Disclaimer-We own the plot and the transfer students, the rest is JKRowlings.

Harry Potter and the Return of the Dark Lord

Chapter 5-One Man and His Dog

          As Harry, Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall they saw that the black draping's were still on the wall from the last year mourning Cedric's death.  Harry fell silent as he remembered the events of the last year.

"Are you all right Harry?" asked Cho, as she walked past him to the Ravenclaw table. Harry heard Cho but didn't reply.

Everyone started gathering in the hall to watch the sorting.  The new students walked into the hall looking tense and suspicious.  The trio waved at their new friends and Dudley.  Louisa kept looking over at Malfoy and smiling at him.  He was avoiding her eyes while Crabbe and Goyle, his dumb sidekicks sniggering at his side.  Harry looked towards the teacher's table and was surprised to see Remus sitting there with Snuffles at his side.  Next to them was Arabella Figg.  Harry told Ron and Hermione who looked over to the table.  Remus and Arabella waved at them and they waved back.

Dumbledore stood up and the hall went quiet.  "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts," he said, "we will begin shortly but first I would like to introduce the 15 transfer students from Beaubatons and Durmstrang to our school.  Also Professor Lupin has kindly agreed to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts again.  His dog, Snuffles, will accompany him.  All years will now attend Duelling classes with Professor  Figg.  Hogsmead trips have been reduced due to last year and this year the House Quiddich competitions will be taking place.  Madame Hooch has taken on two extra helpers to assist her.  They are Oliver Wood and Viktor Krum!"  He finished and everyone started clapping loudly as Krum and Wood walked into the hall and sat down at the table.

"Sorry we are late," Oliver said, "we got a bit forgetful.  You can't blame us, we were in Quality Quiddich Supplies looking at the new broomstick, the Whirlwind 3000."

"Thank you Oliver," said Dumbledore and the Sorting Hat was bought in.

"I'm old and torn and battered,

in-fact I'm rather tattered

but there is one thing I can do,

sort your house for you.

I will go inside your mind,

and then I will try and find

just where you belong,

as I sing this song.

Sit still and clear your head,

as still as those who are dead

and don't you breathe a word,

just let your thoughts be heard

and then I will decide,

just where you belong,

as I sing this song!

GRYFFINDOR, HUFFLEPUFF, RAVENCLAW, SLYTHERIN!

          McGonnagall called out the first name, Abbott, Samuel."

A small boy with blond hair sat down on the stool and put the hat on.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuff table cheered as he sat down next to his sister, Hannah.

"Bellah, Lucille," Luci did not move.  "Bellah, Lucille," McGonnagall called out again.  Nathalie elbowed Luci whose gaze was on Oliver Wood.  Nathalie pushed her and she suddenly realized what she had been doing.  With a bright red face she placed the hat on her head.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

She walked over to the table and sat down next to Hermione.  "Well done," Hermione said.

"Thanks," replied Luci, whose gaze had returned to Oliver.

"Dursley, Dudley," Dudley ran over to the stool and put on the hat.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Dudley sat next to Harry who congratulated him.

          After several more people it was Louisa's turn.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Everyone was very surprised.

"I suppose she asked to be with Malfoy," said Ron as she sat down next to him as he turned bright red.

          Katie, Nicole and Nathalie were also sorted into Gryffindor.

"Well now that the sorting's over, lets eat!" said Dumbledore and the food appeared on the plates.  Everybody started eating and talking happily.

          About half way through the feast Harry heard Remus shout, "Snuffles! NO!"

Snuffles ran towards the tables, everyone laughed as he started eating Neville's mashed potatoes.  He then ran towards Harry.  He patted Snuffles as he ate Ron's food.  "Hi Snuffles!" whispered Hermione.  He looked up at her and winked.  He promptly began eating again.  Remus walked over to the table and dragged Snuffles away.

          Snape walked over to Dumbldore and spoke to him.  Harry was at the end of the table and listened closely.  "Professor, do you think its wise to have Black in the school, even if he is a dog?  You did just see what happened didn't you?  And Potter as-well, he might do anything to see him, including breaking the rules!" Snape growled.

"Snuffles can be trusted, and I thought what happened was very amusing.  Also I believe Harry has every right to see his Godfather whenever he wants," Dumbledore replied.

Harry told Ron and Hermione what he heard and they agreed that Snape was being unfair.

          At the end of the feast, Remus told Harry that he would see him later.  Harry gathered the first years and took them to Gryffindor Tower.