The Great Hall had seen many things.
Duels.
Howlers.
Ghostly processions.
Even dragons—briefly.
But this?
This was different.
The moment Keith Argus Runcandel stepped through the doors, the air itself seemed to still.
Conversations faltered.
Forks froze halfway to mouths.
Even the floating candles dimmed—just slightly—as if instinctively yielding.
He walked calmly, posture relaxed, unaware—or perhaps simply unbothered—by the way space subtly bent around him, how mana rippled like a quiet tide.
Platinum-silver hair caught the morning light, threaded with faint void starlight. His sapphire eyes held rotating violet-black rings, deep enough that looking too long felt like staring into a night sky that stared back.
Handsome wasn't the word.
Divine was closer.
Reactions Across the Hall
At the Ravenclaw table—
Hermione's quill slipped from her fingers.
Ginny stared openly, ears burning red.
Katie Bell swallowed.
Angelina Johnson blinked twice.
When did he start looking like that?
Helena's breath caught, her heart skipping in a way she absolutely did not approve of.
This year…
I'm not waiting.
At the Slytherin side—
Daphne Greengrass lifted her chin, lips curling into a proud, knowing smile.
Astoria's eyes sparkled as she leaned closer.
Susan Bones felt her face warm—but her posture was steady, confident.
That's our fiancé, they thought together.
At the Hufflepuff table—
Rias Gremory rested her chin in her hand, crimson eyes glowing with equal parts pride and possessiveness.
"My Crimson Dragon," she murmured softly.
"As expected."
Breakfast, Interrupted (Politely)
Keith sat down as usual and began eating, completely unfazed.
It didn't last.
"Keith!"
"What happened to you?"
"Did you use a charm?"
"Is that even legal?"
He paused, spoon halfway to his mouth.
"…I don't know," he said honestly.
"Maybe I slept well?"
That only made it worse.
Even professors were watching.
Professor Sprout smiled warmly.
Professor Flitwick squinted, fascinated.
McGonagall adjusted her glasses twice.
Snape refused to look impressed.
Dumbledore, however, watched quietly over his half-moon spectacles—eyes thoughtful.
An Invitation from an Old Man
As Keith finished his breakfast, Dumbledore rose.
"Mr. Runcandel," he said gently, voice carrying without force.
"Would you be so kind as to visit an old man in his office this morning?"
The hall hushed again.
Keith stood and inclined his head politely.
"Yes, Headmaster."
He glanced once at the girls—
Rias smiled knowingly.
Daphne gave a subtle nod.
Hermione looked torn between curiosity and determination.
Then Keith turned and followed Dumbledore toward the exit, footsteps echoing softly.
Behind them, whispers erupted like wildfire.
And high above, the castle itself seemed to lean closer—
Because whatever had changed in Keith Argus Runcandel…
Hogwarts could feel it.