Deputy Headmistress McGonagall was standing at the top of the astronomy tower, looking at the sunrise. Yesterday was a very hectic day with the attack on Azkaban and the news about Harry Potter's disappearance. With Dumbledore out in search of any clue, she had to control the dense atmosphere in Hogwarts Castle and the bombardment of questions from the students. As she admired the tranquil mood around Hogwarts, McGonagall noticed a group of people entering Hogwarts. From the top of the tower, it looked like tiny black dots moving, but the deputy Headmistress was sure that these people were not any students.
McGonagall quickly rushed down the stairs and ran to the main entrance. As the massive double doors creaked open, McGonagall saw the group approaching. Leading the group was Amelia Bones, and by her side was Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office.
Deputy Headmistress McGonagall intercepted them immediately, her brow furrowed in concern. "Madam Bones," she said as she looked at all the Aurors. Professor McGonagall mentally counted a total of twenty-five Aurors, including the two. "To what do we owe the presence of so many Aurors? Is this related to the Azkaban breakout?"
Amelia's expression was unreadable. "I am here on urgent business. Where is Professor Dumbledore?"
McGonagall's frown deepened. "The headmaster has been away since yesterday and has not returned yet. As Deputy Headmistress, I can assist with any matters of importance."
Before Amelia could respond, two students approached hesitantly... Susan Bones, Amelia's niece, and Hannah Abbott. Hannah's face was pale, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Susan had a protective arm around her friend, gently urging her forward.
Amelia's gaze fell on the trembling Hufflepuff. "Go on, Miss Abbott. Speak clearly. What happened?"
A few hours back, Susan's sleep was broken by the sound of crying. When she woke up, Susan found her friend Hannah sitting in the corner of the room, her eyes full of tears.
Susan confronted her friend, and upon persuading her several times, Hannah finally recounted the event that had happened at night. In shock, Susan decided it was better to inform her aunt and thus send an owl to her directly.
Hannah, her cheeks stained with tears, began speaking in halting sentences. "It was last night... Justin and I... we went into the Forbidden Forest..." Her voice broke, and Susan squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"Take your time," Amelia said, her voice softer but still commanding.
Through gasping breaths and stifled sobs, Hannah recounted the harrowing events of the previous night. "We... we went into the Forbidden Forest," she stammered. "I didn't mean to, I swear! It was supposed to be just Justin and me... but then there was this giant... huge, terrifying. Justin... he tried to protect me. He cast spells, but... but it attacked him. He didn't make it out."
McGonagall gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth. "Merlin's beard… Justin Finch-Fletchley?"
Amelia's expression hardened. She turned to the Aurors behind her. "Prepare to enter the Forbidden Forest. If what Miss Abbott says is true, this could be more than just a rogue giant. The Death Eaters may have aligned with them once again, as they did during the last war. If they're planning an attack on Hogwarts, we must act immediately."
Amelia then turned to McGonagall, "Make sure to inform Headmaster Dumbledore as soon as possible and ensure that no one is left alone to follow us behind."
Amelia gestured for Hannah to step forward. "You're going to guide us to the location," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. "You know the way, and we need to see exactly what happened."
----
All the Aurors had their wands in their hands, ready for any surprise. Hannah was leading the group, retracing the path she and Justin had taken. The journey was tense and silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or distant animal calls.
Halfway to the site, a group of Centaurs emerged from the underbrush, their bows drawn.
"We are Aurors from the Ministry office," Amelia announced, raising a hand to signal no harm. "We are investigating the disappearance of a student and the presence of a giant in your territory. We believe the giant may be allied with Death Eaters."
One of them, supposedly their leader, advanced forward. "A giant, I don't know if this is related, but Hagrid brought one a few days ago. We have clearly told him that we do not appreciate this creature being here in the forest. I hope you quickly complete your mission and leave the forest as soon as possible."
This revelation caused the majority of the Aurors to become perplexed. What was Hagrid, the half-giant, the Professor for Care of Magical Creatures, doing by bringing a giant here?
"We will get all the answers soon, but the priority right now is to find the giant," Amelia ordered Hannah to continue guiding them on the path.
After a while, they reached a spot where there was no need for Hannah to point out anymore. Not only due to the havoc caused in the surroundings, but also the stench.
A sickly tang of blood hit them.
A large, uprooted tree lay across the ground, its branches splintered and scattered. Beneath it, a dark pool of blood spread across the earth, accompanied by fragments of flesh and unrecognizable organs.
Several Aurors recoiled, their faces contorted in shock. Hannah fell to her knees, vomiting on the ground.
Amelia acted swiftly, grabbing Hannah by the shoulders and dragging her away from the gruesome sight. The girl was trembling uncontrollably, her sobs muffled as she clung desperately to Amelia.
Amelia raised his wand, pointed it at her head, and whispered.
"Obliviate."
Hannah's cries stopped, her expression going blank as her memories of the horrifying scene were wiped clean. Amelia turned to one of the Aurors. "Take her back to the castle immediately. Ensure she's placed under observation in the hospital wing."
The Auror nodded, stepping forward to gently guide Hannah away. The girl, now docile and confused, followed without resistance. As they disappeared into the trees, Amelia turned back to the group.
"A young girl shouldn't have to bear the memory of something like this."
The assembled Aurors nodded in silent agreement. None of them questioned her decision, understanding the necessity of sparing Hannah from such a traumatic burden.
"Now," Amelia said, regaining her authoritative tone, "clean this up. I want this site thoroughly examined, and the remains recovered with care."
Several Aurors stepped forward, wands raised. They began levitating the massive tree trunk. With a collective effort, they shifted the trunk, revealing the boy's remains beneath it. The sight was horrifying. His body was crushed beyond recognition, a grotesque mixture of shredded robes, mangled limbs, and a face that no longer bore any semblance of humanity.
Just then, one of the Aurors called for Amelia, and she left the team to take care of the dead boy. "Secure his remains and return them to the castle for identification and proper rites."
Once she reached the Auror who had called her, she was shown a series of massive footprints leading away from the scene.
"We're moving," she announced, gesturing toward the trail of prints. The remaining Aurors fell in line behind her, their wands at the ready.