Chapter 4

The train ride had gone past easily, and the students were now waiting for the feast to begin. The last first years took their seats as Professor McGonagall carried the sorting hat and stool out of the Great Hall. The chatter stopped immediately as Dumbledore stood up.

"Welcome, welcome." He began, "To another year at Hogwarts. Before the feast begins, there are a few things to address. First off, I would like to welcome Professor Tonks, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher." A rather loud applause broke out in the hall, the loudest being a certain section of the Gryiffindor table. "To the first years, I would like to note that the forest is out of bounds to all students. Older years, be sure to remember that. If you are foolish enough to go into the forest, a danger much greater than anything you've ever imagined will await you. Also, as you should know, danger could be lurking anywhere outside the school gates. Because of this, extra teachers will be going to Hogsmead with you, and you are asked to report any strange going-ons to your head of house immediately. That is all." He concluded, sitting down at the staff table. The food then appeared, and the students and staff began to eat.

As the last few slices of pumpkin pie faded away from the house tables, Tonks appeared at Catherine's side.

"Cate." She said softly, tapping the young woman's arm.

"Yes?"

"Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in the entrance hall quickly before dinner ends."

"All right." Cate replied, standing up, she walked into the entrance hall. Dumbledore stood just inside the door.

"Catherine." He smiled, "I'm going to have to get you to do something for me."

"Anything." She replied, knowing that she had to do it anyway.

"Will you please ask Harry to restart the DA?" Dumbledore began, then, seeing the confused look on her face: "It's an out of class defence club he and his friends started two years ago."

"Okay. I'll ask him tonight."

"Thank-you." The man smiled before re-entering the Great Hall. Catherine saw that everyone was leaving, and ran to catch up with them.

After an hour or so in the Gryiffindor common room, Cate turned to Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"Harry." She muttered, the seventeen-year-old looked up.

"Yeah?"

"Uh . . . do you think you could get the DA meetings going again this year?" The look he gave her was sheer confusement, obviously, he was shocked to find out she knew about the DA.

"Sure." He replied, "But . . . how did you find out about it?"

"I have my ways." She smiled, "But anyway, you will start things up again? With al the members?"

"Anyone who's left." Harry responded. Ron looked around the common room, then turned to Catherine.

"Does this have something to do with The Order?" Cate shrugged.

"I'm not sure, my guess is that they want to build up the strongest force they can get."

"I see." He replied. Hermione sat in silence, a glaring look on her face.

"Will you be coming to the meetings?"

"No." Catherine shook her head, "I'm busy enough as it is."

"With what?" Hermione suddenly snapped.

"That, would be confidential." The eighteen-year-old replied, then left the common for, heading for bed.