Max and the others left their dorms together, heading toward the principal's office. Jack took the lead. He already knew the way—he'd been there just yesterday when that old man had questioned him.
Jack walked ahead confidently. "I know the way," he called over his shoulder. "Was there yesterday. Got interrogated by that old guy."
Ray raised an eyebrow. "Interrogated?"
Jack shrugged. "Don't ask."
They followed him through the long, echoing stone hallways of Soladors. The place felt different now—older, heavier somehow. The silence between them wasn't helping. Max could feel the tension crawling up his spine with every step.
As they passed, students in the halls turned to stare. Whispers followed close behind them, buzzing like flies. Most students looked confused, curious, or just plain shocked. A new house was already a big deal. But a first-year becoming Head of House? That was unheard of.
The whispers grew louder.
"Is that them?"
"No way. That's the new House?"
