Parliament of Rooks

He shook his head, desperate to clear his senses. This was a witch trial — he had read about them, but everything he knew said that such practices died out at least a hundred years ago. Fighting against the pain, he could begin to see the fire. It was a fairly large one, at least four feet in diameter and piled high. He began to struggle against his captors, for he had read that they often burned witches. Although he couldn’t speak for anyone else, he was fairly sure he didn’t want to go through the process.

“Now, disciple of the evil one, do you confess that these are the tools you use to serve your master?” He strained to see what was being held out while the sunlight continued to burn his eyes. With a great deal of effort, he finally could see his wand clutched in the gloved hand of one of his tormentors, along with the crystal that held the essence of his mother. “Watch as we strip you of your demonic power!” Without ceremony or hesitation, the figure threw them into the roaring fire.

Fifth year at Hogwarts is traditionally a turning point in a student's life. Normally, it's the time the student begins to focus on a career. This year, however, the school itself is struggling to maintain it's integrity. Meanwhile, Eric is fighting to keep his wits about him as everything he spent the last four years building crashes in upon itself under the strain of forces he has no control over.

Harry Potter stories are written by J.K. Rowling. Parliament of Rooks takes place during the same period of time as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.