PART FIVE: HIS ARRIVAL
The whole ceremony had gone off without a hitch. From the
sorting of the first years, to Professor Dumbledore's
welcoming speech. Everything seemed in order until his
arrival.
An empty seat remained at the main table where mostly all of the
Hogwarts professors sat. An empty seat reserved for the Defense
Against the Dark Arts teacher. Hogwarts had yet to keep a DADA
teacher for more than a year—something that the seventh
years now grew accustomed to.
Everyone was quite curious as to whom would teach DADA this year,
including the resident faculty. Everyone that is except
Dumbledore.
"Ah, there he is now. And just in time for the
festivities."
The Great Hall doors had opened quite quietly upon his entrance.
He obviously wasn't expecting to make his presence known,
yet upon Dumbledore's words, all eyes were on him.
He was a striking young man. Tall, broad, and standing with quiet
pride and strength. He stood no more than six feet two. His hair
was raven black and kept hauntingly untidy. And his emerald eyes
sparkled against the well lit Hall.
In a muggles black jacket, blue shirt and denim jeans, he looked
no more than twenty five, no less than twenty. At least that is
most of the guesses of a lot of the gaping females in the room.
Whispers traveled round wondering who this mysterious
stranger was.
"Come. Come now, my dear boy. Join us." Dumbledore
welcomed the young stranger with open arms.
The mysterious stranger nodded his head, a relieved half smile on
his face. As he made his way to the front, a lot of eyes watched
his every step.
A sudden chill flew through Hermione Granger's body as she
watched this stranger. A stranger that looked hauntingly
familiar.
As the young man finally made his way to the main table,
Dumbledore indicated towards the empty spot reserved for the DADA
teacher.
Collective quiet gasps spread through as everyone realized that
this young fellow was to be their new DADA professor.
He stood by the seat that Dumbledore indicated, knowing that the
Headmaster was going to introduce him to the magical student
body. If he could just capture the moment that would follow
he thought quietly to himself.
"Everyone may I have your attention? I am most pleased
to announce a most joyous return to this Hogwarts family. Please
join me in welcoming your new Defense Against the Dark Arts
teacher pardon me, please join me in welcoming *back*"
He took a grand pause, causing the young man to chuckle quietly
to himself.
"Oh Dumbledore" He quietly joked, "I see
your flare for dramatics has yet to change."
Dumbledore winked at the young man, having heard his words.
"Please join me in welcoming back"
The young man allowed his gaze to search out the Gryffindor
table, and his eyes rested upon her. Of all the reactions, it was
*her* reaction that he wanted to witness the most. Though he knew
full well in his heart what it would be. Oh how he wished right
now to be that person to catch her as she fainted when Dumbledore
announced the arrival of
"Mr. Harold James Potter!"
