*Narrator POV*
It is odd how people can quickly resume their daily activities after events of peril, trepidation, and excitement. The Hogwarts students were showcasing this oddity perfectly; they resumed their daily schedules like always, not fretting over the perils of the previous day. Whispers, however, floated through the corridors like a gentle breeze carrying fragments of worry and curiosity. "Did you see the attack?" one student would murmur to another, their voices low but filled with tension. "I was right there! Saw my life flash before my bloody eyes," another would reply, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and excitement as if he was telling a harrowing tale of how he stopped the minions of evil. Yet, despite the undercurrent of unease, the rhythm of daily life continued undisturbed.
In the Great Hall, the clinking of cutlery and the hum of conversation filled the air. Breakfast was served as usual, with students helping themselves to mountains of eggs, bacon, and toast. The enchanted ceiling reflected a serene, cloudless sky, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing beyond the castle's protective walls. It was as if Hogwarts itself was a sanctuary, a bubble of calm amidst a world descending into chaos.
Outside, the wizarding world was in an uproar. The Daily Prophet had dedicated its front page to the attack, the headline screaming in bold, black letters: "Another attack: families in Disarray." The ariticle detailed the gist of what occurred at hogwarts. Multiple times it called out how Albus and the staff allowed terrorist to sneak into the school. The article made sure to paint a grim picture of incompetence and disorder within the schools walls.
"Minister Bagnold has called for a meeting," the article read, "but with Death Eater activity on the rise, many are questioning Hogwarts' ability to protect its students. Sources within the Auror office report that the attack was swift and well-coordinated, suggesting that the followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named are more organized than previously believed. Furthermore, recent incidents at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have raised concerns about the institution's capacity to safeguard its students. Parents are debating if the school can truly keep their children safe, as there are whispers of dark magic seeping into the very heart of the school."
Back within the walls of Hogwarts, the news spread like wildfire. Copies of the Daily Prophet were passed around the common rooms, the gruesome details discussed in hushed tones. Despite the grim news, classes went on as scheduled. Potions, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts – each lesson a small anchor of normalcy for the students. Professors, while aware of the tension, kept their focus on the curriculum, perhaps hoping that the routine would provide some semblance of stability.
Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster, was a figure of steadfast resolve. He addressed the school in the morning, his voice steady and authoritative. "We are aware of the troubling events outside these walls," he said, his eyes twinkling with a blend of concern and determination. "Rest assured, Hogwarts remains a safe haven. Our priority is your education and well-being. I urge you all to remain vigilant but also to continue your studies with dedication. We will get through this together."
His words, though reassuring, did little to quell the undercurrent of anxiety. The older students, especially those in their final year, couldn't help but feel worried it wasn't just a year ago a student went missing and then the Rosier raid. Nothing seemed to be going well.
In the common rooms, discussions continued. Lily Evans, a third-year, was often at the center of these conversations. "We need to stay informed," she would insist, her brow furrowed with concern. "The more we know, the better prepared we are." James Potter, also a third-year, supported her efforts, though he often found himself lost in thought around her
The younger students looked to them for guidance, their admiration mixed with an unspoken plea for reassurance. "Do you think it will happen again?" a first-year asked Lily one evening, her voice trembling slightly.
Lily knelt to her level, offering a reassuring smile. "We're safe here," she said gently. "Hogwarts has always protected us, and it will continue to do so. Just focus on your studies and try not to worry too much." Although she seemed to be calm on the outside on the inside she was worried
The gryffindor prefects soon arrived and tried to quell the worries of the younger years deciding it best to throw a party.
In the library, a different kind of murmur filled the air – the rustle of pages and the soft whispers of students seeking solace in their books. Madam Pince, the librarian, moved among the rows, her sharp eyes ensuring that order was maintained. Here, in the quiet sanctuary of knowledge, some students found a brief escape from the troubling news.
Outside the castle, the grounds were as serene as ever. Hagrid, the gamekeeper, could be seen tending to his various magical creatures, his presence a comforting constant for the students. The Forbidden Forest loomed nearby, its dark depths a reminder of the dangers that still lurked in the world. Yet, even here, there was a sense of peace, a strange juxtaposition to the chaos beyond.
As night fell, the castle settled into its familiar nighttime routine. Candles flickered in the corridors, and the portraits whispered among themselves, their painted faces reflecting concern and curiosity. The students retired to their dormitories, their minds filled with the day's lessons and the ever-present whispers of outside events.
*Morpheus pov*
The wine in my cup was nearing empty leaving my heart with profound sadness and grief, "Are you listening Morpheus?" Albus asked
I looked up and nodded, "Yeah keep everything normal for the students, try not to bring up the news,"
"Now, can we get onto the real reason we are hear?" I asked before asking for an elf to fill my glass
"Right," Albus sighed, "Horace I'm going to need you for a minute,"
I could see Horace Slughorn perk in suprise before a look of understanding filled his gaze, "I see, it will be prepared shorty," after all it was no secret we still have the death eaters subdued somewhere
"Horace, take some from your available stock we don't have much time," I said with a small smile
He nodded swiftly before leaving the room, "This is wrong," Yowie muttered, "Why don't we wait for the Aurors they should be here soon, you have stalled them long enough,"
Albus rubbed his forhead in exhaustion, "We need to learn what is happening, the Aurors will not tell us. I'd rather learn if there is a new dark lord before the news breaks out so we can prepare," he then sighed deeply, "If you are not comfortable with this then please leave, I will not hold it against any of you but I need to know for the safety of this school"
What Albus's real intentions are is pretty simple, he wishes to reveal the budding of a new dark lord to all of the professors but doesn't want them to know he's known for a while now.
Breaking that trust would be especially damaging right now after he left so many in the dark during the duel.
Plus what he's doing isn't technically illegal, we aren't going to use Veritaserum but instead he asked Horace to grab soluta lingua a very legal potion that basically gives anyone word diarrhea. They will talk on and on about everything and anything.
On a technicality Hogwarts is allowed to questions intruders, there is no law the Aurors will be able to question.
Soon Horace arrived and brought the potions while Minerva brought in the assailants.
*POP*
"Sir they here!" An elf exclaimed
"Why don't I invite them in?" I asked the group with a grin