Once again the usual decor of the Great Hall had been removed and replaced with heavy black drapes. The enchanted ceiling no longer showed the cloudy, grey, winter sky but simply the wooden beams and stone and the floating candles were no longer present.
Professor Flitwick approached the bronze owl lectern and silence fell over the hall immediately. They had seen this all play out before...
"Ladies and gentlemen, as I'm sure you're well aware by now, Miss Poppy Caxton was attacked and killed a few days ago. There is no sign of how the murderer entered the school, but the Aurors present believe the attack may have been from the Death Eater Bole. The Aurors have assured me they will not rest until they find the perpetrator.
Poppy was wonderful person. A great friend to many of you. And though you may have not been close to her during your school years, I'm sure her loss has affected you all. I know she will be greatly missed by each and every member of her house, as well as those of you who's lives she touched.
I really am so deeply, deeply, sorry."