The Gryffindor's applause was cut short by Dumbledore's approach to the lectern. As the final student first year sat at the Gryffindor table, Dumbledore took a final sip of wine and began to speak.
"Hello students!" he boomed, his voice magically amplified. Dumbledore's normal jovial tone of voice was marred by a new steel most students hadn't ever heard, except for the Weasley twins.
"We have come to a new era here at Hogwarts. The darkness we have fought for so long has begun to push more into our beloved castle." At this remark, the four great house tables broke into frantic whispers.
"Silence!" cracked Dumbledore's voice, and he continued.
"I am not here to covet fear and spread the miscommunication, miscommunication that so many people would prefer. I am here to say we, we as Hogwarts, must now of all times pull together. We must not allow Voldemort…"
At the name, many student's squealed and several goblets fell. The great hall was cacophony of fear.
Dumbledore allowed this commotion to ease and then proceeded.
"Voldemort is his name, Tom Marvolo Riddle is his real name. Fear of a name only breeds fear. We must know him, we must address him as so, Voldemort. Voldemort, is alive and he is doing his best to breed fear and hate, but we must not allow him! We must pull together, as the sorting hat just said. We have to come together as we have never done. As a wise hat once said, 'And we must unite inside her or we'll crumble from within...' For our castle and for us to stand, we must know love, and we must show love."
At this Dumbledore allowed several moments to pass and then began once again, this time the kinder better-known Headmaster appeared.
"Time for the normal banal announcements. Mr. Filch has reminded to yet, again, fanged frisbees remain banded, and a full list of banned items are posted on his office door. Once again, I must remind everyone, and tell some of you for the first time the Forbidden Forest is… forbidden to all anyone how doesn't wish to meet a grizzly death please, avoid it. This is especially important as this year the campus wards and charms have been greatly increased. Now a final note, as I can see most of you are ready to get your house common rooms. We have several staffing adjustments, as most of you can see. Professor Slughorn has agreed to take up his old post as Potions Master."
At this Professor Dumbledore waved his arm towards a portly man with a large mustache seated towards the end of the table. A small smattering of applause happened and died away almost as quickly as it has started.
"This apportionment frees up Professor Snape to take on the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts." At this the Slytherin table burst into applause, and several of the Gryffindor's booed.
"Please settle down, we are so close to getting in our lovely warm beds. Finally, this year our dear Professor Trelawney has been called away, her classes with be taken up by a former student, and well know Seer, Clark Oakes."
Several gasps sounded from all over the hall, and several students began clapping.
"Quite please" started Dumbledore "He is delayed in his relocation from the United States as a Professor at Ilvermorny. He will be here by the start of the term, please do your best to show him our warmest of welcomes. And with that, pleasant dreams, and please remember, a building with three walls is nothing. We must all be there for each other."
At this Dumbledore stepped down from his platform and the students began flowing out of the hall.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this. I know I am by no means a writer by profession, but I hope this story will be good enough for everyone to not be bothered by my writing style.