Rescuing Dragons

The Awakening

 Looking around the room, Professor McGonagall took in the hundreds of faces gazing up at her. "Thank you for staying as we toast the past and future of Hogwarts." Everyone quickly grabbed a drink to hold. "An education at Hogwarts teaches us to be curious, industrious, competitive, to appreciate diversity, and prepare for life itself. It may be exhausting sometimes but it is a priceless gift." Most of the room was nodding their heads in agreement. "This school has taught some of the greatest witches and wizards in the world... and a few of the worst. These walls have seen thousands of stories worth telling... and a few that are not. But always — always, we have come together to fight for our greatest treasure, the love and respect we have for each other and our community. This toast is in honor of everyone who went through unimaginable difficulties and many who lost their lives to protect what we have today." She stopped to dab her eyes while many others did as well. "And it is in anticipation of our future — the future I see every day in the faces of the students here. May we teach them everything they need and more as we continue to strive for greatness — and humility." Professor McGonagall raised her glass to her lips, while hundreds of witches and wizards imitated her. "Now, there is a special gift of music from the merpeople they would like to share with you." She looked at Raven and nodded.

"Sonorus," Raven said as she pointed her wand at the red conch shell lying at the bottom of the tank. Then she did a complicated movement with her wand as she said, "Musicorum." A strange tinkling sound filled the Great Hall like an off-key music box. Everyone seemed slightly uncomfortable as they looked around the room, some laughing, others looking apprehensive. Raven looked up at the staff table. Madame Pomfrey, Mr. Filch, and Gizem were shaking their heads as if waking from a deep sleep. To her surprise, Milly was shaking her head as well. Professor Trelawney looked completely at ease as she squinted up at a particularly large barn owl. The music from the shell stopped, to the relief of everyone.

"It looks like some Griffindors were cursed," Harry said. Raven followed his gaze to see three students shaking their heads.

"If I could have your attention please once more," Professor McGonagall said. "I'm sure most of you have heard about the cursed music box. That tune you just heard was the antidote to anyone who may have been cursed by it." There was a lot of murmuring throughout the room. "If you were not cursed, it won't affect you. But if you were, you should now be in control over your own actions. If you believe you were cursed, please go to the side room so you can be seen by a Healer." Professor McGonagall pointed to a small doorway where several Healers from St. Mungo's were waiting. She had decided not to mention the potion in everyone's drinks as some might not be happy about being deceived into drinking a potion without their permission. There was excitement in the crowd as everyone craned their necks, looking around to see who might have been cursed.

"And now, I am pleased to introduce our band for the evening, the Weird Sisters!" The room erupted with clapping and sounds of excitement, especially from the students, when the band walked on stage as the staff filed off. The Fat Friar floated past Professor McGonagall and whispered something to her. She nodded.

Raven went over to her family. The familiar looking woman she noticed earlier was still with them. She had kind eyes and Raven suddenly realized who she was.

"This is your aunt, Andromeda Tonks," Narcissa said to Raven.

"How wonderful to meet you!" Raven said.

"I didn't know if I'd ever meet my niece. I hope we can have tea sometime."

"I'd love that!" Raven said. "Narcissa has told me so many wonderful things about you." Narcissa looked gratefully at her. They both knew there had been very little discussed about her estranged sister.