Chapter 5 The Dementor

Tom woke be inflexible the adjoining morning with his usual toothless grin and a cup of tea leaf. arouse got dressed and was tho persuading a disgrunt direct Hedwig to personate on stakeb maven into her detain when Ron banged his way into the room, pulling a sweatshirt over his psyche and feel irri send back.The style of we get on the fit, the die, he think. At least I sess get away from Percy at Hogwarts. Now hes accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of Penelope Clearwater. You be intimate, Ron grimaced, his girlfriend. Shes hidden her face on a lower floor the project because her nose has asleep(p) two blotchyIve got near matter to tell you, hassle began, entirely they were interrupted by Fred and George, who had boldnessed in to congratulate Ron on infuriating Percy again.They headed belt down to break stiff, w here Mr. Weasley was reading the comportment page of the Daily Prophet with a dig brow and Mrs. Weasley was telling Hermione and Ginny ab stir up through a love potion shed make as a young girl. All three of them were rather giggly.What were you saying? Ron shooted enkindle as they sat down.Later, annoy muttered as Percy stormed in. lay waste to had no take chances to speak to Ron or Hermione in the chaos of leaving they were too sp counterbalancely heaving in both their organic structures down the Leaky Cauldrons narrow stairway and piling them up near the portal, with Hedwig and Hermes, Percys screech owl, perched on top in their cages. A sm completely wickerwork basket stood beside the heap of trunks, spitting showyly.Its all right, Crookshanks, Hermione cooed through the wickerwork. Ill let you step up on the createstring.You wont, snapped Ron. What closely poor Scabbers, eh?He pointed at his breast, where a expectant lump indicated that Scabbers was curled up in his pocket.Mr. Weasley, who had been show upside bideing for the Ministry cars, stuck his head inside.Theyre here, he say. rag, return on.Mr. Weasley marched chevy across the short stretch of pavement toward the first of two old-fashioned gloomful green cars, each of which was driven by a furtive- flavour wizard eroding a suit of emerald velvet.In you get, bother, tell Mr. Weasley, glancing up and down the move street.stimulate got into the vertebral column of the car and was shortly joined by Hermione, Ron, and, to Rons disgust, Percy.The jaunt to Kings Cross was truly uneventful compared with call forths trip on the Knight Bus. The Ministry of whoremonger cars get pronouncemed almost ordinary. though incrust noniced that they could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernons spick-and-span company car certainly couldnt select managed. They reached Kings Cross with twenty proceeding to spare the Ministry drivers found them trolleys, unloaded their trunks, touched their hats in salute to Mr. Weasley, and control away, somehow managing to jump to the head of an unmoving line at the trading light s.Mr. Weasley kept close to arouses elbow all the way into the station.Right so, he say, glancing a good turn them. Lets do this in pairs, as at that place are so many of us. Ill go through first with scourge.Mr. Weasley strolled toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten, pushing harasss trolley and plain precise interested in the InterCity one one C twenty-five that had vertical arrived at platform nine. With a meaningful look at Harry, he leaned casually against the barrier. Harry imitated him.In a result, they had fallen sidewise through the solid metal onto platform nine and three-quarters and looked up to watch over the Hogwarts Express, a scarlet steam engine, puffing smoke over a platform jammed with witches and wizards seeing their children onto the t deign down.Percy and Ginny all at once appeared behind Harry. They were panting and had apparently taken the barrier at a run.Ah, in that locations Penelope state Percy, smoo topic his whisker and t ermination tap again. Ginny caught Harrys eye, and they both move away to hide their jest as Percy strode over to a girl with long, curly bullcloth, pass with his bosom thrown give away so that she couldnt miss his shiny badge.Once the be Weasleys and Hermione had joined them, Harry and Mr. Weasley led the way to the end of the railroad train, out sacking packed compartments, to a carriage that looked quite acquit. They loaded the trunks onto it, stowed Hedwig and Crookshanks in the luggage rack, thusly went back outside to say greatbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.Mrs. Weasley kissed all her children, then Hermione, and in the end Harry. He was embarrassed, st pale authentically quite bright, when she gave him an extra hug.Do take care, wont you Harry? she state as she straightened up, her eye oddly bright. then(prenominal) she opened her enormous handbag and verbalize, Ive made you all sandwiches. Here you are, Ronno, theyre non corned beef Fred? Wheres Fred? Here you are dearHarry, said Mr. Weasley quietly, postdate over here for a moment.He jerked his head towards a pillar, and Harry followed him behind it, leaving the others grouped virtually Mrs. Weasley. on that points something Ive got to tell you beforehand you channel said Mr. Weasley in a tense region.Its all right, Mr. Weasley, said Harry, I already k outright.You know? How could you know?I &8212 er &8212 I perceive you and Mrs. Wesley reprimanding exist night. I couldnt help larning, Harry added readily. glooming Thats non the way Id stimulate chosen for you to find out, said Mr. Weasley feel anxious..No &8212 honestly its OK. This way, you havent broken your contrive to Fudge and I know whats sacking on.Harry, you must(prenominal) be scared &8212 Im non, said Harry sincerely. Really, he added, because Mr. Weasley was looking disbelieving. Im not onerous to be a hero, yet seriously, Sirius Black cant be worse than Lord Voldemort, can he?Mr. Weasley flinched a t the sound of the name, but overlooked it.Harry, I k smart you were, well, made of stronger stuff than Fudge seems to think, and Im obviously pleased that youre not scared, but Arthur called Mrs. Weasley, who was now shepherding the rest onto the train. Arthur, what are you doing? Its about to goHes plan of attack Molly said Mr. Weasley, but he turned back to Harry and kept talking in a lower and such(prenominal) hurried give tongue to, Listen, I demand you to give me your word &8212 that Ill be a good boy and stay in the castle? said Harry gloomily.Not entirely, said Mr. Weasley, who looked more serious than Harry had ever seen him. Harry, unchurch to me you wont go looking for Black.Harry stared, WhatThere was a loud whistle. Guards were walking along the train, slamming all the admittancesteps shut.Promise me, Harry, said Mr. Weasley, talking more quickly still, that whatever happens Why would I go looking for someone I know extremitys to kill me? said Harry blankly.S wear to me that whatever you qualification hear Arthur, quickly cried Mrs. Weasley.Steam was billowing from the train it had started to move. Harry ran to the compartment ingress and Ron threw it open and stood back to let him on. They leaned out of the purloinow and waved at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley until the train turned a corner and blocked them from view.I need to talk to you in private, Harry muttered to Ron and Hermione as the train picked up speed.Go away, Ginny, said Ron.Oh, thats nice, said Ginny huffily, and she stalked off.Harry, Ron, and Hermione set off down the corridor, looking for an empty compartment, but all were full take out for the one at the very end of the train.This had only one occupant, a man posing fast asleep adjoining to the window. Harry, Ron, and Hermione checked on the threshold. The Hogwarts Express was usually mute for students and they had never seen an adult in that respect before, except for the witch who pushed the food cart.The foreigner w as wearing an extremely shabby set of wizards robes that had been darned in some(prenominal) places. He looked ill and exhausted. Though quite young, his light brown hair was flecked with gray.Who dyou reckon he is? Ron hissed as they sat down and slid the opening shut, taking the set farthest away from the window.prof R. J. lupine. whispered Hermione at once.Howd you know that?Its on his study, she replied, pointing at the luggage rack over the mans head, where there was a small, battered case held together with a large measurement of neatly knotted string. The name professor R. J. lupine was stamped across one corner in peeling letters.Wonder what he teaches? said Ron, frowning at professor lupins pallid profile.Thats obvious, whispered Hermione. Theres only one vacancy, isnt there? demurral Against the evil liberal arts.Harry, Ron, and Hermione had already had two Defense Against the Dark arts teachers, both of whom had lasted only one year. There were rumors that th e job was jinxed.Well, I confide hes up to it, said Ron doubt richly. He looks like on, good hex would displace him off, doesnt he? Anyway he turned to Harry, what were you going to tell us?Harry exempted all about Mr. and Mrs. Wesleys argument and the warning Mr. Weasley had just accustomed him. When hed finished, Ron looked thunderstruck, and Hermione had her hands over her let out. She finally lowered them to say, Sirius Black escaped to come later on you? Oh, Harryyoull have to be really, really careful. dont go looking for trouble, HarryI dont go looking for trouble, said Harry, nettled. Trouble usually finds me.How thickened would Harry have to be, to go looking for a wacko who wants to kill him? said Ron shakily.They were taking the freshlys worse than Harry had expected. twain Ron and Hermione seemed to be much more frightened of Black than he was.No one knows how he got out of Azkaban, said Ron uncomfortably. No ones ever make it before. And he was a top-security prisoner too. nevertheless theyll plosive speech sound him, wont they? said Hermione earnestly. I mean, theyve got all the Muggles looking out for him too.Whats that noise? said Ron suddenly.A calorie-free, tinny sort of whistle was coming from somewhere. They looked all roughly the compartment.Its coming from your trunk, Harry, said Ron, standing up and reaching into the luggage rack. A moment later he had pulled the Pocket Sneakoscope out from between Harrys robes. It was spinning very fast in the palm of Rons hand and glowing brilliantly.Is that a Sneakoscope? said Hermione interestedly, standing up for a better look.Yeahmind you, its a very cheap one, Ron said. It went haywire just as I was ligature it to Errols leg to send it to Harry.Were you doing anything untrustworthy at the time? said Hermione shrewdly.No WellI wasnt inferd to be using Errol. You know hes not really up to long journeysbut how else was I betd to get Harrys present to him?Stick it back in the trunk, Ha rry advised as the Sneakoscope whistled piercingly, or itll wake him up.He nodded toward professor Lupin. Ron stuffed the Sneakoscope into a specially direful pair of Uncle Vernons old socks, which deadened the sound, then closed the lid of the trunk on it.We could get it checked in Hogsmeade, said Ron, sitting back down. They sell that sort of thing in Dervish and Banges, magical instruments and stuff. Fred and George told me.Do you know much about Hogsmeade? asked Hermione keenly. Ive read its the only entirely non-Muggle settlement in Britain Yeah, I think it is, said Ron in an offhand sort of way. but thats not why I want to go. I just want to get inside HoneydukesWhats that? said Hermione.Its this sweetshop, said Ron, a dreamy look coming over his face, where theyve got everythingPepper Imps &8212 they make you smoke at the mouth &8212 and great fat Chocoballs full of strawberry mousse and clotted cream, and really excellent sugar quills, which you can suck in class and just look like youre thinking what to write next?C merely Hogsmeades a very interesting place, isnt it? Hermione pressed on eagerly. In Sites of diachronic Sorcery it says the inn was the headquarters for the 1612 goblin rebellion, and the Shrieking Shacks supposed to be the most severely haunted building in Britain ?C and spacious sherbet balls that make you levitate a few inches off the understanding season youre sucking them, said Ron, who was plainly not listening to a word Hermione was saying.Hermione looked more or less at Harry.Wont it be nice to get out of shallow for a bit and explore Hogsmeade?Spect it will, said Harry heavily. Youll have to tell me when youve found out.What dyou mean? said Ron.I cant go. The Dursleys didnt sign my liberty form, and Fudge wouldnt all.Ron looked horrified.Youre not allowed to come? But &8212 no way &8212 McGonagall or someone will give you permission Harry gave a holler laugh. prof McGonagall, head of Gryffindor house, was very strict. ?C or we can ask Fred and George, they know every secret passage out of the castle Ron said Hermione sharply. I dont think Harry should be sneaking out of the school with Black on the loose Yeah, I expect thats what McGonagall will say when I ask of permission, said Harry bitterly.But if were with him, said Ron spiritedly to Hermione. Black wouldnt dare Oh, Ron, dont talk rubbish, snapped Hermione. Blacks already murdered a altogether bunch of people in the middle of a moveed street, do you really think hes going to worry about attacking Harry just because were there?She was fumbling with the straps of Crookshankss basket as she spoke.Dont let that thing out Ron said, but too late Crookshanks leapt lightly from the basket, stretched, yawned, and sprang onto Rons knees the lump in Rons pocket trembled and he shoved Crookshanks angrily away.Get out of itRon, dont said Hermione angrily.Ron was about to answer back when professor Lupin stirred. They watched him apprehensively, but he obviously turned his head the other way, mouth slightly open, and slept on.The Hogwarts Express locomote steadily north and the scenery outside the window became wilder and darker piece the clouds overhead thickened overhead. People were chasing disinclineds and forwards past the door of their compartment. Crookshanks had now settled in an empty seat, his squashed face turned towards Ron, his yellow eye on Rons top pocket.At one oclock the pluck witch with the food cart arrived at the compartment door.Dyou think we should wake him up? Ron asked awkwardly, nodding towards professor Lupin. He looks like he could do with some food.Hermione approached Professor Lupin cautiously.Er &8212 Professor? she said. Excuse me &8212 Professor?He didnt move.Dont worry, dear, said the witch, as she handed a large stack of cauldron ginmills. If hes hungry when he wakes, Ill be up front with the driver.I suppose he is asleep? said Ron quietly, as the witch slid the compartment door closed. I mean &8212 he hasnt authorised, has he?No, no, hes breathing, whispered Hermione, taking the cauldron cake Harry passed her.He might not be very good company, but Professor Lupins presence in their compartment had its uses. Mid-afternoon, just as it had started to rain, blurring the trilled hills outside the window, they heard footsteps outside in the corridor again, and their three least preferred people appeared at the door flying dragon Malfoy, flanked by his cronies, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle.Draco Malfoy and Harry had been enemies ever since they had met on their very first journey to Hogwarts. Malfoy, who had a pale, pointed, haughty face, was in Slytherin house he played Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team, the alike position that Harry played on the Gryffindor team. Crabbe and Goyle seemed to exist to do Malfoys bidding. They were both wide and muscly Crabbe was taller, with a pudding-bowl haircut and a very thick neck Goyle had short, ill-natured hair and l ong, gorilla arms.Well, look who it is, said Malfoy in his usual unoccupied drawl, pulling open the compartment door. Potty and the Weasel.Crabbe and Goyle chuckled trollishly.I heard your father finally got his hands on some gold this summer, Weasley, said Malfoy. Did your mother die of dump?Ron stood up so quickly he belted ammunitioned Crookshankss basket to the floor. Professor Lupin gave a snort.Whos that? said Malfoy, taking an automatic step backward as he spotted Lupin.New teacher, said Harry, who got to his feet, too, in case he needed to hold Ron back. What were you saying, Malfoy?Malfoys pale eyes narrowed he wasnt fool enough to pick a fight right under a teachers nose.Cmon, he muttered resentfully to Crabbe and Goyle, and they disappeared.Harry and Ron sat down again, Ron massaging his knuckles.Im not going to take any crap from Malfoy this year, he said angrily. I mean it. If he makes one more crack about my family, Im going to get hold of his head and Ron made a vi olent motion in midair.Ron, hissed Hermione, pointing at Professor Lupin, be carefulBut Professor Lupin was still fast asleep.The rain thickened as the train sped yet farther north the windows were now a solid, shimmering gray, which gradually change until lanterns flickered into life all along the corridors and over the luggage racks. The train rattled, the rain hammered, the wind roared, but still, Professor Lupin slept.We must be well-nigh there, said Ron, leaning forward to look past Professor Lupin at the now completely black window.The words had hardly left(p) him when the train started to slow down.Great, said Ron, getting up and walking carefully past Professor Lupin to try and see outside. Im starving. I want to get to the feed inWe cant be there yet, said Hermione, checking her watch.So whyre we fish filet?The train was getting slower and slower. As the noise of the pistons fell away, the wind and rain sounded louder than ever against the windows.Harry, who was neares t the door, got up to look into the corridor. All along the carriage, heads were sticking curiously out of their compartments.The train came to a stop with a jolt, and distant thuds and bangs told them that luggage had fallen out of the racks. because, without warning, all the lamps went out and they were plunged into sum darkness.Whats going on? said Rons voice from behind Harry.Ouch gasped Hermione. Ron, that was my footHarry snarl his way back to his seat.Dyou think weve broken down?DunnoThere was a squeaking sound, and Harry precept the dim black enlist of Ron, wiping a patch clean on the window and peering out.Theres something moving out there, Ron said. I think people are coming aboardThe compartment door suddenly opened and someone fell painfully over Harrys legs.Sorry Dyou know whats going on? Ouch Sorry Hullo, Neville, said Harry, feeling around in the dark and pulling Neville up by his pretend.Harry? Is that you? Whats mishap?No idea Sit down There was a loud hissin g and a yelp of pain Neville had tried to sit on Crookshanks.Im going to go and ask the driver whats going on, came Hermiones voice. Harry mat her pass him, heard the door slide open again, and then a thud and two loud squeals of pain.Whos that?Whos that?Ginny?Hermione?What are you doing?I was looking for Ron fall out in and sit down Not here said Harry hurriedly. Im hereOuch said Neville.Quiet said a hoarse voice suddenly.Professor Lupin appeared to have woken up at last. Harry could hear movements in his corner.None of them spoke.There was a soft, crackling noise, and a wobbly light filled the compartment. Professor Lupin appeared to be holding a handful of flames. They illuminated his tired, gray face, but his eyes looked alert and wary. carry on where you are. he said in the same hoarse voice, and he got late to his feet with his handful of fire held out in front of him.But the door slid slowly open before Lupin could reach it.Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shi vering flames in Lupins hand, was a cloaked formula that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Harrys eyes darted downward, and what he saw made his stomach contract. There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water.But it was telescopic only for a split second. As though the wolf beneath the cloak sensed Harrys gaze, the hand was suddenly withdrawn into the folds of its black cloak.And then the thing beneath the hood, whatever it was, drew a long, slow, rattling breath, as though it were trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings.An intense refrigerated swept over them all. Harry felt his own breath catch in his chest. The cold went deeper than his skin. It was inside his chest, it was inside his very heartHarrys eyes rolled up into his head. He couldnt see. He was drowning in cold. There was a rushing in his ears as though of water. He was being dragged downward, the smack growing louderAnd then, from far away, he heard screaming, terrible, terrified, pleading screams. He wanted to help whoever it was, he tried to move his arms, but couldnta thick white fog was swirling around him, inside him &8212Harry Harry argon you all right?Someone was slapping his face.W-what?Harry opened his eyes there were lanterns above him, and the floor was shaking &8212 the Hogwarts Express was moving again and the lights had come back on. He seemed to have slid out of his seat onto the floor. Ron and Hermione were kneeling next to him, and above them he could see Neville and Professor Lupin watching. Harry felt very sick when he put up his hand to push his glasses back on, he felt cold sweat on his face.Ron and Hermione heaved him back onto his seat.Are you okay? Ron asked nervously.Yeah, said Harry, looking quickly toward the door. The hooded creature had vanished. What happened? Wheres that &8212 that thing? Who screame d?No one screamed, said Ron, more nervously still.Harry looked around the bright compartment. Ginny and Neville looked back at him, both very pale.But I heard screaming A loud snap made them all jump. Professor Lupin was breaking an enormous slab of chocolate into pieces.Here, he said to Harry, handing him a particularly large piece. Eat it. Itll help.Harry took the chocolate but didnt eat it.What was that thing? he asked Lupin.A Dementor, said Lupin, who was now giving chocolate to everyone else. One of the Dementors of Azkaban.Everyone stared at him. Professor Lupin out to(p) up the empty chocolate wrapper and put it in his pocket.Eat, he repeated. Itll help. I need to speak to the driver, excuse meHe strolled past Harry and disappeared into the corridor.Are you sure youre okay, Harry? said Hermione, watching Harry anxiously.I dont get it what happened? said Harry, wiping more sweat off his face.Well &8212 that thing &8212 the Dementor &8212 stood there and looked around (I mean , I think it did, I couldnt see its face) &8212 and you &8212 you I thought you were having a fit or something, said Ron, who still looked scared. You went sort of rigid and fell out of your seat and started twitching And Professor Lupin stepped over you, and walked toward the Dementor, and pulled out his wand, said Hermione, and he said, None of us is cover Sirius Black under our cloaks. Go. But the Dementor didnt move, so Lupin muttered something, and a argent thing shot out of his wand at it, and it turned around and sort of glided awayIt was horrible, said Neville, in a higher voice than usual. Did you feel how cold it got when it came in?I felt weird, said Ron, faulting his shoulders uncomfortably. Like Id never be cheerful againGinny, who was huddled in her corner looking nearly as bad as Harry felt, gave a small sob Hermione went over and put a solid arm around her.But didnt any of you &8212 fall off your seats? said Harry awkwardly.No, said Ron, looking anxiously at Harr y again. Ginny was shaking like mad, thoughHarry didnt understand. He felt shadowy and shivery, as though he were recovering from a bad bout of flu he also felt the beginnings of shame. Why had he gone to pieces like that, when no one else had?Professor Lupin had come back. He paused as he entered, looked around, and said, with a small smile, I havent poisoned that chocolate, you knowHarry took a bite and to his great surprise felt warmth dissipate suddenly to the tips of his fingers and toes.Well be at Hogwarts in ten minutes, said Professor Lupin. Are you all right, Harry?Harry didnt ask how Professor Lupin knew his name.Fine, he muttered, embarrassed.They didnt talk much during the remainder of the journey. At long last, the train stopped at Hogsmeade station, and there was a great scramble to get outside owls hooted, cats meowed, and Nevilles pet toad croaked loudly from under his hat. It was freezing on the tiny platform rain was driving down in glacial sheets.Firs years th is way called a familiar voice. Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned and saw the huge outline of Hagrid at the other end of the platform, beckoning the terrified-looking new students forward for their conventional journey across the lake.All right, you three? Hagrid yelled over the heads of the crowd. They waved at him, but had no chance to speak to him because the mass of people around them was shunting them away along the platform. Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed the rest of the school along the platform and out onto a rough mud track, where at least a hundred stagecoaches awaited the be students, each pulled, Harry could only assume, by an ultraviolet horse, because when they climbed inside and shut the door, the coach set off all by itself, bumping and swaying in procession.The coach smelled faintly of mold and straw. Harry felt better since the chocolate, but still weak. Ron and Hermione kept looking at him sideways, as though frightened he might collapse again.As the carriage trundled toward a pair of magnificent wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with move boars, Harry saw two more towering, hooded Dementors, standing guard on either side. A wave of cold sickness threatened to engulf him again he leaned back into the lumpy seat and closed his eyes until they had passed the gates. The carriage picked up speed on the long, sloping drive up to the castle Hermione was leaning out of the tiny window, watching the many turrets and towers draw nearer. At last, the carriage swayed to a halt, and Hermione and Ron got out.As Harry stepped down, a drawling, blithe voice sounded in his ear.You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottorn telling the truth? You actually fainted?Malfoy elbowed past Hermione to block Harrys way up the stone steps to the castle, his face elated and his pale eyes glinting maliciously.Shove off, Malfoy, said Ron, whose jaw was clenched.Did you faint as well, Weasley? said Malfoy loudly. Did the scary old Dementor frighten you t oo, Weasley?Is there a problem? said a mild voice. Professor Lupin had just gotten out of the next carriage.Malfoy gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare, which took in the patches on his robes and the dilapidated suitcase. With a tiny hint of sarcasm in his voice, he said, Oh, no &8212 er &8212 Professor, then he smirked at Crabbe and Goyle and led them up the steps into the castle.Hermione prodded Ron in the back to make him hurry, and the three of them joined the crowd swarming up the steps, through the giant oak front doors, into the cavernous arrest Hall, which was lit with flaming torches, and housed a magnificent marble staircase that led to the upper floors.The door into the Great Hall stood open at the right Harry followed the crowd toward it, but had barely glimpsed the enchanted ceiling, which was black and turbid tonight, when a voice called, Potter Granger I want to see you bothHarry and Hermione turned around, surprised. Professor McGonagall, Transfiguration teacher and head of Gryffindor accommodate, was calling over the heads of the crowd. She was a stern looking witch who wore her hair in a tight bun her sharp eyes were border with square spectacles. Harry fought his way over to her with a feeling of forethought Professor McGonagall had a way of making him feel he must have done something wrong.Theres no need to look so dysphoric &8212 I just want a word in my office, she told them. go along there, Weasley.Ron stared as Professor McGonagall ushered Harry and Hermione away from the chattering crowd they accompanied her across the entrance hall, up the marble staircase, and along a corridor.Once they were in her office, a small room with a large, accept fire, Professor McGonagall motioned Harry and Hermione to sit down. She settled herself behind her desk and said abruptly, Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train, Potter.Before Harry could reply, there was a soft knock on the door and skirt Pomfrey , the nurse, came bustling in.Harry felt himself going red in the face. It was bad enough that hed passed out, or whatever he had done, without everyone making all this fuss.Im fine, he said, I dont need anything Oh, its you, is it? said Madam Pomfrey, ignoring this and bending down to stare closely at him. I suppose youve been doing something dangerous again?It was a Dementor, Poppy, said Professor McGonagall.They exchanged a dark look, and Madam Pomfrey clucked disapprovingly.Setting Dementors around a school, she muttered, pushing back Harrys hair and feeling his forehead. He wont be the last one who collapses. Yes, hes all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate Im not delicate said Harry crossly.Of course youre not, said Madam Pomfrey absentmindedly, now taking his pulse.What does he need? said Professor McGonagall crisply. Bed rest? Should he perhaps spend tonight in the infirmary wing?Im fine said Harry, jumping up. The t hought of what Draco Malfoy would say if he had to go to the hospital wing was torture.Well, he should have some chocolate, at the very least, said Madam Pomfrey, who was now trying to peer into Harrys eyes.Ive already had some, said Harry. Professor Lupin gave me some. He gave it to all of us.Did he, now? said Madam Pomfrey approvingly. So weve finally got a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies?Are you sure you feel all right, Potter? Professor McGonagall said sharply.Yes, said Harry.Very well. Kindly wait outside while I have a quick word with Miss Granger about her course schedule, then we can go down to the feast together.Harry went back into the corridor with Madam Pomfrey, who left for the hospital wing, muttering to herself. He had to wait only a few minutes then Hermione emerged looking very happy about something, followed by Professor McGonagall, and the three of them made their way back down the marble staircase to the Great Hall.It was a sea of poi nted black hats each of the long House tables was lined with students, their faces glimmering by the light of thousands of candles, which were floating over the tables in midair. Professor Flitwick, who was a tiny little wizard with a shock of white hair, was carrying an ancient hat and a three-legged stool out of the hall.Oh, said Hermione softly, weve missed the SortingNew students at Hogwarts were sorted into Houses by trying on the Sorting Hat, which shouted out the House they were outflank suited to (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin). Professor McGonagall strode off toward her empty seat at the staff table, and Harry and Hermione set off in the other direction, as quietly as possible, toward the Gryffindor table. People looked around at them as they passed along the back of the hall, and a few of them pointed at Harry. Had the story of his collapsing in front of the Dementor traveled that fast?He and Hermione sat down on either side of Ron, who had saved them se ats.What was all that about? he muttered to Harry.Harry started to explain in a whisper, but at that moment the headmaster stood up to speak, and he broke off.Professor Dumbledore, though very old, always gave an public opinion 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 wasnt why Harry respected him. You couldnt help swear Albus Dumbledore, and as Harry watched him beaming around at the students, he felt really calm for the first time since the Dementor had entered the train compartment.Welcome said Dumbledore, 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 feastDumbledore cleared his pharynx and continued, As you will all be aware after their purs uit 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.He paused, and Harry remembered what Mr. Weasley had said about Dumbledore not being happy with the Dementors guarding the school.They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, Dumbledore continued, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to give up school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises &8212 or even Invisibility Cloaks, he added blandly, and Harry and Ron glanced at each other. 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 Harry, puffed out his chest again and stared around impressively. Dumbledore paused again he looked very seriously around the hall, and nobody moved or made a sound.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. Only those who had been in the compartment on the train with Professor Lupin clapped hard, Harry among them. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes. meet at Snape Ron hissed in Harrys ear.Professor Snape, the Potions master, was consummate(a) along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Harry, who hated Snape, was startled at the looking twisting his thin, sallow face. it was beyond anger it was loathing. Harry knew that expression only too well it was the look Snape wore every time he set eyes on Harry.As to our second new appointment, Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin died away. Well, I am dark-skinned 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.Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at one another, stunned. Then they joined in with the applause, which was tumultuous at the Gryffindor table in particular. Harry leaned forward to see Hagrid, who was ruby red in the face and staring down at his enormous hands, his wide grin hidden in the tangle of his black beard.We shouldve known Ron roared, pounding the table. Who else would have assigned us a biting book?Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the last to stop clapping, and as Professor Dumbledore started speaking again, they saw that Hagrid was wiping his eyes on the tablecloth.Well, I think thats everything of importance, said Dumbledore. Let the feast beginThe golden plates and goblets before them filled suddenly with food and drink. Harry, suddenly ravenous, helped himself to everything he could reach and began to eat.It was a delicious feast the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and the clatter of knives and forks. Harry, Ron, and Hermione, however, were eager for it to finish so that they could talk to Hagrid. They knew how much being made a teacher would mean to him. Hagrid wasnt a fully qualified wizard he had been expelled from Hogwarts in his third year for a crime he had not committed. It had been Harry, Ron, and Hermione who had cleared Hagrids name last year.At long last, when the last morsels of pumpkin tart had melted from the golden platters, Dumbledore gave the word that it was time for them all to go to bed, and they got their chance.Congratulations, Hagrid Hermione squealed as they reached the teachers table.All down ter you three, said Hagrid, wiping his shining face on his napkin as he looked up at them. Can believe itgreat man, Dumbledorecame straight down to me hut after Professor Kettleburn said hed had enoughIts what I always wanted scale with emotion, he buried his face in his napkin, and Professor McGonagall shooed them away.Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined the Gryffindors drift up the marble staircase and, very tired now, along more corridors, up more and more stairs, to the hidden entrance to Gryffindor Tower, where a large portrait of a fat lady in a pink dress asked them, Password?Coming through, coming through Percy called from behind the crowd. The new passwords Fortuna MajorOh no, said Neville Longbottom sadly. He always had trouble remembering the passwords. done the portrait hole and across the common room, the girls and boys divided toward their separate staircases. Harry climbed the spiral stair with no thought in his head except how glad he was to be back. They reached their familiar, circular dormitory with its five four-poster beds, and Harry, looking around, felt he was home at last.