The Great Hall was lit with thousands of candles, flickering in the slight breeze that traveled through the halls. Four long tables were already filled with students in their black school robes, on which their house crests were sewn. As Remus, Peter, James, and Sirius strode into the hall, the hum of conversation rose. Sitting down at the Gryffindor table, the boys cranked their necks at the staff table that overlooked the Great Hall. Their eyes drifted past each teacher, looking for one that they did not recognize. "There," James pointed to the end of the staff table.

"Her?" Remus asked, seeing who James had been pointing to.

"She looks like a…. You know what, I don't know what she looks like. Mate, are you sure that's Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Sirius questioned James.

"You see Müller?" James asked him. Peter shook his head. "Exactly."

When all the students were assembled, Professor Flitwick (the very short charms teacher) carried a three legged wooden stool up by the staff table. Upon the stool sat an ancient wizard's hat. The hall quieted at once. "It's the Sorting," Peter whispered excitedly. A long line of first year students were being led out into the hall by the transfiguration teacher, Professor McGonagall. As she passed the Gryffindor table, she gave a look to Sirius. Sirius winked at her. When the first years were done gaping at the hall, the Sorting Hat opened its mouth and began to sing. When it's song was done, polite applause filled the hall, and the Sorting began.

"Adams, Susan," called Professor McGonagall. A sickly girl with pale orange hair stepped up to the stool. The hat was placed upon her head. After a few moments, the hat had made its decision.

"RAVENCLAW!" it called. The hall erupted with applause. As 'Adams, Susan' stumbled over to the Ravenclaw table, (on the far right of the hall) McGonagall called another name.

"Bentley, Marcus." The burlyist boy in the group of First Years stepped forward and had the hat placed on his head.

"SLYTHERIN!" The hat decided and the boy took a seat at the table between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. After 'Bentley, Marcus' was seated, a number of other students went, the hat calling out "HUFFLEPUFF," "RAVENCLAW," "GRYFFINDOR," and "SLYTHERIN" various times. When all of the students were sorted, seated, and the hat had been taken out of the hall, Dumbledore stood to speak.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. Welcome back, to some of you. Before we start on our delicious feast," Dumbledore started, smiling, "I have a few announcements. First and foremost, the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds. Please do not attempt to enter it, it may result in expulsion. Secondly, our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dungbombs are not to be dropped in corridors. Thirdly, I would like to dispel rumors that the Triwizard Tournament will be occurring this year."

"Darn it! I was going to ask Minnie to the Yule Ball," Sirius sadly exclaimed, quite loudly. Professor McGonagall gave him another look. Dumbledore looked at him, eyes twinkling.

"Mr. Black, I'm sure there will be another occasion in which you can display your affection to Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore reassured him. The Great Hall was filled with laughter for a moment, before they were quieted. "One last announcement. I would like to welcome Professor Dolores Umbridge to the Hogwarts staff. She will be filling the post of Defense Against the-"

"Hem, hem." A small squeak came from the edge of the staff table. Dumbledore attempted to continue.

"Dark-" but he was again "Hem, hem"ed. Glancing down the table, he stepped to the side and allowed the new teacher to come forward.

"Her? That's our new teacher," Peter asked, quite surprised. Their teacher was, indeed, the woman who stood in the headmaster's place. This school year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was a toad like woman, clad in pink.