The Journal of Regulus Arcturus Black

Chapter 25. Saving Hogwarts

It was with a light heart that Draco could proudly say that no one on their side of the battle had died, but he was gutted in knowing that Longbottom, Professor Flitwick and the oldest Weasley son were injured. Draco didn't know any of the Weasley's that hadn't attended school with him but seeing the scars and bites on William Weasley's face was haunting.

Then of course there was the fact that he was engaged to Fleur Delacour, a student of Beauxbatons that Draco hadn't seen since his fourth year. She and the Weasley matriarch seemed to be having some sort of dispute before crying over each other... disturbing. 

There was a lot that occurred after the events of the Headmaster's death. Whilst Draco was slumped against Sirius's side, Harry had gone to hunt down Professor Snape and the other Death Eaters. He had come close to attacking him but apparently their Potions Professor overtook him. There was something about a 'Half-Blood Prince' that Draco didn't care too much about.

Hagrid's hut was set aflame and Professor McGonagall was injured but standing. The Order had retreated into the Hospital Wing where they eventually were given the news of Dumbledore's death by Harry. There, Draco had met up with the rest of his friends and found that Jamie had apparated away. Most likely taken to live with the Death Eaters, and not return back to the school.

"He just left," Tommy whispered, sitting on a bed and rubbing Soph's back. She had a mild concussion but was doing well. "I didn't know- I mean- he was acting strange sure. More secluded and I didn't know how to help him... Jamie's always been a bit more... robotic than human y'know?" he started.

"Usually it's like that," Sirius said, going over at patting the boy's back. Tommy winced but nodded. "You did everything you could."

"I understand Sir."

"But the children," Professor McGonagall said, finally gathering her bearings. She had tear streaks running down her face and was still slumped into the chair that Madam Pomfrey conjured for her. "Where are they?"

Draco rubbed his eyes, "uh that'll be my fault..." He didn't want to look at all the shocked faces of everyone: the faculty, the DA, the Order, even his few stranglers. Draco crossed his arms over his chest, hunching in himself. "They're in safe houses that belong to the Blacks. They'll be fine, I'll have someone check over them and give us the okay for them to return."

"You—" Harry started, walking over to Draco and standing in front of him. "You saved everyone?"

Draco scoffed, "well I couldn't just leave them all here could I? They are kids even if your stupid Gryffindors held me at wand-point—" Draco made an 'oof' sound, almost tipping back when Harry pushed forward into a hug. "Merlin!" Draco exclaimed. His arms were trapped against Potter's chest making it difficult to let go, but he did manage to give him little hits.

"I'm going to allow this because you're obviously traumatised, but let go at some point," he rolled his eyes. For the first time that night, people started to smile.

They held the headmaster's funeral at Hogwarts. Eventually students started to return to Hogwarts one by one, the Slytherins were especially cautious. Now fully aware of what their parents or family members stood for, it was time for a lot of them to decide where they stood in the midst of what was going to be a war.

Pansy was beside Draco, hand trembling as she squeezed Draco's. Her face was not hidden behind a veil anymore and she was wearing formal black dress robes. Draco was wearing black too, most of the school was. Some had to transfigure the colour of their uniform into black but almost everyone attended the funeral. People that Draco didn't recognise were also there, sitting in the available spaces and some of the Order too. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius, Professor Lupin.