DISCLAIMER: Everything from the books belongs to JKR.


Chapter 9: Opening Feast

While they took their usual seats at the Gryffindor table, Hermione helped Ginny dry her hair and robes, which had been soaked by one of Peeves' water balloons, and Harry looked to the staff table. As he had expected McGonagall was in Dumbledore's old place; he had not, however, expected to see Lupin seated at the table again. He scanned the table for more new faces, but all he saw was three empty chairs by Lupin and another at the other end of the table.

Just then, Flitwick entered with the sorting hat, and the crowd of nervous first years lined the front of the Great Hall.

After the sorting, during which both Garrett and Alex were placed in Gryffindor, McGonagall rose, "To our first years: Welcome; to the rest of you: Welcome back." The students watched her silently. "As I'm sure you have surmised, I am now headmistress do to Professor Dumbledore's new position in the Ministry."

She paused to look pointedly at the empty seats by Lupin, "We seem to be missing our three new teachers," she looked to Remus for an explanation.

"Lake."

"Why?"

"Two of them are trying to feed the giant squid and I believe the other is trying to stop them."

"What are they feeding it?" McGonagall asked curiously.

"Not what. Who."

McGonagall looked around the Great Hall, "Where's Snape?"

"They said something about washing his hair." Remus added seriously: "If he did it in the castle it would clog the drains."

"'They' as in our new professors!" McGonagall demanded.

"Yes, I suppose that is their occupation."

Just then, the doors flew open and an extremely drenched Snape stormed in muttering curses. After him came a very amused Minister of Magic (Dumbledore), two new professors wearing identical expressions of innocence, and a very angry teacher.

"Look what I found down by the lake," Dumbledore laughed. "They seemed to be teaching Professor Snape to swim." Everyone in the hall, except the Slytherins, laughed.

Harry stared at his new 'professors' in disbelief. "Mum, dad, Sirius!"

"Hi, Harry," James ruffled his son's hair on his way to the staff table. Lily scowled at her husband then tried to fix Harry's hair.

"Finally you're here," McGonagall sounded exasperated. She addressed the students, "Professor James Potter will be taking the Defense Against the Dark Arts post." James waved to the students.

"Professor Lupin has kindly returned to fill my old position." Remus nodded in acknowledgment of his applause.

"Sirius Black will take over Care of Magical Creatures, as Hagrid will be somewhat distracted by his duties as an ambassador to the giants." Sirius stood and bowed to the hall; which was filled with students who were shocked that they would be having a one-time convicted murderer as a teacher. James rolled his eyes and pulled his friend back down into his seat.

"Finally, Lily Potter will take the new position of Assistant Professor, which means that she will be filling in for absent teachers, tutoring struggling students, and generally helping around the school." Lily beamed at the applauding students.

"Now," the Headmistress continued, "while we are on the subject of professors, Professor Snape will be returning to his regular place as potions master." The Slytherins cheered uproariously while the rest of the school clapped halfheartedly at this announcement.

Once the hall was quiet McGonagall proceeded, "Mr. Filch has added several more things to his list of forbidden items; please check his office door for the complete list. As always the forest and Womping Willow are off limits."

"Would the Minister like to say a few words?" she asked.

"Perhaps after dinner," Dumbledore replied.

"Very well." She turned back to the students, "Tuck in." The feast appeared and the hall was filled with the sounds of silverware, chatter, and laughter.

As the last of the dessert vanished, Dumbledore rose from his seat next to McGonagall. As always, silence swept the hall.

"As you all know, the war has finally ended," he began. "Through our unity we have defeated our greatest evil. However, our triumph does not require a return to our previous ways; we must remain united to prevent history from repeating itself, May we all put aside our years of rivalry," he looked meaningfully between the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables, "and join together to form a strong community and a bright future." The Great Hall was filled with applause as the Minister of Magic returned to his seat.

Headmistress McGonagall stood, "Classes begin tomorrow, and you all need your sleep. Off to bed."

While Ron and Hermione led the first years up to their new home, Harry hurried up to his parents. "Why didn't you tell me?" he demanded.

James laughed, "We didn't want to ruin the surprise."

Lily smiled at her son, "Off to bed, dear. I'm sure you've had a long day."


A/N: Doon Ellis and I are going to Disney World next week so I won't be posting. SORRY! If you happen to be at Disney feel free to try to find us, we'll be two of the hundreds of crazy girls running around. Good luck!