Grand Visitors
Wednesday Morning, June 29, 1995, Hogwarts Great Hall
As students and Staff were sitting down to breakfast—some opting for a Full English, while others contented themselves with lighter fare—the morning owls arrived, bringing reminders that there was indeed a world outside the castle’s walls.
Suddenly, the doors opened, to admit Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, DMLE Amelia Bones…and Amos and Drusilla Diggory, parents of the slain Cedric Diggory.
As one, those seated all rose respectfully. As the group made its way down the middle aisle—between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff—the Head Boy and Head Girl moved to stand in front of Albus Dumbledore’s spot at the High Table. Prefects from the four Houses also rose; they moved to join the Head Boy and Head Girl; all now stood at the ends of the middle two tables.
Minister Fudge nodded congenially to the students who spoke to him, although he barely glanced at the Slytherin students…and not at all at Draco Malfoy, his known clique members, or several of their other Housemates. When he reached the point where he could make optimum eye contact with Harry Potter, Fudge’s glance was a combination of sympathy…and mischief. ” What’s he up to?” wondered Ron and Hermione, who’d also both spotted Fudge’s expression.
Meanwhile, when DMLE Bones reached her niece, Susan, she gave the young Witch a comforting gaze.
~~~~~
For the Diggorys, who were both Hogwarts alumni, the trek up the aisle had never seemed longer. It evoked memories of jittery nerves and jelly-like legs on their respective Sorting Ceremonies. This time, though, the heads that dipped slightly at their passing (mostly Pureblood students, although many of the rest caught on quickly to what the Purebloods were doing; questions and explanations would come later) sent waves of support to the bereaved parents.
Drusilla and Amos Diggory were able, albeit halfheartedly, to silently acknowledge the silent expressions of sympathy and support. Unlike Fudge, though, the Diggorys received, and accepted these somber sentiments from all four Houses.
As the two reached the Head Table, they were met with tender embraces from Deputy Headmistress McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore (although Albus and Amos’s embrace began with a firm handshake, followed by Albus’s pulling the other Wizard close). The other Staff Members gave and received the same gestures the students had exhibited. Cornelius then pulled a small parcel from within his robes, eliciting a knowing look from Albus.
~~~~~
After the entourage had exchanged handshakes (and a few light embraces, especially from the Hufflepuffs, Cedric’s Housemates) from the elite group of students—who then returned to their respective tables—Drusilla and Amos accepted seats to the immediate right of the Headmaster; Cornelius and Amelia took seats to Dumbledore’s left. Staff members who usually occupied those seats moved to quickly-Conjured alternate seating.
There was no need for Minerva to “clink” for attention, as all eyes were on the early morning VIP’s. “Minister Fudge,” Dumbledore was now saying, “do you wish to address the school?”
”I do indeed, Headmaster Dumbledore…and our apologies for not giving you advance notice of this impromptu visit.” This was met with a quiet semi-chuckle.
”First, I’d like to apologize for not being here sooner; however, certain circumstances at the Ministry required that I remain there longer than I’d wished to be.
”As Minister of Magic, I should’ve been present when your foreign guests departed, to return to their respective schools, and I regret that I was unable to meet that obligation; I have, however, been in touch with both schools extensively since their departures.” Something in Fudge’s demeanor caused several heads to covertly turn his way, although no Staff Member said anything.
~~~~~
Now, Fudge pulled out his copy of the previous Sunday’s Daily Prophet. Showing the headline Daily Prophet: ”’He is NOT Back!!’, Minister Declares”, Cornelius continued, “I know many of you feel the same way that I used to feel…but no more….” To emphasize his statement, Fudge tossed the paper aside.
”I was given a rude awakening this past Saturday night, after the conclusion of the Tournament—as many others were—about what the forces of the Dark Side could do…and the price innocent people too often pay.” At this, Drusilla and Amos Diggory clasped hands tightly, and leaned against each other.
”What should’ve been celebrated as a triumph Saturday night for Hogwarts—and, indeed, the UK—was turned into the worst sort of nightmare for the entire Wizarding World, and we must quickly band together, to halt the spread of Evil among us.
”While these events are indeed somber, let us not forget to celebrate our accomplishments, however small they may be. To that end, I wish to call on Harry Potter, to join us at this time.”
~~~~~
As the somewhat reluctant Fourth-Year rose from his seat, Fudge said, ”Finite”, ending the Charm he’d had on his parcel…causing it to reveal itself as a sizable bag.
Spotting it, Harry mused, ”I’d forgotten all about that!” Only when he reached Cornelius, did Harry realize that Cedric’s parents had moved, and were at Fudge’s side.
As Harry accepted the handshakes and embraces from Cedric’s parents (and hugged them fiercely), he choked out his condolences to the newly-grieving couple. His reactions ran the gamut—from relief and gratitude, to surprise, and even shock—when Drusilla whispered in his ear, ”He won’t get away with this!”
Amos Diggory’s words were no less fervent. ”Help us pay him back!” he choked out. Those words resonated with Harry Potter, and touched a place deep within the young Wizard’s soul.
”…pay him back!” ”THAT’S IT!!” Harry realized, now looking at Minister Fudge’s bag—which he realized contained the 1,000-Galleon prize for the winner of the Triwizard Tournament—in an entirely new light. Oh, yes, Voldemort was going to pay dearly…!