All the whispers died, and the ones eating had their mouths open. It felt like a magical time freeze spell was cast as all the students remained motionless.
The students' attention was all on the headmaster.
They watched him walk all the way in front of the staff's table. Unlike the norm, the headmaster did not take his seat but stood in front of the stand.
The students, teachers, and staff all turned their attention to the wise wizard. They knew about the tension that had happened yesterday in the Ministry's office. All of them were sure that Dumbledore was going to talk about Harry Potter and Cedric, but did not know exactly what.
Those from the pureblood fraction, like Draco, were already warned by their fathers to turn a deaf ear to the Headmaster. Irritated, Draco listened to exactly what that old man had to say.
"Fellow students and staff of Hogwarts, I stand before you today as the bearer of sad tidings, but also to bring clarity into the darkness that we found ourselves in," Dumbledore began, his voice loud, reaching the last student in the great hall. To mirror the tense atmosphere, the candles went dim.
"Cedric Diggory, a student of great promise and noble character, has left us in circumstances that I dare not wish even against my enemies. His untimely demise during the Triwizard Tournament has cast a shadow over our school, leaving us with grief and questions."
The sadness in Dumbledore's voice broke many hearts, which led to multiple tears.
"He was a young man of courage and fair play, exemplifying the very spirit of Hogwarts. Cedric's death is a loss that we all feel deeply, and the pain of his absence will linger within these walls. In these moments of sorrow, let us remember the virtues he embodied and honor his memory by upholding the values he held dear."
Minerva McGonagall looked at the students on the four tables. The sadness in their faces, the way they were reflecting upon Albus's words.
Only Dumbledore had such an effect.
The way he articulates his words. He did not just speak, he made people feel it in their hearts.
Dumbledore continued, "The circumstances surrounding Cedric's passing are still shrouded in mystery. We must approach this tragedy with empathy and a commitment to uncovering the truth. Cedric deserves that much, and so does his grieving family."
"We find ourselves in a time of uncertainty, where shadows of doubt and suspicion have cast their grip over our beloved school," Dumbledore continued, his gaze sweeping across the sea of faces. "The recent events surrounding the Triwizard Tournament have led to questions, fears, and a cloud of uncertainty. It is in times like these that we must remember the values that Hogwarts stands for – unity, friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge. We must resist the temptation to succumb to fear and mistrust."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall, and Dumbledore's eyes softened. "Now, let me address the accusations that have been leveled against one of our own – Harry Potter. I do not have to tell you about Harry. All of you here have lived together, played, and learned with one another. You, of all people, know the boy best. Sadly, the Ministry of Magic, in its pursuit of truth, has cast a shadow upon our young wizard, questioning his character and placing the weight of suspicion upon his shoulders without even having confirmed his involvement."
Dumbledore's voice carried a note of both conviction and reassurance. "I implore each and every one of you to remember the Harry Potter we have come to know and admire. A young boy who has faced unimaginable challenges, who has triumphed over darkness time and time again. A boy who has exhibited courage and compassion in the face of adversity."
A quiet determination settled in Dumbledore's gaze as he continued, "The accusations against Harry are grave, and we must not take them lightly. However, let us not forget that he is innocent until proven guilty. We, as a community, must strive for justice, and we must not let the fabric of trust that binds us unravel in the face of uncertainty."
Dumbledore paused, allowing his words to linger in the air. The Great Hall was wrapped in a thoughtful silence as students and staff absorbed the Headmaster's message.
"In the coming days, I urge you to remain vigilant but fair. Seek the truth, but do not let suspicion blind you to the essence of the wizard or witch standing beside you. Hogwarts has weathered storms before, and it is through unity and understanding that we shall emerge stronger."
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Ron and Hermione were waiting in the crowded entrance hall with the rest of the fourth years for the carriages that would take them back to Hogsmeade station. It was another beautiful summer's day, but for the two friends, everything seemed grey as their friend Harry was still missing.
"Ron!"
He looked around to identify the female student who had called his name. Fleur Delacour was hurrying up the stone steps into the castle. Beyond her, far across the grounds, Ron could see Hagrid helping Madame Maxime get the two giant horses into their harness. The Beauxbatons carriage was about to take off.
"We will see each uzzer again, I 'ope," said Fleur as she reached him, holding out her hand. "I am 'oping to get a job 'ere, to improve my Eenglish."
"It's very good already," said Ron in a strangled sort of voice. Fleur smiled at him.
"I 'ope zat zey find 'Arry Potter quickly. Ze boy who saved my sister's life cannot 'ave taken one. Goodbye," said Fleur, turning to go.
Krum had come to say goodbye to Hermione.
"Could I have a vord?" he asked her. "Oh ... yes ... all right," said Hermione, looking slightly puzzled, and following Krum through the crowd and out of sight.
"You'd better hurry up!" Ron called loudly after her. "The carriages will be here in a minute!"
After her talk with Krum, Hermione and Ron watched as the students from both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang went back to their respective countries.
Gradually, as the remaining students left, Hermione and Ron found themselves among the few left.
"Everything's going to change now, isn't it?" said Hermione as her eyes became tearful and she hugged Ron's arm.
"Yes," replied Ron as he kept staring at the beautiful sky.