Chapter Four- You're His Niece?
The first week of classes went relatively well. The only professor who pounded on the homework was McGonagall. Students were learning how to transfigure pillows into full length sofas. Neville Longbottom, who never got any of his transfigurements correct, managed to get a sofa, which later broke all four legs.
The Sunday before the students were to arrive the next day, many of the sixth and seventh years were in the Great Hall doing homework.
"This should be loads of fun," Hermione said with much excitement.
"I wonder where they'll be sleeping," Ron said.
"This still doesn't feel right," Harry managed to say.
"Is it your scar, Harry? It isn't burning is it?" Hermione asked worried.
"I'm fine. Really, I am. I just have a bad gut feeling, that's all," Harry informed his friends.
"Aww, what the matter Potter? Bad gut feelings, eh?" said a cold voice.
Harry whirled around in his seat and looked Malfoy straight in the face. Crabbe and Goyle were laughing behind him.
"Haven't you got anything better to do, Malfoy?" Hermione snapped.
"Granger, mind your business! Don't talk to your superiors with such a tone," Draco snapped back.
"So much talk Draco. Too bad you can't pull through with actions," Ron said raising his eyebrow.
"How dare you talk to me like that Weasley! You have no right," Draco yelled, before sneering at the three Gryffindors and walking away.
"I'm really sick of him," Ron said, getting back to his divination homework.
"Why're you so moody to everyone lately, Ron?" Harry asked nervously.
"I honestly don't know," Ron replied.
Monday morning came quite quickly. Students bustled into the Great Hall for breakfast. The Slytherins were looking quite pleased with themselves as they walked passed the Gryffindor table.
"What's with them?" Ron asked.
"You have to remember, Ronald. That the Slytherins always have that ugly look on their face," Hermione replied just as Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson walked by.
"Just wait. Her day will come," Draco said under his breath.
Breakfast began with blueberry pancakes, sausages, and orange juice. Once everyone was finished, the plates disappeared back to the kitchens. Dumbledore stood up. The room fell silent as they watched him.
"As you all know, our guests will be arriving today. As a matter of fact, they will be arriving shortly," Dumbledore said beginning his speech. Students began questioning the events of the day.
"What about classes?"
"Where will they sleep?"
"This is outragious!"
As if hearing everyone's thoughts, Dumbledore spoke again. "I can assure you that this is not outragious, Mr. Weasley. This is the perfect opportunity to socialize with different cultures. The newer students will be broken up among all four houses and will share dormitories and common rooms. And as for your question, Miss Granger, classes have been dismissed for today. Only due to the fact (talking over loud cheers of "hooray!") that we will all greet the new students in here. Play games, talk, make friends, and have fun! Heads of Houses will walk around, making sure that you talk to at least one new student. Good behavior, too, if you please!"
The doors to the Hall opened. In walked the caretaker, Argus Filch, and his cat Mrs. Norris.
"The carriages have arrived professor," he said.
"Thank you Mr. Filch. Everyone, please stand and remain where you are. I'll shall return shortly with our guests," Dumbledore said walking out of the Great Hall.
Ten minutes had passed since Dumblefore had left. The students were getting restless as other professors walked by. Just then, the Great Hall doors opened. Dumbledore walked in first, followed by a rather large group of people. One group wore navy robes with silver boardering. The other group, obviously the Canadian students, wore red robes with white boardering. The new students looked around with a slight hint of fear on their faces.
"Students, you know the drill!" Dumbledore's voice echoed.
A few Hogwarts students began talking to the new students. Suddenly, a girls voice rang from the group.
"Uncle Snape!" she screamed.
Professor Snape looked around. His cold looking face almost brightened into a smile as a dark haired girl wearing one of the navy robes ran and hugged him.
"Severus," Dumbledore started, "who is this young lady?"
"Headmaster, this is Kim Lamora," Snape said, pausing. "She's my niece."