It was a somber mood at Hogwarts as the students all waited inside the Great Hall as the news and rumors about what had happened circulated. The Ravenclaw table especially were hushed—they had lost Sue Li and two of their number, Mandy Brocklehurst and Padma Patil were current at Saint Mungo's. Gryffindor was mourning the loss of Colin Creevey—Colin's younger brother, Dennis, hadn't been seen since. Word was that he was currently with Professor McGonagall. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were currently in the hospital wing.
Even the Slytherin was subdued. Draco Malfoy was missing, and according to Pansy Parkinson, he had been abducted by his own father. Word was that the Aurors were searching the woods for his whereabouts.
"I can't believe it," Ron said, not for the first time. "Colin Creevey … he was so young. Just … murdered, like that, all because he's a muggleborn."
"And what about Sue Li," Hermione said, glancing over at the Ravenclaw table. "All of their little group of friends were attacked in some way …"
"That monster Greyback," Dudley spat. "I can't wait until the Aurors get hold of him."
"Guaranteed death penalty," said Dean, looking satisfied. "Did you hear, Lockhart announced theyw ere going ahead with that for Montague."
"He was always a git," said Ron.
"He's only a teenager—he made a mistake, but, executing him … it's no different than the Death Eaters!" Hermione argued.
Ron goggled at her. "Come off it, by all accounts he was following after Finch-Fletchley to murder him. It's not like he's some innocent. Montague made his bed and now has to lie in it."
"Good riddance," Dudley said, viciously. He felt furious about what had happened. He had never been close to Sue Li or Colin, but they were students—innocents. It was disgusting what had happened to them. He looked across at Ginny. She was sat with Fred and George and looked quite upset—she and Colin had been friends and classmates.
The Great Hall hushed as Dumbledore walked in. He was flanked by Severus Snape and Head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.
He didn't need to ask for attention—everybody's gaze was fixed on him.
"What happened yesterday, was the most despicable act I have witnessed. A brazen assault targeting children by Death Eaters and their allies You have all heard the rumors, now it is time to hear the facts. Lord Voldemort and his supporters assaulted Hogsmeade with the intention of murdering Muggle Borns. He was thwarted by the work of the Aurors …"
He inclined his head at Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"… our teachers—Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and Professor Tonks," Dumbledore continued. "As well as the actions of our prefects and head boy and girl. What is more, students of the school came together to protect each other and fight off the threat, and for that, I am proud. But, the fact remains, Hogwarts has lost two of our beloved number and one is missing. First—we remember Sue Li. She was a very popular witch with a close circle of friends. Professor Flitwick often fondly recalled her antics in class—very cheeky and fun-loving, but an excellent student. A proud member of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team who will be missed by all. Sue Li was murdered by Fenrir Greyback. She and her friend, Mandy Brocklehurst took after Greyback on foot, pursuing him in the hopes of bringing him to justice after a brutal attack on their friend, Padma Patil, who is recovering in hospital. It was an act of bravery that any witch or wizard would be proud of. We raise a goblets first to Sue Li."
"Sue Li!" the Hall echoed, each, even the Slytherins, raising their goblet. Sue had been very popular. Everybody had liked her. She had even been somewhat accepted by the Slytherin girls, Pansy Parkinson and Milicent Bulstrode.
"Next, we remember Colin Creevey. He was one of the most enthusiastic students I have seen at this school. He loved magic and loved learning. He threw himself into every subject with a great deal of passion and energy. In many ways, his hard work ethics resembled that of the noble Hufflepuff house, but he was a Gryffindor through and through. He was murdered in cold blood by a Death Eater for the simple fact that he was a muggleborn. We raise a goblet for Colin Creevey."
"Colin Creevey" echoed the hall. Dudley looked at the Slytherins and was pleased to see that even they had raised a goblet to him—a few, like Crabbe and Goyle, rather half-heartedly.
"Now, we come to our missing classmate. Draco Malfoy. He is a fine student and, as Professor Snape tells me, the best in his year at potions …"
Hermione looked momentarily indignant at this.
"He is a prefect and wears the badge with honor. Prefect Pansy Parkinson informs us that Draco Malfoy was kidnapped, by his own father. We all hope that Draco is safe and will be among us soon. Head Auror Shacklebolt assures me the Aurors are doing all that they can. What Lord Voldemort may want with Draco is anyone's guess. But I sure everybody here hopes he will be back among us, safe and sound, very soon."
Everybody applauded, even the Gryffindor table. Dudley, Ron, Dean and Hermione clapped their hands together a few times.
"What do you think happened to him?" Dean asked in a low whisper.
"Probably turned coat, the sneaking little rat," Ron said darkly. "I wouldn't put it past him to sign up."
They stopped talking as they realized that Dumbledore still had more to say.
"In the wake of the tragedy that occurred, I again must stress how proud I am of our students. The prefects acted with distinction in carrying out their duties and ensuring the orderly retreat back to the school grounds, and a number of our students helped and aided their younger classmen. Once more—students from each great house worked together as one against outside threats. I am very proud."
"It's getting very serious isn't it?" Hermione said as they trooped back to the dorm. They had the day off, and they planned to get some homework finished. "Attacking Hogsmeade like that …"
"The quicker the Aurors finish him off the better," Dean muttered.
"Hmm, so far they haven't had any luck," Hermione replied.
Dudley didn't reply. He wished he was of age so he could enroll in the Auror Intiative. He wanted to fight. Perhaps he could apply early? Cedric Diggory had dropped out of Hogwarts early after all to sign up and had been allowed. He had been of age, though.
He decided that once he reached 17, he would write to Lockhart and request to join. He and Lockhart were old friends, he felt sure he would get the go ahead from him. Unfortunately, he had a couple more years to go, and who knew what would happen with the war in that time?
Gilderoy Lockhart
Gilderoy Lockhart felt relieved. While the recent events had been a disaster, he felt he had managed to contain it pretty well. He had managed to subtly hint that it was more Dumbledore's fault than his own and had talked up the Auror Initiative, which was one of his major successes during the war.
He had also managed to quickly cover up the murder of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol. While he hadn't been able to keep their murders quiet, he had managed to act quickly and block off access to the Ministry entrance so very few people had witnessed the scene of the displayed bodies. The few who had seen it, had been threatened with losing their jobs if they spoke. All-in-all, he felt things could be worse.
He hoped the upcoming execution of Graham Montague would further help to gloss things over. That would show the world that he meant business. Indeed, that was where he was heading now as he headed to the elevator to the Department of Mysteries. Accompanying him was Percy Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Madame Bones.
He had been advocating the use of Avada Kedavra in executions, but he had been informed of an ancient method of execution lying far below the Ministry in the bowels of the Department of Mysteries.
"Unfortunate that we can't have Rita on hand to witness it," he said to Shacklebolt.
"It's forbidden," Shacklebolt said, simply. "An ancient ruling that even you, minister, can't overturn."
"Yes … well …"
"You'll have your opportunity to speak to the press and tell them later," Kingsley said.
"Yes … yes, I will," Lockhart said, brightening up. He missed the bitter tone in Shacklebolt's voice. As they descended, he thought hard on what his next steps could be.
He had the inkling of an idea to bring the fight to Lord Voldemore, but it needed more time. No, what he needed was something immediate which he could use to boost the country's morale. The execution of the Death Eater Graham Montague was a start, but he needed more.
Just as the elevator reached the Department of Mysteries, he smiled, the idea hitting him suddenly like all great ideas did. He would hold onto it until tomorrow, Lockhart decided. Today's big news would be the execution of Montague. Tomorrow's would be his new plan to lift the country's spirits.
He had never been in the Department of Mysteries before and glanced around curiously as he went. Some of the Ministry's most intelligent and most skilled witches and wizards worked here, studying the many mysteries and intricacies of magic from time, death, new spells, prophecies and more.
Shacklebolt led the way to a large, cold, open room that reminded Lockhart of an arena. There was a small platform with an ancient stone dais stood on the middle. Lockhart shivered slightly. The room radiated evil. The curtain hanging from the dais rippled slightly, almost as if there was air blowing from behind it.
Stood near the dais were a pair of aurors—John Dawlish and Penelope Flint along with two members from the Department of Mysteries. Also there, his hand's tightly shackled, was the Death Eater Montague.
"All set, Dawlish?" Lockhart said, forcing himself to sound cheerful when, in truth, this room gave him the chills.
"This prisoner's here, we're all ready," Dawlish said.
"Excellent, excellent," Lockhart clapped his hands together. He wished he had worn warmer robes than the silk he had on. It was quite chilly here. "Shall we proceed, Madame Bones?"
"Graham Montague," Madame Bones said, in a businesslike voice.
"Yes," Montague looked up.
"You have been found guilty of Death Eater activity, having been captured by Trainee Auror Cedric Diggory about to carry out an assault upon a muggleborn. In accordance to wizarding war, with the permission of Minister for Magic Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin Second Class, Order of Merlin Third Class …"
Lockhart frowned, he had wanted more than that read out when addressed—his membership of the Dark Force Defence League, his winning of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming Smile Award (7 times) and his time as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor warranted a mention.
"… and in full witness of senior representatives from the Auror department and with independent ministry witness Percy Weasley, I hereby sentence you to death. Do you have any last words?"
"Please … Minister! Please … listen … I … I didn't mean it! I was duped … please!"
"The sentenced will proceed, walking through the curtain and into the dais," Madame Bones said.
"Please! I made a mistake! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Montague was screaming now. He darted forward towards them.
Lockhart flinched backwards, behind Shacklebolt, but Montague didn't get close. Dawlish's bludgeoning spell knocked him to the floor.
"Stand," Madame Bones said. "The sentenced will proceed."
Montague looked haunted. His eyes were jumping from person to person—looking for anyone who might show him mercy. All he met were cold stares.
"Proceed, Montague," Shacklebolt said, in his deep, calm voice. "You knew what you were getting into when you joined the Death Eaters. Proceed with dignity."
"I … Minister Lockhart … I beg of you …"
Lockhart shrank back again, fearing that Montague would launch himself at him, but instead, with trembling knees and his head bowed, the Death Eater turned and walked towards the dais and to his death.