Kim Namjoon and Melancholy Mini-Chapter
“-our deepest condolences to Carter’s family. His loss has shaken us to the core, and we will not let his sacrifice be forgotten. As with our other Hufflepuff families. The house has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, and they have proven the might and strength of Hogwarts.”
The Great Hall was silent, students bowing their heads. Namjoon sighed, adjusting his glasses. Their service for the Hufflepuff seeker was drawing to a close, and he wished he felt better knowing it was over.
“But now is not the time for sorrow, but for celebration!” Headmistress McGonagall said, raising her arms. “The students who lost their lives have been avenged, their perpetrator caught, thanks to one of our own!”
The Headmistress gestured to Jungkook who stood off to her right. The hall filled with rapturous applause and he bowed his head. When he looked up Namjoon saw his ashy skin, thin lipped frown, and dull gaze. He looked beyond tired. Anyone else would sum it up to be the weight of catching the killer, but Namjoon knew better.
“You have the right to know who has been tormenting you,” The Headmistress continued over the voices. “He has already been detained and sent to Azkaban, thanks to the dutiful aurors who have been protecting us these past few months.” A low murmur rippled across the audience, and Namjoon knew exactly why. The aurors didn’t protect them. Carter wouldn’t be dead if they did.
“Alwin Ferguson was his name. A deranged man bent on the destruction of Hogwarts. He will pay for his crimes, and we shall rest again. The house cup will continue, along with the Quidditch cup. I am also pleased to announce that since we no longer need aurors here, our Prefects will return to their duties! Keep studying and prepare for upcoming end of year exams!”
A spray of magical confetti fell over the students, as they were released to go where they pleased. The school song played loudly over the anxious chattering, and Namjoon shoved his way through the crowd. He managed to get through the first and second years, jogging forward to catch the Headmistress before she retired.
“Headmistress! Headmistress!” He called, and she paused, just about to walk away.
“Yes Mr.Kim? You should be out consoling your friend Mr.Jung, no? He lost a very important member of his team today.”
“Yes, I understand Headmistress, but I needed to ask you about the killer-”
“Mr.Kim, it is not suitable for me to discuss such disturbing topics with a student-”
“Please,” He said, grabbing her sleeve. “Please. He’s the reason my best friend left. I need to know why. Why he did it.”
She paused, caught off guard by Namjoon’s vulnerable tone. Uncomfortably she fixed her glasses and posture.
“I. . . very well. Just the bare minimum. Mr.Ferguson had gone mad after the death of his son. He blamed Hogwarts for the death and not preparing his child for the real world, especially the Hufflepuff house. He sought revenge and took it.”
“But what about Professor Kim? Why him?”
“I can’t possibly understand a murderer’s mind Mr.Kim. But I’d suspect since he was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, he would be to blame for lack of educational defense teachings. Please now Mr.Kim, go to your friends and let this be. You’re safe now.”
She patted Namjoon’s shoulder and walked away, leaving him to stand alone while everyone else dispersed. The sounds of their voices drowned out, pieces not clicking together like they should have. Namjoon didn’t know how long he stood there, but it must’ve been long enough, because Jin found him and led him away.
He rubbed his shoulders and held his head, whispering in his ears and wiping tears away that Namjoon didn’t know he let fall.
“It’s okay. I know. I know. Things are bad. Something’s wrong. I know. We’ll catch him. We haven’t lost yet. It’s okay.”