On Monday morning, as the sun broke through the clouds, David and Harry made their way downstairs at a sluggish pace. After a night of rest, Harry's mental state had improved, but their aching bodies protested with every movement. Even the slightest motion of their arms elicited groans of pain.
As they trudged toward the lounge, David spotted Percy bustling in, his head held high with an air of self-importance. He barely glanced at the book in David's hand before making an announcement.
"No need to go to class today," Percy said briskly. "The professor asked me to inform everyone to head to the auditorium."
"No class?" Ron's exhaustion vanished in an instant, replaced by excitement.
"Yes," Percy confirmed with a nod.
David frowned. "Why? Did something happen?"
"You'll find out when you get there," Percy replied dismissively, brushing past David and hurrying upstairs. It wasn't that he didn't want to say more—he simply didn't know. Professor McGonagall had given him orders without explanation, and admitting ignorance would have wounded his pride as a responsible prefect.
When David and his friends arrived at the auditorium, they found the long tables packed with students, whispering amongst themselves in small and large groups. Hermione had arrived early and saved them seats near the front.
"Why did Professor McGonagall call us here?" David asked, setting his book on the table as he sat beside Hermione.
"I don't know," Hermione replied, eyes fixed on the high platform. "The professors are already seated, so I assume we'll find out soon."
David followed her gaze. Apart from Dumbledore, all the Hogwarts professors were present—something that usually only happened at the beginning of the school year or before holidays.
"Could it be... a holiday announcement?" David speculated.
"A holiday?" Ron's eyes widened with excitement, and a grin spread across his face.
Harry, on the other hand, looked glum. A holiday meant returning to the Dursleys.
"No," Hermione said confidently. "We haven't taken our exams yet. There's no way they'd send us home before exams!"
David wasn't entirely surprised by her reasoning. Hermione had been revising for weeks in preparation.
As the students settled in, Professor McGonagall rose from her seat and cleared her throat. The auditorium fell silent.
"Thank you," she began, her expression serious. "I know you're all eager to eat, so I will be brief."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "A great deal has happened this semester—from the Chamber of Secrets incident to the disturbances in the Forbidden Forest. We have faced many challenges together, but fortunately, no lives were lost. We have been lucky."
Her voice wavered slightly, her eyes moist. "But we cannot rely on luck forever."
A heavy silence fell over the hall. Everyone held their breath, waiting for what was to come next.
"After consulting with the professors, we have decided that starting tomorrow, Hogwarts will close for the term. You may return to your dormitories after breakfast to pack your belongings. Your parents have been notified and will pick you up at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday."
For a moment, there was stunned silence—then an eruption of cheers loud enough to shake the castle.
However, two students remained less than thrilled—Harry and Hermione.
Harry dreaded the extended time at the Dursleys. Hermione, meanwhile, was furious. "They canceled the exams?! How can they do that?!"
Ron, in contrast, was ecstatic. "Great! Now my mum won't have an excuse to yell at me for bad grades!"
Hermione shot him a glare, grabbed a piece of bread, and bit into it angrily.
After breakfast, David and his friends returned to their dormitory to pack, then spent the morning playing wizard chess.
Hermione's frustration over the exams dissipated as she won game after game against David. When she finally lost one match, David grinned in triumph and quickly packed up the board before she could challenge him again.
Just as they were about to start another round, a paper airplane fluttered into David's lap. He unfolded it to find a note from Professor McGonagall.
"Hermione, I'll have to pause our game. Professor McGonagall wants to see me in her office."
The chess pieces on the board cheered in celebration.
Hermione chuckled. "Alright, go on."
David shot a glare at the chess pieces before heading to McGonagall's office. After knocking, he stepped inside.
"Professor, you wanted to see me?"
McGonagall looked up from a pile of documents and handed him a letter. "Newt Scamander sent word that he won't be returning for some time, so he arranged for some friends to take you to the Dragon Farm until they return."
David skimmed the letter, nodded, and tucked it into his bag.
"Professor, any progress on Professor Snape's research?" he asked.
McGonagall sighed. "Some, but we're still far from a cure."
David hummed in thought before changing the subject. "And what about the Board of Governors? Are they concerned about Dumbledore's absence?"
McGonagall massaged her temples. "They sent a letter last night demanding to know where he is. I've spent the entire night explaining things to concerned parents and governors. But don't worry—Dumbledore will sort it out when he returns. They all know that no one else is better suited to lead Hogwarts."
Reassured, David nodded and excused himself. "Thank you, Professor. I'll be on my way."
Later that night, after some last-minute mischief with Fred and George in the secret corridor, David collapsed into bed, exhausted. The next morning, Harry had to drag him out of bed to catch the train.
As they sat in the carriage, Harry gazed out the window, visibly troubled. David yawned and nudged him. "Take it easy, Harry."
Harry forced a smile. "Yeah."
David hesitated before offering, "If my grandfather and the others return in time, maybe you can visit me."
Harry's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Of course. I'll write to you."
As David drifted off to sleep, he awoke to Hermione gently shaking his shoulder. The train had arrived at the station.
As they gathered their things, Harry slipped a small note into David's hand. "It's my phone number," he said. "You can call me."
David stared at the numbers. It had been so long since he thought about Muggle conveniences like telephones. Maybe it was time to introduce his grandfather to one.
As he stepped off the train, Hermione asked, "Is someone picking you up?"
David stood on tiptoe, scanning the crowd. Spotting a tall figure, he grinned. "Yeah, Jason's here. My grandfather sent him to take me to the Dragon Farm."
Hermione nodded. "So if I write to the Dragon Farm, you'll get it?"
"Of course!" David said confidently.
"Good. If you don't reply, I'll—" Hermione raised her small fist threateningly before dragging her luggage away.
David laughed and turned to Jason, who smiled and reached for his bags—only to find David empty-handed.
Jason frowned. "Where's your luggage?"