An Acceptable Risk

Chapter Twenty

The students filed into the great hall, buzzing with curiosity. Denis Creevey, followed his brother Colin over to the Gryffindor table and the two sat down across the table from Ron. "What do you think is happening?" he asked excitedly, his voice breaking. "Harry, do you have any idea?"
"Denis, shut up and leave Harry alone," said Colin, "Can't you see Harry isn't feeling well? Are you ok Harry?"
"He's fine Colin," said Ron, "Just leave him alone." He turned to Harry and said under his breath, "Are you ok, you look horrible."
"Thanks," snapped Harry. "You're looking pretty wonderful yourself. In fact, why don't you dump Hermione and come to the ball with me instead?"
"Alright, there's no need to get so testy. What's wrong with you anyhow?" asked Ron.
"I'm sorry Ron," said Harry, rubbing his forehead. "I didn't sleep too well, and I have a headache."
"A headache, or a scar ache," said Ron, eyeing his friend closely. When Harry said nothing Ron continued, "That's what I thought, did you tell Dumbledore?"
"I tried to, but he was called away early this morning. Professor McGonagall promised she'd take me to see him as soon as he got back."
"Well, it looks like you're going to get your chance," said Ron, nodding towards the head table, where the teachers sat. "He just walked in."

Professor Dumbledore went to his place at the head table, followed by the rest of the teaching staff. He remained standing until the room fell silent. He cleared his throat to speak, but for the first time, seemed at a loss for words. He looked out over the great hall, his gaze seeming to observe each and every student.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your studies and bring you all here," he said. "But I have an announcement to make. Effective immediately, there will no longer be any trips to Hogsmeade, for any of the students or staff." A loud buzz filled the room as the students discussed this shocking bit of information.
"If I may have your attention please," said Dumbledore holding up his hand. "Last night, there was an attack on Hogsmeade. I fear that most of the village was destroyed."
Exclamations of shock and fear filled the air. Dumbledore surveyed the room, noting the expressions on the students face. Over the din in the great hall, a voice struggled to be heard. Dumbledore held his hands up for silence, and as the room settled down, Draco Malfoy stood up and addressed Dumbledore.
"Do they know who did it?" he asked.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy, I'm afraid we do. Voldemort, and his supporters razed the village. The silent Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables turned as one to stare at those seated at the Slytherin table. There was an aura of excitement surrounding the Slytherin table. A few of the Slytherins seemed shocked that such a thing could happen, but most of the others wore smug looks of expectation. Crabbe nudged Malfoy and began to whisper to him, but Malfoy ignored him and just stared at Dumbledore.

Ron stood up and addressed the Headmaster. "Will you be bringing the survivors here Professor Dumbledore?"
"No Mr. Weasley. Unfortunately, there were no survivors. Every living creature that was in the village was murdered."
"But why?" asked Susan Abbott, a seventh year Hufflepuff. "I thought that, um, you-know-who, hated people who were of mixed blood. Why would he destroy a village comprised entirely of witches and wizards?"
"Yeah, that's right!" shouted Malfoy. "This is all probably some plot dreamed up to discredit Lord Voldemort," he said almost desperately.
"No, Mr. Malfoy, I'm afraid that's not the case. Voldemort's mark was seen hovering above the village. And to address Miss Abbott's question, I'm not sure why they did it, unless it was to prove that they can, and to try to scare us into believing that we are no longer safe within the walls of Hogwarts.
"What's going to happen now?" asked Hermione from her spot beside Ron.
"Life will go on as always Miss Granger. Students will attend classes, and we shall still have our Yule Ball." This pronouncement caused another low buzz to fill the room. Dumbledore waited until the room was silent before he continued. "There will be several small changes. All students shall remain here until after the Yule Ball. The day after the Yule Ball, all students will leave Hogwarts. No student will remain at Hogwarts for the holidays. There will be no exceptions to this rule," said Dumbledore, looking directly at Harry. "If it is not possible for you to go to your homes, other arrangements will be made for you. Please see your head of house if you have any questions. Also, we shall be having extra Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons for the remainder of the school year. You are all dismissed," he said and stepped down from the dais where the head table was located. One by one, the other professors rose, and followed Dumbledore out of the hall.

The students exited the Great Hall and made their way back to their dormitories, with the exception of Harry, who made is way towards Dumbledore's office. He stared at the statue that guarded the door. "Lemon Drop," he said, but nothing happened. "Chocolate Frogs?" "Peppermint Sticks?"
"Try Dairy Bar," said a voice behind Harry.
"Dairy Bar," said Harry obediently and the door slid open. Harry turned around to see who was behind him and saw Dumbledore peering at him, his eyes twinkling.
"Oh, sir, I was just coming to see you," said Harry.
"Well, yes Harry, that stands to reason, it is my office after all," said Dumbledore with a chuckle. "Come upstairs, assume you have a lot of questions." Harry followed Dumbledore up the twisting staircase and into the office. A warm fire crackled on the hearth, and a table with a tea tray sat in front of it. Fawkes sat on his perch and watched the room through his unblinking eyes.
"Have a seat Harry," said Dumbledore. "I am longing for a cup of tea, won't you join me?"
"No thanks," answered Harry. "Sir, I – well, that is, Sirius was staying in the cave outside of Hogsmeade again. Did he, was he," Harry's voice trailed off weakly.
"I'm sorry Harry, but at this point, I don't know anything more than I revealed to the school." As Dumbledore spoke, Fawkes flew of his perch and came to rest on Harry's shoulder. Instead of comforting him, this time Harry felt as though the weight of the Phoenix was smothering him.

"Harry!" said Dumbledore sharply. "I know this is difficult for you, but you are not the only person to suffer losses from this attack. In fact, everyone at this school is affected by this attack."
"Yes, I know, it's just that Sirius was," again he faltered.
"I know, a tie to your parents. I understand that Harry, but we can't afford to wallow in self-pity right now. We all need to keep a clear head.
"Wallowing in self-pity? Is that what you think I'm doing?" shouted Harry in anger.
"Not any more I don't," said Dumbledore. "Now I think you're good and angry. Good, keep that anger close at hand Harry. Don't let it consume you; never let it consume you. But remember how you are feeling right now, it will help you later."
Harry looked at Dumbledore confused by his words. He found it difficult to believe the Headmaster was encouraging his feelings of rage.
"One more question if I may Professor?" asked Harry. "Am I to go to the Dursley's for the holiday?"
"No Harry. Molly Weasley sent me an owl right off, insisting that we send you home with Ron and Ginny." His words caused Harry to smile with relief.
"What about Hermione?"
"Miss Granger has also been extended an invitation. Whether she chooses to accept it or not is her decision." Harry smiled again because he knew nothing would keep Hermione from the Burrow.

"Sir, my scar kept me awake most of last night. It was aching terribly. It hasn't hurt his bad in quite a while, and when I was able to sleep, I kept having terrible nightmares."
"Yes, I was afraid of that," said Dumbledore. "With Voldemort so close, it was bound to have some effect on you. How are you feeling now?"
"Well, it's a bit achy, but nothing at all like it was last night.
"I think it's safe to surmise that he's moving away from here, but Harry, I want a solemn promise from you. I want you to come to me right away at the slightest twinge of your scar. And if it happens to hurt you over the holiday, send me an owl right away."
"I will sir," said Harry, rising from his chair. "May I ask you just one more question? It's about Ginny."
"Remember the anger," said Dumbledore in a vague manner. "Now, if you will excuse me, I do have some things to attend to."

Harry stood, causing Fawkes to fly back to his perch and walked towards the door, puzzled b Dumbledore's abruptness. He left the office and went through the hall, back to the Gryffindor tower. Walking past an empty classroom, he saw Ginny Weasley sitting at a table studying. Harry was just to walk in when he realized that Ginny was speaking with someone. Peering inside, he saw that her companion was Draco Malfoy. He started to walk away and stopped, as he felt anger filling his very being. Something's got to change, he thought. Ginny's making a huge mistake, and somebody's got to stop her. I've got to stop her!  He walked past the classroom, his mind full of ideas. He wasn't sure how he was going to do it, but he was going to make Ginny realize that she belonged with him.