For Dumbledore and most of the professors, last night had been destined to be sleepless.
The next morning, Kyle noticed a sharp decrease in the number of people in the castle. Sirius was gone, as were Snape and Professor Moody. Hagrid and Madam Maxime from Beauxbatons had also disappeared, likely called to the Headmaster's Office.
"We could have stayed a few more days," Fleur remarked as they stood outside the castle to see off the Beauxbatons students. "But Madam Maxime insisted we leave today. She seemed to have something urgent to do, though she wouldn't tell me what it was."
In the clearing near Hagrid's hut, which was now shuttered, the tall Abraxans were harnessed to the massive Beauxbatons carriage. The Durmstrang students, too, appeared to be leaving. Early that morning, another Durmstrang professor had arrived via the ship, accompanying Viktor Krum, who was still recovering from his injuries.
Soon, the Beauxbatons students began boarding their carriage, leaning out the doors and windows to wave farewell to their new friends.
Fleur helped Gabrielle and a suitcase into the carriage before turning to give Kanna a hug. She was reluctant to leave; her time at Hogwarts had been the best school year she'd ever experienced.
She had especially grown fond of Hufflepuff House, where sincerity and kindness seemed to flourish. Unlike in many other places, the boys, though affected by her Veela heritage, behaved respectfully, and the girls rarely displayed jealousy. In Hufflepuff, the influence of her Veela bloodline was minimal, allowing Fleur to truly enjoy her time.
Still, the Triwizard Tournament had ended, and she had to return. At least, she consoled herself, this was her final year, and she could always visit again.
Professor Lochneal's voice called from the carriage, urging her to hurry. Fleur gave Kyle a quick hug before climbing aboard.
A few minutes later, the enormous Abraxans launched into the air, pulling the carriage behind them. The students on the ground watched as it shrank into the sky until it was no longer visible. Gradually, everyone returned to the castle.
Although only a few dozen students were gone, their absence left the Great Hall feeling noticeably emptier.
"I still can't believe the Triwizard Tournament ended like that."
"Yeah, Hogwarts was so lively this year."
"I hope they host it again—it's way more exciting than Quidditch."
"What are you talking about? The Triwizard Tournament is no match for Quidditch!"
Such conversations echoed through the castle, but not everyone was caught up in the buzz.
Cedric, Cho, and the Weasley twins seemed preoccupied, and Kyle found himself cornered by their questions once again.
"Kyle, you're not joking, right? You-Know-Who has really returned?" Fred asked, his tone urgent.
"For the third time this hour, Fred—yes, it's true. Mrs. Weasley knows as well. You can write home if you want confirmation."
"Of course we believe you," George said, "but... it's just so hard to wrap our heads around. Give us a bit of time, will you?"
Kyle glanced at them and smirked faintly. "Seriously, I thought you two would be quicker on the uptake than Cedric. He only asked twice."
"We had to react normally," Fred replied dramatically. "This is You-Know-Who we're talking about! Who in the entire Wizarding World wouldn't freak out over this?"
"No one," George answered flatly.
"Does this mean we won't be able to come back to school next year?" Cho asked abruptly. "If You-Know-Who attacks Hogwarts, the school will have to close, won't it?"
"Don't worry," Kyle said with a dismissive wave. "Hogwarts didn't close even when the Death Eaters were at their peak ten years ago. Back then, it was one of the safest places for students. That won't change now unless students choose not to come."
"Besides, it's unlikely Voldemort will target Hogwarts anytime soon. He has other priorities—gathering followers, rebuilding his forces. And after the surprise Dumbledore gave him yesterday, I doubt he'll dare set foot here for a while."
Fred groaned. "Must you say his name, Kyle? My legs shake every time you do!"
Kyle paused, realizing the issue. "Fair point. I'll watch my words. You-Know-Who's name has a tracking spell on it. Even though I'm not worried for myself, I wouldn't want to endanger anyone else."
"That's a relief," Fred muttered, while George nodded in agreement.
Kyle continued, "Anyway, You-Know-Who has a lot to handle right now. Hogwarts is low on his priority list. And let's not forget—he's not foolish enough to pick a fight with Dumbledore straight out of the gate."
"What a pity," George said with a wistful sigh. "Why didn't Dumbledore just finish him off?"
"Because You-Know-Who isn't stupid," Kyle replied. "He wouldn't risk facing Dumbledore directly after just being resurrected."
"I know," George muttered, "but still... it would've been nice if he had."
"Who's to say it wouldn't?" Fred added with a sigh.
The Ministry of Magic acted with surprising speed, and by the next morning, a new edition of The Daily Prophet had arrived at Hogwarts.
However, there was no mention of Voldemort's return. Instead, the headline focused entirely on Harry. Whether at Fudge's instigation or not, the paper painted Harry as mentally unstable, accusing him of fabricating an outrageous story for attention. It claimed he had invented his kidnapping by Death Eaters and was exploiting his scar and Voldemort's name to draw public sympathy.
That evening, during dinner, Dumbledore entered the Great Hall. He addressed the accusations directly, firmly denying the slander against Harry. He also requested that no one question or bother Harry about what had happened.
In the days that followed, discussions about the recently concluded Triwizard Tournament or the departing schools faded. Instead, students buzzed about the newspaper's claims, debating whether Harry had truly fabricated the story.
Dumbledore's appeal not to trouble Harry worked—but almost too well. Most students began avoiding Harry altogether. In the hallways, they steered clear, whispering behind their hands as they passed him. Many accepted The Daily Prophet's narrative, believing Harry was upset over not being crowned Champion and had concocted a story for attention.
Despite the growing isolation, Harry didn't seem to mind. As long as Hermione and Ron stood by him, that was enough.
Like Kyle's candid conversation with Kanna and Cedric, Harry was completely honest with his friends, and they believed him without hesitation.
Fudge might scoff at the idea of Harry's scar tingling as a sign of Voldemort's return, dismissing it as nonsense, but Ron and Hermione were different. They took Harry's account seriously.
In their dormitory, Ron even called Fudge a "stupid idiot," which brought a genuine smile to Harry's face.