Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Review Thanks: AngelofDarkness27, Kia, randomyoupreper!

WolfAxe: You're right. It was bit obvious, I know, but what can I do?

And a thanks from me to Evanescence and Enya(even though they'll never read this) because those are the only two groups I can listen to while writing. Have to give credit where credit is due, right?

A/N: Here's the third chapter. The next few will probably be either short or fluffy, but that's because I only have ideas for five of what'll be many chapters. This fic will go all the way through sixth year and then probably touch on seventh year a bit.

I apologize in advance for any slow updates; the new school year starts on Tuesday and I'm as obsessive about school as I am about Harry Potter. I'll be constantly writing in the notebook where the hard copy of this is, but the typing/posting bit will take longer for me to do. Sorry!

Without any further ado, the third chapter!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------- [ ------- ] = Hermione's thoughts

Chapter Three: The First Feast

They proceeded to the Great Hall. Luna went to sit at the Ravenclaw table while the rest of the group went to sit at the Gryffindor table. Hermione sat with Lavender Brown on one side, Ginny on the other, and Ron sitting in front of her, Ron had Pavarti Patil on one side and Harry on the other, and Ginny was sitting next to Dean.

The trembling first years came in led by Professor McGonagall. The Sorting Hat sang the same song as the previous year and the first years were sorted. No-one in particular stood out among them, and nobody in Gryffindor had a first-year sibling.

What all the students did notice was that all the students who had at least one death eater for a parent was absent. The Slytherin table was very empty. Hermione didn't mind Draco Malfoy's absence, she didn't think that she'd be able to handle his insults for another year in the midst of everything else that was going on.

Dumbledore stood and opened with a "hem-hem" in a perfect imitation of the former DADA teacher, Professor Umbridge. Some students thought she was back, but everyone else laughed. Everyone but the few remaining Slytherins.

Dumbledore waiting for all of the laughter to die down then proceeded with his speech. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. It's wonderful to see all of you. Now for some announcements.

"Mr. Filch has expanded his list for forbidden items. Anything created by Fred and George Weasley cannot be used on Hogwarts grounds. If you'd like to have a look at the list, I'm sure Mr. Filch would be happy to go over it with you.

"We have a new addition to our staff this year. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Professor Remus Lupin." Whispers from all four tables mixed with the cheers coming from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. The Hufflepuffs clapped politely and the Slytherins talked amongst themselves with some pointed glares toward the staff table.

Dumbledore began to speak again. "As most of you know, Professor Lupin is a werewolf. At the full moon, our Potions professor, Severus Snape, will make the Wolfsbane potion for him, making Professor Lupin harmless to all humans in the castle. On days when he is unable to teach, I will be his substitute." More cheers met this announcement. Hermione joined in automatically but concentrated on Lupin.

[He looks so much older, his eyes are so sad but remain that deep, chocolate brown that used to match his now-graying hair. God, he looks good. Still wearing those old tattered robes, but you can see him so much better than you could if he was wearing thick robes. I wish I could make him smile again. He hasn't smiled since- I can't remember him smiling. Bet it's a nice smile. No! Can't think this way, Hermione, he's a teacher. Concentrate on what Dumbledore's saying. That's the key.]

What Hermione didn't know that someone was watching her as she got lost in her thoughts. This person spoke up.

"Hemione? Hello?"

"Hmm? What is it, Ron?"

"Are you okay? What are you looking at?"

"I'm watching Professor Dumbledore, of course."

"Glad you're listening to him. Tell me if he says anything interesting, all right?"

"Ronald Weasley-"

She was interrupted by Dumbledore's "Tuck in." Everyone did tuck in, and Hermione busied herself talking to the people around her. Lavender had spent the summer interning at a Divination shop, and Pavarti had traveled all around the United States.

Soon it was time to lead everyone to Gryffindor House, and Hermione was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

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A/N: Well? Didja like it? Sorry it ended so quickly, I decided I didn't like what I originally wrote. Remember: READ, REVIEW, RECOMMEND! Y'all are so good at the first two, I just had to add a third :)

More is coming.