Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny took a seat next to Neville, Seamus, and some of the other sixth years. Harry caught a glimpse of Ginny tensing up when she saw Dean and Lavender together. However, before anything could be said, the new first years were brought in. Professor McGonagall led the first years, and stopped in front of the stool with the Sorting Hat. A large slit near the brim opened like a mouth, and the Sorting Hat sang its song.

When the school was but brand new

And students began to come

There lived four wizards, great and tall
Who would allow only some.
Gryffindor took only those,
Whose true nature was very brave.
Those who would face the evil
And never ever cave
Hufflepuff took the loyalists
The ones who never changed
While Ravenclaw took on the brains
With wisdom ever gained
Slytherin, the crafty one,
Took only the pure bloods
He wanted those few students
Whose bloodline wasn't a dud
When they passed on, they left me here,
In order to choose for them
Now that you all are here
Let this year's Sorting begin!

Harry and the others clapped along with the others at the Sorting Hat's new song. He watched as one by one the first years came up and put on the hat. He only paid half attention to the names called out. He was searching the staff table for the teachers. He saw an empty chair where the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher normally sat. Maybe Dumbledore hadn't found one yet. As Harry pondered this thought, he saw Dumbledore get up.
"Students, one and all. Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. It's nice to see everyone. Now, let's eat."
Suddenly, the tables were piled up with food. Harry saw roast pork, chicken, and lamb, along with many of his other Hogwarts favorites. Harry loaded his plate, and dug in. After what seemed like twenty minutes, Dumbledore stood up again.
"A few beginning of term notices. The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to those under third year. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that there is to be no magic used in the corridors while passing between classes. Quidditch trials will take place later in the month. You can check your dormitory message boards for times. Finally, I would like to introduce this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Anton Dolohov."
Harry looked up to see a tall man with a long beard standing up. The man looked to be about eight feet tall. His beard was perhaps two feet long. He was wearing a large fur cloak over his robes. He had a piercing blue eyes, and a look about him that said that he knew what he was doing. However, he was smiling, which was a good sign.
"Now, I know that you all have had a long trip, so I'll let you head upstairs." Ron and Hermione got up. It was their duties as prefects to lead the first years up to the dorm. Harry lagged behind with Neville, Seamus, Parvati, and Ginny. Dean and Lavender were standing off to the side. Harry could tell that Ginny was seething with anger. Without really thinking, he put his arm around her shoulder, and whispered in her ear. "Ginny, I know you're angry with Dean and Lavender. However, we're going to have to work with them in the D.A. Right now, I'll help you out. But you have to get over this."
Ginny gave a small nod. Without moving his arm, Harry led the way upstairs. He saw that some of the other Gryffindors in the D.A. were following up behind. He saw the Creevy brothers were fingering their Galleons. Harry knew that they had gotten the message. Harry didn't take his arm away from Ginny's shoulders until they had gotten into the Gryffindor common room. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek, making sure that Dean and Lavender were watching. Then, he headed upstairs.
In the dorm, Dean confronted Harry. "So, are you going out with Ginny now?" Harry answered, "Why should it matter to you? You left her for someone else. I'm just trying to make it easier for everyone to get along in the D.A. I don't want her to feel alone when you're with Lavender." Harry hadn't been prepared to say that, but he realized that he meant it.
Dean just shrugged, and walked off to bed. As each boy went to sleep, Harry felt a strange feeling come over him. Why had he been so defensive when he was talking to Dean? Could it have possibly been that he did have feelings to Ginny? He fell into a deep sleep, and dreamed of Ginny.