If Wishes Were Bowtruckles

Part I: IX

He stared blankly at the charred door. Potter had just dumped him there and run off. It couldn't be possible; it just couldn't be. Only yesterday they were together, laughing at Goyle trying to fit an entire turkey into his mouth.

He squeezed his eyes shut and thought desperately, This is a bad dream. Only a dream. I'll wake up, and he'll be standing there with that stupid smile of his.

He opened his eyes. He was looking at the blackened entrance to the Room of Requirement.

A large boy huddled next to him, heaving broken sobs.

He was really gone.