THE EXCHANGE - Nico Di Angelo at Hogwarts

Eight ; Professor Moody

"I still can't believe there are house-elves here, at Hogwarts," Hermione said, looking at her empty plate. 

"Really?" Nico asked, finishing up a tart. "Whereabouts? How do you know?"

"Nearly Headless Nick told us before you were sorted. They work in the kitchens, as slaves." She explained angrily. 

Harry stopped his conversation with one of the other Gryffindors. "Is that why you're not eating?" 

"I can't believe you are. It's slave labour."

"From what I've read- I mean seen, they seem to enjoy working," Nico replied in confusion. 

The girl looked like she was about to launch into a massive lecture but was interrupted by Dumbledore starting a speech. "So! Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Mr Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-BashingBoomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."

Nico frowned a little, looking at this Mr Filch in question. He was a tall and thin individual, with a greasy grin and holding a large cat. 

"As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below the third year. It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-HouseQuidditch Cup will not take place this year." 

"What?" Harry exclaimed a little loudly, looking positively appalled at the thought. Nico knew he was obsessed with the sport after listening to their conversation on the train, and presumed this would be a heavy blow. 

"This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy — but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-,"

Dumbledore's speech was interrupted by the bang of the great hall's doors opening, and the crashing thunder suddenly amplified. A figure stood at the entrance, illuminated by the flashes of lightning. He wore a long cloak and was leaning heavily on a cane.  He pulled down the hood and revealed a mane of insanely messy, dark grey hair. 

He started making his way to the staff table, walking past the tables of students watching him intently. He passed them, and Nico saw heard a gasp emmit from Hermione. His face was lit up again, and he felt chills run through his body. 

This cloaked figure's face was completely scarred over. It hardly looked like a face at all, with misshapen features that seemed to be missing chunks. One of his eyes were small and beady, barely peeking out from the face. The other was much larger, completely round and bright blue, more striking than the Grace sibling's hue. It zipped ceaselessly around the socket, sometimes going right to the back of his head and showing only white.

He immediately felt on edge, not trusting this character in the slightest. His instincts were usually correct.

The man made his way to the staff table eventually, shaking hands with Dumbledore and then sitting down. He pulled out some sausages, sniffed them, and then started eating. 

"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" said Dumbledore brightly into the silence. "ProfessorMoody."

The headmaster and Hagrid started clapping, trying to encourage everyone else to join. It was useless, however, as everyone was too distracted by the new Professor.