the great hall had been transformed. where the four house tables usually stretched in orderly rows, there were now round tables draped in deep emerald and velvet crimson, each set with flickering candles that floated in delicate glass spheres. the enchanted ceiling above mirrored a star-scattered night sky, and the usual torchlight had been softened to a warm, golden glow that made everything look opulent— theatrical, even. a banner hung above the staff table, gold letters on black, bold and unmistakable.