Hogwarts Advanced Guide

Chapter 307
"I think Dumbledore has his own reasons, and we should believe him." Hera thought for a while and replied.

There was silence in the cabin.

"Aha, I almost forgot." Hagrid slammed the table on the table with a loud bang that startled everyone. "Dumbledore got me some work this summer," said Hagrid, "but it's confidential, and I can't tell it, not even to you."

"Does this have anything to do with Voldemort?"

Hearing the name, Hagrid flinched in fear, and Hera was a little amused. If he knew that he had just returned from Voldemort, how would he react?

It's just that Hera tilted her head and thought for a while. He seemed to have guessed Hagrid's mission, so he asked in a low voice, "Are you going with Madam Maxim?"

"Oh, I think you guessed it right." Hagrid muttered.

In the following time, everyone became silent, probably because Harry called out that name again, which made the atmosphere suddenly freeze.

On the last day before the holiday, the school was decorated in a solemn appearance.Usually at the leaving banquet, the hall is decorated in the colors of the winning house.Tonight, however, black curtains hang on the walls behind the staff desks.Hera understood almost immediately that it was a tribute to Cedric.

He and Penelope trotted across the auditorium to the head of the table, where the real Mad-Eye Moody was now seated at the staff table, his wooden legs and magic eyes back where they belonged.He seemed particularly nervous, jumping up whenever someone spoke to him.

Yet Hera knew it wasn't his fault, and Moody's ten months of confinement in his crate must have heightened his fear of being attacked.Karkaroff's seat was vacant, although it was clear why he wasn't here.But Hogwarts still gave Durmstrang the most basic respect.

Madame Maxime was still there, sitting next to Hagrid, and they were discussing something quietly.

"Hera, here—" Penello asked in a low voice.

Hera put her finger in front of her mouth and hissed, signaling her to just watch quietly.

After about a few minutes, the auditorium was full of students, and Dumbledore stood up from the staff table. The auditorium was much quieter than the usual school leaving banquet, and it was even more silent at this time.Even the playful Weasley twins were quiet.

"Another year," said Dumbledore, looking at them all. "It's over."

He stopped talking and his eyes fell on Hufflepuff's table.Before Dumbledore rose to his feet, the mood at this table was the most oppressive, and the faces around this table were also the saddest and palest in the entire hall.

"I have many things to say to you all tonight," said Dumbledore, "but first I must say with great sorrow that we have lost someone we thought was a good man who should have been sitting here," he pointed to Hufflepuff's classmates, "and enjoy this dinner with us. I hope you all stand and raise your glasses to Cedric Diggory."

Everyone stood up one after another, and there was a sound of benches moving in the auditorium.They all raised their goblets and said in one low, deep voice, "Cedric Diggory."

Hera could see many students, especially the girls, with tears running silently down their cheeks.When everyone sat down again, many people also looked down at the table in pain. It was difficult for them to accept Cedric's death.

"Cedric exemplified all the qualities that characterize Hufflepuff House," continued Dumbledore. "He was a kind, loyal friend, a hard-working student, and a man of fair play. His death has been a shock to all of you, whether you knew him or not. I therefore think you have a right to know what happened."

Hera raised her head and looked at Dumbledore. Is he going to tell the truth?

He wouldn't, such news would only cause a commotion, or make people think he was an old madman.No one would believe what he said, except the truly sane.

"Cedric Diggory was killed by Voldemort."

Well, he said it.Hera looked into the Great Hall, where there was a nervous murmur, and the students were all staring at Dumbledore in horror and disbelief.Gradually, their mutterings fell silent.

"The Ministry of Magic does not want me to tell you this," Dumbledore continued. "Some parents may be shocked by what I have done - either because they cannot believe that Voldemort has really returned, or because they think it is wrong for me to tell you this, after all, you are young. However, I believe that it is always better to tell the truth than to lie, and it would be an insult to Cedric's image if we tried to describe Cedric's death as an accident, or blame it on his own carelessness."

In fact, it was hard for Hera to see where Cedric had any image at all. According to Harry's description, Cedric died in vain. Before he even had time to look at the surrounding environment clearly, he was taken away by an 'Avada Kedavra'.

There is hardly anyone more unlucky than him.

Every face in the Great Hall was turned towards Dumbledore, and shock and horror were written on every face. Oh, not every face, in fact, there were a few small groups at the Slytherin table who were whispering that they weren't as terrified as Hufflepuff.It's as if Voldemort's return is a happy event.

In a way, yes.After all, their parents are likely to be Voldemort's loyal lackeys.

"In speaking of Cedric's death, one other person must be mentioned," continued Dumbledore. "I am speaking, of course, of Harry Potter."

Hera breathed a sigh of relief. At that moment, he thought that Dumbledore was going to mention his name. They had never discussed this matter before.

Dumbledore's words caused a stir in the auditorium, and several people turned their heads to Harry, and then turned back immediately, looking at Dumbledore.Their movements are so loud that there is no way to ignore them.I'm sure this must have disturbed Harry, because everyone could see him sitting in a chair like a mannequin in a window.

"Harry Potter escaped Voldemort's clutches," said Dumbledore. "He risked his life to fight Voldemort. He showed in every way a fearless spirit that few wizards have shown in the face of Voldemort's power. For this, I pay tribute to him."

Dumbledore turned gravely to Harry, raising his goblet once more.Almost everyone in the auditorium did, including Hera, who raised his goblet, even though it contained ginger ale.They toasted him, whispering Harry's name as they had just said Cedric's name.

Once everyone was seated again, Dumbledore added: "The purpose of the Triwizard Tournament is to enhance and foster mutual understanding in the wizarding world. In light of what is happening now - in light of Voldemort's return - this connection is more important than ever."

The students of Durmstrang hoped that their principal, Karkaroff, could still sit in front, but obviously, this was impossible. His body had not fully recovered, and it seemed that he had been tortured to the point of indistinctness. At least he would have to stay in the Saint-Germont Hospital for Magical Injuries and Disorders for a few months.

Unfortunately, Voldemort will not let him go.

"Every guest in this Hall," Dumbledore went on, his eyes resting on Durmstrang's classmates, "is welcome to come back at any time. I repeat to you all - in view of Voldemort's return from the dead, we are only strong when we are united, and vulnerable when divided. Voldemort created conflict and enmity with great skill. Language differences will not be a barrier."

Undoubtedly, Dumbledore's words had some effect, and everyone in the auditorium could see that Krum was beating his right hand on his left chest, and he was showing his loyalty to Dumbledore.Losing Karkaroff is a big loss for them, anyway, they are in a relatively weak situation - Durmstrang has lost the backbone.

If Voldemort really attacked Durmstrang, there is no doubt that they have no strength to resist.Durmstrang teaches black magic. This does not mean that all its students believe in black magic. Many students are cautious about black magic.They were no fools, and Voldemort was not an appropriate follower.

"Remember Cedric, when you have to choose between the right way and the short way, please don't forget an upright, kind and brave boy who suffered such a tragic fate because of his unexpected encounter with Voldemort. Please always remember Cedric Diggory."

Everyone applauded for him and Cedric. This meal was very sad. Without the excitement of previous years, the mood of the professors was not much better than that of the students.They believed Dumbledore, no matter how ridiculous his words were.

Voldemort is really back, they believe it.In the same way, they believed that Voldemort would never sit still when he came back, he would definitely gather his men and set off a burst of darkness.

And these students in front of them, after a holiday, who will leave them forever?
We don't know, but all the professors looked at Harry with tears in their eyes.Even Professor Snape, who left the Great Hall before tears welled up in his eyes.But Dumbledore firmly believed that he must have the urge to cry.

In the end, Hera was in the crowded hall with the other professors, waiting with the students for the carriages to take them to Hogsmeade station.It was another beautiful and pleasant summer day, but everyone's heart was surprisingly heavy.

Durmstrang's students also walked across the hall, toward the Black Lake.

"Hey, Krum, I hope you can drive the big boat back." Hera patted Krum on the shoulder. It seemed that he recovered well, but he just lost a few days of memory. He was able to appear at the school leaving banquet, which proved that there was nothing wrong with his body.

"Karkaroff is not at the helm," Krum's voice was hoarse and dull, and he became more silent after being attacked by Hera. "He stays in the cabin, and we do the work."

"I hope to see you again in the future. You have suffered too much this school year." Hera nodded and said goodbye to Krum.He felt a little sorry for Krum in his heart.

Krum nodded, and he walked steadily towards the black lake with his classmates across the lawn.
"He's a good man." Penello said, hugging his shoulders. "Hermione told me that he has always been polite to Hermione, but he's a little gloomy. But I don't think it's a problem."

"He will grow." Hera said slowly, looking at Krum's back.

The horseless carriage was slowly driving towards the castle, and the little ones seemed very excited. They probably imagined that they would see their parents' faces in a few hours, which even diluted their melancholy clouds about Cedric's death.

Hera kissed Penelope gently on the cheek, and sent her to Beauxbaton's carriage. He had already agreed with Mrs. Maxime that the British territory was not safe now.Although Penello is very resistant, this matter cannot be discussed.

It would be too bad if Liupenello was at Hogwarts. He wasn't sure if Voldemort would take the opportunity to attack Hogwarts. He simply didn't have the extra energy to protect her.

For Penello, this is simply the worst news. She has just spent a 'pleasant' year with Hera, and they are about to separate again.

Fortunately, she was not a stupid woman. Although she was very reluctant in her heart, her rationality told her that she had better not stay at Hogwarts and become Hera's burden.

"I'll write to you." Penello's eyes filled with tears.

"I will too."

"Protect yourself, I will wait for you in Beauxbatons."

"Yes, we will see you after everything is over." Hera replied very firmly. If the situation is really out of control, he can just run away with oil on his feet. After all, no matter how you look at it, Voldemort and Dumbledore can't spare time and energy to deal with him, a small character.

He returned to the castle after seeing off Penello. He stood in the foyer, quietly watching the big carriage flying in the air.

"It's a sad moment, isn't it?" Dumbledore's voice came from behind Hera. "I don't think there is anything more painful than the separation of a loved one. But I think she will understand you."

"She has always been a sensible girl." Hera sighed, turned and walked towards the castle.

Dumbledore nodded emphatically, "Of course. We'd better go to my office, Hera, I have something to ask you. I heard from the Ministry of Magic that NO.12 Grimmauld Place is now."

(End of this chapter)