Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures - H.P.S.T Chapter 1525: Burial

The conversation was deadlocked. Professor McGonagall and Sirius held completely opposite opinions and refused to give in.

This situation had occurred many times before in the meetings of the Order of the Phoenix. Evan could understand Sirius’s perspective, but he also understood Professor McGonagall’s concerns.

Emotionally, no one could accept simply giving up on Hogwarts.

However, with such a huge disparity in power, it would be too stupid to defend Hogwarts Castle against Voldemort, which would be tantamount to courting death.

Voldemort would likely be thrilled if the Order had a fixed stronghold; then he could crush them and the Ministry in one fell swoop.

“Sirius, our goal is to defeat Voldemort, not to defend Hogwarts. There are still many things waiting for us to do,” said Evan. “Dumbledore’s death is not the end, but the beginning of the war.”

“You’re right, Evan,” Sirius replied, swaying slightly. “But there will always be sacrifices in war. If necessary, I’ll stay to defend Hogwarts.”

He looked so unstable. Evan couldn’t help but worry. Would Sirius take any extreme actions to avenge Dumbledore?

“I understand how you feel, Sirius, but we’re not here to discuss sacrifices. Meaningless death is simply foolish. I hope you remember that,” said Professor McGonagall. “Now, let us hear what the others think. What are your opinions?”

“I support Black’s opinion. The current situation is indeed very bad, but I don’t agree with closing the school. I am sure Dumbledore would have wanted the school to remain open,” said Professor Sprout. “I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil.”

“But will we have a single pupil after this?” said Slughorn, now dabbing his sweating brow with a silken handkerchief. “Parents will want to keep their children at home and I can’t say I blame them. After Dumbledore’s death, we can announce to the outside world that Hogwarts has nothing to do with him or the Order of the Phoenix. Personally, I don’t think we’re in more danger at Hogwarts than we are anywhere else, but you can’t expect mothers to think like that. They’ll want to keep their families together, it’s only natural.”

“I agree,” said Professor McGonagall. “The mark Dumbledore left on Hogwarts is too deep. Simply claiming there’s no connection doesn’t make it true. Moreover, it is not true to say that Dumbledore never envisaged a situation in which Hogwarts might close. When the Chamber of Secrets reopened he considered the closure of the school — and I must say that Professor Dumbledore’s murder is more disturbing to me than the idea of Slytherin’s monster living undetected in the bowels of the castle. ….”

“We must consult the governors,” said Professor Flitwick in his squeaky little voice. “We must follow the established procedures. A decision should not be made hastily.”

“I agree with Filius. We must be cautious,” said Lupin. “Whether or not to close the school should be a decision made by the Board of Governors.”

“Hagrid, you haven’t said anything,” Professor McGonagall waited until everyone had expressed their opinions before saying, “What are your views, ought Hogwarts to remain open?”

Hagrid had been weeping silently into his large, spotted handkerchief throughout this conversation.

Until now, he was unwilling to believe that Dumbledore was dead.

Hearing Professor McGonagall’s question, Hagrid raised puffy red eyes and croaked, “I dunno, Professor … that’s fer the Heads of House an’ the headmistress ter decide …”

“Professor Dumbledore always valued your views,” said Professor McGonagall kindly, “and so do I.”

“Well, I’m stayin’, no matter wha’ happens,” said Hagrid, fat tears still leaking out of the corners of his eyes and trickling down into his tangled beard. “It’s me home, it’s bin me home since I was thirteen. An’ if there’s kids who wan’ me ter teach ’em, I’ll do it. But … I dunno … Hogwarts without Dumbledore …” He gulped and disappeared behind his handkerchief once more, and there was silence.

“Very well,” said Professor McGonagall, glancing out of the window at the grounds, checking to see whether the Minister was yet approaching, “I know everyone’s views; then I must agree with Filius and Lupin that the right thing to do is to consult the governors, who will make the final decision.”

“What about the students? The term is nearly over.”

“Yes, that’s something we must consider, how to get the students home … there is an argument for doing it sooner rather than later. We could arrange for the Hogwarts Express to come tomorrow if necessary —.”   

“What about Dumbledore’s funeral?” Sirius interjected.

“Well …” said Professor McGonagall, losing a little of her briskness as her voice shook. “Even though we haven’t found Professor Dumbledore’s body, we still need to hold a proper funeral.”

There was no doubt about this. If Dumbledore could not return, then the funeral would be truly final.

Holding a funeral was a timely and fitting act. Only Evan and Harry knew the full truth, but even they couldn’t be sure Dumbledore would ever return.

“W-where should we place Dumbledore’s tombstone?”

“I know that it was Dumbledore’s wish to be laid to rest here, at Hogwarts —” said Professor McGonagall.

“There is no place more suitable than Hogwarts!”

“Well, if the Ministry thinks it appropriate, we will … you know, no other headmaster or headmistress has ever been —.”

“No other headmaster or headmistress ever gave more to this school,” growled Hagrid.

“Absolutely,” said Professor Sprout.

“In that case, we will hold a funeral and build a tombstone for Dumbledore at Hogwarts, where we can bury his wand,” said Professor McGonagall.

“A wand is the most important possession a wizard has. From the day I met Dumbledore, he used this wand. It can stand in for him.”

A heavy silence fell. Many people’s eyes were stinging with emotion. For such a great wizard like Dumbledore to die and not even leave behind a body, only his wand, was unbearably tragic.

It was too tragic that his funeral could only bury his wand. Hagrid wailed.

“We can wait until the funeral’s over to send the students home. I think many of them will want to say goodbye.”

“That’s a good arrangement. Our students should pay tribute, it is fitting. We can arrange transport home afterward,” squeaked Professor Flitwick.

“Seconded!”

“Let’s do it. It’s the least we can do for Dumbledore now.”

“I suppose … yes …” said Slughorn in a rather agitated voice, He raised his arm and wiped his eyes.

“He’s coming,” said Professor McGonagall suddenly, gazing down into the grounds. “The Minister … and by the looks of it, he’s brought a delegation …”

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