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"Well. . ." said Professor McGonagall, losing a little of her briskness as her voice shook.
"I - I know that it was Dumbledore's wish to be laid to rest here, at Hogwarts -" "Then that's what'll happen, isn't it." said Harry fiercely.
"If the Ministry thinks it appropriate," said Professor McGonagall. "No other headmaster or headmistress has ever been -" "No other headmaster or headmistress ever gave more to this school," growled Hagrid.
"Hogwarts should be Dumbledore's final resting place," said Professor Flitwick.
"Absolutely," said Professor Sprout.
"And in that case," said Harry, "you shouldn't send the students home until the jfuneral's over. They'll want to say -" The last word caught in his throat, but Professor Sprout completed the sentence for him.
"Good-bye." "Well said," squeaked Professor Flitwick. "Well said indeed! Our students should pay tribute, it is fitting. We can arrange transport home afterward." "Seconded," barked Professor Sprout. ] "I suppose ... yes .. ." said Slughorn in a rather agitated voice, while Hagrid let out a strangled sob of assent.
"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 . . ." "Can I leave, Professor." said Harry at once.
He had no desire at all to see, or be interrogated by, Rufus Scrimgeour tonight.
"You may," said Professor McGonagall. "And quickly." She strode toward the door and held it open for him. He sped down the spiral staircase and off along the deserted corridor; he-had left his Invisibility Cloak at the top of the Astronomy Tower, but it did not matter; there was nobody in the corridors to see him pass, not even Filch, Mrs. Norris, or Peeves. He did not meet another soul until he turned into the passage leading to the Gryffindor common room.
"Is it true." whispered the Fat Lady as he approached her. "It is really true. Dumbledore - dead." "Yes," said Harry.
She let out a wail and, without waiting for the password, swung forward to admit him.
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