Chapter 7- The New Year
-Sorry for being gone for so long guys, had some stuff to take care of. But I love all the support—
-you've been giving me! Feel free to leave some constructive criticism, and I'll be sure to take-
-it into consideration. –
It seemed like it took only five minutes to get to Hogwarts station. Harry passed the time by sleeping, kissing, casting spells, studying, and eating. With Draco Malfoy gone, the friends were at much more ease. And the looming threat of Lord Voldemort was gone, no one was in fear they could be dead in an instant. Once they were at the station the smiling face of Hagrid, the groundskeeper, greeted them. Hogwarts was looking as good as new, and everyone was amazed by the sudden transformation.
"I wonder who the new DADA teacher is.", Ron said to Harry.
"I just hope they're not completely batshit crazy.", Harry laughed.
"What if it's you, Harry?", Ginny asked seriously.
"Why would it be me? I'm in 7th year, and the NEWT's will be looming over us. I wouldn't have time to teach a Defense class."
"You did it in 5th year…"
"Yes, but that was about 20 other people, not 500! I would miss all of my classes."
And with that the conversation closed. They hopped into a Thestral carriage and rode to the front entrance. Already you could hear music playing, the students and teachers babbling, and the great castle was emblazoned with light. As the group walked through the giant oak wood doors, nearly every table erupted with applause. Even the teachers were clapping! Ron started bowing, but Hermione and Ginny both wacked him on the head with their books. The roof was showing a beautiful, cloudless night, and the Hall was more alive than Harry had ever seen it. The Sword of Godric Gryffindor lay in a clear glass case above the Headmaster's chair, with Nagini's blood still on the steel blade. And sitting in the Head chair was… Professor McGonnagal!? They couldn't say much though, as the sorting was starting.
"Hufflepuff!" "Gryffindor!" "Gryffindor!" "Slytherin!" "Hufflepuff!" "Ravenclaw!"
This went on for another ten minutes before McGonnagal stood up and did the Headmaster's speech.
"Students! Quiet down! Now, I know that last year was… unforgettable, but this is a clean slate. The Dar- Voldemort is gone, and we have a brand new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher! Now presenting… Percy Weasley!"
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny's jaws all dropped as they heard McGonnagal say his name. Percy stood up and waved at all the students. His eyes rested on Ron for a second, and he gave a mischevious smirk, before sitting back down. This was going to be fun.
