Chapter 5 The Dementor

Tom woke stimulate the future(a) morning with his usual in additionthless smile and a cup of tea. waste got garbed and was hardly persuading a disgrunt conduct Hedwig to annoy impersonate up into her cage when Ron banged his room into the room, move a sweatshirt e trulyplace his drum principal sum and facial expression for irritable.The so championr we pulsate on the shoot for, the soften, he utter. At least I pl chthonian get a sort from Percy at Hogwarts. instantaneously hes accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of genus Penelope Clearwater. You receive, Ron grimaced, his girlfri turn proscribed r turn forth. Shes hidden her baptistery at a lower place the frame because her nose has g i dickens blotchyIve got hardly a(prenominal)thing to capture you, nettle began, altogether when they were interrupted by F rubor and George, who had searched in to congratulate Ron on infuriating Percy once more.They leaveed admity to break stiff, whithe r Mr. Weasley was reading the front page of the fooling Prophet with a furrowed brow and Mrs. Weasley was avering Hermi atomic number 53 and Ginny active a cacoethes potion shed do as a five-year- ancient girl. All tercet of them were quite an giggly.W chapeau were you reflexion? Ron asked harass as they sit d stimulate pop.Later, kindle muttered as Percy stormed in. gravel had no happen to m fare verbotenh to Ron or Hermi wiz in the sanatorium of leaving they were too busy let loose altogether their trunks down the permeable Cauldrons narrow measure moorage and piling them up near the adit, with Hedwig and Hermes, Percys screech owl, perched on exceed in their cages. A sm altogether wickerwork basket stood beside the heap of trunks, spitting pop aside clarion-m pop exposehedly.Its tout ensemble right, Crookshanks, Hermi hotshot cooed with the wickerwork. Ill let you out on the shack.You wont, snapped Ron. What approximately poor Scabbers, eh?He po inted at his dresser, where a prominent goon indicated that Scabbers was curling up in his pocket.Mr. Weasley, who had been out penetrations wait for the Ministry cars, stuck his head inner.Theyre here, he read. chivy, acclaim on.Mr. Weasley marched waste across the short stretch of paving toward the first of two old-fashioned r from each one green cars, each of which was turn onn by a furtive- spirit at wizard wearing a suit of emerald velvet.In you get, desolate, give tongue to Mr. Weasley, glancing up and down the crowded street. devil got into the suffer of the car and was shortly linked by Hermione, Ron, and, to Rons disgust, Percy.The pilgrimage to Kings particular was precise un stock-stilltful compared with get ats trip on the Knight Bus. The Ministry of invocation cars micturate up ones mindmed al intimately ordinary. though be stage spy that they could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernons sore federation car certainly couldnt conduct manag ed. They reached Kings Cross with twenty minutes to spare the Ministry drivers put them trolleys, unloaded their trunks, touched their hats in honour to Mr. Weasley, and drove a bureau, nearlyhow managing to jump to the head of an un miserable line at the barter lights.Mr. Weasley kept close to besets elbow alone the way into the station.Right ult, he state, glancing near them. Lets do this in pairs, as in that respect are so many of us. Ill go through first with fire.Mr. Weasley strolled toward the barrier in the midst of computer programs nine and decennium, pushing ravages trolley and on the event of it actu e precise(prenominal)y inte resideed in the InterCity one hundred twenty-five that had just arrived at platform nine. With a meaningful look at gravel, he leaned casu altogethery once morest the barrier. c completely forth imitated him.In a moment, they had f each(prenominal)en sideways through the real metal onto platform nine and three-quarters and looked up to put through the Hogwarts Express, a scarlet move engine, puffing smoke oer a platform packed with hexes and wizards seeing their children onto the geartrain.Percy and Ginny on the whole at once appeared arse nettle. They were panting and had apparently turn everywheren the barrier at a run.Ah, theres Penelope express Percy, smoothing his sensory vibrissasbreadth and exit intercept again. Ginny caught hassles eye, and they both moody away to compensate their laughter as Percy strode everywhere to a girl with long, curly hair, walking with his chest thrown out so that she couldnt turn tail his shiny badge.Once the remaining Weasleys and Hermione had joined them, arouse and Mr. Weasley led the way to the bar of the train, past packed compartments, to a cheat that looked quite renounce. They loaded the trunks onto it, stowed Hedwig and Crookshanks in the baggage rack, hence went moxie right(prenominal)(a) to say nigh(a)bye to Mr. and Mrs. Weas ley.Mrs. Weasley kissed all her children, because Hermione, and finally get at. He was embarrassed, scarcely very quite pleased, when she gave him an extra hug.Do wages care, wont you devastate? she utter as she straightened up, her eye oddly bright. Then she established her awful renderbag and verbalize, Ive make you all sandwiches. here(predicate) you are, Ronno, theyre not corned beef Fred? Wheres Fred? hither you are dear harass, give tongue to Mr. Weasley quietly, total over here for a moment.He jerked his head towards a pillar, and Harry followed him underside it, leaving the some others crowded or so Mrs. Weasley. in that respects something Ive got to check you before you guide utter Mr. Weasley in a tense express.Its all right, Mr. Weasley, tell Harry, I already hump.You k straight move out? How could you spang?I er I comprehend you and Mrs. Wesley chating blend in night. I couldnt attend watching, Harry added pronto. Sorry Thats not the way Id shoot chosen for you to find out, say Mr. Weasley looking anxious..No honestly its OK. This way, you havent lowly your boy to Fudge and I know whats termination on.Harry, you moldiness(prenominal) be panic-struck Im not, give tongue to Harry sincerely. Really, he added, because Mr. Weasley was looking disbelieving. Im not laborious to be a hero, but estimablely, Sirius inkiness cant be worsened than Lord Voldemort, can he?Mr. Weasley flinched at the sound of the lean, but overlooked it.Harry, I knew you were, intumesce, made of stronger stuff than Fudge seems to infer, and Im obviously pleased that youre not scared, but Arthur called Mrs. Weasley, who was now shepherding the tranquility onto the train. Arthur, what are you doing? Its near to goHes coming Molly express Mr. Weasley, but he glowering sustain to Harry and kept talk of the towning in a lower and more(prenominal) than hurried piece, Listen, I submit you to give me your word that Ill be a go od boy and breathe in the citadel? express Harry gloomily.not entirely, say Mr. Weasley, who looked more serious than Harry had ever seen him. Harry, swear to me you wont go looking for Black.Harry discernd, What there was a loud whistle. Guards were walking along the train, slamming all the room accesss shut.Promise me, Harry, tell Mr. Weasley, talking more pronto lock away, that whatsoever happens why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me? verbalise Harry blankly.Swear to me that whatever you might hear Arthur, fondly cried Mrs. Weasley.Steam was billowing from the train it had started to move. Harry ran to the compartment door and Ron threw it open and stood back to let him on. They leaned out of the malarkey upow and waved at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley until the train turned a tree and blocked them from view.I request to talk to you in private, Harry muttered to Ron and Hermione as the train picked up speed.Go away, Ginny, state Ron.Oh, thats nice, gi ve tongue to Ginny huffily, and she stalked off.Harry, Ron, and Hermione set off down the corridor, looking for an untenanted compartment, but all were full except for the one at the very end of the train.This had wholly one occupant, a man sitting devalued asleep bordering to the window. Harry, Ron, and Hermione checked on the thres go along. The Hogwarts Express was usually reserved for students and they had neer seen an adult there before, except for the witch who pushed the nutrition cart.The stranger was wearing an highly flashy set of wizards robes that had been darned in several 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 door shut, pickings the pots farthest away from the window.prof R. J. lupine. talk Hermione at once.Howd you know that?Its on his case, she replied, pointing at the luggage rack over the mans head, where there was a lowly, batter ed case held together with a large mensuration of neatly knotted string. The name professor R. J. lupin was stamped across one boxful in peeling letters.Wonder what he teaches? tell Ron, frowning at professor lupines pallid profile.Thats obvious, whispered Hermione. at that places only one vacancy, isnt there? defense reaction Against the sliminess humanistic discipline.Harry, Ron, and Hermione had already had two Defense Against the minatory Arts teachers, both of whom had lasted only one year. There were rumors that the job was jinxed.Well, I hope hes up to it, said Ron doubt amply. He looks wish on, good hex would finish him off, doesnt he? leastways he turned to Harry, what were you tone ending to tell us?Harry explained all about Mr. and Mrs. Wesleys argument and the warning Mr. Weasley had just stipulation him. When hed finished, Ron looked thunderstruck, and Hermione had her hands over her spill the beans. She finally displace them to say, Sirius Black escap ed to arrive later you? Oh, Harryyoull have to be unfeignedly, actually thoughtful. dont go looking for trouble, HarryI dont go looking for trouble, said Harry, nettled. job usually finds me.How thick would Harry have to be, to go looking for a whacko who wants to kill him? said Ron shakily.They were taking the intelligence service worse than Harry had expected. Both Ron and Hermione seemed to be lots more affright of Black than he was.No one knows how he got out of Azkaban, said Ron uncomfortably. No ones ever done it before. And he was a top-security captive too. nevertheless theyll catch 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 short, squalid pattern of whistle was coming from somewhere. They looked all or so the compartment.Its coming from your trunk, Harry, said Ron, stand up up and reaching into the luggage rack. A moment later he had pulled the grievous bodily h t ree branch 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, stand up up for a better look.yeamind you, its a very flash one, Ron said. It went haywire just as I was tying it to Errols leg to send it to Harry.Were you doing anything undependable at the metre? said Hermione shrewdly.No WellI wasnt hazardd to be using Errol. You know hes not really up to long excursionsbut how else was I supposed to get Harrys pre direct to him? hold fast it back in the trunk, Harry certain as the Sneakoscope whistled piercingly, or itll awaken him up.He nodded toward professor lupine. Ron stuffed the Sneakoscope into a curiously imposing 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 conformation of thing in Dervish and Banges, magical inst ruments 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 inattentive look coming over his governing body, where theyve got every(prenominal)thing rain cats and dogs Imps they instal you smoke at the mouth and great fat Chocoballs full of strawberry mousse and clotted cream, and really subtile sugar quills, which you can suck in class and just look like youre thinking what to write next?CBut Hogsmeades a very raise place, isnt it? Hermione pressed on eagerly. In rages of historical Sorcery it says the inn was the headquarters for the 1612 pixy rebellion, and the Shrieking Shacks supposed to be the most severely haunted building in Britain ?C and massive sherbet balls that make you levita te a few inches off the ground magic spell youre sucking them, said Ron, who was plainly not listening to a word Hermione was saying.Hermione looked round at Harry.Wont it be nice to get out of develop for a bit and explore Hogsmeade?Spect it will, said Harry heavily. Youll have to tell me when youve launch out.What dyou mean? said Ron.I cant go. The Dursleys didnt undertake my permission form, and Fudge wouldnt either.Ron looked horrified.Youre not allowed to come? But no way McGonagall or someone will give you permission Harry gave a hollow laugh. professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor offer, was very strict.?C or we can ask Fred and George, they know every secret passage out of the castle Ron said Hermione perspicaciously. I dont think Harry should be sneaking out of the civilise 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 hol d Oh, Ron, dont talk rubbish, snapped Hermione. Blacks already murdered a whole bunch of wad in the middle of a crowded street, do you really think hes going to annoy 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 prof lupine stirred. They watched him apprehensively, but he simply turned his head the other way, mouth moderately open, and slept on.The Hogwarts Express moved steadily unitingward and the scenery outside the window became unquiet and calamitouser while the clouds overhead thickened overhead. mountain were chasing backwards and forwards past the door of their compartment. Crookshanks had now settled in an empty pl ace, his squashed face turned towards Ron, his xanthous eyeball on Rons top pocket.At one oclock the plump witch with the food cart arrived at the compartment door.Dyou think we should wake him up? Ron asked awkwardly, nodding towards professor lupine. He looks like he could do with some food.Hermione approached prof Lupin cautiously.Er professor? she said. Excuse me prof?He didnt move.Dont worry, dear, said the witch, as she handed a large stack of cauldron cakes. 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 he hasnt run outd, has he?No, no, hes breathing, whispered Hermione, taking the cauldron cake Harry passed her.He might not be very good company, but prof Lupins presence in their compartment had its uses. Mid-afternoon, just as it had started to rain, blurring the rolling hills outside the window, they perceive footstairs outside in the corridor again, and their three least best-loved citizenry appeared at the door firedrake Malfoy, flanked by his cronies, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. flying dragon Malfoy and Harry had been enemies ever since they had met on their very first journey to Hogwarts. Malfoy, who had a pale, pointed, sneering face, was in Slytherin house he play Seeker on the Slytherin Quidditch team, the same position that Harry played on the Gryffindor team. Crabbe and Goyle seemed to exist to do Malfoys bidding. They were both coarse and muscly Crabbe was taller, with a pudding-bowl haircut and a very thick neck Goyle had short, bristly hair and long, gorilla arms.Well, look who it is, said Malfoy in his usual lazy bunkl, pulling open the compartment door. Potty and the Weasel.Crabbe and Goyle chuckled trollishly.I heard your bewilder finally got his hands on some gold this summer, Weasley, said Malfoy. Did your mother die of shock?Ron stood up so quickly he smashed Crookshankss basket to the floor. professo r Lupin gave a snort.Whos that? said Malfoy, taking an machinelike step backward as he spotted Lupin. newborn teacher, said Harry, who got to his feet, too, in case he needed to hold Ron back. What were you saying, Malfoy?Malfoys pale eye 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 violent gesture 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, t he wind roared, but still, Professor Lupin slept.We mustiness be close there, said Ron, trend forward to look past Professor Lupin at the now only opaqueened window.The words had hardly left-hand(a) him when the train started to slow down.Great, said Ron, acquire up and walking carefully past Professor Lupin to try and see outside. Im starving. I want to get to the festivalWe cant be there yet, said Hermione, checking her watch.So whyre we stopping?The train was getting slow and slower. As the noise of the pistons knock down away, the wind and rain sounded louder than ever against the windows.Harry, who was nearest the door, got up to look into the corridor. All along the carriage, heads were sticky 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. Then, without warning, all the lamps went out and they were plunged into total blackenedness.Whats going on? said Rons voic e from behind Harry.Ouch gasped Hermione. Ron, that was my footHarry matt-up his way back to his hind end.Dyou think weve broken down?DunnoThere was a squeaking sound, and Harry saw the softened black outline of Ron, wiping a fixing clean on the window and peering out.Theres something contemptible out there, Ron said. I think people are coming aboardThe compartment door suddenly opened and someone fell disquietfully over Harrys legs.Sorry Dyou know whats going on? Ouch Sorry Hullo, Neville, said Harry, convalescent around in the dark and pulling Neville up by his garment.Harry? Is that you? Whats happening?No idea Sit down There was a loud hissing 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 felt 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 derive 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 wonky light filled the compartment. Professor Lupin appeared to be holding a smattering of flames. They light up his tired, gray face, but his eyes looked alert and wary.Stay where you are. he said in the same hoarse voice, and he got slowly 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 shivering flames in Lupins hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was tout ensemble 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 deca yed in water.But it was visible only for a split second. As though the creature beneath the cloak sense 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 dusty sweep over them all. Harry felt his own breath catch in his chest. The parky went deeper than his skin. It was inside his chest, it was inside his very gistHarrys eyes rolled up into his head. He couldnt see. He was drowning in polar. There was a rushing in his ears as though of water. He was being dragged downward, the roaring development louderAnd then, from far away, he heard screaming, terrible, terrified, appeal 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 Harry Harry are you all right?Someone was slapping his face.W-w hat?Harry opened his eyes there were lanterns above him, and the floor was shaking 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 furnish back on, he felt cold sweat on his face.Ron and Hermione heaved him back onto his seat. ar you okay? Ron asked nervously.Yeah, said Harry, looking quickly toward the door. The hooded creature had vanished. What happened? Wheres that that thing? Who screamed?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 coffee into pieces.Here, he said to Harry, handing him a particularly large piece. Eat it. Itll help.H arry took the coffee berry but didnt eat it.What was that thing? he asked Lupin.A Dementor, said Lupin, who was now boastful chocolate to everyone else. One of the Dementors of Azkaban.Everyone stared at him. Professor Lupin crumpled 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. atomic number 18 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 that thing the Dementor stood there and looked around (I mean, I think it did, I couldnt see its face) and you you I thought you were having a represent 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 hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks. Go. But the Dementor didnt move, so Lupin muttered something, and a silvery 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, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably. Like Id never be cheerful againGinny, who was clump in her corner looking nearly as bad as Harry felt, gave a small sob Hermione went over and put a comforting arm around her.But didnt any of you fall off your seats? said Harry awkwardly.No, said Ron, looking anxiously at Harry again. Ginny was shaking like mad, thoughHarry didnt understand. He felt promiscuous and shivery, as though he were recovering from a bad bout of influenza 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 bewilderment felt warmth spread 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 s pass 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 critical platform rain was driving down in icy sheets.Firs years this way called a familiar voice. Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned and saw the long outline of Hagrid at the other end of the platform, beckoning the terrified-looking new students forward for their traditional journey across the lake.All right, you three? Hagrid let loose 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 wait the remaining students, each pulled, Harry could only assume, by an invisible 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 princely wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged 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 p icked 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, rejoicing voice sounded in his ear.You fainted, tamper? Is Longbottorn telling the impartiality? You actually fainted?Malfoy elbowed past Hermione to block Harrys way up the stone steps to the castle, his face gleeful and his pale eyes glitter 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 too, 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 er Professor, then he smirked at Crabbe and Goyle a nd 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 Entrance sign, which was lit with flaming torches, and housed a magnificent marble stairway 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 enrapture ceiling, which was black and cloudy 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 House, was calling over the heads of the crowd. She was a sodding(a) looking witch who wore her hair in a tight bun her sharp eyes were framed with square spectacles. Harry fought his way over to her with a sensation of foreboding Professor McGonagall had a way of making him feel he must have done something wrong.Th eres no need to look so worried I just want a word in my office, she told them. Move along there, Weasley.Ron stared as Professor McGonagall ushered Harry and Hermione away from the go crowd they accompanied her across the pick up hall, up the marble staircase, and along a corridor.Once they were in her office, a small room with a large, welcoming 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 peeress Pomfrey, the nurse, came expeditious 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 mulct, he said, I dont need anything Oh, its you, is it? said chick Pomfrey, ignoring this and bending down to stare closely at him. I suppose youve been doing something d angerous again?It was a Dementor, Poppy, said Professor McGonagall.They exchanged a dark look, and gentlewoman Pomfrey clucked disapprovingly.Setting Dementors around a school, she muttered, pushing back Harrys hair and speck 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 thought 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. S o 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. rattling 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, heart murmur to herself. He had to wait only a few minutes then Hermione emerged looking very apt 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 pointed black hats each of the long House tables was line with students, their faces glimmering by the light of thousands of candles, which were go 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 Herm ione 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 best suited to (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin). Professor McGonagall strode off toward her empty seat at the stave 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 fable 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 seats.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, invariably gave an impression of great energy. He had several feet of long silver hair and beard, half-moon spectacles, and an extremely crooke d nose. He was often described as the superior wizard of the age, but that wasnt why Harry respected him. You couldnt help trusting Albus Dumbledore, and as Harry watched him beaming around at the students, he felt really cool it for the first time since the Dementor had entered the train compartment. find said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. experience 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 disjointed by our excellent feastDumbledore clean his throat and continued, As you will all be aware after their count of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing armament 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 jinx to the grounds, Dumble dore continued, 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 blandly, and Harry and Ron glanced at each other. It is not in the personality 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 snapd 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 delicious two new teachers to our ranks this year.First, Professor Lupin, who has kind consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.There was some scattered, rather unenthus iastic 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.Look at Snape Ron hissed in Harrys ear.Professor Snape, the Potions master, was pure(a) along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was vernacular knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Harry, who hate Snape, was startled at the expression fling 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 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 h is place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this principle 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 crimson 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 acid 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 fortunate 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 fe ast the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and the prattle 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 execration 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 flamboyant 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 serviette 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 wantedOvercome with emotion, he buried his face in his n apkin, and Professor McGonagall shooed them away.Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined the Gryffindors float up the marble staircase and, very tired now, along more corridors, up more and more stairs, to the hidden seize to Gryffindor Tower, where a large enactment of a fat lady in a pink dress asked them, Password? glide path 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.Through the portrait hole and across the common room, the girls and boys divide 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.