I'm Not Perfect | Seamus Finnigan

Ceremony

The closing ceremony, instead of being cheerful and happy, was decorated with black drapes and sad faces.

We sat down at our tables. I sat at the Ravenclaw table with Luna, and looked towards Dumbledore, waiting for him to speak. Once everyone was seated, Dumbldore stood up.

"There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight," he started, 

"but first I must acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here," he gestured toward the Huffelpuffs, "enjoying our feast with us. I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise you glasses, to Cedric Diggory." 

We all stood and raised our glasses. Except for many of the Slytherins. They remained in their seats.

"Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Huffelpuff house. He was a good and loyal friend, a hard worker, he valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you knew him well or not. I think you have the right, therefore, to know exactly how it came about."

I looked over at Riley, standing next to George at the Gryffindor table, raising her glass proudly. She knew what he was going to say. 

"Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort." 

Gasps echoed throughout the hall. Riley was looking ahead at Dumbledore with a strong expression.

 "The Ministry of Magic," Dumbledore continued, "does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so – either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend that Cedric died as the result of an accident, or some sort of blunder of his own, is an insult to his memory."

"Every guest in this Hall," said Dumbledore, and his eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, "will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again -- in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.

"It is my belief -- and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken -- that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from our midst.

"Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."

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After the ceremony, I caught Riley standing outside the hall with George.

I gave her a hug and my condolences. She was holding Cedric's Triwizard Tournament shirt. Fluer was able to get it from Dumbledore.

"Come on, Emma." Seamus said, grabbing my hand, and pulling me toward the train.

"How's Riley going to cope with this?" I asked sadly.

"George will be there for her."

I nodded and we got on the train, ending another year at Hogwarts.