34 the game is suspended

"Forgive me," Dumbledore began solemnly, addressing Ciaran with a hint of regret laced in his voice. "I have always harboured doubts about your deductions and inferences."

Ciaran was left momentarily speechless, a mixture of surprise and disappointment flickering across his features. So, Professor Dumbledore had never truly believed in his "inferences" – his insights were merely a result of familiarity with the original timeline. He had presented them in a new light and utilized the outcomes to reverse the situation, a feat that had been arduous but now felt significantly more manageable.

Dumbledore gently lifted Colin Creevey, the unfortunate young wizard, towering over him with a paternal air. Compared to an adult like Ciaran, Dumbledore seemed even taller, let alone Colin, a mere first-year student, just eleven years old and new to Hogwarts.

"I'll escort Colin to the school hospital for Madam Pomfrey's assessment," Dumbledore announced to Ciaran, his voice tinged with concern. "Meanwhile, I need you to head to the Quidditch pitch and ensure the safe return of all students to the castle. I trust Minerva and Severus will assist you."

With Colin in his arms, Dumbledore walked away in the direction of the school hospital, leaving Ciaran to carry out his instructions with a sense of solemn duty.

Ciaran swiftly departed Hogwarts Castle, bounding down the stairs with a purposeful stride, his wand drawn from his robes with practiced ease. Within moments, he reached the Quidditch pitch. Two college Quidditch players were mid-flight, practicing manoeuvres with focused determination, while Professor Hooch, the flight instructor, stood nearby, periodically checking the time in anticipation of the match.

The stands were gradually filling up with students, interspersed with professors like Professor McGonagall in Gryffindor attire and Severus Snape representing Slytherin, each wearing the colours of their respective houses with pride.

Just as Harry was about to mount his broomstick, Professor Frémont burst into the stadium, brandishing his wand with a grave expression. Harry's heart sank as he watched, a knot of apprehension forming in the pit of his stomach.

"Professor Frémont, you're late. The match is about to begin," Professor Hooch reminded him, her tone tinged with a hint of impatience as she glanced at the clock.

Ciaran raised his wand to his throat and cast a Sonorus spell, his voice resonating with authority as he addressed the crowd. "Attention!" he commanded, his amplified voice cutting through the buzz of anticipation.

"The match is cancelled!" Ciaran announced firmly, his tone brooking no argument as he addressed the dismayed spectators. Quidditch players landed on the ground, voicing their discontent, while the audience murmured their objections in a rising tide of dissent.

"Professor Frémont, we can't cancel the Quidditch Cup," protested Oliver Wood, Gryffindor's team captain, his voice tinged with frustration and disappointment.

Ignoring the protests, Ciaran continued addressing the stands with unwavering resolve. "All students must return immediately to their common rooms. Unauthorized excursions are strictly prohibited. Prefects, ensure compliance," he emphasized, his authoritative tone leaving no room for disobedience.

The crowd erupted in dissent, voices raised in protest as students voiced their objections to the unexpected turn of events, their disappointment palpable in the air.

"What's happened, Professor Frémont?" Professor McGonagall's voice cut through the clamour from the stands, her expression one of concern as she sought clarification.

"A student has been petrified – another attack. The victim is from Gryffindor," Ciaran informed her, his voice carrying a note of urgency as he relayed the unsettling news.

Professor McGonagall's face drained of colour in shock, her features etched with concern as she processed the gravity of the situation. The crowd fell silent, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air as fear rippled through the assembled students and faculty alike.

Accompanied by Professor McGonagall, Ciaran made his way to the school hospital, leaving the Quidditch pitch in disarray as the spectators dispersed, their minds filled with unease at the news of the latest attack within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.

As they departed, other teachers emerged from their offices, organizing the safe return of students to their common rooms with a sense of urgency. The castle corridors buzzed with activity as teachers ensured no students remained outside, their vigilance heightened in the wake of the latest incident.

Within the Gryffindor common room, tension ran high as students gathered in small groups, their expressions reflecting a mixture of concern and apprehension at the news of the attack.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione huddled together, contemplating their next moves with furrowed brows as they grappled with the implications of the latest attack. Harry debated disclosing what he knew – the strange voices he had heard before the attack – but hesitated, unsure of how his revelations would be received by his peers.

"Ginny, you're safe. You're a pure-blood wizard," Hermione reassured Ginny, her voice infused with conviction as she sought to alleviate her friend's fears.

"By the way, Hermione, you and Harry should be more careful," Ron interjected, his tone grave as he voiced his concerns for their safety in the wake of the latest attack.

Hermione nodded in agreement, her expression serious as she contemplated the potential dangers they faced as half-blood and Muggle-born wizards in the current climate of uncertainty and fear.

Ginny's expression grew more horrified with each passing moment, her eyes wide with fear as she grappled with the implications of the latest attack within the walls of Hogwarts.

The trio quickly moved to comfort Ginny, their words infused with reassurance as they sought to offer solace in the face of uncertainty and fear.

Meanwhile, in the school clinic, Colin lay motionless on the hospital bed as Madam Pomfrey examined him with practiced efficiency, her brow furrowed with concern as she assessed his condition. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall stood vigil by his bedside, their expressions grave as they awaited news of his condition with bated breath.

"Albus... is it the Chamber of Secrets?" Professor McGonagall inquired anxiously, her voice tinged with apprehension as she sought clarification.

"The Chamber has indeed been reopened," Dumbledore confirmed, his voice heavy with gravitas as he acknowledged the severity of the situation. "You must inform the students of each house, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the necessity to avoid nocturnal excursions."

With a sense of urgency, Professor McGonagall departed to relay the message to the student body, leaving Dumbledore and Ciaran to confront the looming threat within the walls of Hogwarts with a steely resolve and unwavering determination.

patr.eon.com/Assclappicus