Jokes need moderation, because you never know when someone will take them seriously.
Allen originally thought it was just a rumor, but today proved it was as real as it gets, because the biggest figure in the wizarding world had just taken a little wizard's joke at face value.
Just yesterday, when the Hufflepuffs went to the kitchen seeking some minor help, they were shocked to discover that half the house-elves had disappeared. The missing elves had instead scattered across the castle, cleaning every corner as if on a meticulous mission.
Also yesterday, many had seen Professor Snape wandering the castle, clutching a black-covered notebook, seemingly searching for something.
The Weasley twins joked during the gathering that Snape was probably looking for a Knut he lost that morning, a joke that wasn't really funny, yet it triggered uproarious laughter. After all, Professor Snape wasn't exactly popular around campus.
Only Allen knew the truth, undoubtedly, he had tricked Snape.
Allen took a sip of pumpkin juice, listening to everyone's speculations without feeling the need to defend Snape. Come on, Hufflepuff had already lost fifteen points in the first week, Allen didn't forget things that easily.
Still, Snape truly was Dumbledore's most trusted man. Even precious items like Horcruxes were easily entrusted to him. Allen guessed this was mostly so Snape could investigate the already-defunct Chamber of Secrets, so yes, this pot was probably going to boil over on him.
But yesterday, as Allen secretly laughed at the spectacle, he never expected Dumbledore to escalate things this much.
Yes, during breakfast at the start of the second week, Dumbledore, who rarely appeared in the Great Hall, made a surprise appearance and announced that he had something to tell the students before breakfast.
After a long, half-morning of anticipation, Dumbledore revealed a decision that left Allen utterly shocked, yes, another exchange program.
Unlike previous programs, this one was directly led by Dumbledore. Campus affairs, surprisingly, would be overseen by Snape, while Professor McGonagall handled preparations for the exchange.
Exchange programs were common to everyone except Allen, who clearly remembered that the only inter-house exchange after Harry's admission had been the Triwizard Tournament, this one felt inserted out of nowhere, and Allen's mind couldn't help but wander.
Connecting Snape's actions yesterday with the elves' unusual behavior, the conclusion was obvious, the exchange was a convenient cover, giving Snape time and space to investigate the Chamber. After all, McGonagall was just the deputy; Snape presiding over work was a bit beyond his usual remit.
Allen understood, but the other students didn't. As soon as Dumbledore announced the exchange, the students' chatter could no longer be contained.
"Alright, quiet down, everyone." Dumbledore raised a hand to calm them, then continued, drawing cheers: "Though conditions may not be entirely comfortable for this exchange, I am very happy to announce, thanks to the Ministry of Magic's support, everyone will participate. Only a few professors will remain to maintain campus order."
Before he even finished, the Great Hall erupted in cheers.
Previous exchanges had been fun but limited; this time, the entire student body would participate. Merlin above, there was nothing better than this!!!
Dumbledore looked very pleased with the reaction, one of the reasons he had spent the entire weekend negotiating with the Ministry.
Of course, he hadn't told them the bigger reason, knowing Fudge, anything involving Tom Riddle was off-limits.
However, Dumbledore apparently didn't notice a little Hufflepuff wizard nervously holding his breath, Allen barely dared to breathe.
Oh no… oh no… What if Dumbledore discovered the so-called Chamber of Secrets was a hoax? Would he demand compensation? Merlin above, how many Galleons would a full-student exchange cost…
Unable to justify himself, Allen instinctively grabbed some sweets to mask his guilt. But at that moment, Marshall noticed him.
"Haha, Allen, you don't have to go out alone this time. Finally, we can all attend the exchange together. Merlin above, you have no idea what went through my head when Dumbledore announced the school's name."
The students' attention snapped to him. They had been too shocked by the announcement to even discuss the school.
Mahoutokoro, the name of the exchange school. Naturally, not a single student knew of it.
Also participating was Ilvermorny from America. This meant the event was a three-school joint exchange.
Everyone was familiar with Ilvermorny; even those who hadn't been there had heard boasting classmates. This exchange gave those who missed out last time a chance, but Mahoutokoro? No one had a clue.
"So, Marshall, stop teasing. What information do you have? I can even forgive you for that week's homework!"
"Exactly! And those two papers you owe me, I'll cancel them too!"
In the chatter, Marshall's debts melted away like snow in sunlight.
Marshall grinned, satisfied, wishes granted and debts erased, a double victory!!!
With enough leverage, Marshall whispered mysteriously: "Actually, I don't know much about the school… but I do know one thing: it's on an uninhabited volcano in Minamitsumoto, Japan."
The crowd looked confused.
"Ahem," Marshall cleared his throat. "That's a region in Japan. Honestly, I originally just wanted Allen to bring me some local specialties."
Everyone stared blankly, but Marshall only smiled mysteriously, refusing to elaborate.
Suddenly, a few students in the crowd began borrowing money from others.
When they turned to Allen for help, he rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"No rumors, no love, no money, no appointment, scram!"