The dark cloud, which had originally gathered only over a corner of the Forbidden Forest, spread rapidly across the horizon after being stimulated by Alan's suicidal antics, even drawing the attention of the Muggle world. Hogwarts, adjacent to the forest, was completely enveloped. Young wizards resting or strolling outside looked up in surprise; such a vast expanse of dark clouds was rare for this season. To most students, it was merely a sign of an impending storm, and many hurried back into the castle to avoid the rain.
However, the professors already realized that this phenomenon was anything but simple. In the Hogwarts staff lounge, several professors gathered by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking toward the sky with grave expressions.
"This cloud looks very unusual. I can feel magic hidden in the air," Professor McGonagall muttered, pushing her glasses up her nose with a suspicious look. "Professor Flitwick, what do you think?"
"It is indeed abnormal. This is clearly not a natural phenomenon," Flitwick replied, his brow furrowed. "I sense a familiar feeling from the spreading magic."
"A familiar scent? Is it a spell cast by someone we know?" Astronomy Professor Aurora Sinistra asked thoughtfully, stroking her chin. "What would be the purpose? I don't sense any malice; it doesn't seem intent on causing harm. It looks more like a wizard experimenting with magic, though I noticed anomalies in the stars just as the clouds began to spread."
"Spell experimentation? It doesn't quite feel like that," Flitwick said, still trying to place the sensation. "I've experienced this feeling within the academy... it feels more like a student. But who could it be?" He turned back to Sinistra. "What kind of anomaly are you talking about?"
"The star at the end of Ursa Major is flickering with an unknown intensity," Sinistra explained.
"The tail of Ursa Major is what we know as the Big Dipper, and the outermost star is the seventh star. In the distant Eastern magical world, this star is called 'Po Jun,' symbolizing powerful destructive force. It represents the daredevil, the vanguard of an army, and the 'desire for victory.' In ancient times, it was highly revered by soldiers."
"That doesn't sound like a good omen," Professor Flitwick said, his worry deepening. "Is there another war on the horizon?"
"Actually, while the name sounds frightening, legends don't always view it as an omen of doom. The Eastern magical world often associates this star with victory. For an anomaly to appear now suggests either the birth of a great general or the appearance of a highly destructive weapon." Sinistra was in full teaching mode, explaining the concept in great detail.
"Your lecture has truly opened our eyes," Professor McGonagall noted. "Perhaps you should be our Divination professor. Compared to Trelawney, you at least provide knowledge rather than mere fright."
"You flatter me; these are just legends about the constellations," Sinistra replied humbly. "I only mentioned them for entertainment. They are unverified and cannot be taught as objective fact."
"Are there more details in these legends? For instance, what kind of person would this star point to?" Flitwick asked. He was still savoring the trace of magic in the air; it was so familiar, yet he couldn't quite grasp the name.
"If we analyze a personality based on the star's traits," Sinistra recalled, "the seventh star represents a person of action—someone who seeks novelty and change, endures hardships, and is brave enough to take on heavy responsibilities. They do not fear tyranny, possess a clear distinction between good and evil, and are frank and quick to react. However, the disadvantages include a stubborn personality, a strong rebellious spirit, and a tendency to act on one's own will."
"Oh?" Flitwick listened to the description, and the figure of a specific young wizard gradually formed in his mind.
In the Headmaster's office on the eighth floor, another pair was watching the sky. Dumbledore and Snape stood together behind the window, observing the spirits of the air with interest.
"Do you smell that?" Snape asked, his expression as gloomy as ever. "That sharp magic in the air is unbearable—like a knife held at the throat."
"You shouldn't be so pessimistic, Severus," Dumbledore said lightly, resting his hands gently on his stomach. "Although the sky is dyed black, it isn't necessarily a bad thing. That sharp, knife-like magic isn't directed at us."
"What? You know who created this?" Snape asked, his resistance to the pressure of the clouds clear in his muffled voice. Dumbledore seemed entirely unconcerned that the creator might cause them harm.
"Just a few guesses. This dense lightning element magic is truly astonishing," Dumbledore said, his eyes half-closed as if peering through the storm itself.
"Lightning? That branch of magic hasn't produced many powerful spells, has it? And aren't you a master of water and fire?" Snape asked, sounding skeptical.
"Don't worry. I suspect many amazing lightning spells will soon be revealed," Dumbledore chuckled, turning back toward the room with a calm expression. "The clouds will likely dissipate shortly. Would you like to try my new cockroach clusters? They are quite delicious."
"I am not in the mood to eat such disgusting things," Snape snorted disdainfully. He looked at the old man. "Are you really going to clear the name of that scoundrel, Sirius? He killed Lily. What kind of mind-control potion has he given you to make you believe the words of a madman?"
"No," Dumbledore said seriously. "I trust my own judgment. Someone else betrayed Lily. When I first heard Bagnold speak of this, I had my doubts, but when I could not find that specific, vital address in Sirius's mind, I became convinced he was not the culprit. You have hated the wrong person, Severus."