The fire crackled low in the hearth, casting long shadows across the green and silver furnishings. Groups that usually huddled together in whispered chatter sat apart, eyes darting toward the dungeon entrance every few seconds.

A few sixth years looked up as you emerged from the girls' dormitory, then quickly looked away.

Across the room, near the tall bookshelves that lined the far wall, Ominis Gaunt stood alone. His pale eyes were fixed somewhere in the middle distance, wand held loosely at his side. He hadn't moved since you stepped into the room.

The silence stretched between you, heavier than the stone walls around you.

Somewhere behind you, a door clicked shut.