A/N: Ok, this is my first fanfic that I've ever done so please be gentle but opinionated with your reviews. After getting a couple e-mails, I'm now going to try and update this every Monday and Thursday instead of just once a week, but I still make no guarantees about my timeliness. And for those of you wondering about the 'M' rating, you answer is coming in a few chapters.
Disclaimer: All the characters, places, objects, etc. from books 1-6 (and maybe some stuff before them) belong solely to J.K. Rowling.
The rest of the stuff in this story is out of my own mind and any resemblance to anything in book 7 when it comes out is purely coincidental.
Summery: With what lies ahead of Harry, he gathers as much help as he can to aide in his quest to defeat Voldemort. Will Harry succeed? Will love come into his life?
Chapter 3
The sea of students continued chatting amongst themselves for a little while longer until Professor McGonagall stood up at the staff table. The talking quickly ceased as she began to speak, "This year at Hogwarts has come to a close, and I would like to personally thank all of you, students and staff, for your understanding throughout this year of the situation within our world. And I would like to think that following all of the events that we have lived through this year, that we just may be closer to those around us than we have ever been.
"As you all know, we suffered a tragic loss amongst us for the second time in three years because of on individual, Lord Voldemort," a large portion of the students gasped when she said this, "It is with my deepest sorrow that I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, the greatest headmaster that Hogwarts has ever seen."
As she said this, McGonagall raised her goblet and everyone in the hall followed suit. "To Dumbledore," rang a chorus of voices throughout the hall. Back at the Gryffindor table, Ginny leaned her head onto Harry's shoulder as a tear went down her cheek. Harry put his arm around her to comfort her.
At the staff table, McGonagall sighed deeply and continued through choked back tears, "With what has occurred on these grounds and amongst ourselves this year, I am saddened to say, that the governors have decided that… Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, will not open next year."
Shouts of, "They can't," and, "No, it's not possible," flooded the Great Hall. McGonagall motioned for everyone to quiet down. After a moment or two, she regained control of the room.
"However," she continued, "myself and the heads of the houses have managed to reach an agreement with the governors. The school shall remain open if there are any students that come back to the school and are taught for the full year. Otherwise, this will be the last that we see of each other within these hallowed halls."
Everyone in the Great Hall was looking around at everyone else for some possible hint that what had just been said might not have been true. The quiet hall was now abuzz with chatter amongst the students about the school's future. But then, all of a sudden, Neville stood up from the Gryffindor table, faced the staff table, and said in a very strong voice, "I'll come back to Hogwarts, professor."
McGonagall looked down at him and said, "Thank you Mr. Longbottom."
And then Luna stood at the Ravenclaw table, "I'll come back to Hogwarts, professor." McGonagall nodded towards Luna, when suddenly she was taken back by the chain of events that sprung to life around her.
"I'll come back to Hogwarts, professor," shouted Seamus.
He was quickly followed Dennis and Colin Creevey, "We'll come back to Hogwarts, professor."
Then a Hufflepuff third-year, "I'll come back to Hogwarts, professor."
Soon the sounds of, "I'll come back to Hogwarts, professor," were echoing and overlapping as every student in the Great Hall, including several Slytherins, stood up to reassure the staff that Hogwarts should and would remain open. Tears of joy were streaking down McGonagall's face as she spoke to the now standing student body of Hogwarts, "Thank you, Thank you. All of you. Your determination and unity are exactly what this school needs now, and will need next year. As far as I am concerned, Hogwarts will remain open next year."
Cheers and applause erupted across the hall as this proclamation was made. The staff even joined in this spur of the moment celebration.
The excitement continued for several minute until McGonagall spoke one last time, "It is now time for us to bid farewell to one another. Owls will be sent to your parents explaining both the stance of the governors, as well as the stance of the staff and students. Now please go and enjoy your summer."
Please let me know what you think and leave me a little review. And I will try to update this on Thursday.