At the beginning of the year, Allie was no one
Now she's infamous
**
Until her eleventh birthday, Allie didn't believe in magic. How could she when her mother had died when she was barely two and her father had never been around. Her life wasn't ver...
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"You alright, Allie?" Maddie asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I'd been out of it since the incident on the train. I'd been unable to get the memories of my mum out of my head ever since. I didn't really remember her very clearly, considering she had died when I was only two years old but that thing on the train had brought them all flooding back, as clear as if she had died yesterday. I guess it must have taken a bigger toll on me than I thought, I'd hardly touched any of the food at the feast.
"Yeah." I said unconvincingly, "I'm fine."
I turned all my attention to Dumbeldore as he stood up to give his annual start of year speech so I didn't have to answer any more of Maddie's concerned questions. Or think about my mum...
"Welcome!" Dumbledore said cheerfully, throwing wide his arms in a welcoming gesture, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all. 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. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds 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 and I swear he looked straight at the Gryffindor table, "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."
And after that cheerful note, I was not feeling any better.
"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."
I, along with everyone else, clapped politely as the new Professor humbly rose to his feet. He looked small up there, compared to the other professors. The rest of them were wearing the flamboyant robes normal to wizards but Professor Lupin was wearing a shabby tweed jacket that looked like it had seen better days.
"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued and everyone stopped clapping, "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."
Hagrid stood up awkwardly, shifting the table and causing several full goblets to topple over. That made me smile a little. The news that Kettleburn was retiring also cheered me up. I'd taken care of magical creatures as one of my electives last year and had enjoyed it but Kettleburn's practical lessons were always...disappointing. He was very old and his classes certainly reflected that.
The excitement and nervousness in Hagrid's small smile cheered me up. I was definitely more excited for care of magical creatures this year but, unfortunately, I'd have to get through double Divination the next day before even thinking about care of magical creatures in the afternoon.
