Chapter Two: Site of Death

Professor Minerva McGonagall sighed as she glanced out of the window in her office. She watched as the students played outside. Some children were talking, some were studying, some were playing ball and the rest were practicing or recklessly casting spells from their wands. No matter the situation, Minerva was concerned. Professor McGonagall paced in her study trying to clear her mind. Her conscience whispered, "Something is not right at Hogwarts this year." She had a gut feeling that there was something in the castle that was not welcome. "Minerva." Professor McGonagall jumped and clutched her chest. She turned around and witnessed Professor Dumbledore standing at her office door. "There has been trouble going on inside of the castle."

Still clutching her chest McGonagall replied, "With what Albus?"

Dumbledore shook his head and began pacing. "There is something unwanted in this castle. I can feel it." Professor McGonagall nodded. "I have to tell you something. You see, over the summer, a demon crossed into Hogwarts's territory. The demon hid itself inside the castle, but we could not find it. Our staff at the moment searched everywhere, but since we could not locate the demon, we thought that maybe it fled the castle…so we gave up. But I feel uneasiness and a few of the students have told me so. Strange things have been taking place Minerva."

Professor McGonagall looked confused. "What kind of strange things?"

"One strange incident is our owls. They have been feeling a strange aura. Some have already abandoned Hogwarts while others have disappeared. Another incident is Professor Snape's potion ingredients. When he returned from Spinner's End, he noticed that his more complicated ingredients vanished. No students attended the summer, and his store was locked, so someone took them, but nothing in his room was tampered…Nothing!" Dumbledore sighed. "A child, a child was taken."

Professor McGonagall's eyes widened. "There is a child missing? Who is this child?"

"The child was not from Hogwarts, nor did she live near Hogwarts. The child was from Hogsmeade. The girl disappeared when she sneaked into Hogwarts. The girl was kidnapped. I presume that curiosity was the cause of her demise."

"Did you search for the child?" questioned Professor McGonagall.

Dumbledore coughed. "That is funny, because now the girl does not exist in this world anymore."

"What do you mean…not exist? McGonagall said with a stern voice. Dumbledore began pacing around the room.

"She disappeared from existence. Her portfolio is just blank sheets of paper. She does not exist." Professor Dumbledore began to walk out of Professor McGonagall's office; she followed Dumbledore down the hall and continued the conversation. "Only a demon could have done something like this Minerva. Even Tom Riddle could not erase somebody from existence."

McGonagall struggled to keep up with Professor Dumbledore, "Albus, so it was like she was never born?"

Professor Dumbledore stopped and faced Professor McGonagall. "Yes, that is why no one is permitted to wander the school after curfew. Severus is to keep watch of anything suspicious. Not any of the staff is allowed to roam the hallways except for you and Severus." Professor McGonagall nodded once again agreeing to Dumbledore's instructions. "Now, I must return to my office. Minerva, do not worry. Strange things have happened in the past…let's carry on with our lives."


"Welcome, everyone to the defence against the dark arts!" Professor Mckinnel shouted to all of the students that gathered around him. "You are fourth year students I presume? Now…I hear that in your previous years you learned about reptiles, duels, werewolves and counter curse spells that can save you from certain types of dark magic." Professor Mckinnel glanced around the large room. There were no windows and the room was vacant of all inanimate objects, except for a lonely vase that was tucked in the corner. Suddenly, a fourth year student stepped out of the crowd. His name was Dennis Wilkins.

"Look at him! Why the hell would someone like you teach us the dark arts?" Dennis Wilkins attended the Slytherin house. He was a Muggle – born student who endured a tragic past. His mother and sister both contracted tuberculosis four years ago and died six months after the diagnosis; his father was devastated by their deaths. After the funeral, his father abused Dennis and made up ridiculous excuses about why his son came to school with bruises and a fat lip. One day, Mr. Wilkins hung himself and Dennis only felt relief. Even though Dennis Wilkins was intelligent and branded a Muggle, he still wanted his opinions to be heard. Professor Mckinnel stared at the floor for a moment then turned to Dennis.

"None of that," Professor Mckinnel whispered, "will be tolerated. Now, you have all learned how to duel?" There was silence amongst the crowd of students. "Good. Have all of you learned how to fight? Good. Have you learned about repelling magic? Accepting the magic and unleashing it at your opponents? Dark spells and wands?" The room was so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Professor Mckinnel looked back and forth at the enormous horde of students. The students debated where the Professor was heading with this lesson. "Wands…everyone take out your wands!" Professor Mckinnel said elated. All of the students in the classroom took their wands out from the pockets of their robes. Professor Mckinnel began to walk amongst the students. "I taught charms for several years. Today we will begin with simple spells that you learned in first year and take these minor spells to a new level."

"Like levitating objects," shouted a student.

Professor Mckinnel smiled slightly. "Yes, like levitating charms, but I prefer simple spells such as Expelliarmus. The spell is mainly used to disarm a witch or a wizard, but sometimes the spell can be used as an attack. If the spell is not repelled correctly bad things will happen." The Professor paused momentarily. "Today, we will learn how to channel our energy into our wands to make these spells more powerful. Our wands are powerful weapons. When you channel this energy, lightly hold your wand in your preferred position. The rest…is mental. For example, when you use a Patronus charm, you have to think of the happiest memory. To make the spell powerful, you must take your thoughts, feelings and memories, and unleash it through your wand."

A student raised her voice. "Will we learn the Patronus charm?"

"Possibly Miss." Professor Mckinnel paced around the room tapping his wand against his cheek. "You children have learnt some simple charms, but can these charms be powerful enough to kill or critically injure? The killing curse does that for us. I want you to channel every emotion into your spells. Doing this will increase your chances of winning a duel, counter cursing several dark spells and achieving a fight that crosses the line between life and death. Let us practice our emotions using the Expelliarmus charm." Professor Mckinnel promptly targeted his wand at the vase that was placed in the corner of the room. "Expelliarmus," he shouted. A large amount of magic flew from his wand and smashed the vase to a thousand pieces. A smoky line of magic was still visible in the air.

Dennis Wilkins spoke up, "I don't see a difference."

"Mine is a little more advanced Mr. Wilkins. Yes, I believe that any Expelliarmus charm could break a vase, but is the spell strong enough to shatter it? As you saw the vase shattered."

"So what you are teaching us is to develop our spells?"

"Do not jump to that conclusion…I am merely teaching you how to take control of your emotions when the stakes get high. I used a negative energy and a positive energy to shatter that vase. If I used the spell bluntly, I would have only disarmed the person, or in this case cracked the vase."

A student from Ravenclaw raised her hand. "I still don't understand Professor."

"Against dark magic our emotions can be destroyed with curses, snakes and death. This can result in pointless magic. This is all about staying calm. Anger can make things go wrong, but that is just anger. If you mix another emotion with that anger and bind that energy into one, you will be able to cast a powerful spell." Professor Mckinnel stood up straight and raised his arms above his waist. "You are my future. I want you to make me proud. Like I had mentioned before, we will practice certain spells and begin channeling one good emotion and one bad emotion into our wands. Use emotions such as anger, happiness and bravery, and see the outcome by combining these emotions. Once you find what feelings are suitable, I want you to develop your spell. Experiment…not all of you will get it right on the first try." Professor Mckinnel smirked then walked back to the middle of the room. "Use the targets that are placed around the room."

The children began casting their hexes. Dennis Wilkins focused his attention on Professor Mckinnel. "What emotions did you use Professor?"

Professor Mckinnel gave an unnerving smile. "I used bravery and anger."

Suddenly Professor McGonagall entered the room. "What is it Professor?" The students stopped their hexing and focused their attention on the two Professors. Professor Mckinnel grew irritated. "Why have you all stopped?"

"Kenneth," McGonagall began, "Severus told Albus and I what happened between you and him this morning. He said that you were outside, or so you claimed."

"The fresh air was all I needed," Mckinnel said sarcastically.

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "Alright, but keep notice that only night patrol is only allowed to wander outdoors and in the hallways after nine – thirty. There have been strange incidents occurring amongst the school."

"What kind of concerns?" Professor Mckinnel politely asked.

Professor McGonagall took a deep breath, "I refuse to explain at the moment."

"I understand." After their brief conversation Professor McGonagall quietly left the room. Professor Mckinnel turned toward another student and glared at him with his empty eyes. "Mr. Hewer! What was your negative emotion?"

"Discomfort," the student replied.

"Find stronger negative emotions will you?" Professor Mckinnel walked away from the student. Mr. Hewer stood in the room speechless and petrified. After the conversation with McGonagall, there was a slight change in the Professor's personality, which made Hewer terrified. He was scared of Professor Mckinnel more than Professor Snape. "Alright," whispered Mckinnel.


After school hours, Snape still concealed himself within his classroom. He was signing forms, detention slips and marking several essays that were due early this morning. The classroom door opened. Professor Snape gradually lifted his head and saw Professor Mckinnel uncomfortably standing beside his desk. Snape adjusted his seat and gently placed his quill in the ink holder.

"Hello…Professor."

"Hello Severus. I mean, Professor."

"No need for the formalities Kenneth," interrupted Snape. "What would you like from me today?" The Professor tapped his fingers on the desk.

"An ingredient!" exclaimed Mckinnel.

"From my store?" he chuckled, "You dark arts people." Professor Snape stood up from his seat and took his black cape off of his shoulders. He placed his potions books on top of each other and positioned them in a small cupboard.

"It is for my study. I promise that I will repay you."

Snape gathered all of his papers and neatly placed them in a folder. He stopped and glared at Professor Mckinnel. "I asked what…do you need?"

"Gillyweed," Mckinnel said as he squinted and crossed his fingers hoping that Professor Snape would say yes. Snape stared at Mckinnel in disbelief.

"How much do you need?" he asked.

Professor Mckinnel smiled, "Twenty."

"Nine," Snape concluded, "That is all you are going to get."

Mckinnel disliked Professor Snape's offer. "Nine?"

"Gillyweed is not easy to come by Professor, and I am not willing to give it all up for your insignificant lessons." Professor Snape placed the folder underneath his arm and began to walk out of the classroom. "No more than nine." Professor Mckinnel trailed behind Snape hoping for a change in the offer. "What are you teaching them?"

"They are learning about mermen, and I want them to see these beautiful creatures with their own eyes," explained Mckinnel.

"What year?" Professor Snape sounded concerned.

"Second year!"

"Second year!" exclaimed Snape. "That is young. You are responsible for the lives of those children!"

Professor Mckinnel ignored Snape and changed the subject. "Would you like to assist me in my fourth year class?"

Severus examined Professor Mckinnel from head to toe. "It all depends."

"They are learning to strengthen their emotions. They are learning how to make their spells more powerful by combining a negative and a positive energy. This is something that most teachers would prefer not to teach. They are going to learn to duel properly, and how to make their duels more intense with their new technique. If I teach them right, they will soon be at your level."

Snape grasped Professor Mckinnel's robe and pulled him close to his face. Snape snarled, "Do…not…mock…me."

"I am asking nicely. I am certain that the kids are tired of their plastic targets. They have been asking me to duel another teacher for quite a while. Could you be so kind as to let go of my shirt Severus?" Snape unhanded Professor Mckinnel's robe, and Mckinnel began to flee from the corridor.

"Get out of my sight Kenneth," Snape added.

And the two professors parted their ways.


It was Tuesday morning, and Mr. Filch was starting to enjoy his early morning walk around the school corridors. He was told about the strange incidents that occurred in the summer. That there was some sort of dark force wandering the hallways. There was also a child who was kidnapped and imprisoned inside Hogwarts School, but was never found. Mr. Filch had seen everything; he wasn't afraid. Mr. Filch leisurely wandered the corridors with a lantern held above his head, and Mrs. Norris trailed behind him. Suddenly a voice echoed through the hallway. The voice was talking to someone. There was a conversation, but the words could not be deciphered. The voices were faint, distant, and as Mr. Filch came closer and closer to the voices, they faded. Mr. Filch swung his lantern back and forth and saw no one. Mrs. Norris jumped ahead of Mr. Filch and turned a short corner. Filch figured that Mrs. Norris witnessed something, or someone suspicious in the halls. Mrs. Norris sat still behind a corner meowing uncontrollably. As Mr. Filch turned the corner, he lifted up his lantern and saw the dead body of a girl. She had beautiful blonde hair which was now dyed with the colour of blood. The girl was rotting. A horrible stench concluded that the girl had been dead for more than a month. Frightened, Mr. Filch scurried to Dumbledore's office to retrieve help.

Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape and Madam Pomfrey followed Mr. Filch to the location where Filch had discovered the body. Professor Snape was the first to arrive. He was petrified as he stared at the child's rotting flesh. All of the teachers covered their mouths and noses; for the stench of the girl's decaying body was appalling. Professor McGonagall was speechless.

"Oh…my…dear God," she took a deep breath.

The teachers noticed that through all of the commotion, students from every house were gathered around the scene. Professor Snape disliked the enormous crowd of students.

"Everyone back to your dormitories," Dumbledore ordered, and the wave of students departed.

Professor Snape spoke with a nonchalant voice. "It seems we have found the missing girl from the summer."

"It seems so," Dumbledore replied, "But, her body must have been placed here by someone. It didn't crawl out of its hiding place on its own." Dumbledore rubbed his chin. He looked to the side and watched Mrs. Norris as she was stood before something else; she began to meow uncontrollably again. All of the teachers ran to Mrs. Norris and were horrified from what she had found. There was another dead body hidden in the shadows, but this time it was the body of a boy. The boy's entire body was covered in blood, but it was not rotting. He had been freshly killed. Dumbledore and Professor Snape recognized the boy in an instant. "It's Curry Drear," said Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall clasped her hand against her mouth while Professor Snape casually examined his former student.

Professor McGonagall could hardly look at the child, or stand the smell of the decaying body. "Who could have done such a terrible deed?"

"This may prove your theory that there is a monster in the castle, let alone a demon." Professor Snape said with no emotion.

Professor Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, I believe it does. Minerva!"

"Yes Albus?" responded McGonagall.

"I would like you to secure the building. We want to keep the monster locked inside the building. I am afraid that quidditch will be cancelled and that all outdoor activities will be refrained until further notice. The school's curfew will be reduced to seven – thirty."

"When…will these rules be enforced?" asked Professor Snape.

Professor Dumbledore contemplated for a moment or two. "We will see the outcome for this week. If anything occurs before Monday, the rules will be applied at that moment. Poppy and Severus, please carry out Mr. Drear. We will deal with the girl later. Severus, it will be your task to inform his parents." Dumbledore heard Snape growl as he departed from the scene.

When Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were out of his sight, Snape turned his body toward Curry Drear. Curry's eyes were open and grey, and his face was as white as snow. His lifeless body was tilted to the side with his hands slightly open. His mouth was partially closed, and a bit of blood trickled down his chin, colouring the floor a bright red. Snape reflected the life of the trouble maker as Madam Pomfrey raised the legs of the boy. Professor Snape helped carry Curry the hospital wing. He showed no sympathy or remorse toward Mr. Drear. The only emotion that he expressed was hatred; the hatred that he expressed toward Curry. He also hated the fact that he had to convey a message to his parents, a message that revealed the death of their son.