Chapter 38
As soon as the somber feast finished, the seventh years who weren't condemned to the hospital wing --Vic, Teddy, James, Sirius and Peter-- stormed to Dumbledore demanding answers.
"Sir," Victoire called after him as he left the Great Hall.
"Ah, Ms. Wilson and friends, what can I do for you?"
"We wanted to talk to you about Dorcas. We haven't been able to find her since the fire." Teddy rambled quickly
Dumbledore paused for a pregnant moment. His lips pursed and his eyes avoided the students. "Perhaps we should speak in my office." He turned and walked at a quickened pace down that hall. The seventh years followed as close as they could. "Jelly Beans." He spoke to the gargoyle.
James was the first up the stairs after Dumbledore. Sirius hung back and put a hand on Victoire's arm.
"What are Jelly Beans?" He asked her.
"A muggle candy similar to Bertie Bott's save for all the vile flavors. I'll buy you some, sometime."
"Would you two hurry up." Teddy begged. He pushed past Sirius an Victoire and headed up the stairs. Peter was right on his metaphorical tail. Vic shrugged to he dog friend and followed. The gargoyle shut after Sirius.
Once in the headmaster's office, the four arranged themselves in chairs around Dumbledore's desk.
"I have to say, Mr.Black and Mr.Potter, it's refreshing to see you two up here but not because of you breaking the rules. I only wish the sircumstances were better."
"So do we, sir." James forced a half grim smile. "Do you know where Dorcas is? We thought she might be in the Hospital Wing, but when we went to visit Lily, Remus and the others, she was nowhere to be seen. Was she taken to St.Mungo's? Was she in that bad condition." Dumbledore let the boys ramble on until he finished. He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.
"I will tell you, but I ask you keep this information in present company only. I don't wish for a panic greater than it already is to pass through the castle." He paused and was about to continue but Vic cut him off before he could start.
"A panic?" She repeated "With all due respect, sir, but panic is inevitable. Attack will come with few moments of peace between. This is a full out war coming," she paused and leaned forward, lowering her voice. "And I don't need to be from the future to know that."
"I agree with Vic, Professor." Teddy nodded. "So many will die, be captured, tortured, falsely accused, and more. It seems unwise to keep whatever this is underwraps. The eventual reveal will be worse the longer and more things kept. So many will die." Like Victoire, Teddy leaned forward and lowered his voice. "All of present company, save for me and Vic, included."
"I have no reason to doubt you two," the headmaster sighed "but this being a bit of a mystery, we have little to no choice."
"W- what happened to Dorcas, Sir?" Peter asked
"She's missing." Dumbledore admit. "She hasn't been seen since before the fire. No body, nor pile of ashes large enough, was found." He swallowed "Do either of you-" he pointed to the time travelers "have any-" he paused "have any information on the matter? Without revealing too much please."
"It wasn't supposed to happen this way, sir. She wasn't meant to- to die," Victoire choked back a sob "for another year." Teddy put a hand on Victoire's back.
"This fire, it didn't happen originally to my knowledge. I think Vic and I being here changed things."
"I take it your friends here know about your condition?"
"Yes, sir."
Dumbledore seemed at a loss for words. He ran a hand through his beard and looked off to the side. He was deep in thought.
"I guessed things would change." He mused "Is it safe to assume Ms. Mckinnon was meant to- pass that night, along with her aunt?" They nodded. "I have to say, there isn't much I can say. I would say you are far more knowledgeable than I on this matter. I suggest that you return to Gryffindor tower and stay quiet on the matter. We'll figure this out eventually."
The four nodded and moved to file out of the office.
"Sir?" Sirius said just before leaving. "Do you mind if we tell the other Gryffindor seventh years?"
"I have a feeling, Mr. Black, you would even if I said no." Sirius smiled before following the others out.
(A/N: Hi everyone! If you're wondering, yes I'm still on vacation. I'm in montana! I'm updating from my phone so please be lenient on the amount of typos. If you're wondering about my opinion on Cursed Child, can I just say that please don't ask. I really did not think it warranted the title of "the eighth book" whatever. I'll try and update once more before I get home next week but I'm not sure. Bye -Jul)