Watching the hundreds of confused students milling in front of him, Albus Dumbledore suddenly felt very old. Should he really burden their lives with this grievous information, no matter what good it may do?
With a sigh, he removed his glasses, no twinkle evident in his eyes, and stood up.
"Please sit. Students and Staff, if I may have your attention. Many of you are wondering why this feast has been called. I hope to quell many rumours tonight about a certain student.
"Draco Malfoy was found dead in his chambers this morning.
At the sudden whispers and shocked gasps coming from his students, Dumbledore raised a hand. Maybe it was unwise to shock them so…
"I don't wish to shock you too much, if this does, counselling is open for anyone who wishes. However,. it is important I tell you the circumstances. Draco Malfoy had some last requests which must now be filled out, and I believe his death teaches an important lesson. So I continue; Mister Malfoy's coronary report shows that he died last night, by suicide. Also he wrote a note as a farewell to the world, and a warning.
"However, also tonight I will hope to counsel you all in some way. Draco Malfoy was a bright young man who, because of stereotypes and pressures in society, was forced to pursue a path in life he did not want to take. He objected to his family's beliefs, yet felt so oppressed that he couldn't express his views. He never had the strength to tell someone how he felt. At Hogwarts, we never want anyone to feel this way. If you ever have any troubles, the staff - counsellors and otherwise - are here to listen. We will not judge you, or act without your consent on any issues.
"As tormenting as this must be for many of you, I feel I must select some exerts of a letter Mister Malfoy wrote me.
"… it's incredible what these muggles come up with.
Obviously, the whole of the Slytherin table's jaws dropped in shock. How could one of the most obviously-prejudiced boys in their house possible believe that? Also, many other students looked confused and some even gasped in shock. However Professor Dumbledore continued, ignoring them.
"Just because they don't have magic in their blood doesn't mean they're weaker. I actually think they are superior to wizards.
"… muggles have evolved from eating creatures with their hands and walking everywhere to what they are today:
"A large society, which in the eventuality has made the world a smaller place. Their ways of transportation … and their incredible scientific theories, trying to explain the world and answer all questions are astonishing.
"But you may want to know how I found out about muggles, right? Well I've taken muggle studies at my school, Hogwarts ever since the option was available.
"It was my mother's idea, she told father that I should know the enemy. The muggleborns. For who knows what they could spring on us next?
"My father of course didn't want me to take muggle studies, thinking it would corrupt me. He thought that I might go against everything he has taught me in life.
"Follow the Dark Lord.
Put down anyone who isn't pureblood.
Beat up anyone who isn't as high as you on the social ladder.
Don't cry.
Don't have weaknesses.
Never stop following what I teach you.
"So he subjected to my mother's requests, let me take Muggle Studies, and I've had classes, exams and projects about these muggles. And I've formed my own opinions about them.
"They're not stupid, primitive creatures as father tells me, they're extremely smart and resourceful.
"They're not 'hopeless and unable to do anything with meek existences they call lives', as mother says. I mean, look at Granger - she's an example of what hope muggles have. At least what hope muggleborns have in the wizarding world.
"I encourage you all to, like Draco, drop your prejudices against muggleborns, races, religions, genders and everything. In a world full of hate, everyone would be like Voldemort: not accepting others, craving power to make up for their own insecurities.
"Yes, Voldemort has many insecurities. Did you know that Voldemort is a half-blood which he detests so much? Did you know that his father didn't know his mother was a witch when they married? In fact, the situation was not so unlike that of many students, including you Mister Finnagan. However, unlike most of you, Voldemort's father did not like this idea, and left his son, then called Tom Riddle, in an orphanage after his mother's death. Tom grew up hating Muggles because of his father. This man had left him alone to grow up in an orphanage and Tom grew bitter. After discovering his magical talent at Hogwarts, Tom used this to the best of his abilities. He was fruitless in his studies, trying to gain knowledge both Light and Dark. However, his dislike for muggleborns grew with time, and the smart, promising young wizard is now the feared and hated Dark Lord.
"Tom Riddle is the perfect example of how prejudices can take over your life. I urge you all to act out your beliefs and not shy away from the truth like Draco did. No matter how much your families and peers may persecute you, it is important to always be yourself. No matter how difficult is was for Draco to put on an act of hating muggleborns and half bloods; he also made lives for others difficult. In his letter, he talks of having respect for Miss Hermione Granger. Yet I'm sure all of you know she is a muggleborn. Countless times, Draco called her a 'mudblood' and put her down, just to maintain his façade. Like Tom Riddle, Draco used this type of prejudicial power to make up for his own insecurities about who he really was and what he believed in.
"Now, I will read out the end of Draco's letter; some messages he left as final requests:
… please tell Granger that I'm sorry for calling her mudblood.
Please tell Potter to stop moping and do something to earn his hero status.
Please tell my mother that I got to know my enemies and I liked them.
Please tell my father that he pushed me down this road.
Please tell Weasley that he deserves a good life, because he's a good person.
For Hermione, Harry and Ron, I have written separate letters which are in my bedside table.
"If you three will please come up to me and collect the notes."
Slowly, the trio of friends rose from their seats. They were confused as to why Draco Malfoy, supposedly their hated enemy would write them notes, and not any to his friends in Slytherin. Looking over at the Slytherin table, Hermione saw flashes of hatred and envy from Crabbe, Goyle, Parkison, Nott, Zabini and other Slytherins. She felt that if they had been true friends to Draco, they would not be so envious or hating while they should be mourning his deaths. Perhaps it wasn't so strange Draco wrote to them after all. It was obvious that Draco was jealous of them, Harry had seen Draco complaining to his father about them in second year. Then again, hadn't Dumbledore said that Draco respected her? Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy. It was a shame to see his life thrown away though. Hermione was torn from her reflections as she realised she had reached the staff table. Dumbledore was holding a letter out to her and had concern showing in his eyes.
"Now I shall read Draco Malfoy's last sentence, and last want for his whole life."
"…finally, please tell everyone you know never to say the terrible s - word: Stop.
"Draco Malfoy felt pressured into being something he was not when people told him to stop doing things.
"As a tribute to Draco, wards will be put up on Hogwarts grounds to send a shock through everyone whenever they say the s-word. I believe decorations are in order also. If you look above you now, you will see posters of Draco hanging from the walls in place of the usual house banners. All around you, you will all notice the green and silver appearance the hall has taken. This will remain for the rest of the school year to remember one of Hogwarts finest. Also, if you will be kind enough to stand up and move to the side of the hall, I shall change the table-settings.
"Thank you. You may now sit down, but first look for your chairs, names are on each, to mix up houses and ages of students.
"Finally, as a last tribute to Draco Malfoy, a statue of him is being placed in the entrance hall with this inscription:
Draco Malfoy. The one who has inspired us all to forget our prejudices and unite as one against a common front – hatred.
"Remember Draco.
"And with that last sentiment, feast with all Draco's favourite food will be held. Bon Apetite!"
Strangely enough, No one felt like eating.