Disclaimer: Due to my absentmindedness and utter lack of common sense, I forgot to post the disclaimer last time. Imagine, if a certain famous author of Harry Potter's lawyers were reading my amateur story, the suing I would get! Thus, the characters, places, things, and so on, do not belong to me. They all belong to J.K. Rowling. Not me. J.K. Rowling. Don't sue.
Author's Note: Despite the fact I've not gotten any reviews, I'm going to pretend people out there are actually reading this and tell you ahead of time I plan to do 27-30 chapters (longer than my starting chapter). So be patient.
The trio left in haste from the Hogwarts Express and followed the crowd of milling students to the wizarding school of Hogwarts. Which was juts as well, for the weather turned dark without notice, and quickly started to trickle, then eventually pour rain down upon the students.
"Perfect." Ron muttered as raindrops matted his red hair.
Hermoine giggled, "You look like a wet dog." she announced as Ron merely sneered in reply. It was too cold out to bicker, even for him.
"Finally!" exclaimed Harry when they entered the castle and thus to the Great Hall. The three felt their cloaks dry as the warmth of purple fires, obviously magic, blazed in the grand fireplace of the hall and swept around the newly arrived students.
Harry, Hermoine and Ron quickly found their seats at the great Gryffindor table, where Seamus and Dean, two peers, were already seated.
"Hey guys!" Seamus greeted them. "Nice weather to start the year, eh? Da says it'll be like this for a week or so....muggle weather report and all. Though they're always wrong, I expect."
Dean changed the subject, thinking the 'weather' was a bit too boring to talk about. "So how was your summer? We took a holiday down to Australia. I was attacked by a kangaroo." he said proudly, as if being attacked by kangaroos was something everyone dreamed to do.
Ron snorted while Hermoine looked skeptical. "Do I even dare to ask how?" she said.
Dean shrugged sheepishly, "They're very vicious, y'know. Don't you think Harry?"
Harry jumped, looking startled, as if he was coming out from a trance. "Sorry. What?"
"Are you okay?" Hermoine asked, looking very concerned. She lowered her voice cautiously. "Harry...is it your scar?"
"No," he replied. "It's just..." but he was interrupted by Dumbledore, who stood up to announce his start-of-school-year speech. But unlike the usual amused expression the Headmaster usually wore, he looked dreary...or tired even.
"Students of Hogwarts," he began. "I am utmost apologetic to announce that all occurring trips to Hogsmeade must be cancelled for the year." Cries of protest erupted from the crowd, mainly third years and up, who were the only ones who could go. "I am not in the position to negotiate, I'm afraid. Precautions are beyond necessary at this time. We will not risk another innocent life to fall into the hands of Voldemort."
This quieted the crowd. In everyone's mind was the burning memory of Cedric Diggory, who was murdered by Voldemort the previous year. Harry drew himself away from the table, bitter guilt coursing through his veins. He still thought he held responsibility for Cedric's death.
"I also must regret I shall be leaving the school midway through this year." Dumbledore continued.
Now yells of panic echoed from the walls. Even a few of the professors looked startled.
Dumbledore smiled kindly, but his wise eyes were stern and determined. "I shall not be gone forever. There is simply another necessary precaution that requires attention. In the mean time, we must all remember that united, we are strong. United, and Voldemort cannot conquer us. In which I must bring up another note, this one more joyful. I'm sure some of you are already familiar with our new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher; Fleur Delacour."
An explosion of many different reactions chorused through the Great Hall as the French girl stood and curtsied in acknowledgement. Ron, for one, shrank back a bit, clearly remembering his past (and rather humiliating) encounters with Fleur from the Twiwizard Tournament.
"And so." Dumbledore finished, "With in mind that the new year students are yet to be sorted; I bid you to feast well, and have a restful night." With that he sat and the Sorting began.
Author's Note: I know, an awkward spot to leave off on, but too bad. And I promise the exciting stuff starts in the next few chapters. Really, I promise.