other places, the boys, though affected by her Veela heritage, behaved respectfully, and the girls rarely displayed jealousy. In Hufflepuff, the influence of her Veela bloodline was minimal, allowing Fleur to truly enjoy her time.
Still, the Triwizard Tournament had ended, and she had to return. At least, she consoled herself, this was her final year, and she could always visit again.
Professor Lochneal's voice called from the carriage, urging her to hurry. Fleur gave Kyle a quick hug before climbing aboard.
A few minutes later, the enormous Abraxans launched into the air, pulling the carriage behind them. The students on the ground watched as it shrank into the sky until it was no longer visible. Gradually, everyone returned to the castle.
Although only a few dozen students were gone, their absence left the Great Hall feeling noticeably emptier.