The Shock

Hermione Granger, a 6th year Gryffindor walks into the Great Hall, looking for her best friend, instead she sees her other friend, a fellow 6th year Gryffindor Ron Weasley, walking over she asks him, "Ron, have you seen Harry?"

"No, I'm eating breakfast," Ron replies.

"Well, I can't find him and I think that something is wrong?"

"Come on 'Mione, this is Harry we are talking about, he'll bounce back in no time."

"You don't understand, I really think something is wrong with Harry, and it's not just losing Sirius."

"Harry is fine, let me finish my breakfast."

"Ugh fine." Hermione walks a little further down and sits next to Neville Longbottom, another Gryffindor 6th year, "Hey Nev, do you mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all."

"Thanks." Hermione sits down and start getting breakfast while also getting some for Harry, "Nev, do you know where Harry is?"

"No, I'm sorry. Although he did say something about wanting some quiet time by himself."

"Thanks." Both Hermione and Neville then looks up, startled when the doors of the Great Hall open, they both watch as Draco Malfoy, a 6th year Slytherin comes hurrying into the hall, going up to Professor Snape, the Head of Slytherin House and watches him go pale. Professor Snape gets up and walks quietly over to Madame Poppy Pomphrey who is the Hogwarts medi-witch, Hermione watches as Professor Snape whispered quietly in her ear, she looks up alarm, grabs her medical bag and hurries out of the Great Hall with Professor Snape following quickly after her. She watches as Draco Malfoy goes over to the Slytherin table and sits down, though Hermione observe that it is not where he usually sits, and start picking at his breakfast. Hermione watches as a fellow 6th year gently gets Malfoys' attention. Hermione watches this interaction until Professor Snape comes back in and walks up to Professor Minerva McGonagall, who is the Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House, she watches as Professor McGonagall pales and does a quick glance to her and watch as her professor pales even more, Hermione looks over to Neville who looks even more confused than her. They both watch as their professor stands up, watching her walk over to both her and Neville, she can feel the whole hall stare at them, "Ms. Granger, Mr. Longbottom, will both of you follow me please."

"Of course Professor." Hermione replies back. Both Neville and her gets up from the table and start following her out of the all and through the corridors of Hogwarts to Professor McGonagall's office. The Professor sits down at her desk and motion for the two of them to sit down. "I'm sure both of you are wondering why you are here, please bear in mind that what I am about to tell you is quite heartbreaking."

"Ok." Both Hermione and Neville chorus back. Professor McGonagall takes a deep inhale in and begins, "Harry killed himself. Draco Malfoy found him this morning and rushed to get Professor Snape who in turn told Madame Pomphrey. Unfortunately, neither of them could save Harry. It was determined that Harry used a poison at some point this morning, and Severus theorized that he went to the lake to die in peace. Now for the reason why both of you are here is that Harry two suicide letters, one addressed to each of you."

"Why Professor?" Hermione sobs, holding onto the armchair. "Ms. Granger."

"Why did Harry kill himself?"

"I don't know. He wrote a third suicide letter, a general letter that didn't really say much, you might find out why when you read yours." Professor McGonagall hands Hermione and Neville a letter that is folded in half, "you can read them now or you could wait, it is up to you." Hermione hastily stands up, tears coursing down her face, she turns abruptly and hurries out of the office. "I'm sorry Professor, but as you know, this has come as a shock."