For all students, in all groups. Ending Part 2.
The students were ushered into the Great Hall, and the doors were locked and guarded by the professors after they’d made sure every student was in there. They could still hear fighting in the castle, but as everything went on, it seemed more and more distant. Capscien, Cohen, and Fitzsimmons had stayed out of the room, and it seemed like everything might finally be coming to an end.
Only a couple of hours later, near the middle of the day, the doors were opened and the three of them came inside, followed by a large group of aurors that wore insignia from countries all over the world. They took positions all around the room, and when the big three made it to the front, both men shook their heads and allowed Capscien to take the podium.
It was the first time she had spoken to them from this podium since before she had been captured by Falsdom at Christmas, and she seemed just as shaky about it as the students seemed to hear what she had to say.
“It is done,” she began, and no one knew if it was a time for cheering, or silent reverie, so what happened after those three words seemed like a mixture of both. “The man who has terrorized our country for two years is dead, and those people who supported him are in our custody. We will no longer be victims to him, or anyone who followed him.”
“This victory, however, did not come without its cost,” she went on. “We lost brave soldiers here today. Several aurors from around the world; Irish, Portuguese, Italian, American, and French wizards lost their lives today, as well as one vampire and two werewolf fighters. We here at Hogwarts did not remain untouched, either,” she said sadly. “Professor Aurora Sinistra, though having sided with Falsdom, was a great teacher here for a long time, and we will miss her greatly. Professor Larry Darnell fought valiantly for his students, and he died with great honor in protecting those that he had dedicated his life to.” Capscien paused, swallowing hard before she continued. “We also lost four students during this fight. Seventh year Gryffindor Bridget McKenna, Hufflepuff Darren Rey, Ravenclaw Hazel Walsh, and Slytherin Edward Chase all lost their lives fighting with their fellow students to keep these halls as safe as they could be. We will honor all of these deaths as soon as we can get the castle rebuilt, which is our very first priority.
“Until then, students will return to Hogwarts and we will all stay here in the Great Hall. Aurors will be staying to help with rebuilding and also to ensure our protection as the British Wizarding World rebuilds itself out of the ashes of the devastation they’ve faced. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen in our world over the next coming days, but I can assure you that it will be better than what has happened. We have learned. We have grown. And the world is watching, willing to help us become strong and true once again.”
The woman smiled sadly at all of the students. “I want to apologize to all of you for what you have been through. I don’t need to say that classes will not come back to session immediately, allowing all of us time to adjust to the horrors. You will be allowed to return to your dorms to gather some things, but there has been severe damage to the Hufflepuff and Slytherin dormitories, which will perhaps leave some of you without many of your belongings. Please find a professor and we will gather anything that you might need. We want to make it through these last few weeks together, safely, with no fears and no worries. I think there has been enough of that.
“We will hold you until the end of term, though many of you may wish to return home. Until everything is taken care of, you are safer here. We will hold a ceremony to honor the dead, and we will also hold a graduation ceremony to honor those seventh years who have made it through this madness. You all deserve some happiness, and while it may be hard to come by for a little while, we know that you will find it again.”
Capscien cleared her throat, and knew that it was time to be done. “A warm meal is being prepared for you, and those of you who might desire to bathe may let a professor accompany you to the loos that are still in operation before dinner is served. Thank you all, so much more than I can say, for all that you have done in service to your friends, family, and your country. It was more than we could have ever asked. If there is anything that you need, don’t hesitate to find myself or any of your professors to help you. We owe you all a great deal.”
With that, the newly reinstated Headmistress stepped down from the podium, moving into the crowd of students and trying to offer her assistance in any way that she could. Fitzsimmons, Cohen, and their aurors stayed behind as well, wanting to make sure that everything was taken care of. It was a bittersweet feeling, and it washed through the room with heaviness.
It was the end, and while not all good, it was at least not bad.
Watch the main for a post with a few helpful tips and instructions for the end of the event!
