Chapter 73 – Return of the Order
The banquet that evening was wonderful. With an extra table ready for the guests, the elves in the kitchen truly made Helga Hufflepuff's name proud with what they cooked up. Looking at the two headmasters, the one named Igor Karkaroff looked as if a wild animal was dressed up in human clothes... no, as a wolf masquerading in sheep's clothing. Or it was making me feel like it because I knew he was a subordinate of HIS.
On the other hand, the alchemist legend Nicolas Flamel looked elegant from start to finish. The way he carried himself and how he ate all exuded the style of ancient nobility. I was surprised at how trusting he was, eating the food without inspecting it... but I guess you can't really poison or surprise an alchemist on his level.
"I never saw Professor Slughorn so fidgety!" Quincy chuckled, whispering to me while I was taking some pudding for myself, "I knew he was a big fan of his works, but not that he would squirm in his chair like that! I bet he has so many questions he wants to ask!"
"You aren't the same?" I asked with a grin, and she replied proudly.
"Of course! But I know my place! I will wait for my chance!"
"Who knows, you may have it soon! Don't forget, at the end of the month, we are going to have a Slughorn party! By then, we will have the champions selected, which will happen before the first task! I bet if the champions are invited, their 'masters' will come too. I wouldn't trust our side just like that; the competition is no joke, and I heard everything is permitted!"
"Yes... so you will have to be extra careful! Don't eat or drink anything they give you; only take it from the Professor!"
"Err... okay. You are right..." I whispered as it seemed my thoughts manifested themselves in her mind.
"What?" She sharply asked after seeing my eyes wander, and I looked towards the table where the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students sat in two batches. "They are beautiful, but that means nothing!"
"No, I am not watching because of that. It felt... weird. At least a few of the girls!"
"Weird?" She looked over her shoulder, scanning them. "I don't feel anything... is it..."