Chapter One: Two New Additions and a Mystery Woman
The clamor of the Great Hall died down as Professor Albus Dumbledore stood up and clapped his hands for attention.
"As we all know Voldemort, having been defeated here in England by all of the Ministries best, has gone to fetch whatever followers he has left in America." A murmur went through the hall and died down at Dumbledore's silent stare. "Voldemort, as you know has followers all over the world. And if he has followers, he also has his enemies, our allies, whom he is now pursuing." A shiver went through the Hall. Many of the people in the Hall had families that Voldemort once pursued and they knew that only meant one thing: death.
"There are two young ladies, by the names of Ava and Dinah Richardson, who will be attending Hogwarts until it is their time to graduate. They will be transferring from The Salem Witches Institution, an all girls' witching school in the state of New York. Their father, as you all know, is the professor who concocted the Avidina spell, which greatly helped us drive out Voldemort. Voldemort is now after Professor Richardson and the Professor wants his daughters safe.
"I am quite sure that you all will welcome them with open arms. They arrive tomorrow night and are to be sorted into their houses. That is all."
The Great Hall erupted with conversation. New students! From New York?! Every table, except the Slytherin table, were full of excited people chattering on about which house these girls should be put in.
"I wonder if the girls will be put in our house," said Seamus. "Wouldn't that be excellent?"
"It would be pretty wicked," agreed Ron. "I just hope they're not, you know..." his voice trailed off at Hermione's steely glare. Harry started laughing.
"Oh I see," said Hermione, "if the girls are ugly, you wouldn't want them in the house?" Ron didn't respond but his ears turned as red as his hair.
"You disgust me sometimes Ron!" Hermione looked angry and annoyed.
"Guys, come on," said Harry. "Let's just eat." That was completely fine by Ron, but Hermione would cast him the occasional glare.
BLAM!!! The Hall doors burst open and a young woman walked through. She glided towards the High table paying no regard to all of the gaping students. Most of the boys were gaping, not because of her entrance, but because of her beauty. She was a tall young woman, no older that nineteen. Her hair, black as night, reached past her tiny waist. She was a curvy woman as well. Ron was the person staring at her the most. His eyes were glazed over and a thin trickle of drool was making its way out of his gaping mouth. Hermione grunted and rolled her eyes. The mystery woman made her way to a bewildered Professor Dumbledore. She said something to him in a low voice and he nodded his head. The teacher's at the High table stared. Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak.
"Students, I'd like to welcome your new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Miss Priscilla Dean."
Immediately, all the boys in hall started cheering.
"MAKE NOTE!" Dumbledore started off, "that Miss Dean is Professor Snape's niece." The applause immediately stopped. Ron looked crestfallen, as did many of the boys in the hall. He looked as though he was about to cry at any moment. Hermione looked particularly smug.
"That is all, I hope," said Dumbledore, amused.
"Boy, niece or no niece, Snape looks absolutely spiffed," said Dean.
"But she's quite a fox," said Seamus.
Harry looked at Ron, who looked as if Christmas had been cancelled. "You okay Ron?" Harry asked.
"Okay? OKAY? Finally when this school finally sees someone who's absolutely gorgeous, she turns out to be the Devil's niece!!" Ron screamed. "It's not fair!"
"Well looks aren't everything," Hermione stated matter-of-factly.
"What do you know?" Ron retorted. Hermione bristled and sniffed haughtily. Harry smiled. The year had officially begun.
End Chapter One