Mourning Dove

Chapter 8

In Harry's 'second year' at Hogwarts, the unthinkable happened. The Dark Lord had somehow managed to resurrect himself and return in a corporeal form.

It was a shock to everyone when Ginny Weasley went missing, but it wasn't until Harry discovered her lifeless body beneath the school that the true horror became apparent. How had the Dark Lord returned? Some whispered it was through a twisted ritual involving Ginerva Weasley's death, but no one truly knew for sure. Panic and chaos ensued as the newly resurrected Dark Lord cut a bloody swath through Hogwarts, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. By the time he escaped from the school, six students lay dead and countless others were gravely injured, left maimed and traumatized by the events that unfolded within the castle walls.

The once-bustling halls of the school were now eerily quiet as it lay empty and abandoned. The tragedy that had occurred there still hung heavy in the air, like a thick fog that refused to dissipate. Funerals for the fallen students were put on hold until a team of brave curse breakers could successfully enter the dreaded Chamber of Secrets, slay the monstrous Basilisk that resided within, and retrieve the lifeless body of Ginerva Weasley.

Amongst the emptiness, Severus remained, his only companions being the ghosts, portraits, and the ever-diligent house elves. But most importantly, he stayed for Harry. As he wandered through the empty classrooms and corridors, Severus couldn't help but mourn the fact that Harry had only experienced a mere two years of traditional schooling at Hogwarts.

Despite this, Severus couldn't help but feel immense pride in Harry's academic achievements. He excelled in every class he was able to take, despite facing countless challenges and obstacles along the way. There were moments of struggle, like when Harry destroyed Severus' dining room table in fear of disappointing him with his sorting into Hufflepuff and not Slytherin. But overall, Harry adapted well to the magical world and made many friends throughout his short time there - even in death, his impact was immeasurable.

As the Spring of 1993 dawned, the war was once again rearing its ugly head. There was no Dumbledore to lead them, as he had been stripped of his titles and left a social outcast. The Order of Phoenix, what remained of it, was scattered to the winds with no clear leader to bring them together. Severus, unable to continue his role as a double agent after recent events, still held some sway with the Board of Governors and Ministry of Magic.

It took months of tense meetings and two devastating raids from the Death Eaters, resulting in numerous casualties, before both the Wizengamot and the Board finally agreed to Severus' desperate proposal: to open Hogwarts not as a school, but as a refuge for those fleeing the horrors of war. The sprawling castle had more than enough room to house all who sought safety within its walls, and the house elves were glad for meaningful work once again. As the refugees poured in, the air was heavy with fear and uncertainty, it also felt like a small beacon of hope amidst the chaos and darkness that surrounded them.

As the sun rose on August 18th, 1993, Hogwarts Castle stood tall and proud, its doors flung open wide to welcome all who sought refuge within its walls. Tight security measures were put in place, ensuring that no Death Eaters could slip through the cracks and enter the safe haven.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a touch of humor in the air as one particular seven-year-old boy stood guard at the main checkpoint. Harry Potter, with his bright green eyes and unruly black hair, stood at the forefront of these precautions as only a sprightly Spirit Guide could do, proving time and again his uncanny knack for detecting even the most cunning of Voldemort's followers attempting to breach Hogwarts' defenses. Master Dirn had only smirked ominously when Severus mentioned Harry's talent for weeding out infiltrators with ill intentions - a skill that had undoubtedly saved countless lives during this tumultuous time.