Chapter 2: About study groups

Chapter Text

"That concludes the seventh year. Now before we commence the eighth year, would you like to take a break?" Minerva McGonagall asked.
"We might as well keep going, Minerva. I really want to finish this", said Horace Slughorn.
"An' I got a feelin' we be on a roll jus' now", added Hagrid
His words were met with nods of agreement from the other professors throughout the room.
"Very well," said Minerva McGonagall as she began rummaging through the papers on her desk. She brought up a list and declared, "Twenty-nine students have decided to return to Hogwarts for an eighth year to complete their NEWTs and finish their education. Actually, only Mr. Goyle from Slytherin will not be returning, as he has moved to the USA with his family." She then paused, her face reflecting deep sorrow. "And Miss Brown and Mr. Crabbe will be profoundly missed, as they tragically lost their lives during the Battle of Hogwarts."

The Hogwarts teachers fell silent once more in somber reflection, as they had done multiple times that day. While they were already aware of the losses, hearing the names of students they had taught, supported, and shared the castle with pronounced as dead again was still deeply painful.

After a moment of silence, Minerva McGonagall resumed, "As you are well aware, organizing this year will be particularly complex. Due to recent events, several students have been mandated to complete their education. We cannot be certain that they would have chosen to return voluntarily, which could impact their enthusiasm for both their studies and the school environment. This includes Gregory Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, and Theodore Nott.
"But as previously mentioned, Mr. Gregory Goyle has chosen to complete his education at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the United States," she stated, before sighing softly.
"I believe it is unnecessary to elaborate on the tensions, conflicts, animosities, and resentments present among some of this year's students, particularly between those from Slytherin and the others. It is reasonable to assume that these feelings have intensified due to the war. Indeed, the establishment of the study groups is largely in response to the needs of this year's students. They require more than just academic instruction; they need compassion, patience, and a listening ear. Our students have endured the loss of friends, faced dark forces, and were compelled to undertake responsibilities far beyond their years. Some have had to reassess lifelong beliefs and now find themselves in a world that is difficult to grasp. It is vital that we provide them with guidance, support, and empathy as they prepare for their future. And they must start engaging with one another beyond house divisions to foster mutual understanding and trust."

The room fell silent once more. After a moment, Professor Flitwick cleared his throat and remarked, "Well said, Minerva," prompting a chorus of "Hear, hear" from around the room. He then continued, "Regarding the sorting, I believe the students who will require the most consideration are Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Malfoy."

Professor Sprout interjected, "I would also include Parvati Patil, as she lost her best friend."

"Don' ferget Dean Thomas! He was stuck there at Malfoy Manor fer a good bit, he was!", added Hagrid.

"I'd like to include Miss Parkinson and Mr. Nott as well, given that they were thrust into a very dark world due to their parents' beliefs," Professor Slughorn added.

"Well, we need to start somewhere. How about we begin with the four mentioned first?" suggested Professor Vector.

"Agreed," Professor McGonagall responded.