Black Soul- George Weasley

The One With The Necklace

Astraea was chatting with George and Fred when Harry and Hermione came back with Minnie. Astraea had her hand intertwined with George's and was giggling while the twins where telling her how they tried stuffing Percy in a Pyramid. They were in the middle of the story when the headmaster stood up to speak.

Professor Dumbledore, though very old, always gave an impression of great energy. He had several feet of long silver hair and beard, half-moon spectacles, and an extremely crooked nose. He was often described as the greatest wizard of the age, but that wasn't why Astraea loved and respected him. You couldn't help trusting Albus Dumbledore, and as Astraea watched him beaming around at the students, she felt really calm for the first time since the whole her father breaking out of Azkaban.

"Welcome!" said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast. . . ."Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued, "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

He paused, and it was clear he was not being happy with the dementors guarding the school.

"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued, "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises — or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly. "It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors," he said.

Dumbledore paused again; he looked very seriously around the hall, and nobody moved or made a sound.

"On a happier note," he continued, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year.

"First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Astraea and the twins clapped loud, unlike the others. Astraea also noticed Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron and Neville clapping loud too. 

"Way to go professor Lupin", Astraea yelled, making Remus look at her with wide eyes, hint of a smile visible on his red, blushing face. She gave him a cheeky smile and thumbs up.

Astraea noticed that Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Remus. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Astraea, who loathed Snape, was startled at the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. It was beyond anger: it was loathing. Astraea knew that expression only too well; it was the look Snape wore every time he set eyes on Astraea, or mentioned Astraea's father's name. Hell, it is the same look Astraea gave Snape.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Remus died away. "Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical  Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."

Astraea once again clapped loudly, which was tumultuous at the Gryffindor table in particular. She looked Hagrid, who was ruby-red in the face and staring down at his enormous hands, his wide grin hidden in the tangle of his black beard.

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," said Dumbledore. "Let the feast begin!"

The golden plates and goblets before them filled suddenly with food and drink. Astraea started digging in, feeling really hungry. It was a delicious feast; the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and the clatter of knives and forks. Astraea and the twins, however, were eager for it to finish so that they could talk to Remus.