Beginners: book 1, Goblet of Fire

Ends in Beginnings

The following week is nothing if not hectic. The night of the third task, Dumbledore sends each professor, Bill and Mrs. Weasley out to fetch people, re-forming some sort of group. Mrs. Weasley forced the rest of the potion down Harry's throat, and, much to our dismay, the rest of us also to bed. I don't remember getting back into the dorm, or into my four-poster, my brain jumps to the next morning. Harry doesn't turn up for dinner, we now know that was to meet with the Diggory's.

We saw him next that evening, in Gryffindor tower. In his normal manner, he doesn't talk about that night, instead listens to our desperately concocted conversations that don't revolve around that night. Without a defence against the dark arts teacher, we have much more free time. We use it to see Hagrid and take short walks around the grounds, Hagrid is just as comforting as always, serving us large cups of very strong tea.

I pack my trunk in silence, staring at the bed, side table, all these things that are mine now, that weren't 10 months ago. Memories, most good, now some that are bad, packed away into a single bag. I haven't spoken to Luis, the individual schools have kept to themselves, even the houses have separated slightly.

Although I've never been to the Leaving Feast, I can imagine it's usually much more energetic than this. The walls are draped in black fabric, every table sullen, some Hufflepuffs even crying. We sit together, ignoring the whispers and questioning glances from all around us.

Dumbledore stands, taking a moment to look around the hall. "The end of another year. There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight, but I must first acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here," he gestures at the Hufflepuffs, usually so happy, so joyful, now with red eyes, "enjoying our feast with us. I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise your glasses, to Cedric Diggory."

The hall raises their goblets, and in one low voice, echoes "Cedric Diggory."

"Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Hufflepuff house," Dumbledore continues. "He was a good and loyal friend, a hard worker, he valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you knew him well or not. I think that you have the right, therefore, to know exactly how it came about." Harry's head shot up next to me. "Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort."

Whispers sweep the Great hall, people staring at Dumbledore in horror.

"The Ministry of Magic," Dumbledore continues over the din, "does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so — either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend that Cedric died as the result of an accident, or some sort of blunder of his own, is an insult to his memory. There is somebody else who must be mentioned in connection with Cedric's death," Dumbledore goes on, now looking at Harry. "I am talking, of course, about Harry Potter."

Everyone follows his lead, turning to stare at Harry.

"Harry Potter managed to escape Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore says. "He risked his own life to return Cedric's body to Hogwarts. He showed, in every respect, the sort of bravery that few wizards have ever shown in facing Lord Voldemort, and for this, I honour him." He raises his goblet, which we all follow, and murmur "Harry Potter."

"The Triwizard Tournament's aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened - of Lord Voldemort's return - such ties are more important than ever before. Every guest in this Hall will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again - in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. It is my belief - and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken - that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from our midst. Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."