Chapter Seven
The Surprising Announcements
The next eight days were the most uneventful of Harry's life. The first three days were full of homework. After that was done he took to polishing his broomstick, a top-of-the line Firebolt. However, that lost its fun after a day or two. So when August twentieth came, Harry was thrilled. He hadn't seen his friends all summer and he had so much to tell them.
Harry awoke at ten o' clock that day. He knew that the Hogwarts Express lest King's Cross at eleven, but he didn't know when it would arrive. So he decided he would visit Dumbledore later to find out.
Since he had nothing else to do, Harry took to cleaning the Common Room and dormitories. This took a great deal of time so when he was done it was dark out. So he thought it was time to visit Dumbledore.
So through the stone corridors of the castle Harry traveled until he came to Dumbledore's office. Harry was just about to say the name of one of Dumbledore's favorite candies (lemon drops), when he was greeted by Dumbledore.
"Hello, Harry" said the headmaster.
"Excuse me sir," Harry started, "but would you happen to know when the train will arrive?"
"Ahh, perfect timing Harry," Dumbledore said. "The train has just arrived. We must hurry or we'll be late for our own feast!"
The Great Hall looked amazing! Harry had never seen it so decorated. He took a seat at the Gryffindor table. Soon other students began to file into the Hall. Harry immediately saw Ron and Hermione and waved to them. They quickly spotted him and sped towards the table.
"Hi Harry!" said Ron excitedly, "what have you been up to?"
"Not much," replied Harry. "Hello Hermione."
"Hi Harry," said Hermione is a distracted tone of voice.
"Are you okay?" asked Harry.
"Fine, just fine," she said. "I do hope the feast starts soon, I'm starving."
"She's been acting strange since we got on the train," said Ron, "it's a bit weird, don't you think?"
"Yes," said Harry and he dropped the subject.
"So, what did you do while we were gone?"
"Oh, just homework and stuff. How about you?"
"Just stuff," Ron said.
"Did you get my letter?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, thanks for the advice."
"Well, if you two are done scheming," Hermione said, "Dumbledore is about to speak.
Ron and Harry turned and faced the teacher's table as Dumbledore stood up.
"Welcome back students," he started, " the new students will not be arriving until the first of September. We will have the start of term banquet on that date.
"When they arrive, I must ask you not worry them by telling them about the events at the end of the last term."
At this everyone who was talking stopped. No one could forget what happened last year, there was an empty seat at the Hufflepuff table to remind them.
"All students," he continued, "will stay at Hogwarts for Christmas and Easter holidays. Your families have been informed about this and agree that this is the safest place for you and wanted you here at all times.
"When the first years arrive I will address the issues of our new teachers and curfew."
"New teachers!" exclaimed Ron, "I thought the only open spot was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Wonder what the others teach."
"Same here," said Harry.
"Well, now that that is done, let's eat!" said Dumbledore.
Suddenly the gold platters on the tables filled with an assortment of foods. Everything from mashed potatoes to pumpkin pies. Harry and Ron indulged themselves in trying everything in sight. Hermione was disgusted by this and told them they were acting like pigs, which they agreed with.
"Boys," she said in a sour tone.
Ron and Harry completely ignored this and continued on eating in this manner. After everyone had eaten their fill, the platters emptied and Dumbledore stood back up.
"Now that we have all been fed and watered," he started, "it is time to go up to our common rooms. We will see you all again at breakfast."
The students proceeded to their respective common rooms. All of them too weighed down by the meal to do much of anything except sleep. So when Harry, Ron, and Hermione reached the Gryffindor common room, they went up to their separate dormitories. When Harry reached his four-poster, he immediately fell asleep.
The next eleven days flew by quickly. In no time at all it was September first. The whole school was buzzing with excitement. Soon it was time to go down to the start-of-term banquet, and everyone wanted to know about the new teachers.
When everyone had entered the Great Hall the new first years entered. Professor Mc Gonagal placed a patched hat on a tree-legged stool. As it hit the stool, it began to sing:
After Hogwarts was built
The founders' health began to wilt
The four knew that when they were gone
There would be a new dawn
How to choose the lucky few
Was something that they all knew
But how to do it when they were through
Brought the four into a feud
For strong Gryffindor did pride
Those with bravery in their insides
Hufflepuff's choices weren't deadly
She favored those who were friendly
Ravenclaw's heart did yearn
For the few who liked to learn
And Slytherin's choices weren't wise
He loved those who were sly
But since the founder's lives have gone
I am here top make bygones
Put me on, you will do
And I will say who would have chose you
The Hall burst into applause. Professor Mc Gonagal explained to the first years that all they had to do was place the hat on to their heads and it would say what house they would be in.
The first person approached the called was:
"Brock, Cameron!"
A tall, athletically built boy walked towards the stool. He put on the hat and after about half a minute it shouted.
"Slytherin!"
The boy walked off to the Slytherin table as the next student was called.
"Cheesman, Kaylie!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Corbin, Keyla!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Faulkner, Ian," became a Slytherin along with "Freels, Brittany," while "French, Josh," went to Gryffindor.
"Gamble, Jordan!" shouted Mc Gonagall
Just as the hat touched her head it shouted:
"RAVENCLAW!"
She went over to the Ravenclaw table.
"Green, Ryan," became the first Hufflepuff while, "Howard, Whitney," and, "Nelms, Amanda," became Slytherins, and "Miller, Alex," went to Gryffindor.
The sorting continued for quite some time. Ravenclaw gained two more students while Hufflepuff gained three, and Gryffindor and Slytherin each received one.
As the sorting came to a close, Dumbledore stood. With this the Hall fell silent.
"Another year has come," he said," and with it, three new teachers. May I please present Professor Lupin, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
The Hall erupted with noise quickly after he said this.
"All of your parents have been notified about this and have agreed with my choice. So I expect you to treat Professor Lupin with the utmost respect."
The Hall fell silent once more.
"Also," Dumbledore said," may I introduce Professor Zingaro the new Potions teacher, and Professor Salia the new Care of Magical Creatures teacher.
"Now I know what you all are thinking, but our Gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid, is unable to fufill his duties this term.
"Quidditch try-outs for a new Gryffindor Keeper, and a new Hufflepuff seeker will take place the second week of term. Anyone who is interested should contact Madame Hooch.
"Well, with that out of the way, let us enjoy our food."
The new students were amazed by the way the food appeared. They enjoyed every bit of the feast. After the platters were cleared, Dumbledore rose yet again.
"Now that we are done, let's sing the school song. Pick your favorite tune and here we go!"
After the song, everyone applauded.
"Before we go to bed, I have a few words," Dumbledore concluded. "They are; Nitwick, Oddment, Blubber, and Tweat!"
Ron and Hermione led the Gryffindor's up to Gryffindor Tower. The boys and girls went their separate ways up to their dormitories. All of them fell asleep almost immediately after they laid their heads on their pillows.
"'Night Harry," said Ron.
"G'night Ron," said Harry.