Chapter 5—Sixth Year
Hi All! At least I hope there is an all. I know, I've been a while. But, I'm back and well rested. Don't forget to review, and now, on to the story!
"Welcome, welcome all to another year at Hogwarts. There are several things of note to mention, but now is not the time. Tuck in," said Professor Dumbledore, once the first years were eagerly waiting to be sorted.
The sorting hat again sang, this time not only calling for all of Hogwarts houses to be united, but the entire wizarding world.
After it was over, Professor McGonagall began calling the names of first years beginning with: "Arnold, Willard!" An average size eleven-year-old boy stepped up and, in only a few seconds the sorting hat knew where he should be: "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table cheered as they received a new member. The sorting continued, Harry lost interest until he heard "Evans, Mark." The same boy Harry had seen Dudley and his gang pick on a year ago stepped up to the sorting hat, and put it on. For some reason, Harry was extremely on edge during Mark's sorting which seemed like years to Harry, and then it came: "GRYFFINDOR!" Harry let out a breath and then began clapping very loudly as Mark took his place at the Gryffindor table.
The sorting ended with "Undari, Xavier," the last new Hufflepuff of the year. Harry was itching to talk to Mark Evans, but he knew he probably wouldn't get a chance until after the feast.
As usual, the food at the feast was stupendous. Hermione made a few complaints at how hard the house-elves might have worked at this, but Harry and Ron paid her no mind.
"Well," said Dumbledore, "now that we have eaten, I have a few announcements to make. We would, of course, like to welcome to Hogwarts School, our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Robert Mason." When his name was mentioned, Professor Mason stood up, and gave a casual hand wave and set back down. There was a scattered, but polite, applause.
"As you might know," continued Dumbledore, "there have been several developments in our war with Lord Voldemort." Most of the hall shuddered. "This means that added security precaution must be made to protect this castle and all those inside. We don't believe you will notice anything, but please, bear it in mind. That about wraps it up, would the prefects please escort your houses to the dormitories?"
Harry got up, and beckoned all the first years to follow him, Ron, and Hermione. He let Hermione and Ron take the lead while he hung in the back. He casually approached Mark.
"Hey," he said to Mark. "My name's Harry. Harry Potter."
"I've heard of you. You defeated You-Know-Who. Wow!"
"Listen, Mark, this may sound like an interesting question, but have you ever seen me before?"
"No, why?" asked Mark.
"Nothing, never mind," said Harry, feeling very stupid. He started jogging, in an attempt to catch up to Ron and Hermione. He didn't want to talk to Mark right now.
A/N 2: Remember to review! Don't even bother reading the next chapter unless you review! Have a nice day!
Fred