𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 (𝖽𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖿𝗈𝗒 𝗑 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋)

Chapter 21

The Hogwarts castle was as grand as ever. The lights, the sounds, the smells, just amazing.

Professor McGonagall walked up and sat the battered Sorting Hat on the chair, and it sang its new song.

"Quite different this year, isn't it?" I whispered to Bryson and Millicent after it had finished.

"Definitely," Millicent agreed and Bryson nodded.

We always sat at the end, nearest to the Professor's table. I looked over at the opposite end, nearest the doors. I saw Draco, with Pansy Parkinson clinging to his arm, Crabbe, and Goyle. Draco caught my eye and shoved Pansy off.

We all began eating the amazing feast and after, Dumbledore got to his feet. The noise all creased.

"Well, now that we are all done digesting another magnificent meal, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices," said Dumbledore. "First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students, and a few of our older students ought to know by now too."

I smiled, looking towards the Gryffindor table, where Ron, Hermione, and Harry sat.

"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door."

I glanced at the Weasley twins, who were grinning next to Lee Jordan.

'I wonder how many of their things are on that list...' I thought, remembering the Weasley Wizard Wheezes from last year.

"We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

I froze up. 'So she's our new teacher... the teacher for my favourite class...'

"Y/n? You alright? You look as if you've just seen a ghost!" Bryson asked.

"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," I said.

There was a small amount of applause.

Dumbledore continued, "Tryouts for the House Qudditch teams will take place on the -"

He stopped, looking inquiringly at Umbridge. No one understood why he had stopped, because Umbridge standing wasn't very different from her sitting.

"Hem, hem," Umbridge said, making it clear that she wanted to make a speech.

Dumbledore backed up and sat down.

Umbridge spoke, her voice high and cheery.

"Thank you, Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome."

It was clear that the teachers did not enjoy her presence. Professor McGonagall was frowning, and Snape was scowling.

She continued. "Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking back at me!"

I looked around. No one looked happy.

"I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all, and I'm very sure we'll be very good friends!"

"Yeah right..." I mumbled.

"What was that, Y/n?" Millicent asked, looking at me.

"Nothing."