The first lecture is about to take place and, as always, the lecture hall is filled to the brim with students. Those who have not found a seat try to make themselves comfortable on the floor and steps.

Sudri is among these students. She tries to find a free spot on the steps, but apart from a small passageway in the middle, every space seems to be filled with students. Sirenford Academy can barely cope with its huge numbers of students and full lecture halls are unfortunately normal.

Usually she can always rely on Cyril to find a seat, but he hasn't shown up yet. He usually waits for Sudri outside the white dorm so that he can go with her to the first lecture together. According to his own statements, he wouldn't wait for her - it's ‘pure coincidence’ that they meet there every morning. Sudri has no idea why Cyril is lying, but she never asks or discusses anything with him: in the end, she appreciates his company and he seems to enjoy it too.

“Good morning, Sudri!”

“Oh! Good morning, Emma.”

The student Sudri had met last night appeared in front of her. With deep circles under her eyes, she stares at Sudri with a tired smile. For a second, Sudri is startled by the sight of Emma.

"E-Emma, are you all right? You look... tired..."

“Thank you for being so concerned, but I'm doing great!”

"R-really? M-may I ask how your ‘project assignment’ went?"

Sudri can hardly imagine how last night's huge bag had anything to do with a project, but she wants to ask anyway out of curiosity.

Emma sighs exhaustedly:

“Phew... I'm glad that's behind me.” Emma now looks a little more awake, "It went well. I handed in the delivery and I get my extra points today!"

“T-that's nice...”

She had told me that the project work came from Professor Wagner... If yesterday was the deadline, my hopes for my own project work are probably over...

Hopefully Cyril still remembered to ask the professor about the projects. Sudri could do with any information right now.

“Uhm...” Emma mumbles to herself.

“It's pretty crowded today, isn't it?”

“Yes, more than usual.” Sudri replies.

Only now does she notice that the lecture hall is fuller than usual. It's hard to believe that's even possible.

“There seems to be a lot of chaos right now.” Says Emma, “Some students say that the other lecture halls are still locked and that's why they assume they have their lectures in this hall.”

“Hm? Is our lecture canceled or is it taking place in another room?”

Emma shakes her head in the negative.

" There was no announcement this morning. No one really has any info on what the room plan is going to be today."

“Huh...” Sudri adjusts her glasses, “Yet the magic faculty is usually so well organized...”

While Sudri stands thoughtfully on the stairs, the lecture hall continues to fill up with students. They know that the room is already full, but nobody wants to leave and possibly miss their lecture. This diligent mentality is commendable, but also dangerous as more and more students squeeze together.

Emma seems increasingly uncomfortable with the growing crowd.

"You know what, Sudri? I'm going upstairs to the library. Let's see if there's any new information on the notice board."

“Hm, okay.” Sudri nods hesitantly.

And so Emma disappears into the crowd, just as she disappeared into the darkness last night.

"H-hey! Watch out!" Sudri shouts as she is pushed around from all sides.

It's just too crowded here!

Suddenly she hears two unfamiliar voices from the back rows:

“What were you doing?”

"That wasn't me! Shit! There's more!"

"Turn it off!!! Quick!!!"

Sudri looks in the direction the voices are coming from.

She can't believe her eyes:

Smoke is rising at the back of the lecture hall. More and more students notice what is going on. Suddenly flames burst out:

"FIRE! EVERYONE GET OUT!" someone shouts.

The crowd gets louder. At first they seem to be wondering what is going on and then suddenly panic sets in.

Screaming can be heard. Some people shout and try to give instructions so that panic doesn't break out, but it's already too late. There is pushing and shoving and Sudri has trouble keeping on her feet.

Locked rooms, a full lecture hall and a sudden outbreak of fire...

There is no doubt: this must be a planned attack!