Disclaimer: Harry is not mine.

Okay, the hit count is off the charts and I'm getting one review for every 41 hits! Come on people! I know you're reading and not reviewing! tut tut tut. Anyway, without further delay, the next chapter. As promised.

Anouncements and Apologies

Ron piled his plate high with drum sticks, mashed potato, roast potatoes, corn on the cob, carrots and sausages, then he took the gravy boat and poured nearly all of it's contents over his food. He rubbed his hands together happily and took no time in admiring the mound of food on his plate before picking up his knife and fork and guzzling it all.

Hermione looked at Ron for a moment, untterly replused, but then shrugged and continued to cut up her potatoes and ate her food in a highly dignified manner.

Harry laughed to himself, whether they meant to or not, Ron and Hermione had turned back to their usual selves and this made Harry feel much happier.

Suddenly Hermione squealed and sat bolt upright. Ron and Harry jumped at this sudden movement and turned their heads to see what she was looking at with wide eyes.

A mousy haired man entered the hall, he had a good natured face and a sweet counternance about him, his hair was slightly grey and he had lines on his face, but he smiled kindly at Ron, Hermione and Harry who were all waving happily and enthusiastically at him. He walked to the head table and took the empty seat after giving Dumbledore a smile anda kind nodat Professor McGonagol.

Harry stared wide eyed. This was brilliant, he thought. Lupin, Remus Lupin was going to be their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher again. He grinned and turned his head to look at Malfoy who - as he had guessed - was scowling at Lupin as if to say "What are you doing here?" Harry turned to speak to Ron and Hermione but Hermione put her finger to her lips and looked at Dumbledore who had just stood up.

"Now all of our tummies are well fed and happy, I may take this opportunity to say a few things." he cleared his throat and the hall was completely silent.

" Filch the Caretaker has asked me to inform all of you that anything from Weazley Wizarding Wheezes is banned from being used between classes, along with the long list of banned items on his list - which can be viewed on his door -" The corners of his mouth twitched as he said this. "I would like to announce our guest, Remus Lupin, who will be staying with us for a few weeks-"

Harry's heat dropped, Lupin wasn't the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?

"- Also, after no such luck in finding anyone to fill the position of teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, I have decided to fill the post myself" Harrys face lit up, Dumbledore! He smirked as he saw Snape look soarly at Dumbledore. There was a burst of applause and it was apparant that Harry, Ron and Hermione were not the only ones excited about Dumbledore being their teacher.

"The lessons will be great! Dumbledore could teach us loads this year!" Hermione said breathlessly.

"Yeah, he pobably will tell us to put our books down and do something active!" Ron said, Hermione seemed slightly troubled by this comment. Dumbledore signalled for the students to be quiet and everyone fell silent.

" Also, a note to the first years and a reminder to the older years - Forbidden Forest is out of bounds and not to be entered without a teacher. Spells are not to be used in the halls between classes and it must be noted that the third floor corridor is once again out of bounds, and no Hogwarts student is to enter there and expect to come out alive"

Dumbledore looked around the hall with a piercing look. Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged nervous looks before turning back to Dumbledore.

"Now" Dumbledore said, his twinkle back in his eye. "Time for bed. Prefects, may I ask you all to escort you're fellow houses to their dorms and may I see Head Boy and Head Girl after everyone has left. Thank you." The hall suddenly burst into noise when every student got to their feet and started chattering to eachother as the prefects called for their houses.

"First year Griffindors! First year Griffindors this way please!" Hermione called over the crowed. She nudged Ron who was staring at the students in a bored sort of way.

"What? Oh, MIDGIT GRFFINDORS! You lot! Get over here!"

"RON!"

"What? They are! Oh look, they're coming too! Ha ha! They are midgits!"

Harry was going to make hisway to Lupin, but hewas deep in conversation with Dumbledore. So Harry turned around and continued to walk towards Griffindor common room alone.

He passesd a few stray first years who looked curiously at Harry, one of them pointed at his scar and whispered to the others. Harry shrugged this off and continued up the large stair case towards Griffindor tower. Once he got there he saw Neville Longbottom waiting outside of the portraight. "Oh hello Harry" he said good naturedly.

"Hi Neville" Harry said, he noticed that Trevor was in his hands, trying to escape. "How was your summer?"

Neville looked down and smiled faintly. "Oh, well...yes...it was nice" he said in a falsely bright voice. Harry swallowed, he understood that Neville must have been replaying the events of last year over in his mind the whole time. Neville looked up and seemed to understand what Harry was thinking.

"I just feel guilty, I mean, she tortured my parents and if I killed her then that Sirius Black would be alive..."

Neville's words hit Harry squarely between the eyes. He had never thought it was Neville's fault! He shook his head.

"No, it's not you're fault Neville, I never-"

"I know you wouldn't think that. I'm just really sorry. And I wish I did have the strength to-"

"You do, but you could have been sent to Azkaban, so it's good you didn't" Neville looked down again. His face pale and his grip on Trevor increasing by the minute. Trevor croaked loudly and Neville suddenly loosened his grip.

"I'm sorry Harry" Neville whispered. Harry put his hand on his shoulder.

"There's nothing to be sorry about" he replied firmly. "Don't even think it" Neville smiled a nodded.

"Thanks Harry" he said as Ginny Weasley appeared at Harry's side. Harry swallowed and looked at her.

Next chapter will be up soon. I really hope you liked the chapter. Review! rEvIeW! REVIEW!

Daisfunk