The Girl Unknown *A Harry Potter Story*

A Lovely Dinner Indeed

As we entered, I noticed Professor Flitwick carrying the Sorting Hat and the stool used for the Sorting ceremony out of the hall. "Oh," Hermione said softly. I looked around, noticing the sea of pointed black hats and the thousands of candles floating in midair over everything. "We've missed the sorting!" Hermione continued. 

Of course. The ceremony where the incoming first years were sorted into their houses by trying on the Sorting Hat, who was able to read the student's mind in order to decide the House they were best suited for. During our first year, I was sorted into Gryffindor, being told that I should tell someone about the abuse. Of course, I couldn't, but the Sorting Hat was right. I do need to tell someone.

Anyway, Professor McGonagall went toward the staff table, taking her seat beside the headmaster, as Harry, Hermione, and I walked quietly to the Gryffindor table. Unfortunately, eyes were on us as we passed, a few people pointing at Harry and myself. Had the story of what happened on the train with the Dementor traveled that fast? Harry and Hermione sat on either side of Ron while I sat across from them, sitting next to Neville.  "What was all that about?" Ron muttered to Harry. He started to explain, whispering in his ear what happened, but Dumbledore chose that moment to stand up to give the start-of-term speech, causing Harry to tell him that he'll explain later. Of course, Professor Dumbledore always commanded attention without even saying a word. Harry felt calm for the first time since the Dementor attack when he saw Dumbledore. Me? I was always on edge. It's just who I am. 

"Welcome!" Dumbledore said as the candlelight shimmered 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 started before he cleared his throat. I, personally, was never really befuddled by it because I didn't eat much. "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." Dumbledore started, pausing a moment. I knew Dumbledore wasn't happy about that. Neville's grandmother told me about it and quite frankly, I hated the very idea. "They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued on, "And while they are here with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled with by tricks or disguises — or even invisibility cloaks," he added plainly. Ron and Harry glanced at each other, knowing full well what he was talking about. I knew that it was Dumbledore who gave him that cloak! "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," Dumbledore said, completing that thought. Percy, who wasn't too far from us, puffed out his chest as he stared around. He was trying to seem impressive because he's head boy, but it just makes me wanna punch him in the face. Dumbledore just looked around at all of us. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. 

"On a happier note," Professor Dumbledore 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." There was some scattered, and disappointingly unenthusiastic applause. Of course, those that were in the cabin when the Dementor thing went down clapped enthusiastically, Harry and myself among them. I smiled at him and I could've sworn that I saw a glint of happiness in his eyes. I looked a little further down the table to see Professor Snape glaring at Professor Lupin. If looks could kill... I would not wanna be at the receiving end of that glare. I slightly jumped, noticing that. Professor Lupin looked at me, his head slightly tilted as a dog would when they're trying to hear better. I nodded, saying that I was fine. Unfortunately, the glare that Snape was sending Professor Lupin was the exact same one that he gave Harry.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the applause 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." Professor Dumbledore finished. The four of us stared at each other, stunned, before joining in the loud applause. The applause, of course, was dominant at the Gryffindor table. Harry and I leaned forward to see Hagrid, who was blushing so hard, his face practically matched his name. Well, his first name, anyway. He was staring down at his large hands, his widest grin hidden amongst the tangle that is his black beard. 

"We should've known!" Ron roared, pounding the table. Idiot. I already knew. I wrote to Hagrid, asking about it as soon as I got the list. I knew that he'd be the only one to assign the Monster Book of Monsters. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?" Ron stated. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head as I continued clapping. Of course, the four of us were the last to stop clapping. As Professor Dumbledore started speaking again, I noticed Hagrid wiping his eyes on the tablecloth. "You've got this, Hagrid. I know you do." I signed to him. He simply smiled, as did Professor Lupin. 

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," Dumbledore said. "Let the feast begin!" Dumbledore concluded as the table started to fill up with food and beverages put together by the wonderful Hogwarts house elves. I go down to have tea with them sometimes. Of course, we ate. Harry and Ron helped themselves to whatever they could reach before tucking in. After the four of us finished eating, we just waited for dinner to finish so we could talk to Hagrid. Of course we know how much being made a teacher means to him. The poor man was accused for a crime he'd never committed during his third year and was expelled from Hogwarts because of it. The four of us had cleared Hagrid's name last year. I still can't help but feel bad for him. He was just an innocent man caught up in the web of Voldemort's lies. Of course, back then, he was better known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. I swear, that man has been ruining lives since his sixth year. Of course, now my anxiousness to talk to Hagrid increases, as my leg starts to bounce like a jumping bean.