A/N Thank you to CJ, who polishes my work until it shines
Harry, along with his fellow sixth year Gryffindor's were summoned into Professor McGonnagal's office. "Come on, come on hurry now!" said McGonnagal in her sharp, brisk voice, her face set into a stern frown.
"This year, our house has been chosen to host three exchange students—Yes Mr Finnigan I am sure you are all excited," The head of house said in response to Dean and some of the less mature boys that had started hollering and hooting at her words. "As I was saying, I am insuring each and every one of you, that should there be any trouble from any one of you," Her eyes roamed around the chamber. "You shall be suspended faster than you can say Quidditch!" said McGonnagal, "Dismissed."
Harry and Ron were making they're way down to the start of term feast, with Ron scowling at his feet down two corridors, he finally seemed to burst. "Ray of sunshine isn' she, that one?" Ron muttered. "Ray of absolute bloody sunshine."
The entrance hall was brilliantly lit, with one hundred more or less enchanted candles floating just over the heads of the chattering students. All of which seemed to be seated beneath a roofless building, Harry knew the ceiling had been bewitched to reflect the starry and cloudless night outside but it was still a sight to be marveled at.
Harry and Ron were barely in the hall for two minutes before Harry saw Hermione dashing forward towards them, a ear splitting grin on her face ran right into Ron's open arms, and he lifted her off the floor in a bone crushing bear hug.
Hermione looked slightly abashed but still staggered forward to hug Harry with a lopsided smile on her face. "Oh Harry! I misse-" Hermione suddenly broke off because at that moment, the headmaster had risen to his feet.
"If all the students would take they're seats, we would like to begin the start of term celebrations." Said Dumbledore. Dumbledore was a very old man, judged by his silvery grey hair and beard, which both could be tucked into his belt if he wished to. "Now if Professor McGonnagal is ready?.." He asked with a glance at Professor McGonnagal who was standing at the entrance to the hall.
"Right, First years follow me. Stay in order please!" said McGonnagal. She strode towards the staff table followed by the tiny first years, all looking terrified, a small girl at the back with mousy brown hair looked like she might throw up.
"Now if I call your name, you shall step forward, and be seated on this chair," It magically appeared at the front, just before the table of Professors. "and you shall be sorted into your houses. Abercrombie, Alicia." A tiny girl that looked horridly fragile staggered forwards and took her seat on the chair; McGonnagal lowered the sorting hat onto her head and its mouth was suddenly speaking out of a rip in the brim. "Hmmm … very interesting .. not a bad mind I see, also brave.. Better be.. Ravenclaw!" It shouted the last word and the Ravenclaw table burst into applause.
When finally Eddie Zilph had been sorted into Hufflepuff Dumbledore rose to his feet again. "There is a time for speech making, but surely this is not it. Dig in!" At his words Dumbledore sat down, threw his beard over his shoulder and looked at his table expectantly. Not two seconds later the house tables were filled with dinner. Pumpkin; Soup; Roast beef; Chicken and much more had magicked it's way onto they're tables, apparently out of thin hair. Ron groaned in satisfaction and started pigging out like he would never eat again. Harry helped himself to some supper before Ron could devour every crumb.
After seconds of supper, and a generous triple helping of Harry's favorite dessert; treacle tart; Dumbledore rose to his feet again and opened his arms as if embracing the entire hall. Silence fell immediately as all the chatter died away.
"A very welcome to our new faces, and to the old, welcome back! This year our school has been chosen to house three exchange students from our fellow establishments devoted to the art of Magical Teachings. From our French collaborates, Miss Rosalie Hale" said Dumbledore.
The girl that stood up to walk to Dumbledore did so confidently, and for good reason. She was gorgeous. She had silvery blonde hair that cascaded down her robes to stop just below her mid-back, and her cheeks had a rosy glow.
Harry wasn't sure what made her so beautiful, maybe her pale soft looking skin, or her slim figure, like that of a real model, or maybe just the air she carried herself with. But there was no doubt that this girl was the most gorgeous he would ever lay eyes on. Harry hadn't been the only one that noticed; gasps ensued all over the entrance hall and Harry could see that Ron's mouth was hanging wide open; Hermione was glaring at him for it of course.
"Next" Dumbledore continued as if he hadn't noticed the disturbance "We wish a warm welcome to Miss Alice Brandon, joining us from Biloxi .
Another beautiful girl stood up. Not as obvious as the first, but still stunningly beautiful. She had a very slim figure, and she was extremely graceful, she appeared to be dancing rather than walking over to Dumbledore.
Her hair was a inky black halo of spikes that stood in every direction, Harry noted that the hairstyle would probably looked out of place on any other face, but it suited her perfectly. When she smiled, it was a enthusiastic cheek busting grin, and she appeared to be bobbing up and down in excitement.
"And Finally, we welcome Mr Edward Cullen, our final exchange student from Australia." Said Dumbledore.
Edward wasn't bad looking, Harry himself had to admit it, and he understood the girls that started giggling when he got up, though he found it childish. Edward had brilliant bronze hair, also red but not the carrot ginger that Ron sported, rather like copper. It was very unique and suited him well. He seemed rather muscled but lean somehow, though Harry could only guess as his robes looked one or two sizes too large.
"I shall hope that all of our students will do they're utmost best to make sure Miss Hale and Miss Brandon, as well as Mr. Cullen are settled in and feeling very much at home. And now our caretaker, Mr Filch, would like me to remind you that the Forbidden forest, and the second corridor are strictly out of bounds to any, and every student. I am pleased to announce we have two new teachers to welcome to our ranks aswell. Professor Gilbert will be taking up the post of Muggle Studies and Professor S Salvatore shall be your new History of Magic professor. That is all students, I bid you all a good night's rest, The time tables shall be handed out tomorrow morning, so you can all get started on your lessons." Said Dumbledore and he too exited after the other Professor's. There were a lot of scraping of tables against the floor as student's rushed off to bed. Once in the common room, Harry said goodnight to Ginny, Bella and Hermione, and headed to his dormitory where he discovered just how much he missed his comfortable four post bed.