Elegy//Harry Potter [3]

5

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore said.

The four sat across from each other in the Great Hall, this making Autumn feel slightly better than being on the train, but she still felt sad. It was reasonable, in Autumn's mind. A girl she considers her younger sister was. . . gone.

 "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. . . 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." 

Students let out a synchronized groan.

"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.

Autumn, Hermione, Ron, and Harry glanced at each other. At least Dumbledore was subtle.

"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.

"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." 

No one really clapped, on account to the last years' teachers. The only few who clapped were the one's who knew what Lupin did on the train -- he was the one who sent the Dementor away.

"As to our second new appointment. 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." 

"We should've known!" Ron roared, pounding the table. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"

Autumn didn't know that the book bit -- she didn't even recall looking at her books except for when she put them away.

"But you know, happiness can be found. . . even in the darkest of times. . . if one only remembers to turn on the light. Well, I think that's everything of importance," said Dumbledore. "Let the feast begin!"

The golden platters suddenly filled with food and the goblets filled with drinks. Everyone dove into the plates and ate to their heart's content. Except Autumn. She just grabbed whatever food was in front of her, and ate it slowly. Only nodded in the conversation -- not talking. No one paid any attention to her though, or none that Autumn noticed, anyway.

The four walked back up to the Common Room, ready to go to sleep. But instead of a meeting the portrait, they met a crowd of Gryffindors around it.

"Fortuna Major," Seamus Finnigan said. "Here, listen. She just won't let me in. Fortuna Major." 

"No, no. Wait, wait. Watch this." The Fat Lady sang —or rather screamed— while holding a glass. When the glass didn't break, she flung it against the wall so it cracked. "Amazing. Just with my voice." 

"Fortuna Major." Harry said, irritated.

"Yes, all right. Go in."

"Thank you." Harry said, annoyed.

Before Autumn could go up into the dormitory, Ron grabbed her arm. Harry and Hermione were sitting in the common room chairs, talking about something.

"Ron? What are you doing?" Autumn asked, trying not to sound as scared as she was.

"Listen, I just want you to know that I know. And if you want to talk about it or anything, you can come to me."

Autumn just stared at Ron. 

"Autumn?" Ron turned red.

Autumn forced herself to talk. "Okay. I will." 

Ron let go of her arm then watched as she went up to her dormitory.