Something important comes with owl-mail

Prof Riddle looked tired indeed. She did her best to look great that morning but her hair was still in all directions. There was a sparkle in her eyes though - probably a result of her mood. Visiting Shandalar was a wonderful idea not only for its inhabitants - who, just like Melody, had to leave for some special reason - but for any tourist that needed a little peace.

Last time Aylin visited the place, Shandalar was still a completely free and calm area, no threats coming from outside. It was a time when You-Know-Who had barely reached his power. Beautiful times, indeed. But then, of course, everything changed: repeated attacks took place against Shandalar and everything was over only when HE was annihilated. The bad times returned now though. And it was a powerful and hated come-back!

* * *
Aylin was completely lost in her thoughts when another owl came and dropped something very large, wrapped in a beige paper, on her head. The little flying thing was Jim-Jam, one of the oldest owls the school had. The eyes were bright red, very uncommon, and the feathers were light orange.

Aylin's face became all a smile. "It was about time, hm, Jim-Jam?" The funny owl nodded and bit her hat.

"IT came?" Melody whispered. Aylin nodded. She wanted to open the package right there, but she knew better than that.

Melody's look was locked on the students' tables: "It's too soon for them to see it." She was right. Too soon indeed. But a couple of eyes were already on her: it was impossible to hide such a large thing, that comes in the room brought by such a weird owl and then, to top it all, falls onto your head. Such things don't happen everyday, not even in the Wizards' world!

"Well... I can't say he rushed to send it but I'm happy we got it!!" She looked up and fixed her eyes on Birdy who was staring towards their table. She tried to ignore the look.

"They'll know it's a secret" Melody smiled. "Especially since you refuse to open it here! Just wait for the rumors!" Aylin laughed. "So what do you think they can say now, Mel? That maybe I brought You-Know-Who in the school, having him wrapped in a large package?" She chuckled.

There was a short pause, then: "You outta put an interdiction for the 4th corridor on the 2nd floor, Aylin!"

Aylin nodded. "I think I will send someone to call Prof. Grinch from his room. He should keep a better eye on that area. Our little curious students will be all around the corridor the moment I open my mouth to tell them it's a 'restricted place' ".

She could barely hear Melody's voice in her ear: "Change the password too, Aylin."

"I'll leave that to you" Prof. Chateaunoir smiled and went back to her breakfast.

There was a strange silence in the room though. Whispers everywhere, lowered heads, funny smiles - she could see them all but preferred not to show she understood what they meant.

* * *
Adara glanced over to the teachers' table, and then focused again on The Morning Owl. She showed the paper to Ravenclaw sitting next to her. "Will you look at these wild rumors. I don't believe this about anyone in our school! Not for a minute! and especially what they are saying about the teachers. More trouble in Shandalar. How's you're mana magic coming along?"