Authors Note: This idea came from my friend, and I chose to wrote it. So sorry if you don't like it. Has character death in this chapter. Oh, and it starts after the sorting.
Reviews: Welcome. So are flames. They feed my fire, and he is rather hungry at the moment.
Disclaimer: I do not own. I'm just borrowing ideas from J. K. Rowling, the lovely woman.
On that note, on to the story.
A Heavy Burden
The day was dark, gloomy, and very much matched the mood inside the Great Hall. The air was laden with sadness, and across the head table there were stony expressions. Yet there was one missing from the mix.
Noticing this, Hermione leaned across the table. "Where's Mc..." her silent whisper was cut off by Dumbledore standing. Everyone, like Hermione, was immediately silent.
When Dumbledore spoke his voice was filled with emotion, and grief. "It is my deepest regret to inform you all that dear Professor McGonagall had been suffering from pneumonia, and has passed away this morning."
There was a gasp across the hall, and quite a few teachers quietly started crying. Dumbledore himself seemed to be forcing his tear ducts to behave. A heavy, surprised silence filled the air, while this news seemed to sink in. Suddenly, all at once, there were reactions from all around. Next to Ron, Hermione sniffled, and many others were in hysterics. The only table that seemed unfazed was, of course, the Slytherins. Harry resisted the urge to curse them, before Dumbledore spoke again.
"She will be buried in her hometown of Herfordshire. You will only be permitted to attend if your parents wish you to go. A letter has been sent to all of your guardians, explaining the situation, and they will be able to decide things from there. Classes will resume as usual, but Transfiguration will be void until further notice. We are working very hard to find a replacement teacher, and head for Gryffindor. I'm sure it will prove difficult, as no one can replace the one we have lost." Dumbledore bowed his head. "Now some of you may think that it's rather insensitive of me to do so, but I will now announce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Darnetta Shaw." Dumbledore waved his hand towards a younger looking teacher. Her hair was blonde, long, and was worn in elegant curls. Her blue eyes were so vibrant, that they could be seen from the back of the Great Hall. Yet there was minimal applause for this beauty who was to teach them. Dumbledore let out a sigh. "And now, we eat." He waved his arms, and food appeared on every table.
Nobodies usual start-of-term appetite seemed to exist. People pushed their food around on there plates, and glared around, as thought someone in the room had caused all of this to happen. Even Ron Weasley hardly ate. This surprised many, as he was known to eat during any time.
Dumbledore watched the students, and faculty mutilate their food. 'And the house-elfs worked so hard' he thought sadly. Once again he rose. "I think it's time we all journey to our common rooms. First years, please follow one of your house prefects."
The students stood, and there were dull shouts of 'First years this way,' and suddenly the hall was left empty.
Authors Note: Yup, so thats the first chapter. What did ya think? Just for backround information Darnetta means hidden. I chose it because I don't really have a plot for her. If you have any ideas for her I'd be happy to hear them. Review please. Greatly appreciated!
Reviews: Welcome. So are flames. They feed my fire, and he is rather hungry at the moment.
Disclaimer: I do not own. I'm just borrowing ideas from J. K. Rowling, the lovely woman.
On that note, on to the story.
A Heavy Burden
The day was dark, gloomy, and very much matched the mood inside the Great Hall. The air was laden with sadness, and across the head table there were stony expressions. Yet there was one missing from the mix.
Noticing this, Hermione leaned across the table. "Where's Mc..." her silent whisper was cut off by Dumbledore standing. Everyone, like Hermione, was immediately silent.
When Dumbledore spoke his voice was filled with emotion, and grief. "It is my deepest regret to inform you all that dear Professor McGonagall had been suffering from pneumonia, and has passed away this morning."
There was a gasp across the hall, and quite a few teachers quietly started crying. Dumbledore himself seemed to be forcing his tear ducts to behave. A heavy, surprised silence filled the air, while this news seemed to sink in. Suddenly, all at once, there were reactions from all around. Next to Ron, Hermione sniffled, and many others were in hysterics. The only table that seemed unfazed was, of course, the Slytherins. Harry resisted the urge to curse them, before Dumbledore spoke again.
"She will be buried in her hometown of Herfordshire. You will only be permitted to attend if your parents wish you to go. A letter has been sent to all of your guardians, explaining the situation, and they will be able to decide things from there. Classes will resume as usual, but Transfiguration will be void until further notice. We are working very hard to find a replacement teacher, and head for Gryffindor. I'm sure it will prove difficult, as no one can replace the one we have lost." Dumbledore bowed his head. "Now some of you may think that it's rather insensitive of me to do so, but I will now announce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Darnetta Shaw." Dumbledore waved his hand towards a younger looking teacher. Her hair was blonde, long, and was worn in elegant curls. Her blue eyes were so vibrant, that they could be seen from the back of the Great Hall. Yet there was minimal applause for this beauty who was to teach them. Dumbledore let out a sigh. "And now, we eat." He waved his arms, and food appeared on every table.
Nobodies usual start-of-term appetite seemed to exist. People pushed their food around on there plates, and glared around, as thought someone in the room had caused all of this to happen. Even Ron Weasley hardly ate. This surprised many, as he was known to eat during any time.
Dumbledore watched the students, and faculty mutilate their food. 'And the house-elfs worked so hard' he thought sadly. Once again he rose. "I think it's time we all journey to our common rooms. First years, please follow one of your house prefects."
The students stood, and there were dull shouts of 'First years this way,' and suddenly the hall was left empty.
Authors Note: Yup, so thats the first chapter. What did ya think? Just for backround information Darnetta means hidden. I chose it because I don't really have a plot for her. If you have any ideas for her I'd be happy to hear them. Review please. Greatly appreciated!