PRECEDENT : Draco Malfoy II

16

All of the muggle-borns are to be gathered in Professor Burbage's office. All of us, even the tiniest among us. We Ravenclaws were second to arrive, after the Hufflepuffs. Professor Flitwick tells us in a hushed voice to join the Hufflepuff students in our year. I'm the only muggle-born in Ravenclaw, so I'm more than happy to join the others. The three Hufflepuffs stop whispering when I arrive. Megan Jones hides her face from me. From the brief glimpse I get of it, I can see her red cheeks. Sally-Anne Perks, Cleve Lace's girlfriend, is jittering. The table nearly shakes in front of her. Justin Finch-Fletchley forces her leg toward the ground, trying to stop it. His face is so pale. I haven't seen him so colourless since he was petrified.

The Gryffindors join late. They are rowdy, mostly, from those who were awake to those who are in pajamas. Full of energy or complaining they are too tired for his meeting, they disturb the quiet room. Hermione and Dean Thomas sit with down with us, with him complaining about being dragged here since no knows for sure that he's a muggle-born since his Dad isn't around.

Don't see why he is so keen to be separated from us, other than that he wants to sleep. If's he right, it would just be five people in our year who are muggle-borns.

All of the Heads of House are here as well, and Professor Dumbledore. They stand at the front, whispering to each other. Professor Snape is here too, although none of his students are. There really must be no muggle-borns in his house.

Professor Burbage stares us all when everyone is settled. She gives a brief speech about how she and the other professors are dedicated to our safety and want to make sure we all feel comfortable at Hogwarts. Everyone is quiet but I'm not sure how much any of us are listening. I'm barely paying attention, instead counting numbers. Even with every muggle-born in this school called into this classroom, no one has to stand.

They start to chat with us going through the years. The first years and second years are talked to in a matter of minutes each. Then, it is on to the third years.

"Something's happened," Hermione whispers to us all.

"Something bad," Dean agrees.

"They didn't even call us in here when people the Chamber of Secrets was opened," Hermione points out.

Justin shifts in his seat. Both he and Hermione were petrified.

"We've been asked not to talk about it," Megan answers, her eyes darting to the other Hufflepuffs at the table.

Sally-Anne, looks and blinks at Justin. He manages to keep his mouth shut as well, which must be quite the feat for him.

"So?" Dean asks, leaning in toward the others. "Just because you've been asked doesn't mean you're going to do it."

Justin sighs, "Robbie Browning, Patricia Stimpson, and Odette Harris were attacked. Robbie and Patricia are in the hospital wing."

I know Odette by name, if only barely. She's two years older than I am and in my house. Mandy's been trying to befriend her for years since Odette wears heavy black boots and thick eyeliner even to McGonagall's classes. I think on average she loses us a house point a day with her uniform violations.

"Odette's not a muggle-born but Robbie and Patricia are," Sally-Anne whispers. "Only the half-blood wasn't hurt too badly. It seems like a mean prank gone wrong, but Cedric was shouting for everybody here about how it was an attack on muggle-borns. He's being a bit... loud about the whole thing."

I find my body tingling. It shouldn't surprise me. Sally-Anne seems to doubt Cedric's account of things, but I suppose I can see why they've called us all here. There are articles in The Prophet about Cedric every day, and if he says something to the press things could look bad. From teachers attacking students, to Sirius Black breaking into Hogwarts, and a werewolf teacher and a basilisk, Hogwarts doesn't seem like it can afford more negative coverage.