They entered the great hall. Everything was done up like usually. The house
banners hanging from the ceiling, which was fixed to be like the starry
night, they had just come from. They gathered at their tables and waited
for the first form. AS he looked around the room Harry said," Hey, have u
noticed that there are a lot less slytherin?"
"Yeah they've probably all gone to join You-know-who," Ron muttered.
They watched as the group of first years entered the hall.
"Malfoy's not there," Ron said with satisfaction.
"Of course, Ron, that's why we didn't see him on the train," said Hermione in a duh sort of voice as the last of the first years, Tupper, Lilac, was sorted into Ravenclaw. Their conversation was brought to an abrupt end as Dumbledore stood and said," Now for a few announcements. AS most of you know grave happenings have affected our living. I will not hide it from you. Voldemort (several students flinched) is returning with power greater than before. Do not worry as long as you remain at Hogwarts your safety will continue to be a top priority. However in order to ensure security, new rules shall be placed. All school rules that are broken shall be severely punished even the minor rules. Students shall not be able to roam Hogwart grounds as they have done, unless they are accompanied by a teacher. Popular "hangouts" as you call them shall be patrolled continuously.
Groans emerged from the students
"And," Dumbledore added, "Curfew shall be exactly one hour after sunset. However to speak on a happier note, we have not one but two new teachers this year. Unfortunately our potions professor Snape will not be able to join us this year. In his place we have appointed a young lady with which most of you are familiar with from last year's triwizard tournament, Miss Fleur Delacour
A wild applause filled the room, Snape was gone what better news, mingled with whistles and cat-calls. (This being the boys' appreciation whereas the girls gave a short, polite clap.) Dumbledore's raised his hands, "Yes, yes we are all pleased. Now we are also happy to note that we have our real defense against the dark arts teacher, Mad-Eye moody."
A somewhat broken applause was given, as the students had not yet forgotten last year.
"And for the final beginning of term announcement I have agreed to bring back the Dueling Club formed two years ago. Our club moderator will be Miss Arabella Figg. More information on the dueling club will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Common rooms. Now that's all behind us. Let's eat"
And as custom, dishes filled with food appeared before them. The sodden student generously filled their plates with roasted meats, potatoes, crackers, and all sorts of delicacies that the house-elves had procured.
Harry was distractedly looking around the hall. He caught Cho's eye and gave her an awkward wave as she smiled. Hermione was frowning as she looked at the feast. She filled her plate grudgingly while muttering "slave labor."
Ron, however, forgot to harangue her for her interest in house-elf welfare, as he was gaping, open-mouthed, at Fleur Delacour at the staff table.
Seventh year boys at the Ravenclaw table were craning their necks to get a better look at her.
By the end of the feast even Hermione was feeling much better and the Gryffindors staggered up the stairs to the common room.
"No Snape and no Malfoy...." yawned Ron. "WHAT shall we do for entertainment now?"
"Ron," snapped Hermione. "We're going to have enough trouble as it is, be grateful.'
Harry smiled as Ron and Hermione bickered their way to the common room.
They reached the tower and gave the rather tipsy fat lady (who was dining with sir cadogan) the password (fizzing whizbees) and trudged up to the room.
Harry collapsed into bed, grinning as he listened to Seamus and deans discuss when they'd have potions ("that fleur girl...").
No matter what happens this year, thought Harry, this is my home.
He immediately fell into the first dreamless sleep he'd had in days.
"Yeah they've probably all gone to join You-know-who," Ron muttered.
They watched as the group of first years entered the hall.
"Malfoy's not there," Ron said with satisfaction.
"Of course, Ron, that's why we didn't see him on the train," said Hermione in a duh sort of voice as the last of the first years, Tupper, Lilac, was sorted into Ravenclaw. Their conversation was brought to an abrupt end as Dumbledore stood and said," Now for a few announcements. AS most of you know grave happenings have affected our living. I will not hide it from you. Voldemort (several students flinched) is returning with power greater than before. Do not worry as long as you remain at Hogwarts your safety will continue to be a top priority. However in order to ensure security, new rules shall be placed. All school rules that are broken shall be severely punished even the minor rules. Students shall not be able to roam Hogwart grounds as they have done, unless they are accompanied by a teacher. Popular "hangouts" as you call them shall be patrolled continuously.
Groans emerged from the students
"And," Dumbledore added, "Curfew shall be exactly one hour after sunset. However to speak on a happier note, we have not one but two new teachers this year. Unfortunately our potions professor Snape will not be able to join us this year. In his place we have appointed a young lady with which most of you are familiar with from last year's triwizard tournament, Miss Fleur Delacour
A wild applause filled the room, Snape was gone what better news, mingled with whistles and cat-calls. (This being the boys' appreciation whereas the girls gave a short, polite clap.) Dumbledore's raised his hands, "Yes, yes we are all pleased. Now we are also happy to note that we have our real defense against the dark arts teacher, Mad-Eye moody."
A somewhat broken applause was given, as the students had not yet forgotten last year.
"And for the final beginning of term announcement I have agreed to bring back the Dueling Club formed two years ago. Our club moderator will be Miss Arabella Figg. More information on the dueling club will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Common rooms. Now that's all behind us. Let's eat"
And as custom, dishes filled with food appeared before them. The sodden student generously filled their plates with roasted meats, potatoes, crackers, and all sorts of delicacies that the house-elves had procured.
Harry was distractedly looking around the hall. He caught Cho's eye and gave her an awkward wave as she smiled. Hermione was frowning as she looked at the feast. She filled her plate grudgingly while muttering "slave labor."
Ron, however, forgot to harangue her for her interest in house-elf welfare, as he was gaping, open-mouthed, at Fleur Delacour at the staff table.
Seventh year boys at the Ravenclaw table were craning their necks to get a better look at her.
By the end of the feast even Hermione was feeling much better and the Gryffindors staggered up the stairs to the common room.
"No Snape and no Malfoy...." yawned Ron. "WHAT shall we do for entertainment now?"
"Ron," snapped Hermione. "We're going to have enough trouble as it is, be grateful.'
Harry smiled as Ron and Hermione bickered their way to the common room.
They reached the tower and gave the rather tipsy fat lady (who was dining with sir cadogan) the password (fizzing whizbees) and trudged up to the room.
Harry collapsed into bed, grinning as he listened to Seamus and deans discuss when they'd have potions ("that fleur girl...").
No matter what happens this year, thought Harry, this is my home.
He immediately fell into the first dreamless sleep he'd had in days.