Never Let Me Go ⚡︎ [ harry potter ]

⚡︎ • ❝ n i n e ❞ • ✴

            "Welcome!" Professor Dumbledore announced, standing up at his podium as the Frog Choir dispersed. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few announcements before we become befuddled by our excellent feast. I, myself, am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair-" McGonagall cleared her throat. "Hm, yes, first, Professor Flitwick would like me to announce that there will be positions in both the Frog Choir and the Orchestra this year for any of those that have a flair for the musical arts. To sign up, please see Professor Flitwick"

Grace felt Harry nudge her with his elbow. "You're signing up, right?" he whispered in her ear.

"They already have a pianist," she replied back.

"I meant the Frog Choir."

"Oh, I-I don't know-"

"You should."

"Now," Professor Dumbledore continued, and Grace turned her attention back to the headmaster. "I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor." The great hall was filled with scattered applause, but those who were in the compartment with him clapped louder; however no one clapped louder or harder than Grace. She grinned up at him, their eyes meeting and he smiled at her too as he took a small bow before sitting. She waved at him, and he nodded.

"Of course! That's why he knew to give you the chocolate, Harry," Hermione whispered across the table.

"We already knew he was the new Defense teacher, Hermione," Grace glowered to the girl across from her. "There's only ever one vacant teaching position."

"As some of you may know," Dumbledore started again before Hermione was able to reply, instead she glared at her. "Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs-"

"See," Hermione hissed. "Professor Lupin could've replaced Professor Kettleburn-"

"Oh please, how are we supposed to know Kettleburn would be retiring-"

"Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be filled by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid!" The entire Gryffindor table erupted in applause and cheers. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Grace stood up, clapping loudly and cheering as Hagrid stood up and waved awkwardly before sitting down. "Finally," Dumbledore continued, his voice turning grave. "On a more disquieting note, Hogwarts – at the request of the Ministry of Magic – will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban until such a time as Sirius Black is captured." Dread filled Grace, and she felt as if she was hit with a bludger to the stomach. "The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. Whilst I've been assured that their presence will not disrupt our day-to-day activities, a word of caution: Dementors are vicious creatures. They will not distinguish between the one they hunt, and the one that gets in their way." Grace shivered beside Harry, she didn't want to reexperience a Dementor.

"Therefore, I must warn each and everyone of you to give them no reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving. But, you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, but only if one remembers to turn on the light," Dumbledore continued. The Great Hall was silent, and Grace gripped her robes tightly while holding her breath. "Well, I think that's everything of importance. Let the feast begin!" At his words, the long house tables were covered in golden plates and goblets, and several delicious foods.