Chapter Two:
September 1, 1979
It was not half an hour later, when Katie arrived as one of the last ones at the Great Hall, under the mutterings of a bunch of ever-hungry students, for whom the sorting ceremony could not begin soon enough. She silenced at least the male population with a charming smile, and the other half perhaps with the shining button, that now was pinned to her cloak and announced her position as head girl.
She sat down and looked at Dumbledore, who had just stood up and cleared his throat. The sorting ceremony was initiated, but Kate was far more involved in talking to other people at the Ravenclaw table and clapping her hands when the sorting hat announced the word 'Ravenclaw', than actually listening to the names of the first years. It was not until "Zenners, Louise – Hufflepuff" that the man who sat next to Dumbledore caught her eyes.
He answered her with mischievous smile that made the 5th, 4th, and 3rd years around her giggle in excitement, every girl in the opinion it was her who he looked at. But Kate knew better. It was probably the most embarrassing moment so far – the year had not even started and she had already insulted a teacher. Well done, girl. At least, she thought, he did not know her name. The same second, Dumbledore rose again to give them the annual speech.
"My dearest pupils. I'd like to introduce a few people to you. This years head girl and boy. Katriona Vale and Hadrian Hensley."
Ravenclaw and Slytherin began to cheer and applaud, at the names of their housemates and Katie's hopes of an anonymous escape faded. She nodded subtly, but resisted to rise as Hadrian did. The headmaster cleared his voice once more.
"I know, I know... you are all hungry and thirsty but please listen to me once more, especially the Ravenclaws.
As you may have noticed Professor Maynard is not here today. This is, because he has gone into retirement on his own wish."
Whispers that hardly where what they regarded themselves to be, rose and forced Dumbledore to speak up a little, again. Maynard, head of the Ravenclaws, had been teaching charms for more years than most people could remember, before he had changed subjects to DADA last year because nobody was willing to take this position, and he wanted to do 'Albus' the favor.
"This left us short of a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher - once more. I was, however, able to convince one of the ministries most promising aurors to spend a year of his worthy time on teaching you how to defend yourself. In times in which this may become important – "
The old headmaster gave a knowing smile to all of the chattering little girls, who as Kate remarked sarcastically, were already exchanging recipes for love potions.
" – Professor Jonathan Healey. "
The young guy rose and took a bow, before smiling at the cheering crowd.
"A pleasure."
He announced, before once more Dumbledore chimed in.
"As Prof. Flitwick is still recovering from a charm –" he shot a young Slytherin a look and someone cried "Well done, Rosier." Only to be booed out by the Ravenclaws. Ignoring this actions, Dumbledore continued.
" - Prof. Healey will also take the responsibilities of Ravenclaws Head of House, at least until Prof. Flitwick is back in full strength."
Katie stared from Healey to Dumbledore in unbelief. That couldn't be true, could it? She could only hope that he her new head of house was not too resentful. Otherwise, she would have a problem.