The Firetah
(part three)
This is Anchoret's POV, with a smidgen of Harry at the end...
I stood there for a few minutes and let them look at me. I could sense their curiosity, and their myriad thoughts buzzed in my mind. I shut off their chatter. Dumbledore was about to speak.
His strong voice rang out like a bell in the silence. "Welcome, students!" He said. "Two feasts in two days, lucky indeed!" Scant laughter at this. " I would like to introduce a new student to Hogwarts. This lovely girl beside me is Anchoret. She will be entering the fifth year and has only just arrived today. She will be sorted this evening."
There were murmurs from our audience at this statement, and then he spoke again. "Before the Sorting, I would like to make one small announcement. Professor Snape will be taking a leave of absence this year and I am sure that you are all wondering about his temporary replacement."
He made a dramatic sweeping gesture with his bony arms and a man walked in the doors from whence we had just emerged. He was short and had a face like chopped wood. There were several loud gasps from everyone, and I knew this must be the "real" Alastor Moody. I had heard all about the events of last year from my parents, who were in the Ministry of Magic, and also Dumbledore's inner circle. Two very conflicting groups nowadays. Dumbledore spoke again. "His face is not new to most of you, but rest assured, this is indeed Alastor Moody, and he will be teaching Potions. He is quite good, and I have complete faith in him!" The Headmaster's face was almost angry in its conviction. This was not a man to cross, I knew.
Harry tore his eyes away from Anchoret long enough to take in, and approve of, his new Potions Master. Anyone was better than Snape, and if the real Moody was anything like Crouch portrayed him to be.... He studied Moody for a moment, then let his eyes be drawn back to Anchoret. Yes, this was going to be an interesting year, indeed.
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