[the camera as it glides toward the windows of the Great Hall, toward the candlelit silhouettes glimmering within, passing through the glass. At the High Table, Lupin sits with Snape, McGonagall, Hagrid and Dumbledore. We track along the faces of the choir, singing to the strains of a harpsichord, and land on a quintet of toads (one of which -- TREVOR -- belongs to Neville, who looks on with pride). Filch, Hogwarts' caretaker, stands grimly to the side as red-eyed Mrs. Norris switches her tail at his feet. As the choir's song concludes, Dumbledore rises, beaming over the sea of black hats.]

Applause filled the Hall Some choir members blushed at the unexpected attention.

Dumbledore: Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say, before we become befuddled by our excellent feast. I myself am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair... [Mcgonagall clears her throat.]
Dumbledore: Mm. Yes. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor. [Amid shattered applause, Mia, Ron, Hermione clap loudly.]

A chorus of applause filled the room as Remus received recognition, evoking fond memories of his teaching prowess among the students.

"Why did he stop being our teacher?" Parvati's voice cut through the murmurs, a mix of curiosity and concern in her tone.

"Yeah, he was a good teacher," Padma chimed in, her brow furrowed with lingering confusion over Remus's departure.

More voices joined in, defending Remus's honor and teaching abilities.

"He was the best DADA teacher we had," Dean's words rang with conviction, echoing the sentiments of many.

Amidst the murmurs of support, Mia's voice rose above the rest as she offered a subtle warning couched in explanation to the puzzled students, alluding to the imminent revelation of Remus's hidden truth. As her words hung in the air, a sense of tension enveloped Remus, his anxiety palpable at the thought of his secret being laid bare for all to see. The fear of rejection and prejudice gnawed at him, a heavy burden he bore silently.

Sirius, ever the loyal friend, placed a reassuring hand on Remus's shoulder, a gesture of solidarity and comfort that spoke volumes. In that shared moment of understanding, a brief exchange of smiles conveyed a bond forged through trials and acceptance.

Turning their gaze back to the screen, Remus and Sirius sought refuge in the unfolding scenes, momentarily escaping the weight of impending revelations and the harsh realities that awaited them beyond the silver screen.

Hermione: Of course! That's why he knew to give you the chocolate, Mia.
Dumbledore: As some of you may know, Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be filled by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid! [Mia, Ron, and Hermione stare at each other -- stunned -- then applaud vigorously. Hagrid turns ruby red, rises, and nearly topples the staff table, sending water goblets weaving.]

Students and onscreen spectators alike erupted in applause, showing their heartfelt appreciation for Hagrid, whose cheeks flushed with a mix of joy and humility at the unexpected display of support from the young crowd. A soft ripple of laughter passed through the room as Hagrid, caught off guard by the students' openness to embrace him as their teacher, blushed even deeper, his rugged exterior softened by the genuine warmth of their acceptance.

Dumbledore: [He turned grave] Finally, on a more disquieting note, Hogwarts -- at the request of the Ministry of Magic -- will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban. [A murmur of apprehension fills the hall. At the Slytherin table, Draco, flanked by the ever-present Crabbe and Goyle, catches Mia's eye, feigns a dead faint.]

"Shut up, Malfoy. It's not like you could face a dementor and not faint," Ron sneered, his tone dripping with disdain as he locked eyes with Draco.

Draco scowled, his aristocratic features contorting in a mix of anger and indignation at Ron's taunt.

"Oh, please, Weasley. Like you would fare any better," Draco shot back, his voice tinged with arrogance as he squared his shoulders, ready for a verbal spar.

Ron's expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he took a step closer to Draco, their rivalry sparking in the air like electric currents.

"At least I've got guts, unlike some people who hide behind their family name," Ron retorted, his words cutting through the tension with a sharp edge.

Draco's grip on his wand tightened, a flicker of anger flashing in his silver-gray eyes as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of Ron's provocation.

Before the tension could escalate further, Hermione stepped in between them, her voice calm but firm as she addressed both boys.

"Enough. There are more pressing matters at hand than your petty squabbles," Hermione's tone brooked no argument, her authoritative presence diffusing the brewing confrontation.

Ron and Draco exchanged one final glare before reluctantly stepping back, the lingering tension between them a palpable force in the room.

Mia and Hermione shared a look, their eyes sparkling with suppressed laughter as they exchanged a silent understanding that only they could decipher. A moment of camaraderie passed between the two girls, a fleeting connection that transcended words and united them in a shared amusement. Their giggles, though hushed, bubbled up in unrestrained mirth.

Unbeknownst to them, Ron's keen perception caught the exchange, his gaze narrowing as he pieced together the silent communication between Mia and Hermione. Ron's brow furrowed in confusion, his curiosity piqued by the secretive interaction that unfolded before him, his mind racing to decipher the unspoken language that passed between the two girls.

"What?"

As Mia and Hermione quickly composed themselves, their laughter fading into gentle smiles, Ron's suspicions lingered, a silent question hanging in the air as he observed them with a mix of intrigue and bemusement.

Dumbledore: The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. While they are under strict orders not to enter the castle itself, you will on occasion see them as you go about your daily activities. Under no circumstances are you to approach them. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving.

Molly's voice, laced with anger and concern, pierced the tense atmosphere as she confronted Remus about the proximity of dementors to the children.

"I can't believe you allowed dementors to be this close to the children," her words resonated with a mother's protective instinct, her eyes sharp with accusation.

Dumbledore, the epitome of calm and wisdom, attempted to placate Molly's rising agitation, his explanation measured and soothing.

"I was strongly against it. But I didn't have a choice," Dumbledore's voice, though soft, held an underlying gravity that hinted at the complexities of the situation.

Amidst the heated exchange, Mia interjected with a statement that left the room in stunned silence, her words cutting through the tension like a sharp blade.

"They were unnecessary," Mia's assertion, delivered with unwavering confidence, brought all eyes to her, a mixture of curiosity and confusion clouding the faces of those present.

Fudge, ever the diplomat, sought to justify the use of dementors in the face of danger, but Mia, relentless in her pursuit of truth, halted him mid-sentence with a forceful rebuttal.

"You never gave him a trial. You never questioned him under Veritaserum. You had no right to throw him in Azkaban without proof!" Mia's voice, now raised in defiance, echoed in the hall, challenging the establishment with fervor.

Umbridge, the picture of disdain and authority, attempted to interject, but Mia's steely gaze silenced her before she could utter a word.

"You know what! Never mind. You will see the truth for yourselves. It wouldn't be the first nor the last time you were wrong. And I can't wait for it all to blow up in your faces," Mia's parting words hung in the air, a bold declaration that left no room for doubt. As the room fell into a contemplative hush, Mia turned away from the confrontation, her resolve unyielding as she focused her attention back on the unfolding drama on the screen. The rest of the audience, caught in a web of intrigue and speculation, pondered over Mia's actions and words, each individual grappling with the enigma that lay before them, eager for the truth to unravel before their eyes.

[Later on Students exit the Great Hall, scale the Marble Staircase. Mia, Ron and Hermione arrive at the seventh floor landing and approach the fat lady in the portrait.]
Mia: Fortuna Major. [Inside, The Gryffindors trail through the common room, the girls heading one way, boys the other. Later at night, in the Dormitory, While those around her sleep, Mia takes the photograph of her parents, sets it next to her bed, then glances around in quiet contentment.

A heavy silence settled over the onlookers, a collective weight of sadness that draped over the room like a somber shroud. The tension of the previous confrontation dissipated, replaced by a palpable atmosphere of melancholy as the implications of the scene sank in. Expressions of concern and empathy flitted across the faces of the spectators, their eyes reflecting the shared sense of sorrow that hung in the air.

Hermione: Good to be home, right, Mia? [Mia turns -- caught -- and finds Hermione studying her from her own bed, Mia nods and turns to the window.. Mia continues to stare.]
Mia: Yeah...
Hermione: Something is bothering you.

"No one knows me and understands me better than you, Hermione," Mia said, her voice soft with sincerity as she offered a grateful smile to her friend.

Hermione's eyes shimmered with emotion, a mixture of gratitude and affection reflecting in their depths as she returned Mia's smile with a gentle nod.

With a voice filled with sincerity, Hermione spoke softly, "And no one understands me and supports me quite like you, Mia. Our friendship is a treasure beyond words."

"What about me?" Ron interjected with a mischievous grin, his tone teasing as he sought to be included in the heartfelt moment shared between Mia and Hermione.

Mia and Hermione exchanged a knowing glance before simultaneously responding, "Shut it, Ron," in unison, their playful retort laced with fond exasperation.

Ron's grin widened at their united response, his eyes dancing with amusement as he realized he was outnumbered in this particular exchange.

Undeterred, Ron leaned in closer, a playful glint in his eye as he quipped, "But what about the 'Golden Trio'? I thought we were in this together!"

Mia and Hermione shared a brief look of amusement before simultaneously shaking their heads, a silent agreement passing between them as they united against Ron's playful antics.

With a chuckle, Ron raised his hands in mock surrender, conceding defeat with a grin as he settled back to enjoy the camaraderie of his friends, knowing that no matter the banter, their bond remained unshakeable.

A few onlookers nearby couldn't help but smile at the playful banter between Mia, Hermione, and Ron, their interactions a familiar blend of camaraderie and good-natured teasing. As their conversation unfolded, a ripple of warmth spread through the observers, a shared moment of levity in the midst of an otherwise somber atmosphere.

[She said, getting up from her comfortable bed and move to sit right next to Mia.]
Mia: [Shaking her head.] It's just...
Hermione: What?
Mia: Professor Lupin, doesn't he look familiar to you? I think I have seen him somewhere before.

"You thought I looked familiar?" Remus asked Mia.

Remus's question lingered in the air, prompting Mia to meet his gaze with a thoughtful expression before nodding in affirmation. "Yes, your face and name were familiar to me. I was pretty sure I had heard and saw it before."

Sirius, ever the provocateur, leaned in with a playful glint in his eye as he inquired, "And you were satisfied with the result?"

Mia's response was swift and decisive, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes as she replied with a simple, "Yup," her tone conveying a sense of contentment and assurance.

Hermione: No, I don't think so. It's first I've seen him. But there is something off of him and I would like to find out before the year ends. 

Ron leaned in towards Hermione, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked, "It's about him being a werewolf, right?"

In response, Hermione subtly nodded, her agreement communicated through a small, affirmative movement of her head.

Mia: [Smile softly.] Hermione, we all know that you will figure it out before this week ends. [They both share a quiet laugh.]
Hermione: Forget about it, clear your mind and get to sleep. Don't want to be late of your first day. [She gets up from Mia's bed and head to hers.] Good night Mia.
Mia: Good night, Hermione.