THE MEETING AND SELECTION
Chapter 2
"Ahem." McGonagall coughed for our attention. At that moment, it seemed like every human soul at Hogwarts was present in the Great Hall to hear the special announcement. The first years were fidgeting restlessly in their seats and the seventh years were equally edgy, but were trying to hide their excitement! I gazed at McGonagall, waiting to hear her speech.
"We have gathered here today to discuss a very serious matter, regarding the future existence of our prestigious Hogwarts." she paused, as the students sent each other anxious looks. "As you all know, Mia Grazer had been kidnapped by two dangerous death eaters. There, she found out that they were planning something: an attack on Hogwarts." she paused, as the students gasped and glanced at each other nervously. McGonagall noticed the flickers of anxiety in the students' faces and added hastily, "But, there is nothing to worry about, since we know their movements. Yes, they might change their plan, but we still have to be prepared for such danger. The plan they decided till now was very simple, yet clever, so here it is." and with that, McGonagall explained the evil plan and said gravely, "Today, I will choose ten students who will lead Hogwarts against this battle. They must be loyal, strong- hearted and strong- willed, confident, intelligent and of course," she paused, "brave."
The students trembled with excitement. McGonagall opened a scroll she was carrying and began, "From Gryffindor house we have, Cathy Denbrough, Jack Taylor and Finn Kaspbrak." There was a loud cheer from the Gryffindor table and Cathy, Jack and Finn blushed as they got up and joined McGonagall on the platform. They were sixth years and were brave and totally strong- willed. The noise died down as McGonagall continued, "From Hufflepuff house, Hannah Parker and Joshua Tozier." The Hufflepuff table clapped and cheered like mad! Hannah and Joshua went up to the platform, smiling faintly. Hannah was a sixth year and Joshua was a seventh, both were loyal and kind to their very core.
I couldn't sit still as McGonagall said, "From Ravenclaw house we have," she glanced at me and exclaimed, "Mia Grazer, Edward Jones and Tyler Sanders!" I blushed hard and grinned at Eddie and Marley as the Ravenclaw table erupted with applause and we stood next to McGonagall. I was really happy that Eddie was chosen (Edward) but I was a little disheartened to see Marley's downcast face. I smiled at her to raise her spirits, but my smile was met with a glare. I turned to Eddie and he beamed at me. Tyler was a seventh year and we were, as I told you, in the sixth. All of us were definitely intelligent and brave (less than the Gryffindors of course!). Tyler gave us a curt nod and we nodded back. I was thrilled to be one of the leaders and I was overjoyed to have Eddie with me! But I was angry at Marley for not being happy for us. Yes, she might be jealous, but we are her best friends after all, or so I thought.
Our moment of excitement was broken when McGonagall announced the students chosen from Slytherin, "Stanley Martel and Kelly Fulton. The Slytherin table clapped gently as Stanley and Kelly strode towards the platform, their faces grim. They nodded at McGonagall and faced the students. Confidence was showing in every movement they made and of course they were strong- hearted. Stanley though, looked a little unsure as he was in the fifth year whereas Kelly was in the sixth.
McGonagall clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Here are our leaders and you will obey everything they tell you even if you are a seventh year. Don't feel too bad if you were not chosen. You will be playing your part in saving Hogwarts as well, but in a different way."
