The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

46. True Colours

Sloane and Hermione stood at the front of the room while dozens of eyes watched them expectantly.

The atmosphere was an odd mixture of curiosity, amusement and genuine interest. Students filled every available seat while others leaned against walls or perched on desks. Even several members of staff had remained behind, intrigued by whatever it was the students had planned.

Hermione adjusted the stack of notes in her hands.

Naturally. The sight alone made several people smile. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.

"As students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the past eight years, we have been through quite a bit."

A ripple of laughter spread throughout the room.

Hermione smiled faintly. "Perhaps more than most generations before us. We have witnessed things that children should never have had to witness. We have experienced dangers that would sound completely unbelievable to anyone outside these walls."

The room gradually grew quieter.

"We have seen true horrors in this castle."

Luna stepped forward beside her. "A Defence Against the Dark Arts position that apparently cannot be held by the same person for more than a year."

The room immediately erupted into laughter.

Even Professor McGonagall's lips twitched.

"Honestly, that might be the most frightening thing on the list," Ron admitted.

"Eight years and how many professors?" Ginny asked.

Harry frowned thoughtfully. "I've genuinely lost count."

"Probably a survival instinct," Draco muttered.

More laughter followed. Harry stepped forward next. "A Basilisk living beneath the school that murdered a student and petrified several others."

Hermione immediately raised a hand. "Including me."

"Which meant you missed months of classes," Ron pointed out.

Hermione looked horrified.  "Thank you for reminding me."

Ron blinked. "That's the part that bothers you?"

"Of course it is." 

Ginny laughed. "A giant snake nearly killed you."

"And I missed months of coursework."

Several people nodded as though that was perfectly understandable.

Blaise stepped forward, looking deeply unimpressed by Hogwarts' safety record. "A diary that possessed Ginny Weasley, forced her to kill roosters, open a legendary Chamber of Secrets, release a giant snake and vandalise school property."

Ginny folded her arms. "When you say it like that, I sound dangerous."

"You did write threatening messages on walls," Draco pointed out.

"Against my will."

"Still happened."

"It absolutely does not count."

"It absolutely does."

Ginny glared at him.

Draco looked entirely unrepentant.

Harry stepped forward before the argument could escalate. "An escaped convict who somehow managed to break into Hogwarts multiple times, enter Gryffindor Tower and stand over Ron's bed holding a knife."