Harry Potter was in his sixth year at Hogwarts. Though all of his other years had been eventful, He was hoping that this wouldn't happen this year. But now that Voldemort was at large something was bound to come up. As he entered the great hall with Ron and Hermione they stopped. The head table had all the usual teachers except one. "Where's Dumbledore?" Ron asked. Hermione shook her head "I don't like this at all." she said. In all the years that Harry had attended Hogwarts Dumbledore had always been present at the start of term feast but tonight he was nowhere to be seen. And that wasn't all Hagrid too was not sitting in his seat along the head table. "Something's wrong" Hermione said. Harry could hear a slight tremble of fear in her voice. They took their seats at the Gryffindor table.
Then someone came bursting into the hall. It was Dumbledore but he looked rushed off his feet. He took his place at the Staff table and then turned to face the school. "Sorry I'm late." He said. He looked at the hundreds of eyes staring at him in disbelief. "What's wrong? Are my flies open?" Dumbledore said chuckling "Because I have been known to leave them open." Professor McGonagall gave him a nudge in the ribs and Dumbledore came to his senses. "Oh right let's get on with the sorting then!" he said relaxing in his chair. Harry, Ron and Hermione didn't bother listening from then on they put their heads together and spoke. "He's lost it" Ron exclaimed. "Of course he hasn't Ronald" Hermione whispered "but there is definitely something not right" Harry nodded in agreement.
When the sorting had finished Dumbledore rose to his feet. "And now some start of term notices" he said. He froze and stared at the back wall for a moment. Some students followed his gaze but saw nothing. Then he continued "Firstly It is to my displeasure that I have to inform you that this year all Care of magical creatures lessons will be cancelled because your teacher has not returned to us this year." He paused and surveyed the hall " And now some more serious notes. From now on all letters are banned. This includes sending and receiving." He paused as a shocked gasp swept across the hall. " And finally, this year and until further notice al quidditch games are cancelled as the pitch is going to undergo a few renovations." He surveyed the hall " these renovations will be assisted by all students at any time" he said sounding more and more dangerous "Any failure to comply will result in an immediate weeks worth of detentions with our new punishment mistress. Now off to bed" he stepped down and the students rose and started to leave not wanting to argue. "Who do you think that mistress is?" some were asking. Ron was more worried about other matters "What happened to the feast?" he was saying loudly in disbelief. "Don't worry Ron I've still got some food from the train we can have." Harry said. " Something is wrong" Hermione repeated under her breath. But Harry had to agree, Something was very wrong indeed.