The Raven's Call

Goodbyes

Friday, 30th of June 1995

"Today, we acknowledge a really terrible loss."

Dumbledore began, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Cedric Diggory was, as you all know, exceptionally hard-working, infinitely fair-minded and, most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend. Now, I think, therefore, you have the right to know exactly how he died."

Dumbledore scans the crowd, until locking eyes with mine.

"You see, Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort!"

My eyes begin watering again, it's been a few days and I haven't seemed to stop crying.

"The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so, I think, would be an insult to his memory. Now, the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, and reminds us, that while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one. In light of recent events, the bonds of friendship we've made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that, and Cedric Diggory will not have died in vain. You remember that, and we'll celebrate a boy who was kind and honest, and brave and true, right to the very end."

I can't help myself as I burst into tears, Luna rubs the small of my back to comfort me, though it doesn't really help. Soon, Dumbledore dismisses everyone, as it's time to pack up and go home for the summer. As the Great Hall empties, I'm the last student left to leave. 

"Atticus."

Dumbledore's soft voice breaks the silence as he takes a seat beside me. 

"This is not your fault, no matter how much Amos insists."

I feel a shot of pain in my chest.

"I know." 

I respond quietly. Though I don't believe either of our words.   

"I hear the Weasley family has agreed to take you in. They're lovely."

He tells me, placing his hand on my head. I know he's trying to make me feel better. 

"I know."

I say again. 

"Come along, son. Roger has offered to help you pack your things."

Dumbledore stands, gesturing towards the exit. I nod, stand, and walk past him, leaving the room to go back to the common room, passing by the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students who were taking their leave. "Au revoir, Atticus." I hear Eleanor's voice as she quickly kisses the both of my cheeks, wiping a tear from one of my eyes. "Take care of yourself, très bien?" She smiles. I nod, forcing a smile. "See you Eleanor, don't forget about us." "Moi? Jamais!" (Me? never!) She responds with a giggle, waving before taking off. 

I sigh, entering the common room, then the dorms to find Roger chasing Bandit around the room. 

"Come on! Work with me here! I'm trying to pack Atti's things!" 

"Roger?" I ask as Bandit leaps from the bed curtain onto my head, immediately nestling into my hair. 

Roger sighs, straightening up his clothes. "He's a slippery one." He chuckles awkwardly. 

"Yeah." I say, looking around the room, he'd already packed most of my stuff. "Thanks for this." 

"What kind of captain would I be if I didn't?" Roger responds with a smile, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Hope you have a good summer, Grey."

"Thanks." I say as he leaves. 

I sigh once more, looking around the room.

"Everything is going to change now, isn't it?" I ask myself, taking hold of my bags.

"Yes." I hear a voice from behind me, turning back I see no one. Weird. Must be one of the ghosts. Peeves, probably. I shrug it off and head out to catch the train home. 

***

I sit in a compartment by myself, sighing softly. What now? What is this summer going to be like in a new home, a new family? Will I ever be truly happy again? I doubt it. I keep hearing the journal vibrate beside me. But I haven't checked that since before Cedric.. you know.