Life at Hogwarts was not easy in any way. Especially if you are the 'Chosen One' and held a distinct scar on your forehead that let everyone know that you were different. Even more when trouble always finds you and your friends forcing you all to juggle school with defeating subordinates and the Dark Lord Voldemont himself almost every year. It causes one to be anxious all the time for what was going to come the following years and stress over the littlest of things. While having book smart Hermione on his side did help, he did still struggle with school and getting things done.

At this point, trouble found him even over the summer, when he was much further away from Hogwarts than the rest of the year. Being attacked by the dementors, finding out about the Order of the Phoenix, and having the Hearing were things that had happened already this year and he was not ready to see what was going to happen this year. Nightmares were now a common thing he had gotten used to, abuse of his Aunt and Uncle, fighting Quirl in his first year, fighting a Basilisk in his second year, dealing with dementors and trying to free his godfather AND having to defend himself from a werewolf, being forced to partake in the Triwizard Tournament , and seeing his new friend be killed in an instant followed by discovering that the Professor he trusted was another one of Voldemort's followers all added up into the forms of having a constant anxiety and probably forms of PTSD. Facing death every year since his first at Hogwarts made him second guess its safety and if Dumbledore really cared about him. Putting all that aside, he now faced a new year at Hogwarts, the start of all his problems and place where most of his issues would either be resolved or be created.

He stared out the train window while Ginny, Neville, Ron, and Hermione chatted with each other while Luna read her Quibbler. Finally getting off the train and the carriages, they walked through the entrance and into the fimiar Great Hall for the feast. Walking by, Harry could hear the whispers of the other students. He grit his teeth and proceeded onto where the rest had sat along with the other Gryffindors, when he looked up at the staff table and noticed three things. 1) Hagrid sitting in his usual place, 2) the new teacher and 3) an empty seat where Professor Bins used to sit.

"Who do you think is going to teach DADA this year?" Hermonie wondered out loud.

Harry, however hearing her was not concerned about that. He was far more concerned about who one of the teachers was.

"It's that Umbridge lady who works for Fudge!" he exclaimed recognizing her toad like face.

"What! Was she at your hearing?" asked the now also concerned Hermonie.

"Yeah, she was…." Harry trailed off as the new first years walked through the doors along with Professor McGonagall and the Sorting Hat.

One could smell the fear and anxiety of being in a line waiting to be sorted into their house. After all, everyone at the school had been there at one point. After setting the hat on the stool the entire Great Hall became silent waiting for the hat to sing. It then broke out into its song:

Of all the tales of old,

One sticks out the most.

It's the tale of unrequited love.

A wizard fell for the one he was to protect

He gave all he had,

But noone to understand.

Now that one that he loved,

Fell for another and soon would be doomed.

The one that he loved,

Had failed to achieve

The world they were to create.

That poor beloved one soon died,

In the arms of the wizard who loved one so.

The wizard was cursed with immortality,

And to live forever alone.

Another tale that is often told,

Is the tale of the four founders,

Who began the school.

They came upon the lake,

And knew what to do.

Building a school for wise to teach the new.

Courageous Godric Gryffindor,

Taught the strong and the brave.

Intelligent Rowena Ravenclaw,

Wanted the smart and bright.

Cunning Salazar Slytherin,

Favored the sly and pure.

Kind Helga Hufflepuff,

Taught the whole rest.

Though I am old and ragged,

I place where I think you best fit.

There are dark shadows that are cast upon the future,

A darkness rises within these walls,

And death will ensure that one will fall.

The only way to beat this evil,

Is to combine the powers of all.

Now that you know the tales,

It is time for the sorting to begin.

The hall was quickly filled with applause. One glance at Hermione told him and Ron that she was going to figure out who this 'wizard' was. Harry was far more concerned with the new threat of something new brewing within the school. Great, something new to worry about….he thought.

"Blimey mate. I'm getting pretty hungry." Ron muttered to Harry, grabbing his attention.

"Same." he muttered back.

As the sorting went on, each house applauded for their new members. The line soon died down to the last few new first years and once they were sorted, Dumbledore finally spoke. Standing up from his chair and raising his arms in a welcoming, open way with his bright smile and twinkelling he began.

"Welcome to those who are new and those have returned!" A few groans could be heard from the tabes from people expecting a long drawn out speech. Chuckling he continued, "The time for speech is later, first we shall fill our stomachs with food from our long journey. Let us eat!"

As he spoke the last few words, the food began to appear on the tables only to be quickly grabbed by hungry children. Hungry as Harry felt, he did not eat much. Even if he could eat as much as he could, being so used to eating in small portions his stomach would not allow more than the usual amount. Ron however was cramming his mouth full of who knows what. Watching him attempt to talk to Nearly Headless Nick was revolting as it was funny. Though soon, as the chatter began to rise up again due to the students finishing their meal, Dumbledore rose out of his seat once again. The talking quickly ceased and all focus was on the Headmaster again.

"Now that our bellies are full of food from this feast, I would like to welcome the First-year and give some terms-of-notice."

When Dumbledor began his speech, Harry couldn't help but feel tired and drowsy. It had been a long while since sleeping on those soft, cusheny, dorm beds and the delicious food he had eaten was far better than what he was able to eat anywhere else. Then a loud bang filled the air causing the hall to be silent in an instant. The Great Hall doors were slammed open by someone who, rushing in, had their mouth overflowing with apologies.

"I am so, so, so, sorry! I completely forgot it was today!" a voice half shouted.

"No, it is fine. " Dumbledore chulkeled.

"No! It's not alright!" the voice protested.

"Just get up here and stop apologizing."

Whoever this man was, was a complete mystery to all. A figure with a cloak rushed up to the staff table, found an empty seat, and sat down. Snape, of course gave the person a nasty look along with the Unbrigde lady, while all the other Professors held expressions of surprise and laughter.

"You may take off your cloak, if you wish. I doubt that there would be any major storm inside the building." Dumbledore mentioned to the apparent new staff member.

"Oh! Sorry I was in such a rush that I didn't even realize. I--" the figure was cut short as Dumbledor raised his hand. Soon, everyone got what they wanted, a look at the mysterious figure.

The figure was, as everyone noticed, a man. The man was a gangly looking thing, with boney limbs. The clothing of choice was simple, a blue shirt with an old leather jacket, old faded out brown pants, and a neckerchief around his neck that made him look even skinnier than he already did . He had very dark black hair that seemed to be combed in a hurry. As he turned back around, they all focused on one thing, his eyes. His eyes had a simple color, cobalt blue, but they heald wizzdom far beyond years. He looked to be no more that his late 30's, but his eyes had the intelligence of one who had lived for hundreds of years. His cheeks were noticeably flushed from embarrassment as he placed his cloak on the back of the chair. Sitting down rather harshly he sat and waited patiently for Dumbledor to finish his speech.

"Oh bloody hell," Ron muttered, "there's a new someone who all the girls will be wooing."

Harry could not help but agree with Ron, "He's seems to be quite the looker to them."

Surveying the area, most, if not all the girls were already eyeing him. Even Hermione was looking.

"Monie!" Ron tired to get her attention.

"Wa," she said, distracted.

"Oh great! Not you too!" he growled angrily. The short conversation was cut by Dumbledore starting up his speech again.

"Now, as many of the older students may have noticed, the Keeper of the Keys, here at Hogwarts is not currently here. His class will now be taught by Professor Grubby-Plant, who is now returning. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor is, as I am delighted to say, Professor Umbridge. I am most delighted to say that there is a new History of Magic Professor after all these years, Professor Aldridge."

The round of applause was not as enthusiastic as there was another DADA Professor, but the new History of Magic was a shock. Even a few members of the staff was unsure on how to take this news. Professor Bins was the History Professor for years and years. Why would he give up the class to someone else? The now named Professor Aldridge seemed to shrink back into his chair and flushed even brighter at his name being mentioned.

Dumbledore started to continue before he looked over. His eyes were on Umbridge. A small 'hem hem' came out of her mouth before she started rise and make her way over by Dumbledor to start speaking. It was clear as day that they were about to get a speech from the new Professor.

"Well, thank you very much, Headmaster, for those words of welcome."

Her voice was high pitched and rather girlish, making it very hard for Harry to not get a headache. Everyone in the hall felt a great rush of dislike for the new Professor. Even the new History Professor seemed to have some sort of dislike for her.

"As lovely as it is to be back at Hogwarts, I would say it is far more lovely to see all the happy faces looking at me and how excited I am to all be friends!. " Of course, no one was smiling at all, other than Umbridge. She spoke to them like they were all 4 or 5 years old and they were on the brink of all out laughter.

"The Ministry of Magic has always put an effort to make sure the education of young wizards and witches as one of their main priorities. We acknowledge all the Professors of now and of previous times have done for the youth." She gave a quick nod the staff holding a deathly strong glare that did not match her voice at at.

"The Headmaster of the school always brings something to offer to the students. Some of these things are now old and worn out. Let us allow change to happen and welcome it to with wide and open arms." She finished her speech simply.

After a few more announcements from Dumbledore, he dismissed the students from the hall. Ron and Hermonie took the new first-years to the dorms leaving Harry alone again to his thoughts. He felt a little anxious being alone in a very crowded place without his friends. Walking relatively slowly down the halls, he saw the new History of Magic Professor looking a bit lost.

"Um, hey. Do you know the way to the History of Magic classroom is?" the Professor asked. His posture was slightly slumped like he was not trying to draw any attention to himself.

"Oh, yeah. I can, Professor….."

"Aldridge."

Walking down the halls Harry noticed something about the new professor. He didn't once every try to look at his scar or ask him questions about anything in particular. Just comfortable silence walking to the classroom. As they approached the doors the Professor finally said something.

"Harry," the sudden voice of the Professors startled him "I know that you have been through a lot, but make sure you talk to someone about things."

"What?" Harry was very confused. Why would someone who he has never even heard of be giving him advice. What would he know about the things he went through. Before he could get another word out, Professor Aldridge had vanished into the classroom. Deciding it was far too late to stay up any longer, Harry left his thoughts there and walked to his dorms to finally get some much needed sleep.