Harry Potter: The Shadow of Dark Magic

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The second Quidditch match had arrived. Augustus brought Lillian and Loki to the stadium, and he and Lillian began organizing the students into their seats. Amid thunderous cheers, the players made their way onto the field. Oliver Wood soared into the air, flying warm-up laps around the goalposts.

Madam Hooch released the balls. The Slytherin team, dressed in deep green robes, huddled together, taking the last few minutes to discuss strategy.

Harry was just about to mount his broom when Professor McLory came hurrying across the pitch, half running, holding a huge purple megaphone.

"The match is cancelled," Professor McGonagall's voice boomed through the megaphone, addressing the packed stands. A wave of disappointed boos and shouts erupted from the crowd. Oliver Wood looked utterly dejected. He landed but didn't even bother to get off his broom before rushing toward Professor McGonagall.

"But Professor!" he called out. "We have to play… the House Cup… Gryffindor…"

McGonagall ignored him and kept announcing, "All students must return to their common rooms. Your Heads of House will explain the situation to you there. Please leave immediately!" Then she lowered the megaphone and motioned for Harry to come over. "Potter, I think you'd better come with me…"

It was obvious something bad had happened again. Loki and Lillian followed Augustus off the field, preparing to find out what was going on.

"Professor McGonagall, what's happened?" Augustus asked as they approached her.

"If you want to know, come with me," McGonagall replied, nodding at him. "There may be someone you know involved." The three of them followed her back into the castle, climbing the marble staircase. But this time, they weren't taken to anyone's office.

"You're going to be a bit shocked," McGonagall said gently as they neared the hospital wing. "There's been another attack... and it's a double this time."

Augustus frowned. McGonagall pushed open the door, and the three of them stepped inside.

Madam Pomfrey was leaning over a fifth-year student with long, curly hair. Augustus noticed the Ravenclaw badge on his robe — clearly an upper-year. Then, on the bed next to him—

"Hermione!" Augustus said, his expression growing grim. Hermione lay motionless, her eyes wide open and blank. So even the Golden Trio had been attacked now.

"They were found near the library," McGonagall said. "I suppose none of you can explain this? Found next to them on the floor…" She held up a small round mirror.

"I'll walk you back to the Great Hall," McGonagall said heavily. "I'm going to speak to the students anyway."

"All students must return to their common rooms before 6 p.m. No one is allowed to leave their dormitories after that. Every class will now be escorted by a teacher. Students may not use the bathrooms without a teacher present. All Quidditch practices and matches are postponed. There will be no more evening activities."

In the Great Hall, students listened in silence as McGonagall addressed them. The staff table was just as quiet. She rolled up the parchment she'd been reading from and said, in a slightly choked voice, "Frankly, I've rarely felt this distraught.

The school may have to close unless the one behind these attacks is caught. I urge anyone who knows anything to come forward."

She hurried out of the hall after that, and the Gryffindors immediately broke into noisy whispers.

"Two Gryffindors down already," said Lee Jordan, friend of the Weasley twins, counting on his fingers, "not to mention a Gryffindor ghost. Then a Ravenclaw, now a Hufflepuff. Has anyone noticed that no Slytherins have been attacked? Isn't it obvious where this is coming from? The Heir of Slytherin, Slytherin's monster—why don't they just chuck all the Slytherins out?" he shouted. Heads nodded in agreement, and scattered applause broke out.

Percy Weasley was sitting next to Lee, and for once, he didn't seem eager to chime in. His face was pale, clearly shaken.

"Percy's terrified," George whispered to a nearby classmate. "That Ravenclaw girl — Penelope Clearwater — she's a prefect. Percy probably thought that thing wouldn't dare attack a prefect."

"I can't believe there were two more attacks back to back," Malfoy said loudly. "My dad sent me a letter — said they're planning to replace the headmaster. He's working the Board of Governors to force Dumbledore out. Once he's gone, the new headmaster's gonna be a nightmare for all these Mudbloods."

"The Board of Governors is basically under the thumb of the Julius family," Loki cut in, unimpressed. "If your father's proposal doesn't have the Augustus family's support, it's nothing but empty talk. So before we know the outcome, don't go making wild guesses."

The Malfoy family might be sizable, but compared to ancient, powerful lineages like theirs — even Lillian's family had more influence — the Malfoys weren't in the same league.

"Why replace the headmaster at all?" Lillian said seriously. "To us students, Dumbledore's a symbol. He's been a leader and a guide. If there's a vote, I'll be the first to vote against replacing him."

"I'm sure Mr. Augustus will stand with us," Malfoy sneered. "Dumbledore protects Mudbloods and suppresses purebloods. He's our enemy. Lillian, I can't believe you'd object — what are you even thinking?" He glanced at Augustus's face while speaking, gauging his reaction.

"Whether the headmaster gets replaced or not isn't up to us," Augustus said, not giving anything away. "There's no point getting too invested in it. We'll know soon enough. Until then, wild speculation is pointless. Instead of wasting time guessing, think about how to strengthen yourselves. Just because no Slytherin has been attacked yet doesn't mean it won't happen. Stay sharp, or you might be next."

Despite it being summer, Hogwarts felt cold and oppressive. Most people in the castle moved carefully, on edge, afraid they might be the next victim. In this anxious, fearful atmosphere, the shadow of the Chamber of Secrets loomed ever larger, spreading like a storm cloud over the entire castle.

"....."