The Hogwarts Hunger Games

Chapter 5

Malfoy lead the way to Dumbledore’s' office whilst Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy dragged Ron, Hermione and I. Crabbe had forced his fat fingers around my arm and had such a strong grip that numbness started to settle. I was glad that the rest had got away safely. Luckily they had been shielded from the view of Malfoy and his cronies. Everyone expected the three of us to be openly acting against and defying such dreadful rules, and as long as the Slytherins and 'teachers' saw it as just us three, they would think they had secured the obedience of others. No one could really get into trouble unless caught. Blame would be automatically shifted onto us. We didn't mind. 

As we approached the gargoyle, I felt the usual nervousness of facing the unknown mixed with the adrenaline of the nights adventure and the prospect of finding out new information. 

"Mudbloods are scum," Crabbe announced proudly to the Gargoyle. At first I thought he had lost his mind, however, the familiar sound of grinding stone was heard, and a staircase appeared. I couldn't believe that they had made such a cruel phrase the password. Maybe Ron was right and the person behind this was Voldermort, unless someone else had such an obvious hatred towards muggleborns. 

I looked to Hermione to gage her reaction. Realization dawned on her and her expression flickered for the slightest of seconds to one of pure disgust, before she quickly recovered. No one but I seemed to notice. She now looked utterly unfazed and bored by this exchange. 

We made our way slowly up the spiral staircase, the feeling of butterflies overtaking the one of hunger in my stomach. Within seconds we had made it to the landing, and with three more steps, we had entered the familiar room of Dumbledore’s office. However, it did not look or feel like Dumbledore’s' office. Darkness had settled in it. It was no longer over flowing with objects and life, but void of everything but a small table and chair set in the centre. On the chair, sat the imposter. He still looked exactly like Dumbledore. 

“Who are you?” Ron asked stupidly. Malfoy quickly pushed him to the ground. 

“Do not speak unless you want a very painful death, blood traitor.” Malfoy snickered. He was quoting Dumbledore from our first year. The memories of the old Hogwarts got to me, I missed it so much, we could walk the halls without slytherins calling Hermione names and getting away with it. Now, if any muggle-born is seen, it is considered strange if “mudblood” or worse is not called after them. It made me wonder what happened to the muggle born slytherins.

 “Leave him Draco," the imposter ordered. Malfoy jumped up.

“Sorry master” He replied, looking angry. The anger only showed when he said the word ‘master’. I couldn't think of anyone Malfoy would enjoy calling master, but it’s curious as to why he made it so obvious.

"It was only a matter of time before I saw you three. Personally I was expecting to see you sooner." The voice echoed around the room, the blank walls enhancing its' projection.  "I thought, for a second, you had sought sense, maybe valued your life, but it seems you are as foolish as ever." The imposter carried on. It was Dumbledore's voice. A voice that, for most, only brought back happy memories., one that inspired so many. The words being spoken sounded so foreign coming out of a mouth that only spoke of love.

It was then that something in me snapped. This person was not only destroying everything we had been fighting against, but doing it by impersonating Dumbledore, one of the best wizards that has ever lived, the leader of all things great and good. This person, the one that had murdered him, was giving Dumbledore one final insult, as if killing him didn't satisfy his own twisted needs. 

"Oh yeah, because we're really going to stand down because you tell us too. We aren't going to stop fighting," Ron burst out. His ears going bright red. 

"Go on, enlighten us then, tell us who you really are, or are you to much of a coward to reveal yourself? Your secrets out, you killed him, so why are you still hiding away? You're pathetic." I accused. I couldn't contain my anger anymore.

"I do not need to answer any of your questions. Your accusations do not affect me. You will find out in due time. I am surprised however, that Miss Granger here hasn't figured it out. I hear that she's the brightest witch of her age. I guess that it's all just rumours created by mudblood lovers. Muggleborns are all the same, useless, a horrid stench within our society. You may be different though. I never took you as a rebel." The imposter replied, voice calm and level.

I turned to face Hermione, "I only rebel against ridiculous rules," Hermione muttered, her voice filled with venom despite her face being devoid of expression. This wasn't a time to be happy, but I let myself smile at the fire within her. 

The fake Dumbledore ignored her reply. "Now, you can carry on trying to fight me, but I can also assure you that it will be useless. I know everything about you. Your cloak, your map, your futile attempt of making a plan in the Room of Requirements. However, I will have to discourage it amongst the rest of the students, so I will be using you three to set an example to the rest of the school. If you carry on, your punishments will get more severe. If that doesn't deter you, then I will start carrying the punishments out on the people whom you love." He carried on sadistically. 

The three of us exchanged a panicked glance. How did he know about the cloak and the map?

"For your punishment. I shall be demonstrating the cruciatus curse on Weasley tonight, when the school gathers for dinner. Any complaints during this time will result in Granger, then Potter also receiving the curse." He threatened.

We couldn't believe what we were hearing. All three of us stood in shock; mouth wide, at the severity of our punishments. Even Umbridge didn't take it this far when we formed the DA against the ministry and herself. I'm sure, like me, Hermione and Ron were more shocked at the punishment for rebellion in general then for our own well-being. This would hinder our plans greatly. If we were to be caught again, then other people would be tortured because of us. 

"I expect to see you all stood at the front of the great hall at 6pm sharp. I will be carrying out this punishment at this time whether you are present or not. Now get out of my office." He finished.