The rumors had been flying through the Gryffindor tower all day, Sisse could hardly fail to notice them. They were awful, just awful. Sisse hadn't wanted to believe them. Some ranged from a potion explosion, others claimed it was a duel gone wrong. There were others who felt that it was one of the half breeds allowed back in school. Everyone had their own opinion and their own reason for why three firsts years were not to be seen in the tower.

Rumors were one thing, they could be dismissed as hearsay, but hearing from one of their professors the truth, that was so much worse. One could no longer ignore it as only a rumor. Instead one had to face the facts. And the facts were that one of Sisse's friends was dead. She had gotten along with the first year twins, having taken the time to talk to them during classes, at meals, and in the common room. The thought that one of them was dead? It was unfathomable. Sisse had never known anyone who had died. But, looking around at the rest of the house gathered at their table, it was clear this was no joke.

Sisse stared in stunned silence as Professor Darrow sat back down, suddenly not even hungry. It was awful, just awful. If it had happened to Celeste, what might have happened to Sisse during all her potions practices on her own? A small voice whispered in her mind. She trembled and then the tears started. The quiet flow that she was sure Matthew would call her a baby for. But Sisse didn't care - one of her friends was dead and that was reason enough.