Sorry it took so long! I've been kind of busy, and when I say I've been busy I mean I've been watching anime. Hope you like it!
One month later: We were gathered in the Great Hall for yet another assembly. There have been eight so far this year, but this was the most urgent of them all.
A fortnight ago, Professor Maddage went missing after the first Defense Against the Dark Arts class she taught. There was a huge search for her, but she hasn't been found. At least, not until about an hour ago.
A Hufflepuff first year, Melvin Finch, found her when on his way to the toilets. She had been suspended on the ceiling in a corridor, and wouldn't have been found had a drop of blood not fallen on poor little Melvin's head. It was the exact same situation as the death of the Beauxbatons professor, so everyone is naturally very stressed out, especially the Headmaster. If this is the work of Nuntius, it would mean big trouble for Hogwarts.
"STUDENTS!" yelled the Headmaster.
Headmaster Magna was known for her well-developed vocal cords, despite her incredibly small frame, and had promptly quieted the students down.
"I'm sure all of you know why we are all gathered here at the moment. Professor Maddage, the senior Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had been found. Sadly, though, she has not survived."
This statement was met by collective gasps from younger students, and some sobbing from others. Mostly, it was shocked silence.
"There is another matter. There is sufficient evidence that this horrendous crime was caused by a dark wizard named Nuntius. Some of you may know who he is, but for other's sakes, I will tell you."
"Nuntius is a former student of a magical school in Italy known as Malemortem Academy. Little is known about this school other than the fact that it was founded at about the same time that Lord Voldemort rose to power, and that it is a dark magic school. He is also what is commonly known as a Maxime. A maxime is a wizard with far more magic power than an ordinary wizard. This power can be used for evil or for good, but sadly is more often used for the former. Therefore, he is an extra dangerous opponent. If this event had occurred elsewhere, it would not be as much as a problem. However, we cannot keep students somewhere where there is one, if not more, dark wizards running around on the loose. As a result, we will have to excuse all students from the premises until he is caught."
That was when everyone went nuts.
"You can't do that!" one Gryffindor cried.
"Yeah, it's not fair," said a Slytherin.
"But I've been studying for weeks for the Transfiguration exam on Monday," I heard someone call. But it was no use.
"We are not allowed to keep students housed in a harmful environment. It is for your own safety. However, these are desperate times, therefore, we will need reinforcements." She took a deep breath. "Any students who would like to volunteer to help us fight and catch this murderer may. Any students, I should say, in their 5th year or later."
That upset some people.
"Not fair! We should all get a chance to defend our home!"
The Headmaster glared at the retorting student, who quickly silenced himself.
"Now then," she began, "Would anybody like to volunteer?"
Albus's hand was the first one up. Great. I can't leave him behind. We're the only ones old enough. I guess I will too. I rose my hand. After seeing me raise my hand, despite the look of pure terror on his face, Scorpius raised his hand as well. Why is he volunteering?
"As a warning, I must tell you this. Nuntius is extremely dangerous. And don't think that he will give you mercy because you are a student. He has killed before, and he will do it again. There is a good chance some of you will die. That being said, how many will stay?"
After some people lowered their hands, there were about 45 students with their hands still raised, including Alesha, Maggie Brooks, a friend of mine from Gryffindor, and Jessie Lewis, a 7th year Ravenclaw prefect.
"Alrighty then, now all students besides the volunteers shall head to your dorms. The train will leave for King's Cross in 2 hours, so go get pack. Owls have been sent to all parents, and housing will provided at a secret base in Scotland for all who do not have a place to stay. Prefects, lead the students to the dorms."
After all the other students had left, the Headmaster began explaining the situation.
"This will not be an easy task. There is a dangerous person in the school, and we are the only people who can stop him." She looked at us seriously, and sighed, closing her eyes. "Some of you will die. That is almost guaranteed. But…" She opened her eyes. "You are our last hope."
Cliffhanger! Hope the next chapter will be up soon. Hope you liked it!
-The Warlock