CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Stunned Silent
The morning after her first Ball, Ophelia awoke with a terrible headache. Only after she had been up for a few minutes did she remember the events of the night before.
A hazy, pink glow pushed out the moon's light.
Ophelia got to her feet and shuffled over to the cracked window, a slight breeze stirring her nightgown.
The sun was not pink as the light would have he believe, but a deep red, a shade that made her insides squirm.
She nudged Lily awake. "Come see this." she whispered.
The two girls stood in awe watching as the crimson sun rose higher into the sky.
"Red sun." muttered Lily, as if in a trance. "Blood has been spilled this morning."
"That's just a superstition." said Ophelia.
"So are witches."
They didn't know how long they stood there, or why exactly, but soon they heard the sounds of others waking.
Somewhere close, James stubbed his toe on his trunk and cursed loudly.
Lily shook her head. "We better get dressed. I'm sure someone will know what's going on."
The two girls quickly dressed and joined Remus, Pete, Sirius and James at the long table.
"Where's breakfast? I'm starving." said Talia, as she sat down next to Pete.
"Dumbledore has an announcement to make." shrugged Remus. "It sounded rather important."
Professor Dumbledore sat at the center of the Head table, wringing a napkin in his lap.
He was flanked on either side by McGonagall and Caery, who looked just as anxious, just as nervous.
Only once all of the students had ventured out of bed and found their seats, did Dumbledore stand up.
"Good morning my young scholars." he began, looking around the hall at their faces. "As I am sure many have guessed, something happened at our school late last night, during the Yule Ball. I wholeheartedly apologize for ending it ahead of schedule- I know how much you were enjoying yourselves -but I assure you I had a good reason."
The Headmaster cleared his throat, wishing he did not have to deliver such dreadful news to the students he so loved. "You no doubt have heard of a wizard named Voldemort. In the past, he had been rallying the Ministry of Magic to change laws regarding those of Pure-Blood descent and those born of Muggle families. Voldemort is a... narrow-minded wizard who believes there is a superiority between Pure-Bloods and Muggle-borns.
"The Ministry has repeatedly told Voldemort his views are fascist and they were promptly denied. However, he began gathering other witches and wizards who shared the same ideals as he. And they have set about to bring change to our world by any means necessary." Dumbledore took a deep breath. "Last night, Voldemort and his Death Eaters- as his followers are now called -killed several Muggle-born Ministry officials in their homes in Hogsmeade."
Several students around the Hall gasped loudly.
Lily began shaking uncontrollably, even after her best friend put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"All measures are being taken in order to find Voldemort and those responsible for the deaths of Cecil Thomas, Katelyn Akada and Maurie Jones. Effective as of this night at eight o'clock, a curfew will be implemented for your own safety. You are encouraged to travel in groups of three or more between the castle and your outdoor classes. I do not mean to raise panic, and I am sure these new rules will be temporary, as I have every bit of faith our Ministry will find these culprits. This being said, breakfast is served."
