Chapter 4: Falling Into Place

A/N: Sorry for the late update. Here's the next chapter. And for those of you who want to know why Nathan and Michelle go to Hogwarts instead of an American school, keep reading.

The feast was delicious. None of the first years could recall a time when they'd seen so much food and helped themselves to a little of everything.

When the remains of the food vanished from the plates, Dumbledore stood and addressed the four House tables.

"It is my pleasure to introduce a new member of our staff. Taking over the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts is Professor Lupin. He will also be taking an additional post as school counselor."

Professor Lupin stood to scattered applause. As no one had lasted in the D.A.D.A. position for more than a year, most of the students and teachers were skeptical of this new appointee. The first years were the only ones who appeared genuinely enthusiastic.

"And now," Dumbledore said as Lupin sat, "your beds await you. Prefects, please escort the new students to their dormitories."

As the students hurried toward their dormitories, Dumbledore led Remus to his office. As they walked, Remus expressed his doubts about his new job. Dumbledore listened and nodded. It was normal for students to be nervous on their first day, but Remus was a special case. Still, Dumbledore couldn't find anyone else for the job.

As they reached the stone gargoyle, they turned to see Professor McGonagall leading Michelle and Professor Snape leading Nathan.

Dumbledore smiled. "Mr. VanBerg, Miss Lego, I see you found your way here. Come in and let us get acquainted."

The group entered the office and sat. Professor Dumbledore began to speak, addressing the students.

"I am Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. You have already met Professor Lupin. Professor McGonagall is Head of Gryffindor House, Transfiguration teacher, and Deputy Headmistress. Professor Snape is Head of Slytherin House and Potions master. I understand the two of you know each other."

Nathan and Michelle nodded.

Dumbledore continued, "Hogwarts has never admitted a blind student before. We will accommodate for you as best we can, but if you have any problems, offer us any suggestions that would benefit your learning. First, you will be taking six classes, Charms, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, History of Magic, and Herbology. You will be exempt from Astronomy because it involves looking through a telescope. In place of this class, you are required to meet with Professor Lupin once a week to discuss any problems you may have in class and learn several spells which will benefit you as blind wizards.

"you will each have a designated day in which you will meet with Professor Lupin. However, should you need further assistance, feel free to meet (schedule an appointment) with him anytime. However, if he is not available, you will refer to your respective Heads of House.

"You will start learning spells that will enable you to change your homework and textbooks from print to Braille and vice versa. Until you master those spells, your Head of House will pair you with an older student who will assist you with any required reading and writing. You will also be learning to travel around the castle independently. These lessons will take place on weekends with either Professor Lupin or your Heads of House. For the first week, I would advise you to walk to class with another student. Are there any questions?"

Nathan spoke up. "Someone asked us on the train why we came here instead of some American school. Do you know?"

"Well," Dumbledore began. "Hogwarts usually does not admit international students. In fact, it's been nearly twenty years since the last American was enrolled. We are aware that neither of your families has a high income, and American Wizarding schools are expensive. All education in Europe is free. You were accepted to Hogwarts instead of the other European schools because at the other schools you would have had to learn a new language as well as new subjects. Any other questions?"

"When do we get our schedules?" Michelle asked.

"Your Head of House will distribute them tomorrow at breakfast," Dumbledore answered. "If that is all, Minerva, Severus, please escort your students back to their common rooms. Remus, you may also be dismissed."

A/N: So I know from Chapters 1 and 2 it looked like Remus was already employed at Hogwarts. Let's just assume when he went to visit Nathan and Michelle, Dumbledore had already offered him the job, and he'd been chosen to work with these students because as a werewolf, he'd be more sympathetic to students with disabilities.

Pleas review!