As the weeks went by Dumbledore's worst fears seemed to be confirmed. The start of term was approaching the following morning and not an owl or even a word from Snape had been heard.
The start of term feast was about to begin and Dumbledore sat gravely at the front, looking much older than he had in months.
Harry noticed this as he sat down at the Gryffindor table with Ron and Hermione.
He had not had a very good summer himself, thinking about Sirius. He usually looked forward to returning to Hogwarts, but this year was different. This year Voldemort was back in his full power, and he was only getting stronger.
The first years were being sorted one by one as Harry waited patiently for the food to appear.
Ron squinted across the room at the staff table.
"Hey, Harry... look over there... that must be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." he said happily. The previous one, Dolores Umbridge, had been nothing but trouble for Hogwarts, and everyone was happy to see her go.
Harry looked over and noticed the younger man with long black hair, pulled back into a ponytail. He reminded Harry a lot of Bill, and he hoped that that wasn't more than just looks.
Hermione frowned.
"But wait... there are two new teachers up there. Do you see the witch in purple?" she asked.
Harry looked over in her direction and was surprised to see that she was right.
"Where is Professor Snape?" she asked.
Harry felt an odd sensation fall over him. Snape was gone?
"Really? He's not there? Oh finally!" said Ron happily.
Hermione frowned.
"Ron! How can you say that? What if something happened to him?" she said.
Ron frowned.
"You always ruin the moment Hermione. Can't you just be happy for a little,
and then worry about him later?"
Harry didn't know whether or not he was happy that Snape was gone or not.
Dumbledore had probably had him do something for the Order this year,
and he was still gone. Hagrid had done the same thing the previous year.
"Well, wherever he is I hope he stays busy. i for one will enjoy Potions a lot more without him prowling about." said Ron.
The Slytherins seemed to notice the absence of their Head of House, and where whispering among themselves.
Dumbledore stood up and forced a smile on his lips, holding up his hands for silence.
The great hall fell silent.
Harry had not even realized that the last person had been sorted, and he quickly turned his attention to Dumbledore.
"Welcome students to another year at Hogwarts. For those of you who are new,
I am your headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. This year we have had a few changes to our staff, Professor Eavesham, who will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts," he said nodding to the man with the ponytail. "And Miss Leroux, who will be temporarily replacing Professor Snape in Potions. I expect that the Slytherins will all show her the same respect you showed Professor Snape." he said.
Malfoy frowned and muttered to Crabbe and Goyle. Harry could tell that Malfoy did not like the change.
Dumbledore continued on with his speech.
"This year, will be an important year for us all. We must all help one another and make sure that we do not lose our sense of unity in this school"
Harry felt his heart sink, as he realized that Dumbledore was preparing for the worst from Voldemort.
"Remember that we may be very different, and we may belong to different houses,
different backgrounds, different races, but we are all wizards and witches.
We all must not forget that together we shall prevail, but separately we will fail"
He said this and gave them a small smile.
"Well... now that the serious stuff is over, let us eat." All the tables filled up with many different kinds of foods, and drinks.
Harry watched Dumbledore sit back down in his chair, and momentarily their eyes met.
