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Chapter 719: Unity

How could Cedric be a vampire!

They were all perplexed, but more shocking news was yet to come.

“Cedric is a person who exemplifies many of the qualities that distinguish Hufflepuff House. He is a good and loyal friend, a hard worker. He values fair play and is a champion worthy of respect!” Dumbledore continued, “But we can’t help asking, why did such a good boy become a vampire? Why did he have to leave his country, leave his family and friends he knows, leave his hometown and start his life in a new place with a new identity?”

Yeah, why?!!

Everyone looked up at Dumbledore, waiting for him to continue.

“Because he was the victim of this unfortunate incident!” Dumbledore paused, staring down at the students. “This incident was made by Voldemort. He has returned. He’s back in this country with the help of a vampire!”

A panicked whisper swept the Great Hall, and everyone stared at Dumbledore in horror and disbelief.

This time the argument and muttering lasted for a long time, and then gradually fell to silence.

“The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this,” Dumbledore continued. “It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so… either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies. If we continue to hide the truth of the matter, no one will stand up and fight against Voldemort. There will be no tomorrow in the wizarding world!”

Stunned and frightened, every face in the Hall was turned toward Dumbledore now.

There was another murmur. Not everyone could accept Dumbledore’s claim that he would fight Voldemort, and most people at the Slytherin long table, including students from Durmstrang did not agree. 

“At this point, I have to mention two more people, Evan Mason and Harry Potter!”

Many people turned their heads to Evan and Harry, and quickly turned back to face Dumbledore.

“Evan and Harry managed to escape Voldemort’s clutches!” said Dumbledore. “The two of them set an example for others. They showed, in every respect, the sort of bravery that few wizards have ever shown in facing Lord Voldemort, and for this, I honor them.”

He turned gravely to Evan and Harry, and many people did like him, and everyone paid tribute to Evan and Harry.

Hearing that the two of them were able to fight Voldemort, most of the students were shocked and admired their courage.

“Although you are still students, although you cannot really go to the battlefield, I hope you can understand that we must unite in the face of unprecedented evil.” Dumbledore continued, “the Triwizard Tournament, that has been recently forced to end, may not be successful, but its original aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened… of Lord Voldemort’s return… such ties are more important than ever before.”

Dumbledore looked from Madame Maxime and Hagrid, to Fleur Delacour and her fellow Beauxbatons students, to the Durmstrangs at the Slytherin table.

Krum was not among them, and he was being treated at St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

Under Dumbledore’s gaze, the rest of the Durmstrangs looked wary, almost frightened. They seemed to think that Dumbledore would say something harsh, especially the student who had just talked to Malfoy. He seemed furtive.

“Every guest in this Hall,” said Dumbledore, and his eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, “will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again… in the light of Lord Voldemort’s return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort’s gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”

“It is my belief… and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken… that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder.” Dumbledore said slowly,” We can only succeed in the end if we are united. Remember today; remember the unfortunate things that happened recently, when you have to choose between what is right and what is easy in the future, I hope you can make the right choice.”

The semester continued, with still four months to go before the holidays, but everyone clearly felt unusual.

Unsurprisingly, Dumbledore’s speech caused great sensation, spreading rapidly around Hogwarts.

The next day, Hogwarts had a rain of owls, with thousands of letters from parents.

They were shocked by Dumbledore’s announcement of Voldemort’s return and thought it was incredible.

Not surprisingly, many people were reluctant to believe what Dumbledore said, thinking he was crazy!

The Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet did not say anything about it, and there was no evidence that Voldemort had actually returned.

They, like Fudge, thought it was Dumbledore’s imagination, and accused him of making the matter public to the students.

Some parents even threatened to take their children out of Hogwarts.

Only a few were willing to trust Dumbledore. They were mostly members of the Order of the Phoenix, such as Neville’s grandmother.

The article about Voldemort’s return had been sorted out with Hermione’s help. After Dumbledore’s approval, he was going to publish it in Hogwarts News, and he didn’t know how many would buy it.

But Evan didn’t care about it now. There were more important things waiting for him to do!

Counting time, it was time to meet the Merpeople’s ritual.

Evan wanted to take Ravenclaw’s Diadem to the Raven, first improve his strength and get the key to Ravenclaw’s secret treasure.

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