"Well... that's the plan," Hermione said, her voice gaining confidence. "If you want to join us, we need to decide how we're going to—"
"Where's your proof that You-Know-Who's back?" demanded a sharp-featured blonde Ravenclaw boy, his tone deliberately confrontational.
"Well, Dumbledore believes it—" Hermione began, but was immediately cut off.
"You mean, Dumbledore believes him," the boy said with undisguised contempt, jerking his chin rudely toward Harry. "Look, if you're expecting us to take part in this little club, we've got the right to know exactly what makes Potter claim You-Know-Who's back."
"Let me make something perfectly clear," Orli said quietly, setting her bottle down on the table with a sharp, decisive clink that cut through the mounting tension like a blade.
"This meeting isn't about explaining ourselves to you, debating skeptics, or begging anyone to believe in Voldemort's return—you came here voluntarily, hoping to learn proper Defense Against the Dark Arts from Harry."
She swept her gaze around the room with deliberate precision, finally fixing it on the blonde boy's increasingly uncomfortable face.
"Voldemort is back. That's reality, not opinion. Perhaps some people need him burning down their front doors before they'll face facts, but we have no obligation to wake up ostriches with their heads buried in sand! You don't believe Harry, you don't believe Dumbledore—what exactly do you want? A signed photograph of Voldemort posing with today's Daily Prophet? Maybe Colin could lend us his camera for the occasion?"
Orli glanced meaningfully at the Creevey brothers—Colin still wore his beloved Muggle camera around his neck like a badge of honor. Several Gryffindors chuckled appreciatively at the absurdity. When the laughter faded, Orli's expression grew deadly serious.
"Last year, the Death Eater Avery infiltrated Hogwarts under Voldemort's direct orders, masquerading as Professor Moody for an entire term. Everyone here knows this happened. Do you need more evidence that Voldemort is actively rebuilding his power? If anyone present doesn't believe Harry, doubts Dumbledore, or refuses to accept Voldemort's return, then please leave now. As you well know, this group's instruction will be conducted by Harry and myself. If you harbor fundamental doubts about our credibility, we cannot and will not waste time trying to teach you anything."
"You all claim a Death Eater was captured in the maze last year—this Avery character—but nobody's provided actual details, and nobody can prove he was acting on You-Know-Who's orders!" the Ravenclaw boy pressed on stubbornly. "The Ministry's already stated he was just some blood purist fanatic acting alone. Even more absurd are these rumors about Peter Pettigrew sightings. Didn't he supposedly drown himself years ago?"
"I can personally verify those events," Cedric's clear voice cut through the skepticism like sunlight through storm clouds. His steady gaze locked onto the Ravenclaw boy with unwavering certainty. "I was in that maze. This isn't some 'absurd rumor'—I saw Peter Pettigrew with my own eyes. He's the one who stunned me unconscious. Not only is he very much alive, he was actively collaborating with Avery. I absolutely believe You-Know-Who has returned—it's obvious these Death Eaters are reorganizing to serve him."
A wave of conviction rippled through the Hufflepuff contingent, their expressions shifting from uncertainty to grim acceptance. Harry, seated rigidly beside Orli, had been listening to this exchange with visibly clenched jaw, his fists white-knuckled on the table as his temper climbed toward a dangerous boiling point. Just as he opened his mouth to unleash what would undoubtedly be a scathing response, Orli reached over and lightly touched his clenched fist.
In her palm, traced in barely visible letters, were two simple words: "BE NICE."
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