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The last of the carriages had arrived, its occupants filing silently out to find seats in the chairs arranged on the lawn in front of Greenhouse 3, when Dumbledore strolled up to the podium situated in front of the crowd. He regarded the students and faculty members before him in silence for a long moment, his gaze sweeping the crowd. Finally, he raised his hands, opening them to reveal a dove, which left him a moment later, soaring above the crowd and into the blue of the sky above them.
"Pomona and Anthony would have doubtlessly been very proud to consider such brave, loyal, and resilient people friends. Those of you who fought alongside them, unflinching in the face of danger, should by all rights be standing tall with the fallen, collecting accolades and praise for your immense courage and strength. Unfortunately, we live in dark times."
Dumbledore paused, seeming to falter as he directed his gaze to the podium in front of him.
"Their deaths were needless, as a student or teacher should never be forced into the role of warrior. But they were not worthless. Such a sacrifice is not - could never be, and it is important to remember that. There is little we can do in the face of evil except to fight it. We must fight it every day of our lives. We cannot rest and allow others to fall. United we are strong, but fractioned, splintered, we will fall."
He looked up, his gaze lingering on a few individuals in the crowd before he continued.
"Do not allow Pomona and Anthony to pass in vain. Reflect on what you have lost, and why. Realise that there are things worth fighting for, causes which others would sacrifice their lives to defend."
"Hogwarts is more than a school. It is a foundation that has survived hundreds of years of Wizarding and Muggle wars. It is an institution of guiding others along the right path. It has protected and influenced the youth of the Wizarding community since its inception, and my dearest wish is that it will continue to do so until, if such a day should ever arrive, there is no longer a need."
Dumbledore paused again, looking pained as he again regarded the podium.
"In the past, I have asked you to make unity within your own house your greatest priority. Unfortunately, we have reached such a point where inter-house unity is of the utmost importance."
His voice grew louder than usual as he continued, looking up now.
"It is a necessity that you watch out for each other. I cannot stress this enough. United we are a force to be reckoned with. United we defend our very beliefs, the fabric which makes us who we are. Should we divide, allowing petty disagreements to estrange us from each other, we will fail. We will be destroyed, should we fight among ourselves."
He paused again, clearing his throat and letting his gaze wander to individuals once again.
"Let us never forget the sacrifice Pomona and Anthony made for the rest of us. Do not belittle the beliefs they died to defend. And most importantly, remember them. Remember the people who touched each of your lives, and they will never be truly lost to us. Love always, and never regret."
Dumbledore closed his eyes, and Fawkes, from somewhere across the grounds, began singing.
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aggravated