Amulet of Time 2: Two Worlds, Two Wars

Chapter 8: Mourning a Loss

Students and teachers started to pour into the Great Hall. Harry didn't hear any of it. He didn't see any of it. He was frozen in shock. He couldn't believe Percy was gone. Just like that. Just like Cedric. There one minute, laughing and joking, and gone the next. Numbness filled him and tears started to run down his cheeks. The first sound to penetrate the haze in his head was the anguished cries of Ron and Ginny as they came in from the battle to see their aunt lying dead at Harry's feet. Turning slightly, Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny as she wept. Hermione was likewise comforting Ron. Peeves was floating overhead, unusually somber, his eyes having lost their mischievous sparkle. Eustace and Robert were gathered with the other Gryffindors, trying to explain what had happened.

Everyone's attention was grabbed when Dumbledore came over to the assembled group, watching Harry warily the whole time. He took in the scene before asking Minerva what had happened. She told him about the bubbles causing the distraction they needed to subdue the attackers, and the ceiling caving in and falling on the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore appeared grave, and looked around the Hall, making sure all of the remaining students and teachers were present, before amplifying his voice.

" ATTENTION EVERYBODY. FIRSTLY, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE DEFENSE OF THE SCHOOL. THANKS TO YOU, THE ENEMY HAS FLED. SECONDLY, I WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THAT SIX STUDENTS AND SEVEN TEACHERS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE BATTLE, INCLUDING OUR HEADMASTER, PROFESSOR DIPPET. AS DEPUTY HEADMASTER, IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSUME COMMAND OF THE SCHOOL. I WOULD LIKE EVERYBODY TO RETURN TO THEIR COMMON ROOMS SO WE CAN DO A HEADCOUNT. THANK YOU."

Dumbledore moved over to where Harry was crouching, still holding Percy's wrist. Putting his hand on the boy's shoulder, he waited for him to look up.

" Mr. Evans, I would like to see you in my office as soon as the headcount is complete. I was rather concerned about the way you were fighting in the battle."

Harry just looked at the newly appointed headmaster in anger.

" With all due respect, sir, my friend has just been killed. She was thirteen years old. That is far too young to die. Can we please postpone this discussion until after the funeral? I would like to grieve for my friend."

Dumbledore gave the green eyed boy a penetrating look before nodding his assent.

" There will be a memorial service at the school in two days time. Will you come and speak to me after that?"

" Yes, Headmaster."

" Very well, then. I will leave you to your grief. My condolences for your loss."

That said, Dumbledore strode out of the Hall to start arranging the memorial service. Harry turned back to Ginny and pulled her tighter against his chest.

The next day the school was a complete mess. Classes had been cancelled as a sign of respect, and to give the teachers the opportunity to repair the Great Hall. Dumbledore had arranged the memorial service for the next evening. All of the families of those killed were going to be there, and there would be a feast afterwards. Private funerals would be organised by the families, but the memorial service allowed all of the students to pay their respects.

The following evening at six o'clock the families started to arrive. A special table had been set up by the Head table for them to sit at. The memorial service was headed by Dumbledore, who stood to speak first.

" Ladies, gentleman and students. We are here to celebrate the lives of those thirteen brave souls who gave their lives to save the school from a formidable enemy. Their courage is to be celebrated tonight, as some personal friends of the departed say a few special words."