The students were waiting at the entrance of the great hall which was closed after the last night's incidents, for having their breakfast. Actually, the hungry beasts among them had even started a wave of conspiracy theories cooked by the best, for the reasons they don't know. James and Albus were the last ones to join the crowd, as Rose was there already.
However, the situation soon came under control once Professor Strider entered the scene.
Professor Strider had a terrific look than any other professors, with a thick, brown moustache resembling that of the Vikings, and fierce-looking blue eyes, without a tinge of kindness. He was the post-winter term Defence against dark arts professor and the substitute charms professor. Separate Post-winter and Pre-winter term teachers were appointed to counter the still persisting Voldemort's jinx around the position. Professor Skodius handled the classes in the other term, beside his regular post as the Transfiguration teacher.
"Everyone shut up your mouths and move aside"
No one dared to speak after hearing his words. His wand moved in a rhythmic fashion as if drawing something in the thin air, then there was a sudden noise, and the magical barrier disintegrated.
"Anyone who wishes to go past this entrance with the slightest thought of harming the Hogwarts and the people under its care will be punished as none have ever seen. Beware imposters, traitors and enemies of Hogwarts."
Everyone could understand the warning in Professor Strider's voice, but none dared to speak another word until he was away from the sight.
"It must be some protective enchantments in the entrance, due to the earlier events." Said Rose while walking forward to the entrance along with Albus and James.
"It doesn't seem like a simple defensive charm, from his tone. I suppose it is something else, more ..."
Albus was cut down in the middle by James. They had already passed through the entrance meanwhile.
"Funny? Chill up, brother. Troubling your little brain with unnecessary things won't help. You two nerds should've been put in the Ravenclaw."
That reminded Rose about the Scorpius. She gives a quick look through the Ravenclaw table, but couldn't find him there.
"Hey! Are you looking for some friend of yours there?"
Rose was astonished for a while, after hearing that voice from behind, it was Scorpius Malfoy.
"Does that mean something for you, Malfoy?" James' voice reflected prejudice and hatred towards Malfoys, which was actually widespread in the wizarding community.
After the downfall of the Dark Lord, Malfoys were hunted by the many acts of vengeance-seeking wizards and witches who lost their loved ones due to death eaters, causing Malfoys to disappear from the wizarding world for a while. Still, the social stigma persists within certain people like in the olden days.
But Scorpius doesn't speak, he just gives a glance towards Rose, who was standing there silently, with a what to do look. Then he just walked away, towards the Ravenclaw table.
"James, it was too rude to behave like that." She was too loud while saying those words, meanwhile, James and Albus were giving each other a confused look, as if they have done nothing.
Before the Potter siblings could convince her, she had gone away from them and joined the Ravenclaw table. She was too upset at what happened since she felt a self-contempt on her silence then.
To save herself from the pain inflicted by guilt, she took a copy of The Wizarding Today lied in front of her.
Actually, it helped her with a good escape from her current thoughts, as more terrific things were happening outside, beyond their knowledge. Her eyes widened in shock once she noticed the report.
SERIAL ATTACKS: STUNNED WIZARDING WORLD
London: The wizarding world was terrorised by the serial attacks that happened on the last day, at the hearts of modern wizarding society. The Whitehall, headquarters of the Ministry and the Gringotts suffered complete damage in the anonymous attacks. Whereas the attempt on Hogwarts was thwarted by the timely intervention of the ministry. No events of casualty have been reported. And the Gringotts vaults survived the attack, as per the statement of Gonruk, the head of the wizarding bank assured the security of every vault. There were no official statements from the ministry, providing more information about the attacks. There are unofficial sources claiming that the person involved in the Hogwarts attack has been captivated alive by the Aurors. The Minister of Magic expressed her concern in the recent events. For more: page 13
She seemed more puzzled after completed reading the report. Suddenly, she came to notice that two girls, sitting opposite to her, were looking at her and murmuring each other. Once they knew that Rose noticed their action, they stand up and left the table.
A copy of Daily prophet was lying on the table used by the girls. A heading on it attracted her attention, as it meant something about the minister of magic, Hermione Granger.
She grabbed it. She was trying hard enough to keep herself calm while reading every absurd line she came across in that ridiculous report.