13th of September, 1:00 p.m. Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The Great Hall
Albus Dumbledore was seated at the teacher's table in his ornate high chair. A platter full of the most mouthwatering delicacies rested on the table opposing him, but he made no attempt to approach it. Similarly, Ginny Weasley did not touch her food, and sat boring holes into it with her red puffy eyes. Albus sighed as he saw a fellow Gryffindor attempt to engage her in conversation before she quietly asked him not to. Two seats away from her sat Ron Weasley. He, however, ate his full and perhaps even more, venting the grief that gnawed at his insides into the food.
Was I so careless in taking care of those who entrusted me with their lives? He berated himself.
The doors to the Great Hall opened and a lone man walked through. He was garbed in a dark travelling cloak and held a medium sized trunk to his side. His bald head actually managed to reflect whatever rays of sunlight generated by the enchanted ceiling. He marched to the teacher's table, his icy-blue eyes focused on the Headmaster. Albus had just sent the man a letter about four hours ago, informing him that in light of the current situation, I hope you would not mind being inspected for any dark artifacts, surely you realize this is mere regulation.
"Jonas Akerfeldt, I presume?" said the Headmaster standing to his full height and offering his hand.
The man nodded and took Albus' hand in a rather lifeless handshake.
"You've received my letter, I hope?" said Dumbledore.
"Yes, I have," replied Akerfeldt coldly "I would be more than happy to allow your men to examine my luggage and my person"
"I believe a standard revealing charm would suffice," said Dumbledore, waving his wand in circular motions "Yes, that should be all, nothing to worry about, although I hope you plan to keep that bottle of wine away from students"
"Oh, of course, Headmaster," retorted Akerfeldt "though I believe the students should be kept away from me with that bottle in my hand"
Dumbledore lughed mirthlessly; Akerfeldt contributed a small chuckle, and then remained silent. Dumbledore nodded at McGonagall and she softly tapped her spoon onto her glass, requesting silence. Silence was immediate.
"Due to our Muggle Studies teacher, Professor Crow's unfortunate demise," said Dumbledore "I present you with his replacement, Professor Jonas Akerfeldt"
A few claps could be heard, but Dumbledore doubted most of the students even knew Crow existed. That thought made him think of the Order meeting he had last night. His mind pondered again, why would Voldemort want Amadeus dead?
13th of September, 8:00 p.m., St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries ,4th floor, Spell Damage, Augustus Smethwyck Ward
"Casting a full-body bind curse was indeed the best course of action," said healer, Sarah Underhill, as she escorted Dumbledore to Kingsley Shacklebolt's bed "due to the long time he spent under, however, he has suffered severe tissue damage. His motor functions are fine, but more delicate aspects such as memory…" she sighed "I'm afraid any recent memories might be lost or at the very best, blurred"
"I understand," said Dumbledore as they reached a curtained bed "Is he awake?"
The curtains were pulled to the side, to reveal Kingsley Shaclebolt sitting upright in his bed.
"I can't remember anything, Dumbledore," he said, his voice a little rougher than usual "I know what happened, but it's all blurry, I cannot…"
"I am not here to talk to you about that incident, Kingsley," said Dumbledore warmly, though any one could tell he was somewhat disappointed "I am merely here to make sure you're alright. Also, I have something to offer. The minister has decided that a few Aurors should be stationed at Hogwarts in light of these dark circumstances, and I'd like you to be one of them"
"But, Dumbledore…"
"Now, now," said Dumbledore "I would be relieved, having someone as competent as you to protect my students, now wouldn't I? I expect you to be in your quarters at Hogwarts by tomorrow morning at the latest"
Kingsley didn't reply. He knew why Dumbledore was doing this. Kingsley knew his own life would be in far more danger, now that he had survived the attempt on his life. The real one being protected was him.