Chapter 64: Gathering Storm
The second Quidditch match of the season was about to begin. Augustus arrived at the stadium with Lillian and Loki, assisting with seating arrangements for the students. The players entered the field to thunderous applause as Oliver Wood soared into the air, circling the goalposts to warm up. Madam Hooch released the balls, and the Slytherin team, clad in deep green robes, huddled together to discuss their tactics.
As Harry prepared to mount his broomstick, Professor McGonagall suddenly rushed onto the field, holding a large purple microphone.
"The match is canceled," she announced to the crowded stands, her amplified voice cutting through the noise. Boos and disgruntled shouts erupted from the crowd. Oliver Wood looked devastated as he landed without dismounting his broom, hurrying toward McGonagall.
"But, Professor!" he protested. "We must play... the House Cup... Gryffindor..."
Ignoring him, Professor McGonagall continued, "All students must return to their house common rooms immediately, where your Heads of House will provide further information. Please evacuate the stands at once!" She then motioned for Harry to follow her. "Potter, I think you'd better come with me..."
It was clear another attack had occurred. Loki and Lillian followed Augustus as he approached McGonagall to inquire about the situation.
"Professor McGonagall, what's happened?" Augustus asked.
"If you want to know, come with me," McGonagall replied. "You might even recognize one of the victims."
Intrigued and concerned, the trio followed McGonagall back to the castle and up the marble staircase. This time, however, they weren't taken to anyone's office. "Prepare yourselves; this will be shocking," McGonagall said softly as they approached the hospital wing. "There's been another attack... and it's a double this time."
Augustus frowned as McGonagall pushed the door open, and the three of them entered. Madam Pomfrey was leaning over a fifth-year student with long curly hair, whose Ravenclaw badge was visible on their robes. Turning his gaze, Augustus saw the bed beside them—"Hermione!" he muttered gravely. Hermione lay motionless, her wide eyes vacant and unblinking.
"They were found near the library," McGonagall explained. "This was on the floor beside them." She held up a small round mirror.
"I'll escort you back to the Great Hall," McGonagall said somberly. "I need to address the students anyway."
Back in the Great Hall, a hush fell over the crowd as McGonagall made her announcement:
"All students must return to their common rooms by six o'clock. After this time, no one is allowed to leave their dormitories. Every class will now be escorted by a teacher. No student is to use the lavatories unaccompanied. All Quidditch practices and matches are postponed indefinitely. Evening activities are canceled."
As she finished, she rolled up the parchment she'd been reading from, her voice strained with emotion. "I can hardly bear to say this, but the school may have to close unless the perpetrator of these attacks is caught. I urge anyone with information to come forward immediately."
After her speech, she hurried out of the hall. The Gryffindor students immediately began whispering among themselves.
"Two Gryffindors down already," Lee Jordan counted on his fingers, "not to mention our house ghost, plus a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff. Has anyone noticed that no Slytherins have been attacked? Isn't it obvious these attacks are coming from them? Slytherin's heir, Slytherin's monster—why don't they just expel the lot of them?" He shouted, eliciting nods and scattered applause from his audience.
Percy Weasley, sitting nearby, didn't rush to defend his house as usual. He looked pale and shaken. "Percy's terrified," George whispered to a classmate. "That Ravenclaw girl—Penelope Clearwater—she's a prefect. Percy probably thought prefects were safe from the monster."
"Two attacks in a row!" Draco Malfoy declared loudly. "My father wrote to me. He says the school's going to have a new headmaster. He's working with the Board of Governors to oust Dumbledore. Once he's gone, the new headmaster will make life a nightmare for Mudbloods."
"The Board of Governors is controlled by the Julius family," Loki retorted dismissively. "If Augustus's family doesn't back your father's proposal, it'll go nowhere. Until the decision's made, stop jumping to conclusions."
"Replacing Dumbledore is unthinkable," Lillian said firmly. "He's the spiritual leader of this school. If there's a vote, I'll be the first to oppose it."
"Augustus will surely support us," Malfoy countered, sneering at Lillian. "Dumbledore suppresses pure-bloods and protects Mudbloods. He's the enemy of our kind. I can't believe you'd oppose this!"
"The decision isn't ours to make," Augustus interjected calmly. "Speculation is pointless until we know the outcome. Instead of wasting energy on rumors, focus on strengthening yourselves. Just because no Slytherin has been attacked yet doesn't mean we should be complacent. Stay vigilant."
Malfoy fell silent, unable to gauge Augustus's stance.
Though it was summer, the oppressive atmosphere at Hogwarts felt wintry and cold. Fear hung over the castle like a storm cloud, and under its shadow, the students tread carefully, afraid they might be next. The Chamber of Secrets loomed over the school, casting an ever-darker pall.
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