"A few days ago, a few of our students returned after more than two years of absence."
The Headmaster began his speech with those measured words, pausing for a deliberate moment as he stole a glance back at John. The two exchanged a silent gaze that seemed to stretch for an eternity, a silent battle of wills between the two.
A faint, knowing smile appeared on the Headmaster's face before he turned back toward the audience to continue.
"They didn't simply vanish. Instead, they were hand-selected and sent to a special, highly classified training program that belongs exclusively to our department.
Since then, they have undergone hellish training in environments most cannot imagine, and they have emerged significantly stronger. Today marks their official return to the ranks of the academy."
