Chapter Text
«French»
”Latin”
Thoughts
“Sirius Black,” growls the Inspector, “was not the first to escape Azkaban.” He keeps his gaze on the floor as if hoping that it would allow him to fall through it.
“Sirius Black was simply the first to escape and survive.
The first to escape Azkaban was prisoner number 24601, Jean Valjean. But he died in the black sea before reaching the shore.”
His fists clench, the nails cutting into his palms.
Dumbledore strokes his beard, giving the Inspector an assessing look. “And I assume you knew him? This Jean Valjean? That is why you are here, yes? To keep Hogwarts safe now that there has been another escape?”
“Yes.” He grits out. “Yes, I did. Tw-Valjean.. was my greatest failure. I was brought here for my… Expertise.”
I hold his death on my shoulders.
The thought comes without warning and he forces it away. The death of Jean Valjean simply meant that the world was rid of another criminal. Nothing more. Nothing less…
Across the castle, Muggle-Studies Professor Ultime Fauchlevent looks warily out his office window, the chill of the dementors posted outside the castle sending him into shivers despite their distance from the castle. He is sensitive to their presence. He can remember their ice-cold embrace. Their rattling breath. The feeling of wanting nothing more than death... As he looks down at the papers he is marking, he sees liquid marring the pages and blurring the words. He’s crying, he realises.
I can’t do this.
He takes out a new sheet of parchment, scribbles, and sends it flying to his classroom door where it adheres itself to the wood.
Students,
Classes tomorrow are cancelled. Apologies for the short notice.
-Prof F
He needs time to collect himself. He gets up and walks to the fireplace, grabbing a fistful of the green powder from the pot resting next to it.
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