Chapter 23: A Few Announcements

The Great Hall in Hogwarts was always a wondrous sight to behold, no matter how many times Hermione looked at it. The ceiling was spelled to look like the sky, so it always seemed as if students were all outside. She had read about that, in Hogwarts: A History before she had even set foot in the place, and yet she still loved looking up to see what the weather was like. Enchanted decorations themed to whatever time of year it was floated in the air or adorned the walls, adding further flavor to the hall.

The setting was especially eye-catching the first day of the school year, though. The Sorting and then the Welcoming Feast held a magic of their own that had nothing to do with wand movements or incantations. The energy and excitement of "firsties" getting their premiere taste of Hogwarts, as well as Hermione's own nostalgia for her own sorting, gave her heart a warm glow. Unlike on her first day, though, there was no underlying nervousness or trepidation for Hermione. She was confident in her place at the Gryffindor table, flanked on each side by her two best friends, ready to face the challenges of the coming year.

Hermione clapped politely or cheered loudly, depending on whether or not students were sorted into Gryffindor or not, chatting amiably with Harry and Ron about their impressions of a student or what they knew of their families. There were quite a few "Lions" this year: twelve out of forty one of the new witches and wizards had been sorted into their House. There was some speculation that this was in part because of the fame of Harry Potter and now Ronald Weasley. Then Dumbledore said a few words ('pigment', 'gleek', and 'gardyloo') before the food was served and everyone was busy enjoying the scrumptious fare.

"Now that appetites have been satisfied and thirsts slaked, there are a few announcements. As always, the Forbidden Forest is off-limits, except during those times when it is not. Students are reminded not to practice magic in the hallways between classes, that can be done in open classrooms or on the grounds. The school caretaker, Argus Filch, has retired, so there are currently no banned items, so I ask that you use common sense in deciding what to do with this new freedom. On a related note, I have instructed the staff to issue more detentions and give fewer warnings as there will be no one to clean up magically resistant messes."

Hermione smiled, being one of the few people who knew exactly why Filch had left the school. She also could think of a few people who would likely be doing his job as part of their detentions throughout the year.

"There are also a few special announcements. First, as you all know, Voldemort had returned." The Headmaster's announcement sent a shock of murmurs throughout the school. "Because of the seriousness of the threat that was posed during the last war, the Ministry and the Hogwarts Board of Governors have agreed that students will need more stringent and practical instruction in the subject of Defense Against the Dark Arts. In order to accomplish this, there will be some changes to our staff.

"Taking over the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, will be Professor Severus Snape. Professor Snape will continue to teach potions to fifth years and up, but will now also have the duty of instructing all sixth and seventh year students in defensive and combat magic." There were loud murmurs at that announcement. "Responsibility for first and second year potions classes will fall to Madame Sprout, while Mrs. Poppy Pomfrey will take over third and fourth year classes."

A cheer went up for the teachers as they stood to be acknowledged for the extra work they would be taking on for the school year. Hermione suspected that much of the enthusiasm came from younger year students who would not have to deal with the prickly Potions Master. When the applause subsided, there were whispers about who would take over instruction of lower year students in defense. Hermione was curious about this as well. Perhaps McGonagall and Flitwick would split those classes?

"Those of you in lower years will be instructed by the Assistant Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Dumbledore said before turning his eyes almost directly at Hermione and pausing dramatically. Hermione's heart started racing. Why was the Headmaster looking at her? And then she realized that he wasn't. Harry had stood up. "Mr. Harry Potter will be joining the staff this year as the youngest member in Hogwarts history. Mr. Potter, please join us up at the head table."

With a massive grin on his face, Harry Potter left the Gryffindor table to wild cheers. Hermione, however, could only sit there dumbstruck. Harry was a teacher? A part of her realized that he would be a fantastic teacher. She had seen him dueling adult wizards and knew how amazingly advanced he was at the practical side of DADA, and his theoretical knowledge probably exceeded her own, at least in that particular subject. But, another side of her was thinking—

"But he hasn't even graduated yet! How can a student who hasn't even taken his OWLs, to say nothing of NEWTs be a teacher?" an incredulous voice shouted. Hermione was thankful it wasn't her own voice yelling out her inner thoughts. Honestly, she was surprised that it hadn't been Ron who shouted that out. She looked over at her other friend and saw that instead of jealousy as she expected, Ron had a rather smug smile on his face.

Harry took his place at the table, wordlessly conjuring a high backed chair at the table right next to a very sour looking Professor Snape. The blatant display of advanced magical control sent murmurs throughout the Great Hall, reminding them that Harry was no ordinary Hogwarts student.

"Over the summer, Mr. Potter was tested in both Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms, receiving not only an Outstanding in his Ordinary Wizarding Levels, but also achieving an 'O' grade at the NEWT level in both subjects. Taking into account Mr. Potter's many magical feats over the past years, including perfecting the homorphus charm, inventing the Dementor Vanishing spell, slaying a basilisk, and defeating dark wizards in service to Voldemort, the Ministry saw fit to test Mister Potter early in the relevant areas. I am sure you will find he is more than qualified to instruct you in the curriculum devised by Professor Snape.

Harry had already passed his NEWTs in two subjects? Hermione's jaw dropped. Looking around, she could see that she was not the only one surprised by this.

"There has also been a change in the administration of the Divination post. For those taking the elective, instruction for fourth years and up will be split between Professor Trelawney's classes and applied astrology lessons to be taught on Hogwarts grounds. Those of you taking these classes will be meeting your second instructor later, for reasons that will become obvious.

"In addition," Dumbledore continued, "Professor Trelawney will be joined by her assistant, the second youngest member of the Hogwarts teaching staff of all time, Mister Ronald Weasley. Like Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley was tested over the summer, but in the subject of Divinations. In his case, it was foreseen by Professor Trelawney that he would pass, and so her prediction was put to the test. Needless to say, they both of Hogwarts renowned seers were once more shown to be correct."

And Ron stood up, went up to the head table, and sat in the chair Dumbledore conjured for him with a massive grin on his face. Harry gave Hermione a mischievous wink.

"As Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley have not yet graduated, they will continue to be students at the school and will attend their other classes, which have been arranged so as not to conflict with their teaching duties. In their classes they will be able to assign homework, award or deduct points, and give detentions to those who do not follow their instructions. Outside of classes, as junior faculty members they will have much the same authority as the Head Boy and Head Girl of the school. Now, prefects, please lead your students back to your respective common rooms."

Ron Weasley.

Equal to Head Boy.

A teacher.

Hermione fainted.

Author's Note: Yes, I know this is ridiculous. And it's a very short chapter. I plan to cut my chapter length down a bit and try to get back to updating more frequently for this fic. This is the start of the last arc of the story.