You stood near the tall, arched windows that looked out into the depths of the Black Lake, watching the faint silhouettes of giant squid drift past the glass. The murmur of conversations washed over you—a tide of names you didn't know, inside jokes you'd never understand.

A group of second-years giggled by the fireplace. A pair of prefects discussed patrol rotations near the entrance. No one had approached you yet.

Then, a voice cut through the noise, smooth and deliberate, laced with amusement.