Dennis

[alt_draco]

I don't really feel like writing, but last night people kept whispering and looking at me and I know they want to ask, so I might as well tell.

I saw Dennis. His body, I mean. Professor Slughorn didn't want me to but I did. They told me he died in an instant, and nothing could have saved him. They don't know how he died yet, but Professor Slughorn said it probably wasn't anything to do with his magic. He said mudblood children have manifested magic for a long time without ever dying or killing anyone because of it. And then they all told me that Dennis probably didn't feel any pain.

He felt fear, though. I saw it. On his face, I mean. He was scared when he died. That probably counts as a kind of pain, doesn't it.

And I keep thinking about what they said was written on the wall by him and Ollivander. "Enemies will be found and fall." Whoever this Heir is, or thinks he is, I don't know how Dennis could be his enemy. He was a mudblood and his magic was going mad, yes, but he was completely loyal, and he would have gladly given away his magic to anyone if he had only been able to. I don't see what makes him more of an enemy than Carrow's mudblood, or Ollivander for that matter. He was just nine years old.

I wonder if they'll tell his parents, but then I don't even know if he has parents. Dennis didn't know if he had them, either.

Comments

[alt_pansy]

I don't think he was an enemy either.

I'm so sorry, Draco.

[alt_lucius]

It is of course difficult to ever understand or accept a violent death. As your mother and I told you yesterday, we sympathise and wish we could be there to guide you, but loss is, unfortunately, something we must all learn to manage.

I believe in the coming weeks we shall learn that his demise was the result of an accident of timing, rather than a calculated act meant to signal a threat against his loyalties. If nothing else, the prefect will be able to provide an account once he is revived.

I'm truly sorry, son, that you must face this alone.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_sally_anne]

He sounds like he knows more than he's saying. What do you reckon he means about an accident of timing?

[alt_draco]

What kind of accident of timing, Father? Do you mean that the Heir was going after Ollivander and Dennis just got in the way?

[alt_lucius]

Yes, that or some similar scenario. There are a number of possible explanations; unfortunately with the quarantine in effect it is impossible to conduct a full investigation.

I shall be asking the Headmistress if Mr Dawlish might put some of his former Auror's skills to use re-constructing what occurred. However, as his inquiries must not impede his other responsibilities, I am not sure he will see this as an opportunity to stretch himself. One never knows with Dawlish.

How are you feeling this morning, son? Your mother is, I'm sure, quite anxious for your owl post to hear for herself that you have recovered from the worst of the shock.

[alt_draco]

I'm not shocked anymore, but it's about as depressing as it can be around here...

How will Auntie Bella feel about Dawlish doing an investigation? Hadn't she stripped him of all authority when he didn't pass the new programme?

[alt_lucius]

Your Aunt surely will have an opinion. The fact of the matter is that he is qualified for the work - and he is available, given that he is already charged wih the safety of the students on matters such as contraband. It is high time someone took the investigation in hand and he is certainly capable of following the procedures necessary for a forensic study of the crimes.

[alt_ron]

Yeah.

I'm sorry. No one deserves that.

[alt_sally_anne]

All he ever wanted was to be a good servant. I don't know why anyone would have killed him. I'm sorry, Draco.

[alt_narcissa]

Draco, do be sure to let us know if you'd like to speak in person again. I'm sure we could work something out if it would help you.

ORDER ONLY

[alt_alice]

Lucas Creevy was a milkman and Brenda Creevy was a hairdresser before they got sent to the camps.

Brenda was very ill when we came to fetch Dennis. She knew us already, we'd already taken her oldest son just the year before. She begged us to give her a little more time with Dennis, because she knew it would be the last chance she'd get to see him. She knew she was dying. He was such a tiny baby. When I saw him, he was six months old, but he looked almost half that.

So we waited.

She died a year later, and by the time we were able to come back for him, it was too late.

Lucas works at the dairy farms at Cheadle. At least that's what he did last time we were able to communicate at all. I know he's still alive because of Colin's ring, at least. And Colin's written him explaining what has happened, even though Merlin knows when we'll be able to get the letter to him.

So there's that, I suppose.

You will never read this. I hardly see the point in writing it down, really, except for the fact that it needs to be written somewhere, even if it's hidden. Dennis Creevy was not a house-elf. He was a human being who had a mother, a father, and a brother who all loved him very much. He was a little boy who spent most of his short life being ordered about, afraid and ashamed of his own magic, and kept apart from his family. You were the closest person he had to a family, really.

I hope you will think twice the next time your father gives you a new little slave that you can order around. And I hope to Merlin you feel half the guilt that I'm feeling.

[alt_lavender]

I'm sorry, Draco. It must have been an awful Shock.