The buzz of the Gryffindor common room was most definitely the new teachers. Some talked about how outrageous it had been for Umbridge to talk over Dumbledore, how the ministry was interfering (there were arguments for better and worse), and some moaned that she might be a terrible teacher what with the pink clothes and all, but the vast majority of the students were talking about the two mysterious detectives that no one seemed to know anything about.
"There's a rumour he's a skeleton!" Fred Weasley laughed.
"He is, I saw him!" A first year piped up. George stood next to him and patted him on the head – he was almost 1/3 of George's height, which he found amusing. The statement caused an even greater uproar in questions that had no answers.
"Why would Dumbeldore make it compulsory?" Hermione frowned "It sounds terrible. Learning to hurt people."
"That's basically what defence against the dark arts is though," Harry pointed out, forgetting a little bit about the fight he had just had with Seamus.
"Wicked, a skeleton for a teacher." Ron grinned. "I wonder what they're like."
"I'm more interested in his partner" George grinned, eavesdropping on their conversation and leaning over Ron's shoulder. "I wouldn't mind getting to know her better." Someone in the back wolf whistled as Hermione scowled and George grinned, moving back away.
"It's barbaric! How can Dumbledore allow it?" She exclaimed. Harry frowned.
"I kind of agree. I mean, it's not like Dumbledore to encourage violence, is it?"
"Nah, mate. You're right. Something's up." Ron nodded in agreement.
"Well whatever the reason behind it, I'm just looking forward to it." Someone else to the left spoke up. George turned to Fred.
"What do you say Fred. Shall we give them a Weasley welcome?" He grinned, Fred standing and walking next to him.
"You know what George, I think we should." They grinned at each other and stalked off, planning their 'welcome'.
"We get our timetables in the morning. I wonder when we'll have it." Harry muttered to himself.
"I don't know, and for once I don't really care. As long as it doesn't interfere with my other lessons. This is the OWL year, and we can't afford to miss anything." Hermione stood.
"I'm going to bed. I'll see you at breakfast in the morning." She said before she turned and walked away to the girls staircase.
"Night Hermione." Harry said, but he doubted she heard him.
"Do you reckon we'll see 'em, Harry?" Ron asked, eyes wide.
"I dunno Ron. Not tonight, but maybe tomorrow. I mean, the one that's not a skeleton still has to eat, right?"
"Yeah. Do you think it'll be fun?"
"Honestly, Ron, I don't know."
