#cofevents

It could be said that November, the air feels colder than usual and this is where Gemma was; sitting on piece of wood which is near where she used to teach at the Forbidden Forest. Her hand reached into the contents of the satchel she was carrying and pulled out a piece of meat which she then threw into some Thestral in front of her. A few weeks or months ago, she was never able to see the form of the infamous legendary dangerous magical creatures. But right now, the form of this magical creature is can be seen very clearly in her eyes. After seeing Annalina Romero's death, she believes that moment was the trigger. That's the first time ever she seen death with her own eyes. 

Gemma has read hundreds to thousands of books written about the magical creature in front of her, but no one is able to describe it accurately. They didn't write that Thestral has a slightly longer and thinner tail than the dragons and none of the authors who wrote the book mention that Thestral is one dangerous creatures that actually has a calm demeanor. Maybe that was why she was here now, she has to calm down from what she heard on her last gathering with the Headmistress -- or rather called former Headmistress McGonagall said.

She had heard about it before, right after her night patrol with Max and Edwin. Headmistress held an emergency meeting and she summoned all staffs including Edwin and the Matrons. Can say that Gemma is one of the staff who surprised about her former professor's decisions. She felt much they can still do as fortifying the castle or the other; she respect her decision, but resignation wasn't the right answer. Gemma cannot imagine anyone else who runs this school as fair and wise as Minerva McGonagall. She will miss a leader who she regards as her own mother. Throughout the night she was awake and in her mind this is just how things are going to be different with her absence. To be sure, she believes many people who will feel the loss.

"Hi," said Wendy to some students she met and immediately sat next to Kalina who are occupying a bench at the Gryffindor House table and smiled at the girl. Once in a while her eyes glanced toward Ava who was watching her and she just lowered her head and focused to her hand that was she put on the table. She didn't want to think about anything related to Brady and Ava, she was still in a bit shocked by what she heard from Brady yesterday. Brady forget about her. Brady forget about her? Indeed, she has heard the explanation of Professor Bentley about the effect from powder that she found in the clothing worn by Brady and she still remembers when she was running towards the castle, Albus Potter also said the same thing. But, still, she was taken aback to what was said by her friend. Her eyes caught Charles who was in the Hufflepuff House table and smiled at her. Don't forget she was also looking towards the Staff's table and smiled at Professor Bentley who was having a rather serious discussion with Professor Hamilton, but she didn't see Professor Cross anywhere.

She was still confused .. Headmistress McGonagall not usually gathered them early; because Brady was still in the Hospital Wing, it became Wendy's responsibility to get around and the make sure all students to attend the gathering this morning. She observed Headmistress McGonagall's face that looks sad, is there something going on? Kalina was about wanted to ask her about what happened, Professor Bentley has moved to the front of the podium and asked the students to calm down because there are some things they want to convey. She was still trying to absorb what actually happens when Headmistress said about her resignation.. She didn't even know what she should say when she heard the Headmistress mention Annalina and there was a boy who lost his father? Her blue eyes observing students who started whispering around her with uneasy feelings, she could feel that it happened again.

Delia flopped around in bed, yawning loudly before finally deciding to get up. The young woman stretched and getting herself untangled from her black and gray sheets, before swinging her legs over the side.  She looked out the window; watching the kelp sway in the black lake; eyes hazed over after a good night’s rest.  After she finally woke herself up the young sassy slytherin girl made her way over to the showers. Cleaned up, fixed her hair and slipped the uniform on her slim pale body before any of the other girls were even out of bed. Cronus was asleep in bed; calming the warm spot on the comforter she had left for him; making the witch shake her head at her silly cat.

The little prankster passed through the Common room entrance and up the stairs out of the dungeons and to the great hall to start her day off with some nice breakfast; maybe some coffee, and toast and fruit jam... yeah that sounded great. Although when she got there a bunch of early birds were gathered around the front of the hall, Delia herself wasn’t all too interested with the bulletin board everyone was hovering around.  She simply finished off her food before making her way over once the early birds were gone and before the normal crowd had a chance to get there.

She saw the notice on the board and tilted her head in slight confusion. “It pains me more to see that my students are in pain and that not only have I failed as your protector but also your Headmistress.”  She read it over again just to make sure she was reading the notice correctly not believing what she had read.  “I am stepping down as the head of this school. I should say I’ve been asked to step down from this school.”  What? No this wasn’t happening…  Hogwarts couldn’t function correctly without old Mags. Yup this was going be a cluster fuck for sure.

Fireplace that located in the center of the room still emits sparks that are devouring wood pieces contained therein. An hour ago, this room; Gemma's office, was full by her family who came to visit. She can still remember her father's overjoyed expression as she hugged him tightly, broad and pretty smile from her mother who kissed her on both cheeks as she used to did since she was a little, a steady hug from Gus and Lance shortly after they met, and don't forget about Briela's laughter that echoed in whole room ; also Tristan who was beside her all the time, starting from their trip to Hogsmeade that had to end because something that clearly unexpected. Half an hour ago, this room; Gemma's office, still filled with the entire family and Gus's best friend who is also an Auror that called him and he was invited to Gemma to join him. The professor still had time to glance at her mother that forbade her to follow him, because the reason they are here is celebrating her birthday. Well, Gemma Newman could never refused Augustus Newman because she was too fond of him. Moreover, she tried to convince her mother that she was one of the Professors here and it was a must to follow her brother. Besides, Gus' friend appeared very upset. Gemma tried to ask him shortly after she wear her other thick jacket after the jacket that she used soiled with the strange colorful powder; where they would go. Gus also looks very confused with the friend who said just come with me, then you will know when we get there.. his face still looks pretty upset.

Gemma quickened her pace for a moment the three of them stepped on land rather slippery which again leads to Hogsmeade, again. She had to catch up with Gus and his friend who is now half-ran to an alley that she and Max are usually passed when they were on patrol. Didn't they already evacuating students and their families from there? Has this got something to do with the powder? she thought with an uneasy feeling, these whole situation is still too confusing for her. Her steps stopped when she saw a tall man who was lying in a corner. Occasionally she glanced towards Gus is also still rooted to the spot with arms outstretched to block Gemma from moving forward. She will never forget that day as she swore her heart stopped when she heard her brother's cries the indignant mention a name, Michael - Michael Coventry. She recalls someone with the same last name, Marcus; student who is a Gryffindor that she had passed on their way here. Is this guy..his father? Slowly she approached her brother who is now kneeling next to the man that he called Michael, pressed his two fingers into the motionless body. "He's gone; Killing Curse," Gus said slowly, way too slow until Gemma had approached and knelt beside him to hear what he was saying.

His blueish gray eyes staring at her warm brown eyes and wrapped his arms around Gemma, hugged her tightly. They remain in the same position for a few minutes until Gus' sound interrupted her thoughts, "He was..my best friend, he was the one who trained me to be an Auror..a good Auror and..we are friends since then. Oh Merlin, he had one child, " he said slowly. Gemma couldn't say anything. This is the second time in her career as a Professor, she saw people who were killed; within a short period of time. Gus just send a small smile at her as he pulled away and helped her up while walked towards the other friend who stood around them giving instructions about what they should do. He looked strong even though she knew in his heart and mind, Gus is still trying to accept what happened. She let her arm outstretched towards her brother and they both returned to the castle without a word out of their mouth.

Charles got to the station in Hogsmeade to say goodbye to his Uncle whom had to leave early. Charles and his uncle had actually learned that Charles Senior had shown up after his business meeting. "Make sure you send me letters, and keep me updated about that girl... Sarah was it?" he said teasing his nephew about his crush on the older student. Leon finally got on the train and Charles decided to start  making his way back towards the castle, quite a few people we're already leaving; only being able to stay for a little while.

On his way across the station he saw Luke whom was saying goodbye to his mom, Charles waited for their goodbye to end. Once she was on the train, Charles walked over to Luke and would pat his back. "So then, how are you enjoying the family visit? I've seen a lot of Sauders running around the castle..." he said before sitting on one of the benches at the station; waiting for everyone to get on before it started to move. "So your mom is leaving early?"

Delia had made plans to go on a date with Esme, since their drunken night alone both girls had sent letters to one another or conversed in the hall. Delia soon got the nerve to actually ask the Hufflepuff girl out sending her a letter by Cat. This would be Delia's first time out with another girl other then just a casual outing with friends. As she wrote her letter she kept thinking about what she was going to say, and hissed at anyone whom dared read over her shoulder.

Dear Esme,

I am going to be blunt about this; but will you go out with me? I really do enjoy my time with you and would like to get to know you a little bit better. If you accept please meet me at Tomes and Scrolls (The bookstore) on the next Hogsmeade school trip. It's a nice quite place we'll both enjoy, and can maybe get away from most of the younger students, although I am sure there will be teachers around...

Anyways can't wait to see you there, don't keep me waiting too long alright? or else I might be forced to decapitated any Raven-claw students passing by.

-Delia

I've had all day to look at the corners of the castle, but couldn't find her anywhere. Does anyone know where she is?