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lxxi. happiness can be found

Even after the sorting, the entire school was still on edge. Harry and Hermione entered, getting immediate stares and whispers about them.

Tori felt extremely anxious about the dementors. This wasn't good at all. "Are you alright?" Fred whispered to her, concern written across his face. "You look terrible."

"Gee, you flatter me," Tori muttered, holding her head on her hand. But she wasn't the only one, Lee seemed a lot more quiet than usual, while Angelina stayed completely silent. Alicia was twisting her hair around her fingers so hard Tori was almost positive it would snap. Katie was whispering to a fourth year, wiping some sweat off her forehead.

Fred sighed, "I'm serious, you look pale. Should I take you to see Madam Pomfrey?"

"I'm fine," Tori told him, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. She turned her attention back to the Headmaster, who took center stage.

Professor Dumbledore, though very old, always gave an impression of great energy. He had several feet of long silver hair and beard, half-moon spectacles, and an extremely crooked nose. He was often described as the greatest wizard of the age, but that wasn't why the students respected him.

You couldn't help trusting Albus Dumbledore, and as Tori watched him beaming around at the students, she felt really calm for the first time since the dementor had entered the train compartment.

"Welcome!" Dumbledore shouted, the candlelight shimmering 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 cleared his throat and continued, "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."

"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." Tori glanced at the twins. This wasn't going to be good.

"Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises— or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly, "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.

Percy, who was sitting a few seats down from Tori, puffed out his chest again and stared around impressively. Fred rolled his eyes, muttering to George under his breath.

Dumbledore paused again; he looked very seriously around the hall, and nobody moved or made a sound.

"It is not in the nature of a dementor to be forgiving. But you know, happiness can be found... even in the darkest of times... if one only remembers to turn on the light.

"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."

There was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes. Tori tilted her head to the side, most of the Defense Against the Art teachers hadn't been the best. Their first Professor, Professor Poil was a bland teacher who mostly stared into space, Tori couldn't even remember who their second-year teacher was, Professor Quill was working with Voldemort, Professor Lockhart was a fraud.

"Look at Snape!" Alicia whispered, gesturing to the end of the staff table.

Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Tori, who hated Snape, was startled at the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. It was beyond anger: it was loathing.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin 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."

There was another round of applause as the large man stood up. Tori knew the gamekeeper, but not well. He was a very nice man, always waving to students while they were outside. She had to admit, she was excited to learn from him. She had noticed the many creatures he took care of around his hut. She just didn't really want to use the monster book she had tucked away under everything.

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," Dumbledore said. "Let the feast begin!"

The golden plates and goblets before them filled suddenly with food and drink. Tori, suddenly starving, helped herself to everything she could reach and began to eat.

It was a delicious feast; the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and the clatter of knives and forks. Tori finally felt calmer than before, and it seemed so did the rest of the school.

Fred was complaining already about the new rule that they couldn't leave the school without permission. "That's going to mess everything up." He muttered bitterly.

George sighed. "As if we're going to be allowed to do anything anyway. Wood's graduating this year. He's going to make us train every day."

Tori groaned internally. "How are we supposed to get ready for our O.W.L.S. if we have no time to prepare?" Angelina demanded, shaking her head down at her food like it had just disappointed her.

The feast had ended shortly after that and the crowd dispersed towards their common room. The Gryffindor crowd stopped in front of the Fat Lady portrait as she greeted the first years. Percy pushed through the crowd, "Coming through, coming through! The new password's Fortuna Major!"

"You heading up to bed?" Tori asked Fred once they were inside. Fred shook his head, "I got to write something first."

Tori looked at him confused, "Who are you writing? Your parents? I thought Percy was writing to them."

Fred shrugged. "I'm just not tired. I'll see you tomorrow."

honestly, one of dumbledore's best quotes.

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