What does everyone think of the Mrs. Weasley thing. I know alot of you are going to hate the idea, but I thought it would be an interesting side-story. Either way give me some input.

Chapter 15

Ron jerked around, nearly falling off his seat. Sitting up at the staff table, talking excitedly was Mrs. Weasley. Ron made to stand up, but as he did, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, and Hermione forced Ron back into his seat.

"Wait until after the feast," said Hermione.

"I've got to find out what she's doing here," said Ron, who still looked as though he might start running toward her at any second.

"She couldn't be, she wouldn't," stammered Ginny looking terrified.

"Welcome students," said McGonagall, reminding Harry of the usual start of term speech's with a small lurch in his stomach, "to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is a dangerous time for our kind, and I notice that many of your classmates feel that they would be safer away from the school. Let me assure you that you will always be protected while you are within these walls. This school has survived centuries of history, centuries of difficult times, I see no reason why your generation of witches and wizards shall not meet these times with all the characteristics the founders prized in their students; pride, intelligence, bravery and love.

"With that I would like to announce a few new appointments to the teaching staff this year. Taking over the position of Transfiguration teacher and Deputy Headmaster will be Professor Diggle. The post of Defense against the Dark Arts teacher will be filled by auror Professor Shacklebolt. I am sorry to say that Professor Slughorn was unable to resume his post as potions master, but I am delighted to introduce our new appointment, Professor Weasley."

When Diggle and Kingsley's names were announced there was a wave of polite applause; when Mrs. Weasley's name was called, everyone seemed to be turning to look at Ron, who had turned the deepest scarlet Harry had every seen him achieve, and Ginny, whose head was down on the table. Neither of them seemed to have much of an appetite when the golden plates in front of them filled with roast pork, baked potatoes, mounds of chicken, pies, and virtually anything Harry could imagine. Once the food had disappeared, Ron made another attempt to get up, but it was Ginny who pulled him down again.

"Lets not go now," she said, looking around, "lets wait until everyone starts to leave."

Moments later, McGonagall stood up and instructed them all to go to their beds. At this, Ron and Ginny hurried up to the staff table, followed by Harry and Hermione.

"Mum! What, why did you," stammered Ron.

"Well they needed someone from the order to be the potions master, and since I happened to be one of the most qualified people, I volunteered," she said.

"But why?" asked Ginny, looking miserably up at her mother.

"Hogwarts needs as much protection as it can get," said Mrs. Weasley.

Harry, amazed as he was that Mrs. Weasley would be teaching them, did not want to get involved in their argument. Instead, he walked down the table to greet Hagrid, whom he had not seen since he had been made a member of the order.

"Hello Harry!" he said brightly.

"Hello Hagrid, how are you?" Harry asked.

"Not bad, been right busy I can tell ye that," he said.

"How's Grawp?" asked Harry.

"He's doing spectacular," said Hagrid beaming, "been helpin' me take care o' loads of creatures in the forest."

"Are the centaurs still not letting anyone in then?" Harry asked, curiously.

"Its not so much that they don't want us in their forest," said Hagrid darkly, "more like they know summat' bad's going to happen, and they don't want anything to do with it. If they run into me and Grawp there, they look at us with a sort of pity."

"It was like that when I first met Firenze in my first year," said Harry, thinking back.

"They like to let on like they know more than we do," said Hagrid, "I reckon most of it's a load of codswallop."

"Yeah," said Harry, unconvinced, "yeah maybe."

He had received a fresh feeling of hopelessness. The centaurs were a race that believed that there was no hope in changing your fate. Dumbledore had helped him feel that nothing was forcing him to fulfill the prophecy. When he had had Dumbledore's help, he felt that it would at least be possible. Now he felt as though, try as he might, he wouldn't make it very far. The power the prophecy foretold Harry would have, seemed pointless against the powers Voldemort possessed.

Just then, Harry remembered why he had been so eager to return to Hogwarts. Looking down the table, he found Professor McGonagall and rushed over to her.

"Professor McGonagall," he said, "Can I, would it be okay if I saw Professor Dumbledore's painting now?"

"I don't think this is the right time, Potter," she said, sternly, "its very late and I've already told the students to head to their common rooms."

"I just wanted to talk to him for a few minutes, I could go to my common room after that," said Harry, hopefully.

"Not tonight, Potter," she said, "and that's my final word. After what happened last year you must understand that Hogwarts may not be safe from Voldemort's spies."

"You mean you think there still might be Death Eaters at Hogwarts?" asked Harry, lowering his voice.

"That's why all the new staff came from the Order, but we don't know if he's using students again."

"Then why did you let the sons of Death Eaters come?" Harry asked, watching as Crabbe, Goyle and Nott walked out of the Great Hall.

"We cant ban students just because of what their fathers have done," she said, as though this was not the first time she had been asked this question, "we don't know what path they will choose at Hogwarts, but if we don't allow them to come, we aren't leaving them many choices. They haven't done anything to deserve to be treated as enemies, no matter what house they're in or who their fathers are."