Chapter Text
It was a cloudy day in Hogwarts and it didn't seem it would be any stranger than usual.
It was the second week of October in Harry's fourth year, and he was currently sitting at a table in the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione. They were discussing various things, from schoolwork to professors. They already knew there would be a Triwizard Tournament taking place, but nobody was concerned about it since it was only for adults.
Harry was about to finish his breakfast when suddenly a bang was heard; strange, emerald green smoke appeared in the Hall and a weird sound was heard, as if something has felt from a very big height. After several moments smoke seemingly vanished and everyone looked at the professors' table.
Something was there.
A package.
Strange, big package.
Sitting in front of Dumbledore.
Headmaster raised an eyebrow and muttered a few words, while all students and teachers were looking at him. He waved his wand and the package was opened; several thick books laid in it. On the first book there was a note. Dumbledore was surprised but read it.
"Attention, students!" Dumbledore's voice boomed. "I have just received a package and am instructed to share its content with all of you."
There were louder murmurs after that.
"I'll read what it says - Sonorus". He waved his wand. "Here it is: 'Hogwarts, I am sending you these books to read publicly in the Great Hall. Time will stop while you are reading them and when you finish each one you will continue with your day. There are five books and you are to read each of them. And several other people will have to take part.'"
Everyone was stunned.
"Well -" Dumbledore started a sentence, but suddenly many bangs were heard and several people appeared in the Great Hall: Sirius Black - for starters - Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, and a few others. Sirius however had a charm so nobody can recognize him.
"Headmaster?" Lucius raised his eyebrow, as to inquire what's going on.
Dumbledore summarized what was happening and then picked the first book. His face suddenly paled.
"Headmaster?" Snape and McGonagall came to him quickly.
However, it would seem Dumbledore could get his feelings back in control in a short few moments.
"The book first to read is called Seventh Horcrux." Nobody sans Snape reacted, and he reacted similarly to Dumbledore, yet for a few moments longer. "Let us start, then..."