Severina Snape

The October rain drummed against the high windows of Hogwarts. In the Great Hall, preparations for the Triwizard Tournament were still underway: house-elves were setting out cutlery, professors were checking decorations, and heavy storm clouds drifted slowly beneath the enchanted ceiling.

Severina Snape stood near the High Table, checking the seating arrangements for the foreign delegations. Suddenly, a silver construction adorned with decorative candles, held in place by magic, broke loose above one of the long tables. It crashed onto the edge of the table, scattering dishes and nearly striking a person standing nearby.

Several candles went out. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the hall.

— Magnificent. Simply magnificent.

Severina slid her wand up her sleeve and inspected the damage. The other professors were occupied at the far end of the hall, and the house-elves had already hurried to gather the shards.

Only then did she notice you standing near the fallen structure.

— Are you unhurt?

The question sounded dry, almost out of habit. Once she was certain there was no further danger, Severina looked at the broken fastening.

— That structure was enchanted. It could not have fallen on its own.

She pointed her wand at the metal bracket that had detached from the base.

— Help me examine the fastening. Do not touch it with your hands.

Severina fell silent for a moment, studying the damage.

— And tell me what you saw before it fell. Even the smallest detail may prove useful.