They did not speak until they were well clear of the gargoyle.
The spiral staircase unwound beneath their feet, steps shifting lazily as if eavesdropping. When they finally stepped back into the corridor, the noise of Hogwarts returned in layers, distant voices, doors opening and closing, the steady rhythm of a school fully awake.
Amber broke the silence first."So," she said lightly, "that went better than expected."
Wayne glanced at her. "You were expecting worse."
"I was expecting… fireworks," she admitted. "Or at least a lecture."
"That was the lecture," Wayne said. "Dumbledore just hides them inside invitations."
They walked on, passing a group of first-years being herded in the opposite direction by Professor Sprout, who was already dusted with soil despite the early hour. She paused when she saw Wayne, eyes narrowing thoughtfully, then gave a small nod before continuing on.
Amber leaned closer. "That was recognition again."
"Yes," Wayne said. "It will keep happening."
"Does it ever turn into questions."
"Eventually."
They reached a balcony overlooking the grounds. Morning light spilled over the lawns, the lake calm and dark beyond the trees. From here, Hogwarts looked less imposing, more like a place that simply existed and expected you to keep up.
Amber rested her arms on the stone railing. "You were a Ravenclaw," she said. "I didn't know that."
Wayne smiled. "I didn't stay long enough to decorate the memory."
"Alchemy," she added. "That one surprised me less."
He laughed quietly. "It surprised everyone else more."
A bell rang somewhere below, sharp and clear.
Students began to hurry now, the pace of the castle shifting. Conversations cut short, footsteps quickened. The day had officially begun.
Amber watched them for a moment. "So what happens now."
"Now," Wayne said, "we do very little."
She looked at him. "That doesn't sound like you."
"It's a skill I learned late," he replied. "Watching without interfering."
They turned back toward their corridor. A house-elf appeared briefly to inform them that the grounds were open to guests, then vanished before Amber could thank him properly.
As they walked, Wayne slowed, his attention caught by a familiar stretch of wall. A portrait there shifted slightly, pretending not to stare.
"Do they ever forget," Amber asked.
"No," Wayne said. "They just stop talking about it."
They reached their rooms again, the hidden entrance revealing itself only when Wayne stepped close. Amber still didn't see it until the air moved, just enough to acknowledge her presence.
Inside, the room felt brighter now, touched by morning.
Amber sat on the edge of the bed. "Dumbledore wants something."
"Yes," Wayne said.
"But he's giving you time."
"Yes."
She nodded. "That's how you know it's serious."
Wayne smiled. "You're learning."
There was a knock, softer this time. Tibbles appeared with a small parchment.
"Post for you," he said, placing it carefully on the table. "Marked priority."
Wayne glanced at the seal and set it aside without opening it.
"Later," he said.
Amber stood and stretched. "So. Walk. Grounds. Maybe the lake."
"That's reasonable," Wayne agreed.
As they stepped back into the corridor, the castle adjusted around them, doors opening where they needed to, stairs pausing just long enough.
Somewhere above, a decision waited to be made.
For now, Hogwarts allowed them to pass.
And the day moved on, curious, observant, and far from finished.