Chapter 3: The Feast

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all walked into the dining hall. It was magnificent; the ceiling was that of a very bright starry night with some candles floating in mid-air. They then went to sit down at the Gryffindor table. Hermione was in the middle of Harry and Ron. Harry was next to Fred and George as Ron was next to Percy.

The whole dining hall was bustling with noise; Harry could hear some talking about the Hogesmade dilemma. Then everyone fell silent, Dumbledore stood up at the teachers' table, he was about to make some announcements.

"Now, as you all know the Forbidden forest is STILL forbidden," Dumbledore eyed Harry and Ron from above his moon-shaped spectacles with a smile. "We also have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacherMr. Garb Fildyn"

Mr. Fildyn stood up at the teachers' table. He had emerald green eyes with blond hair, a curious mix. He stood at about 5' 9". He was wearing a navy blue robe with gold embroidery. He was very handsome. (Even more so than that of Gilderoy Lockheart!)

Dumbledore silenced the applause for he should speak again, "I'm sure you've heard in the news that Hogesmade has been closed down," for those who were not informed before this had let out a soft 'awe', "Yes, yes I know, but we will be able to get back to Hogesmade as soon as the criminal is caught. Until then, Hogwarts will be under close security." He paused, "That is all, let the feast begin!" and with the wave of his hand all the food had filled up all of the plates and goblets.

Harry was upset about this, as was Ron. Hermione sat there seemingly UN-effected by this. "Hermione?! Aren't you the least bit upset about this? I mean, NO HOGESMADE!" Ron looked furious. Ron had already known about Hogesmade, but was even more upset because Hermione seemed to think differently.

"Well, Ron. Don't you think your being a bit over-reactive? I mean, ok, Hogesmade is closed. I'm SURE Dumbledore will have something for us to do" Her voice trailed off. Ron seemed to be a little cooled off after she said this.

"Pass me a chicken leg?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Sure" Hermione grabbed the plate and gave it to Harry. Instead of taking one, he took about five. Hermione looked disgusted. Her plate was full of vegetables.

~*~

Ron dropped his fork onto his plate. Hermione and Harry both looked up at him. Ron was sitting back rubbing his stomach. "What happened to you" Harry said with a slight laugh.

"I" Ron looked at Harry pleadingly. "Wanna go to the common room? Harry nodded in agreement. He too was full, he felt like he could not fit into his pants anymore.

"What about you, Hermione? Do you want to go?" Harry looked at Hermione who was trying to eat the last off her plate.

"Sure, I think I've had enough." Ron and Hermione got up at the same time.

"After you my lady" Ron ushered her forward and bowed. Harry and Hermione both laughed. Hermione led the way, followed by Harry and Ron walking beside each other. Soon they were all walking side by side.

~*~

They all arrived at the common room only moments later. Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom, and Fred and George Weasley accompanied them. Harry, Ron and Hermione were greeted, as they greeted their friends back as they went off to sit in three chairs around a small round table.