Disclaimer: I'm so tired of this – no, I don't own Harry or any character you know. Hey, I own the new Defence teacher!! Yay!

A\N: I'm terribly sorry for the time it took me to post that. I could give you excuses, but I don't think you want to hear them… I'll try to do it faster next time.

Also, people asked me if Mark Evans is the one whom Dudley was beating in OotP. The answer is yes – knowing JKR, he's probably Harry's relative (Lily's maiden-name was Evans), and in OotP he was ten years old, so I decided that this year he should come to Hogwarts. However, I don't think he'll play any important part in this story – Harry probably won't even notice him.

Chapter 11: Dumbledore's speech

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After the sorting, Dumbledore stood up. "I know that you are hungry," he said with the usual twinkle in his eyes, looking directly at Ron, "so the speeches will be made afterwards. Bon appetite!"

"That's more like it," said Ron, before loading his plate with food. Harry followed suit, while Hermione looked at both of them disapprovingly.

"If you hadn't thought about food so much, you'd be able to see that the new Defence teacher is already here," she said matter-of-factly. Harry looked up to the teachers' table, and saw that, indeed, a woman was sitting near Prof. McGonagall, talking with her. She had short and straight brown hair, and she wore dark-blue robes.

"She seems nice, doesn't she?" said Hermione.

"Pwowawly," Ron tried to say with a full mouth. Hermione gave him a look of disgust.

"I hope she knows how to teach Defence properly," said Harry quickly, before his friends could start arguing again.

"Ucaawaswepaceerishedoewt," said Ron.

"What???"

"I said," Ron swallowed, "You can always replace her if she doesn't."

Harry looked at the other teachers. Snape was eating sulkily, glancing at the new teacher from time to time. To Harry's surprise, it wasn't the look of loathing that Snape usually had for the new Defence teachers (Everybody knew that Snape tried to get the Defence against the Dark Arts post every single year, always failing). It was more a look of – Harry couldn't define it – of respect, or something alike.

"Harry, why are you staring at Snape?" asked Ron, chewing something.

"What?? I'm not staring at him! Why on earth would I want to stare at this git?"

"That's exactly my question… Never mind, never mind," Ron added hastily, seeing the look on Harry's face. Harry and Snape detested each other ever since Harry's first day in Hogwarts. Actually, it was a result of Snape's hatred towards Harry's father and his friends – James, Sirius and Remus (Harry didn't consider Peter as their friend) were Snape's enemies in their school days. But after seeing last year what James had done to Snape, Harry could understand his attitude towards him. During the summer, Harry glimpsed Snape a couple of times before Order meetings (He was the Order's spy in Voldemort's ranks), but, luckily, Snape never noticed him. Harry still didn't understand how Snape agreed to have him in his N.E.W.T Potions class, but he was grateful for it nonetheless.

As everybody finished eating, Dumbledore arose once again. "After this splendid meal, I'd like to welcome you all back to Hogwarts, and to greet our new students. As usual, I have a few announces to make: You all should remember that the Forbidden Forest is, despite its name, forbidden to everyone. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch would like to remind you that there are many items banned from the castle. The list, which now includes many Weasley Wizard Wheezes products," (Harry and Ron grinned,) "can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office. Also, students are not allowed to do magic in corridors. On a happier note, I am pleased to say that all the Educational Decrees that were given last year by Dolores Umbridge are no longer valid." When he said it, everybody started clapping, and some of the students whistled. Many teachers smiled, and McGonagall applauded along with the students. "Now, I'm glad to introduce our new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher – Professor Athena Ostir." The staff and students applauded politely, and Harry could hear some murmuring in the crowd, as the new teacher smiled. Hermione whispered excitedly, "Do you know who that is?" When she saw the puzzled looks on Ron and Harry's faces, she said, "She wrote lots of books about Defence – they're all in the library. Oh, come on," she added, when Ron raised a brow, "You probably used them yourself lots of times, without even knowing who wrote it."

The hall fell silent as Dumbledore continued. "The Quidditch tryouts will be held next week." Yet again, the students started murmuring excitedly. But Dumbledore's next words silenced them down. "I must speak now of something very serious. As you all know, Lord Voldemort has returned." Many students recoiled or gasped when they heard the name. "I can assure you that our school is well protected, but nevertheless, you must be alert and cautious. If you see anything suspicious, alert a teacher, or at least a prefect, immediately. Nobody is allowed out of the castle after dinner, unless it is due to Quidditch practices, which will be supervised by Madam Hooch. I hope you understand the importance of those measures, that are imposed for your own safety." Dumbledore scanned the crowd, and nodded. "Now, you must be tired, so have a good night and a peaceful sleep."

Everybody started to get up, and move towards the exit to the Entrance Hall. Hermione started calling the first years towards her, helped by the new fifth-year prefects and by a reluctant Ron. Harry wondered whether he should go with them, but just then, he heard his name being called.

"Potter!" called Prof. McGonagall over the heads of the Griffindor students, "Come here, please!"

Harry approached her hesitantly, wondering what he could have done wrong already. However, McGonagall smiled pleasantly. "I daresay that Griffindor's Quidditch Captain should not be left without his first-class broom," she said. "Follow me, Potter." Harry followed her to her office, walking lightly – finally, after almost a year, he would be getting his Firebolt back. When he walked inside the office and she handed him his broom, he grabbed it quickly. "Careful now, Potter. Well, you can go to the Common Room, the password is 'Phoenix tears'."

Harry walked so fast, that he barely noticed how he got to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Panting, he said the password and walked inside. A couple of people in the room cheered when they saw him the Firebolt. "Hey, Harry, you're back on the team!" said Colin Creevey happily. "That's great!"

"Thanks, Colin," said Harry and went towards the staircase to the bedrooms quickly, not eager for a chat with Colin at all.

When he entered his bedroom, Harry felt that he was back home. After a quick chat with the other boys – Dean, Seamus, Neville, and, of course, Ron – he climbed on his bed, and soon fell asleep.

A\N: I make Harry sleep too much….. Never mind… I know the chapter wasn't too long, but at least I updated. So – review.

Also, thanks to all the reviewers: Brandon, Tamar Piper, Mara Angel, chiliz (as always), SorryBackOff, bouou, dancer891234567789. THANK YOU!