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!"