Chapter 5 The Dementor

Tom woke harry the following(a) morning with his usual toothless grin and a cup of afternoon tea. nark got dressed and was average persuading a disgrunt wee Hedwig to demand stick bulge reveal into her cage when Ron banged his way into the room, pulling a sweatshirt ein truthw here(predicate) his degree and sounding irritable.The sooner we get on the t pass mangle bulge expose, the better, he utter. At least I can get away from Percy at Hogwarts. Now hes accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of Penelope Clearwater. You use up a go at it, Ron grimaced, his girlfriend. Shes hidden her face under the frame because her nose has gone t break through ensemble blotchyIve got something to tell you, incrust began, hardly they were break up by Fred and George, who had noteed in to congratulate Ron on infuriating Percy again.They headed batch to breakfast, where Mr. Weasley was reading the effort page of the Daily Prophet with a furrowed brow and Mrs. Weasley was sex act Hermione and Ginny ab step to the fore a love potion shed do as a young girl. All three of them were rather giggly.What were you recording? Ron asked devastate as they sat pull down.Later, chivy muttered as Percy stormed in. provoke had no chance to speak to Ron or Hermione in the chaos of leaving they were too busy heaving all their trunks down the Leaky Cauldrons narrow staircase and piling them up near the door, with Hedwig and Hermes, Percys screech owl, perched on top in their cages. A small wickerwork basket stood beside the messiness of trunks, spitting thunderyly.Its all right, Crookshanks, Hermione cooed through the wickerwork. Ill let you out on the power train.You wont, snapped Ron. What about poor Scabbers, eh?He pointed at his chest, where a large lump indicated that Scabbers was curled up in his pocket.Mr. Weasley, who had been outside waiting for the Ministry cars, stuck his head inside.Theyre here, he tell. waste, uprise on.Mr. Weasley marched Harr y across the short stretch of pavement toward the first of cardinal old-fashioned dismal green cars, to each one of which was driven by a furtive- reckoning wizard wearing a suit of emerald velvet.In you get, Harry, verbalize Mr. Weasley, glancing up and down the crowded street.Harry got into the top of the car and was shortly joined by Hermione, Ron, and, to Rons disgust, Percy.The journey to Kings Cross was truly uneventful compargond with Harrys trip on the Knight Bus. The Ministry of Magic cars go tomed almost ordinary. though Harry noticed that they could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernons new company car certainly couldnt have adult maleaged. They reached Kings Cross with twenty minutes to spare the Ministry drivers found them trolleys, unload their trunks, touched their hats in salute to Mr. Weasley, and drove away, somehow managing to jump to the head of an unmoving line at the traffic lights.Mr. Weasley kept close to Harrys elbow all the way into the station.Rig ht and then, he say, glancing around them. Lets do this in twins, as there are so numerous of us. Ill go through first with Harry.Mr. Weasley strolled toward the hindrance between platforms nine and ten, pushing Harrys trolley and apparently genuinely interested in the InterCity 125 that had just arrived at platform nine. With a meaningful look at Harry, he leaned casually against the barrier. Harry imitated him.In a moment, they had fallen sideways through the solid metal onto platform nine and three-quarters and looked up to see the Hogwarts Express, a scarlet steam engine, puffing smoke over a platform packed with witches and wizards seeing their children onto the train.Percy and Ginny suddenly appeared behind Harry. They were panting and had apparently contactn the barrier at a run.Ah, theres Penelope verbalise Percy, smoothing his pilus and waiver pink again. Ginny caught Harrys eye, and they both turned away to hide their laughter as Percy strode over to a girl wit h long, curly blur, walking with his chest thrown out so that she couldnt miss his shiny abominablege.Once the remaining Weasleys and Hermione had joined them, Harry and Mr. Weasley led the way to the end of the train, ult packed compartments, to a carriage that looked quite muster out. They loaded the trunks onto it, stowed Hedwig and Crookshanks in the baggage rack, then went back outside to say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.Mrs. Weasley kissed all her children, then Hermione, and finally Harry. He was embarrassed, but really quite pleased, when she gave him an extra hug.Do take care, wont you Harry? she say as she straightened up, her look oddly bright. Then she overspreaded her enormous handbag and said, Ive made you all sandwiches. Here you are, Ronno, theyre not corned beef Fred? Wheres Fred? Here you are dearHarry, said Mr. Weasley quietly, come over here for a moment.He jerked his head towards a pillar, and Harry followed him behind it, leaving the former(a)s crowde d around Mrs. Weasley. theres something Ive got to tell you before you provide said Mr. Weasley in a tense voice.Its all right, Mr. Weasley, said Harry, I already know.You know? How could you know?I er I comprehend you and Mrs. Wesley lecture last night. I couldnt help hearing, Harry added promptly. Sorry Thats not the way Id have chosen for you to find out, said Mr. Weasley looking anxious..No honestly its OK. This way, you havent mazed your news show to Fudge and I know whats going on.Harry, you must be scared Im not, said Harry sincerely. Really, he added, because Mr. Weasley was looking disbelieving. Im not trying to be a hero, but seriously, Sirius Black cant be worse than Lord Voldemort, can he?Mr. Weasley flinched at the sound of the epithet, but overlooked it.Harry, I knew you were, well, made of stronger tug 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 advent Molly said Mr. Weasley, but he turned back to Harry and kept talking in a lower and to a greater extent hurried voice, Listen, I wish you to give me your word 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, bedamn to me you wont go looking for Black.Harry stared, WhatThere was a loud go. Guards were walking along the train, slamming all the doors shut.Promise me, Harry, said Mr. Weasley, talking more quickly still, that any(prenominal) happens Why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me? said Harry blankly.Swear to me that whatsoever you baron hear Arthur, quickly 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 window and waved at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley until the train turned a coigne 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 clear up.Harry, Ron, and Hermione set off down the corridor, looking for an empty compartment, but all were full except for the one at the very end of the train.This had exactly one occupant, a man rideting fast asleep next to the window. Harry, Ron, and Hermione checked on the threshold. The Hogwarts Express was commonly reserved for students and they had never seen an adult there before, except for the witch who pushed the nutriment cart.The stranger was wearing an extremely shabby set of wizards robes that had been darned in several places. He looked ill and exhausted. Though quite young, his light brown vibrissa was flecked with gray.Who dyou reckon he is? Ron hissed as they sat down and slid the door shut, taking the positions farthest away from the window.prof R. J. lupine. whispered 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 small, battered case held together with a large quantity of neatly problematic string. The name prof R. J. lupin was stamped across one corner in peeling letters.Wonder what he teaches? said Ron, frowning at prof lupins nauseous profile.Thats obvious, whispered Hermione. Theres only one vacancy, isnt there? Defense Against the Dark 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 the job was jinxed.Well, I hope hes up to it, said Ron doubtfully. He looks equivalent on, good hex would finish him off, doesnt he? Anyway he turned to Harry, what were you going to tell us?Harry explained all about Mr. and Mrs. Wesleys argument and the warning Mr. Weasley had just given him. When hed finished, Ron looked thunders truck, and Hermione had her hands over her mouth. She finally lowered them to say, Sirius Black break loose to come after 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 thick would Harry have to be, to go looking for a nutter who wants to kill him? said Ron shakily.They were taking the news worse than Harry had expected. Both 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 done it before. And he was a top-security prisoner too.But 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 faint, tinny diversity of whistle was coming from somewhere. They looked all around the compartment.Its coming from your trunk, Harry, said Ron, standing up and reaching into the luggag e 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 tying it to Errols leg to send it to Harry.Were you doing anything untrustworthy at the m? said Hermione shrewdly.No WellI wasnt sound offd to be using Errol. You know hes not really up to long journeysbut how else was I viewd to get Harrys present to him?Stick it back in the trunk, Harry advised as the Sneakoscope whistled piercingly, or itll wake him up.He nodded toward Professor Lupin. Ron stuffed the Sneakoscope into a particularly horrible 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, magi cal 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 they make you smoke at the mouth and great fat Chocoballs full of strawberry gel and clotted cream, and really excellent sugar quills, which you can suck in class and just look like youre thinking what to write next?CBut Hogsmeades a very interesting place, isnt it? Hermione pressed on eagerly. In Sites of Historical 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 massive sherbet balls that make you levitate a few inches off the ground plot youre sucking them, said Ron, who was plainly not listening to a word Hermione was saying.Hermione looked around at Harry.Wont it be nice to get out of school 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 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 house, was very strict.?C or we can ask Fred and George, they know every secret hark backage out of the castle Ron said Hermione sharply. I dont think Harry should be sneak 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 mur dered a whole bunch of people in the middle of a crowded 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 simply turned his head the other way, mouth slightly open, and slept on.The Hogwarts Express moved steadily north and the fit outside the window became wilder and darker while the clouds overhead thickened overhead. People were chasing rearwardss and fores past the door of their compartment. Crookshanks had now settled in an empty seat, his squashed face turned towards Ron, his yellow eyes on Rons top pocket.At one ocl ock 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 Lupin. He looks like he could do with some food.Hermione approached Professor Lupin cautiously.Er Professor? she said. Excuse me Professor?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 died, 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 rolling hills outside the window, they heard footsteps outside in the corridor again, and their three least favorite people appeared at the door Draco Malfoy, flanked by his cronies, V incent 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, sneering face, was in Slytherin house he played 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 wide 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 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 fetch die of shock?Ron stood up so quickly he knocked 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 get into 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 darkened 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 nearly there, said Ron, leaning forward to look past Professor Lupin at the now completely black window.The words had hardly left him when the train started to slow down.Great, said Ron, getting up and walking conservatively past Professor Lupin to try and see outside. Im starving. I want to get to the feastWe cant be there yet, said Hermione, checking her watch.So whyre we stopping?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 nearest 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. Then, without warning, all the lamps went out and they were plunged into total darkness.Whats going on? said Rons voice from behind Harry.Ouch gasped Hermione. Ron, that was my footHarry felt his way back to his seat.Dyou think weve broken down?DunnoThere was a squ eaking sound, and Harry precept the dim black outline 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, olfaction around in the dark and pulling Neville up by his cl oak.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 Come in and sit down Not here said Harry hurriedly. Im hereOuch said Neville.Quiet said a husky voice suddenly.Professor Lupin appeared to have woken up at last. Harry could hear movements in his co rner.None of them spoke.There was a soft, crackling noise, and a shivering 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.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(a) in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Lupins hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden infra its hood. Harrys eyes darted downward, and what he axiom 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 visible only for a split second. As though the creature 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 cold 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 roaring growing louderAnd then, from far away, he heard screaming, terrible, terrified, beseeching 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-what?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 h is 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 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 good luck 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.Ever yone 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.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 that thing the Dementor stood there and looked around (I mean, I think it did, I couldnt see its face) and you you I vista 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 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, sai d Neville, in a higher voice than usual. Did you smell out 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 huddled 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 faltering 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 bit and to his great surprise 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 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 icy sheets.Firs years this way called a familiar voice. Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned and byword the gigantic 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 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 hundre d stage trailes look 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 magnificent 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 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 go t out.As Harry stepped down, a drawling, delighted 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 gleeful 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 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 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 Entrance Hall, wh ich 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 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 stern 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 feeling of foreboding Professor McGonagall had a way of making him feel he must have done something wrong.Theres 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 chattering crowd they accompanied her across the overt ake 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 Madam 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 w ont 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 purpose 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 Grang er 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, rumble 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 pointed 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 best 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 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, 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 wasnt why Harry respected him. You couldnt help trusting 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 vindicated 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.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 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 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.Look at Snape Ron hissed in Harrys ear.Professor Sna pe, 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 Harry, who hated Snape, was startled at the expression 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 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.Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at one another, stunned. Then they joined in with the applause, which was tumultuous at the Gryffindor t able 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 hang back 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 b een 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 wantedOvercome with emotion, he buried his face in his napkin, and Professor McGonagall shooed them away.Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined the Gryffindors streaming 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 a sked 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.Through 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.