Chapter 11: Aftermath
It was hours later, late into the night. Sirius was sitting in a chair, leaning his elbows on a table, his hands clasped upwards and leaning his chin on them. Guilt ran through his mind at the moment. His partner had saved his life but at the cost of his own life. Dorian was fresh out of Auror training and had only been an Auror for a few months before sacrificing his life for Sirius's. Sirius had been knocked about by falling debris, and he assumed the Death Eaters had thought he was dead. When he had woken up, the Death Eaters was gone, and he was on the ground with Dorian's lifeless body sprawled across him. The Aurors showed up a few minutes later, checking for any sign of the Death Eaters as Dorian's body and Sirius were taken back to the Ministry. After being looked at, Sirius was sitting in a small conference room waiting for the Head Auror to come talk to him. No doubt about the mess up and death that occurred hours earlier. Sirius rubbed his temples as Dorian's soulless face could only occupy his mind at the moment.
The door opened and Sirius stood out of his chair. Pius, Everheart, and a couple of other Aurors had entered the room. "Take a sear, Sirius," Pius spoke as the others but Pius took a seat. "Alright, we're hear to discuss and debrief you on what happened today in Knockturn Alley." Sirius nodded. "Now Sirius, start from the beginning. You were meant to be on patrol on were to report back in case of some suspicious activity. Now, tell us what happened?" Sirius nodded and went on to tell Pius and everyone in the room what had happened back at Knockturn Alley from his start of Patrol in Diagon Alley to Borgin and Burke's to the attack and death of Dorian. Sirius finished his debriefing and waited for the response. Everheart had been copying down what Sirius was saying, to which he noticed. "And you were injured?" Pius asked, his hands intertwined and his arms on the table.
"I was hit with a cutting hex in by back by a third Death Eater," Sirius informed.
Pius nodded and cleared his throat and turned to whisper into Everheart's ear. He then turned back to Sirius. "You will take a leave of absence," he stated.
Sirius scoffed, "But I'm alright, I can keep patrolling and investigating. I can't stop now," he replied with a shake of his head.
"You have no choice," Pius said with a straight look. "You have been reckless and rash as of late. We believe a bit of time off will get you to clear your head and give you a fresh start when you come back." Sirius's mouth was agape as he didn't know what to say. He was fine and his head had been more clear than ever. This didn't make no sense to him. "Also there is another reason that we want you to take a leave of absence." Sirius looked up at Pius questioningly. "And it has to do with your sons."
"What?" Sirius asked, his alertness at an all time high. "What happened?"
"There was an incident at Hogwarts," Pius informed. "Many students were poisoned at Hogwarts with their fates unknown."
"And what you think Josh or Harry did this?" Sirius guffawed.
"More like they were the ones who were targeted," Everheart spoke up, looking up at Sirius. "It might be a little dangerous to keep these two at Hogwarts, for the safety of others."
Sirius scoffed and rolled his eyes. "And they'd be more safe out here?" He hissed. "With Death Eaters or Voldemort - " The Aurors shuddered at the name. " - Rummaging around the corner? I don't think so. They're staying at Hogwarts and that's final. Their my children and its my decision. If something else happens, I'll take full responsibility. Trust me, they're safer there. I know they are."
"Alright, if they're target again but others take the fall," Pius spoke, "You will deal with the consequences." Sirius sighed heavily. "You may go." Sirius quickly stood up and hurried out the room, hurrying to Hogwarts to check on his children. The two Aurors also left the room leaving Pius and Everheart.
"You didn't mention the spy at Hogwarts," Everheart spoke, turning to Pius who was staring straight ahead.
"Did I?" Pius replied, "Must have slipped my mind." Everheart nodded. "I must go. I have a meeting with the minister about a new law." Pius and Everheart stood out of their seats. "With our Auror numbers at a low, we're going to need some new fighters on the front lines."
Josh was sitting in a chair, leaning on his knees back, his hands clasped together has he rested his chin upon them. He was still in the Great Hall that was mostly empty. His robe was discarded and his sleeves were rolled up, and a bit of blood was stained on his vest and dress shirt. A few Aurors were spread around the Great Hall where students were poisoned and speaking to a random student. Professors Dumbledore, Snape, Sprout, and McGonagall were up at the table full of snacks and drinks as they were trying to find out which bottle was poisoned and what poison was used. Josh, however, was beating himself up about this. He already had his suspicions about who had done this and if he had listened to Nott in the beginning, then none of this wouldn't have happened. Right? Josh sighed, rubbing his hands over his face, hearing someone sit next to him. When he moved his hands down, he looked over to see his father.
"How are you?" Sirius asked, solemnly looking at his son. He knew a few of Josh's friends were poisoned and a few of them didn't make it at all. When Sirius had arrived, he spoke to the Aurors who debriefed him on what had happened and how it ended.
Josh shrugged. "I don't know," he answered.
"Yes you do," Sirius replied, "You're beating yourself up about it. I know, son. I know what it's like." Josh looked up at his Father who was staring at the floor, a glaze over his eyes. "To lose a friend, and feel like it was your fault, that you could've done more but you ended up putting the trust in the wrong people. It hits hard, like losing a part you."
"This is the second time, Dad," Josh spoke up. "First Draco, and then this. There's a target on my back and Harry's. We should leave Hogwarts, maybe the other students would be safe."
"It's a dark time, Josh," Sirius began, "No where is really safe right now. Where ever you go, you don't know who to trust out there. A war has begun and its going to get a lot worse. You should be here, in this castle. It has fortifications and the strongest wards one could create. It'd be difficult for any dark wizard to get in." Somehow, Josh didn't believe that, but nodded nonetheless.
"Josh." Josh and Sirius turned to see Daphne, her face stained with dry tears, her hair disheveled and her dress stained with blood. Josh and Sirius stood as Daphne walked over to them, her eyes brimming with tears. "She's going to be okay," she sniffed and fell into Josh's arms, beginning to cry again. Josh held tightly onto his girlfriend. It seemed he had given Tracey the Bezoar just in time to save her life. Josh felt a bit of relief life off his shoulders, though it wasn't enough to let the guilt wash away.
Minutes later, Josh, Daphne, and Sirius were entering the full and bustling Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey was running from student to student, checking on their vitals. There were about nine beds that were blocked by curtain blockers, and nine other beds that weren't. The nine beds that were unblocked, were the students that Pomfrey were checking. Sirius glanced over to the eight blocked of beds, meaning those were the students that hadn't made it. There were a couple of Aurors guarding those beds. Sirius walked over to the blocked off beds as Josh and Daphne walked over to the bed that Tracey was occupying, where Ron was sitting next to, looking distraught. Hermione was there as well, sitting next to Ron and holding his hand. Daphne walked over to sit on other side of Tracey's bed, grabbing onto her hand. Josh looked at Tracey's sleeping face. She looked calm and not in any pain. She would have looked like a sleeping beauty had it not been stained with blood. Josh looked at his friends, noticing that someone was missing.
"Where's Harry?" Josh asked quietly. Without looking, Hermione pointed to one of the blocked off beds. Leaving his friends be, Josh walked over to the bed Hermione pointed to. He glanced over to Pomfrey who happened to be busy, and to the Aurors that were talking to Sirius. He walked behind the curtain to find Harry, sitting next to a bed, a bed that held a dead Cho Chang. Harry felt Josh behind him, sniffed and wiped his face, turning to Josh. "Hey," he said hoarsely.
"Hey," Josh replied looking at Cho's peaceful looking face then to Harry. "I'm sorry, Harry." Harry nodded. "Who else didn't make it?" Josh asked.
Harry sniffed. "Justin Finch-Fletchly, Marcus Belby, Vincent Crabbe, Elladora Evans, Millicent Bullstrode, Padme Patil, Terry Boot, Seamus Finnegan, and Lavender Brown," he answered. Josh felt his stomach drop even deeper. Those were all decent people who had suddenly lost their lives, and for what. Josh patted Harry on his shoulder, suddenly feeling a little light headed, leaving the Harry alone with Cho. He exited from behind the curtain and into the middle of the wing. His heart began beating faster and he began taking gulps of air. He felt like he couldn't breathe as he pulled on the collar of his shirt. He quickly began to stumble out of the Hospital Wing. As he entered the corridor, he saw a few people around and noticed one of them was McGlaggen talking to an Auror. Josh made his way over a little quicker than it felt. He growled as he grabbed onto McGlaggen's robes and pushing him against the wall.
"Oi! What do you think you're doing!" The Auror hissed, grabbing onto Josh's arm, but Josh just shrugged him off.
"I know you did this," Josh huffed into McGlaggen's face. "I know it was you!" McGlaggen didn't say anything, yet he slightly smirked. The two Aurors grabbed onto Josh's arms and pulled him off of the seventh year. "No, stop!" Josh yelled, struggling against the Aurors. "This is all his doing! He's behind this!"
"Do you have any proof?" One of the Aurors asked.
Josh shook his head. "I don't need proof!" he spoke. "I know it was him. I just know!" The two Aurors shared a glance.
McGlaggen straightened his robes and looked up. "It's alright," he said the the Aurors. "He's lost a lot of friends tonight, and Black and I don't really see eye to eye on things. So, of course he's full of stress and he's looking for someone to blame. It's alright. He's just mourning and angry." The Aurors nodded and let go of Josh who fell to his knees as McGlaggen waved off the Aurors. They were buying into McGlaggen's words and thought nothing but of school rivalries as the Aurors walked away. McGlaggen stepped in front of Josh. "He has no one to blame, but himself," the seventh year said. Josh was suddenly feeling drained and light headed, glaring up at the older classmate. "As it should be," McGlaggen said, looking down at Josh. "You kneeling down on your knees as I stand in front of you as your better. Best do what's best for yourself Josh and stay there." And with that, McGlaggen took his leave, leaving Josh kneeling on the cold hard floor.
Josh's eyes became heavy as he began to sway. He slowly began to fall when he felt arms catch him before he hit the ground. He looked up through his blurred vision at his savior, but he couldn't recognize their face and ended up saying the first name that came to his mind, "Draco?" he breathed out, passing into darkness.
William looked down at Josh's unconscious face. "What did he say?" He looked up to see Pansy curiously looked down at them. "Did he call you Draco?" she asked. William nodded. That's what he heard, but why? William sighed. He did know why. Josh had been holding in so much and its possible that he didn't really process the death of his cousin, hence his behavior. William had noticed during Draco's funeral, that Josh had been very stoic and he didn't remember or see Josh even shed a tear. Even Harry and Hermione had managed to show some emotion, but Josh hadn't. Maybe he had something to do with closure? William wasn't sure, but maybe there was a way to help Josh.
William looked up at Pansy. "Can you take him back to the hospital Wing?" he asked Pansy who nodded.
Pansy pulled out her wand and levitated Josh, surprised to see William walk away. "Wait, where are you going?" she asked.
William turned back to Pansy. "I have something to do," he said, as he suddenly made a decision. "Something that could help Josh and maybe finally solve the murder of Draco."
Pansy's eyes widened, "Excuse me?" she breathed out. "Help how? What are you going to do?" She asked, getting worried.
William didn't look into Pansy's eyes. "Something dangerous," he answered, and finally looked up into her eyes. "And quite possibly stupid."
Pansy lowered Josh and walked over to William. "I can't let you do that," she exclaimed, "Don't do this, whatever it is. You have nothing to prove."
William smiled. "I know I don't," he answered. "This is something I have to do. For him, and for Draco." Pansy worried looked up into William's eyes. "Josh has done a lot for us. He's taught us defense. He's saved me from bullies. He's helped save the school a couple of times. He gives people the benefit of the doubt, like for what he did with Draco. He took Draco in. Josh has always been there to help us and somehow helps us find our potential, seeing the best in us. So, I'm going to do this for him, because he's my friend and so was Draco. Josh is going to be a great wizard one day, I know he is, and I would be happy to follow him into battle in this upcoming war." William turned around only for Pansy to pull him back to her. William was surprised when Pansy took his face in her hands and pulled him into a strong and passionate kiss.
She released the kiss a few seconds later, both parties cheeks as pink as their lips. "Maybe one day, you'll think of me they way you think of him," Pansy shyly commented.
"Stay by my side, maybe I will," William replied with a small smile.
Pansy smiled back, "Be careful."
William nodded. "I will." William turned and begin to briskly walk all the way back to his dorm room. He burst through his dorm, removing his robes, walking over to his open trunk, reaching into it and pulling out a teal colored potion. He grasped it tightly, leaving his dorm and his common room. William was on a mission as he began walking down the steps and making his way all the way down to a certain old classroom. He entered the classroom. It was void of any left over furniture of any kind. The last time William was in this room was when he was here for Josh's birthday. The only thing that stood out in this room was the shadow of the left over person that had died that day. William gulped and let out a deep breath, walking over to the shadow. He uncorked the potion and set it next to the shadow. William whipped out his wand, pointing it at the shadow, suddenly sweating and feeling warm. His heart began to race and he was suddenly unsure. He knew if he couldn't do this right, there would be dire consequences. But he had to do this. For Josh. For Draco.
William held out his palm and pointing his wand at the shadow in the stone and incantated, "Secare Essentia Ex Lapis!" The tip of William's wand glowed blue as the wand began to vibrate violently where William had to grasp his wand with both hands. The shadow in stone glowed bright blue. Sparkling essence of a person was pulled up from the stone, the shadow dissipating, as hovered above the stone floor. William levitated the essence and lowered it into the teal potion that was sitting next to it. Once it was mixed with the potion, it changed from teal, to a glowing light blue color. William set down his wand and picked up the potion. He let out a breath of relief. The spell had worked and now it was time for the second part. "If something happens, I'm sorry Pansy," William spoke, staring at the potion. He exhaled heavily. "Bottoms up!" William downed the potion in one gulp. He coughed up a bit, tasting metal.
"Nielsen!" William snapped to see Nott in the doorway, having arrived to see him drink the potion. "What are you doing?" Nott asked, walking over to William.
"I went through with it," William revealed, standing up. "I had to, after everything that happened tonight. We have to find out who this was so we can find the culprit. We - arg!" Pain began pressuring in his head, severe pain, like an exploding headache of some kind. William fell to his knees, holding onto his head, flashes of unknown images flowing through his mind. Nott quickly ran over to William.
"What is it?" He quickly asked, "What do you see?" William shook his head. He didn't know nor could he say as the pain was too much for him. It felt like his head was going to explode. Images quickly flashing in his mind and he couldn't make sense of any of them. William screamed out, shocking Nott who suddenly became very worried about William. Nott stood there, unsure of what to do. His friend was in pain and screaming in terror. He thought about running to get a Professor, but before he could, William had stopped screaming. He turned to William to find that he had passed out, unconscious. "Shite!"
Daphne was sitting beside Tracey's bed. Tracey was still unconscious yet she looked peaceful. She was so grateful for her boyfriend getting the bezoar to her best friend just in time. She couldn't bare to lose another best friend. She glanced at the unoccupied seat next to her, where Hermione had been sitting. Hermione had left after Josh had left Hospital Wing, probably to talk to Harry or something else. Ron was still there, sitting at the head of the bed, leaning on his knees and staring intently at Tracey's sleeping face. He had been at Tracey's side during this whole ordeal and never left, not even to go to the bathroom. He was so worried about her, which made Daphne smile. She wasn't sure, after Blaise, that Tracey would find anyone else. Tracey and Blaise seemed like such soulmates, but it turns out that they make each other laugh. She knew how Ron was impressed with Tracey's magical abilities, and it was Tracey who had shown Ron that not all bad wizards or witches were from Slytherin house. That there were good people as well.
Daphne suddenly remembered something Ron had said earlier that night while Tracey was in a critical condition. "Ronald," she said quietly. Ron tiredly glanced over to Daphne. "Earlier, you said something. You said to Tracey that you didn't get to tell her. Tell her what exactly?"
Ron turned his eyes back to Tracey. "How I feel," he replied solemnly. "I didn't realize it early enough. I did notice how friendlier we have become and it was great having her around and laughing at her jokes. And she actually laughed at my lame jokes." Daphne smiled. "I didn't realize how much I fancied her until this dumb party. I knew Tracey could be intimidating and funny and gorgeous. She's' also smart, reliable, and resourceful. Here I am, doting over one girl, while being blind towards another... Oh Merlin," Ron gasped, tears welling his his eyes. "And then Lavender...Lav..." Ron started to cry silently. Daphne sadly placed her arm around Ron's shoulders and caressed him. "I am so sorry," he cried. Daphne looked down at Ron, tears forming in her own eyes. She could only half imagine what Ron was going through. He not only almost lost one of his dearest friends, but he had lost his girlfriend who hadn't been saved in time. Ron felt like he should be blaming himself as he had ignored Lavender when he learned of Tracey being poisoned. Running to Tracey, and ignoring Lavender who had been poisoned next. Not only sadness and heartbreak ran through his body, but as well as guilt, deep guilt.
Daphne turned her head when the doors opened up. Her heart dropped when she saw Josh's unconscious body was being levitated to an empty bed by Pansy as Madam Pomfrey quickly ran over to them to see what was wrong with Josh. Daphne stood up and ran over to the bed that occupied her before. "What happened?!" She demanded, turning to Pansy.
Pansy shrugged, "I don't know," she frantically replied, "He was arguing with McGlaggen and then he just collapsed."
"He's alright," Madam Pomfrey spoke up, looking towards Daphne. "He's exhausted emotionally, mentally, and magically. I'm not sure how to explain it, but he's going to need some rest, a lot of it." Daphne turned to Josh, sitting on his bed and grasping his hand. She worriedly and sadly looked down at her boyfriend, wondering what was going on with Josh for him to suddenly collapse like this.
Harry was staring at the floor, his eyes empty but his emotions running wild. He was numb and silent, sitting next to Cho's lifeless body. Once again, Harry couldn't help but once again feel guilty and blame himself for the deaths that had occurred that night. He knew he shouldn't, but his mind couldn't help it. There was someone behind him. They had been there for a little bit, and he knew who it was, but he didn't care at that moment. He just wanted to wallow in his pity.
Hermione hugged herself as she stood behind Harry, solemnly looking at him. Harry and Cho had dated for a whole year and had broken up not too long ago. Of course Harry's grief for her was going to hit hard. Hermione really wanted to go over to Harry and comfort him, but she wasn't sure if it was going to be appropriate. But he needed comforting. Making a decision, Hermione grabbed a chair and set it next Harry, sitting next to him. She looked over to Harry who was still staring at the ground. His face had dried tear stains over his cheeks and blood shot eyes. She felt for him so she reached over and grabbed one of Harry's hands. It sat for a few seconds before Harry removed his hand from hers. Hermione felt a pang in her heart, sad that Harry took his hand away from hers.
"You should stay away from me," Harry muttered. Hermione swallowed hard as her heart dropped into her stomach. Did she hear him right?
Hermione shook her head. "Don't say that," she muttered back this time grabbing one of his hands with both of hers.
"Hermione," Harry whispered, his voice breaking. He then said something that would not only surprise Hermione, but break her heart as well. "You should have never became my friend?"
Tears began to well up in Hermione's eyes. She didn't want to hear those words. "Why would you say that?" she breathed out.
"Because my friends always end up getting hurt," Harry answered, "Or worse...they die."
"Harry," Hermione exhaled and then inhaled shakily. "This wasn't your fault. You know that."
"It might as well be," Harry muttered and stood to his feet, finally looking at Hermione. "The closer people are to me, the harder it will be for everything. That harder that pain will be when I lose you or anyone else. I cant bare to lose anyone else anymore. I don't even want to imagine what I'll do if I lost you." Harry began to step away until Hermione grabbed his wrist. "I just want to be left alone. Please." Tears flowed down Hermione's cheeks as she let go of Harry. She buried her face into her hands and cried as Harry left the Hospital Wing.
Josh was suddenly walking down a corridor. It looked like a Hogwarts corridor though it was one he hadn't been in one before. Was it even a Hogwarts corridor? He continued down the corridor when he suddenly heard a voice. "I want you to be good, and do your best, okay?" That was his mother's voice. That's what she said to him before he left for his first year of Hogwarts. When things seemed simpler.
Then, there was another voice, "You are very much related to Slytherin. It seems for some unknown and mysterious reason, the Parseltongue trait has awakened in you." That was Dumbledore's voice at the end of second year, when Josh discovered that like Voldemort himself, he was an Heir to Slytherin. He was afraid that he would end up being similar to Voldemort but his friends and family proved that he wasn't that dark wizard at all.
Suddenly, a third voice rang out, "So what if you're not in a true fairy tale. You don't have to be in one to be a true hero. But I do know one thing. You are a great Wizard, Joshua. You can be a hero, in here." That was the voice of Malcolm, Josh's grandfather. Josh was told that before his third year of Hogwarts. Something Josh was going to take to heart before he learn the truth of who the other half of his family were. Still, now he knows who he is, his grandfather's words still keep a place in his heart.
A fourth voice echoed through, "Don't think for one second that you're not important to me, Josh, because you are. You and your mother." That was Sirius's voice. Josh didn't believe him at the time when he said it, but he did now. Sirius had been true to his word and had become the father that he was meant to be.
Another voice rang out, "I've come to realize that I don't want to be like my father. I want to be more like you, Josh. I want to be my own person." That voice rang pangs in Josh's heart. It was Draco's back when he decided to turn over a new leaf, and boy did he. Draco had become a different outstanding student. A true Slytherin.
Josh continued down the corridor when another voice rang in his ears, and this time, it was his own voice, "Daphne, I don't know what I would do if you got hurt. I can't let anything or anyone harm you, because I care about you too much." Josh remembered this memory very fondly. It was soon followed by his and Daphne's first kiss. It was quite a surprise but it was the second one that made it even better when he confessed that it was best thing that ever happened in his life.
A sixth voice was heard, "To understand what? That you're too prideful and stubborn to speak to your own mother again? You know, some of us don't have a mother that could come back to us! Consider yourself lucky, Black!" That was Shaun's voice, yelling at Josh for ignoring his own mother. He was right. Josh was an idiot back then. He was lucky to have his mother back and he was happy to forgive her. She was only trying to protect her only son.
Another familiar voice rang out, "I could never hate you, Josh. I care too much about you to hate you. You're one of my best friends, Josh." It was Hermione. Josh was stupid to keep any kind of secret from her. Hermione was an amazing friend and sometimes knew her friends better than they knew themselves.
Another voice was heard, "I would like to Apologize, for everything. I was wrong, about everything. About all Slytherins being dark wizards and such. But they're not. You were right and I am terribly sorry." It was Ron's, when he finally came to his senses and realized that people shouldn't be judged by what house they were in. Get to know that person, and who knows, they might actually be the love of your life.
An eighth voice echoed, "You know I don't blame you for Blaise's death, Josh. I know that's what you're thinking. It's not your fault. It was our choice to be there. We knew the risks. And I wanted to thank you, for avenging Blaise's death. So, thank you." The pang of losing his best friend hit Josh's heart. Tracey didn't blame him, though he blamed himself. He couldn't help it, and his missed his best friend so much. Now that he lost another one and didn't know what he was going to do if he lost another best friend.
An ninth voice rang out, "Josh, I know you don't want to be apart of this war, but you've always been apart of it. You were always there; back when we saved the stone. You were by my side when we fought the basilisk, we traveled in time to save your father, you were there in the Graveyard when Voldemort came back, and you were there with us in the Department of Mysteries. Only cowards run and hide. Joshua Black isn't a coward, is he?" It was Harry telling him that Josh wouldn't be able to run away from war. How Harry had been so right considering all that's happened this year at Hogwarts. Josh decided that his earlier decision was stupid. Harry was right. Josh was already mixed in with this, ever since that day he chose to sit with Harry on the train ride to their first year to Hogwarts. He figured he see this all the way through, until the end.
Then it was her voice, "You aren't dark, Josh. You have both and light inside you, we all do, but I think it's the light inside you that overcomes all that darkness you think you have. You have friends and family that love you. You aren't going dark, I know you aren't and you never will. I will never let that happen." Daphne's voice was sweet and calming. Josh held his fears of turning into a Dark Wizard but it was Daphne and her love that helped keep him to who he truly was. He loved her with all his heart and was grateful to have her in his life.
Josh came across a large door. Curious, Josh opened the door, revealing bright white light. He squinted and lifted his arm in front of is eyes to block out the brightness, which soon subsided after a few seconds. Josh squinted when a familiar place was created. It was the Astronomy tower, during a sunset. There was a figure leaning on the railing, though Josh couldn't make out who it was. He stepped closer to the blurry figure where it's head turned to Josh. "What took you so long," said the familiar voice. The blurry figure soon became clear. Josh's eyes widened at the smiling face of his best friend, Blaise. "Check out this sunset," Blaise said, waving Josh over. Josh slowly walked over next to Blaise, staring at him and not the sunset. "Merlin, Josh, I know I'm handsome," Blaise began turning to look at his friend. "But I don't fancy you like that."
Josh chuckled finally turning to the sunset. He turned back to Blaise, "I don't understand," he spoke, "Why are you here?"
Blaise looked at his best friend and shrugged, "I don't know," he answered, "You called me here." Josh suddenly looked confused. "Tell me, what's on your mind?"
Josh scoffed,"So much has been going on as of late. A war has begun, and there's a spy at Hogwarts trying to kill me, though my friends have been biting the dust on that. Draco is dead - " Blaise glanced at Josh with a tiny smirk upon his face, to which Josh didn't notice. " - Some of our classmates have perished and Tracey almost died. And I feel helpless because I am sure I know who it is, but i feel like I can't doing anything proving its him without having some sort of proof. Everything seems so stressful and insane. I'm afraid of what's coming next."
"Afraid?" Blaise scoffed, "Mate, you took on a Hungarian Horntail! This isn't all that different."
Josh smiled, and then turned to Blaise. "I'm sorry about everything and about Tracey. We haven't been as good as friends since you...left."
Blaise smiled, "It's alright, you'll get back there one day," he said and then patted Josh on the back, "Plus, I'm sure she's in good hands now." Josh wondered what he meant by that, though he had an inkling feeling it meant that Tracey was finally able to let go of Blaise because of a certain redhead. "Josh, there's a vast and dark storm coming. You know this, and you will be ready when the time comes, because you're an outstanding Wizard. The strongest I've ever known. You just have to deal with this." Blaise pointed at his forehead. "You have to let go, mate. Keep moving forward. You're holding onto these deaths as some sort of excuse to use as a vendetta of some kind. You don't need to do that. Accept what has happened and move on. It will be hard, but once that hard part is over, it'll all be a breeze from there." Josh looked up at Blaise, his eyes welling with tears. He nodded. "Plus, I've got it made up here. I'm with my dad and my grandparents. Get to eat what I want and I can be happy as long as I know that You, Daphne, my mum, and especially Tracey are happy." Josh smiled as Blaise climbed over the railing. He turned back to Josh. "Thanks for naming your Phoenix after me, by the way. I was touched when you did that." Josh nodded with a tearful smile. "Remember, the only way heal our inner wounds, is to make peace with the demons that created them." Josh nodded. "Well, I'll be seeing you!" And with that, a stunned Josh reached out in instinct when Blaise jumped from the Tower, suddenly transforming into some sort of flying Creature and soaring into the clouds. Josh watched Blaise as he disappeared behind the clouds, tears flowing down his cheeks. It was nice to see his best friend again. To talk to him one last time.
Josh opened his eyes. He could see sunlight pouring in from the windows as he squinted at the Hospital Wing ceiling. He sat up and wiped his face, rubbing the tiredness out of his eyes. He looked over to his left to see his mother curled up in a bed next to him, sound asleep. He wondered when she arrived, though as he looked around, she wasn't the only parent around. Other students' parents must have arrived in the night to check on their children or to take home their children that had been fatally poisoned as Josh noticed that all the dead students were now gone. Some other beds that held recovering students were also empty as well. Josh then turned to his right stunned to see an unconscious William there. Josh wondered how he got there? He wasn't poisoned. What happened while Josh was out?