The reaction was subtle, but it was there.
A visible shift passed through sections of the hall. Some second-years glanced at one another. A few first-years looked confused. Even among the third-years, there were several expressions of mild surprise.
Because it was not Percy.
And yet, from where Percy sat among the graduating students, no displeasure showed in his face. If anything, there was only quiet indifference. Anyone looking carefully enough might even realize he was relieved.
He had absolutely no desire to stand before the entire academy and give a speech today.
De'Ain Looken, on the other hand, rose with a calmness that made the surprise around him feel almost irrelevant.
