Professor Flitwick found them as they brought Nigel, bound and levitating, out of the corridor near the Astronomy tower. Madam Rakepick and professor McGonagall came at once, and professor Flitwick went to fetch professor Dumbledore and take care of the doxies.

The long part of their night got longer. Rakepick and McGonagall each took turns interviewing Paul and Merula in professor Dumbledore's office while the other guarded Nigel's dejected figure in Filch's office. Then professor Dumbledore arrived and they had to answer questions again, while Rakepick began to interrogate Nigel. Dumbledore had the kindness to transfigure his desk into a couch for them to sit on, and brought a tray of sweets from the Ball. He also brewed them some tea. Professor Dumbledore's questions included some of the more light-hearted kind. Paul's favorites were, "I think Mr. Blackwell's hair looks rather better, don't you, Mr. Finch?" and, "Ms. Snyde, would you tell me the name of your dressmaker?" Merula's butterfly danced on his wand, too. Then Dumbledore had left, after giving them explicit instructions to wait. Merula asked for permission to browse his library, to which the professor had agreed with a smile. He also gave five points to Slytherin, for making the best of a frustrating spot in the middle of their evening.

And then the aurors from the Ministry had shown up, and they had questions, too.

Shortly after, they sat at on the couch with a stack of books between them and a nearly empty pot of tea. The clock struck 11:30. Both of them looked up, and both of them sighed.

"So much for the end of our magical night," Merula said.

Paul paused. "Is it weird that I thought the fight was kind of fun?"

Merula half gasped, half laughed. "You didn't!"

"I mean, it was scary as hell, but after it's over... wasn't it cool? We were a good team! When you used interpretari to talk to me? That was genius!"

Merula looked embarrassed. "I thought it was fun too."

"You mean it?"

"All those protegos, right from the start—you knew I'd go full attack, didn't you? It was like when we were dancing. And you spotted the enchantment."

"I set him up, you knocked him down."

Merula fist bumped him. "Boom! Nasty and nice!"

"A deadly combo!"

The door to the office opened and Dumbledore and Rakepick strode in. Paul and Merula jumped up. Dumbledore said, "The aurors have taken Mr. Blackwell into custody. They may contact you with further questions, but not tonight. Before I release you to return to the Ball, I want to express my profound gratitude and admiration for your courage. House points will be awarded to both Slytherin and Hufflepuff."

"Return to the... it hasn't been cancelled?" Paul asked.

Dumbledore chuckled. "All's well, Mr. Finch. This isn't the first time we've had a crisis during the Ball."

Paul didn't know whether to feel happy or stunned about that one.

"Is Laurel okay?" Merula asked.

Rakepick nodded. "Safe and sound. And dancing with a young Ravenclaw who went to the Ball solo, I'm told."

The students sighed in relief. Paul asked, "Did you find out anything from Nigel?"

Madam Rakepick said, "Mr. Blackwell gave us some information. We still don't know the Red Wizard's identity. As to why he attacked you, quite simply, the Red Wizard wanted to you both dead. Mr. Blackwell wasn't sure why, but he believes that the Wizard sees you as a threat now, not just an irritation, after you rescued young Miss Haywood from the painting."

Paul and Merula looked at each other. Merula turned to Rakepick and asked, "Nigel told you that?"

"He was surprisingly cooperative. It seems his defeat broke his spirit. I did use legilimency for good measure."

Dumbledore observed, "You both look quite calm at the idea of the Red Wizard wishing to kill you."

Paul shrugged. He looked at Merula again. "He's been out to get me for years now. Now it's not just me."

"Bring it on. Why should this guy have all the fun?" Merula said, nodding at Paul.

Dumbledore and Rakepick chuckled. "Off you go," Dumbledore said.

Merula and Paul rushed back through the corridors to get to the Great Hall. "We can make the last dance if we hurry," Paul said.

Merula drew her wand and swished it at her feet, saying something Latiny. Paul saw them transfigure into rose gold combat boots. She grinned at him. "Beat you there!" she cried as she barreled down the stairs.

"Not on your best day!" he laughed as he charged after her.