two rings and bad things

20_ tryouts

The students soon made their way into the Great Hall, after the carriages brought them from the train station to the castle.

Inside, once everyone got settled, the Hogwarts choir began singing. It sounded lovely, and everyone clapped when the song ended.

The students were now ready to listen to Dumbledore's annual beginning-of-the-year speech.

"Welcome to another year," he started as the talking died down.

"I have a few words I would like to say before we become befuddled by our excellent feast.
First, please welcome R. J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck Professor."

Many people clapped; Ed was glad they finally might have a decent Dark Arts teacher.

Malfoy, on the other hand, judged Lupin's tattered clothes and the sickly state he seemed to be in.

That reminded him of something- he noticed Lupin was in the same compartment as Potter on the train, and he wanted to find out how pathetic he really was when the dementors came.

"Potter," he said as he turned around, trying to get his attention.

But Harry didn't hear him.

"Potter!" Malfoy asserted aggressively.

Harry turned around this time.

"Is it true you fainted? I mean, you actually fainted?"

"Shove off, Malfoy," Ron sneered.

"Second, Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire, in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs," Dumbledore continued.

"Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than Rubeus Hagrid."

More clapping followed, especially from the Gryffindor table.

Crabbe was one to clap too, so Malfoy drew his arm back, threatening to slap him.

"Finally, the Ministry of Magic has requested that Hogwarts will play host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, as I'm sure you might be aware of after the search on the train. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and will remain until further notice.
Now, whilst I've been assured that they will not disrupt our day to day activities, a word of caution..." he warned.

"Dementors are vicious creatures. It is not in their nature to be forgiving. Therefore I must warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you."

The Great Hall went dead silent, everyone was somewhat shocked by his words.

"But, you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light," Dumbledore reminded them as he waved his hand over a nearby candle to put the flame out, then make it light again.

The feast finally ended, but all Ed could think about was what Dumbledore said about the dementors.

She thought back to the event on the train, and couldn't imagine encountering them again. She would just have to try her best to avoid them.

_______________

The next morning, Malfoy was dramatically mocking Harry fainting in the Great Hall. There was a huge crowd of Slytherins watching too, laughing at his performance.

Ed walked in and noticed this, but the event was soon over and everyone dispersed.

She decided to go over there anyways, besides, Malorie and Lance seemed occupied with eating breakfast.