The room where the council met smelled like burning and writing ink. Tall lights burned by the stone walls, and their light made moving shapes on the wolf pictures. The old leaders of Ravenclaw were already there, wearing big clothes and looking serious. They stood up when Evelyn walked in, bowing like they were made of wood, but their eyes showed they had been talking about the Wolf Ball a lot.
She walked with her usual grace, her red dress flowing like melted metal, and her crown shone in the light. She sat in her chair at the top of the table, holding her head high. No one could tell that she hadn't slept much or that she was very upset inside.
"Let's get started," she said, in a strong voice.
