Disclaimer: I own nothing, except the character of Alora Ryder.
Professor Dumbledore motioned for silence in the Great Hall. Outside the rain poured down, and thunder rumbled. The students settled and turned toward their Headmaster standing at the gilt lectern.
"Before we begin our fabulous feast, I have a few announcements. Firstly, I would like to welcome our new students to Hogwarts. I hope that your time here will be enjoyable. Secondly the Black forest is off limits to all students. Last but certainly not least I would like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Miss Alora Ryder." Dumbledore raised his hand to the back of the room.
The students all turned to catch a glimpse at the new teacher. The doors suddenly blew open as the candles floating around the room flickered. Standing, dripping wet in the doorway was a cloaked figure. She took a step forward and pushed back her hood of her cloak with a gloved hand revealing dark red hair that was pulled back into a tight braid that ran down her back under her cloak.
A murmur ran through the assembled students and along the teacher's table as Miss Ryder strode up the central aisle her boots making soft thuds on the stone floor. Deep sapphire eyes swept along the gaping students. She was young, much younger than the previous Professors. She smiled as she reached Dumbledore and he gave her a friendly embrace and showed her to a seat. She removed her cloak; her attire set further whispers throughout the Hall. She didn't dress like the other professors either. Her clothes were slim fitting, to allow for easy movement it would seem.
"Never seen a teacher dress like before," Stated a perplexed Ronald Weasly.
Harry and Hermione looked up from their meal.
"Honestly Ron, stop staring!" Scolded Hermione. Ron turned back to face his fellow Gryfindors.
"Come on Hermione you have to admit shes a bit young to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts." Harry spoke up.
The new teacher was certainly at the top of the conversation list. Most of the students stole glances at Miss Ryder between bites of their delicious food. Harry watched as she exchanged polite conversation with various staff members.
"Honestly you two!" Hermione sighed. Both Harry and Ron rolled their eyes.
The three watched as Dumbledore shared a quiet word with the new teacher, her deep blue eyes scanned the crowd and she nodded slowly. She spoke to him a serious look on her face. Dumbledore returned to his seat. Silently Alora Ryder stood and slipped out a side door, pulling her hood up as she went. Three sets of eyes following her curiously.