Headstrong

Chapter 23

Amanda was walking into the hall when she heard Professor McGonagall call her name.

She walked over to Minerva and saw Harry and Hermione waiting with the older woman.

Minerva led them to her office and sat them down.

Madam Pomfrey came in, but Amanda wasn't paying attention. But then Minerva turned to her and said, "I hear that you took it upon yourself to check all of the children on the train, and gave them chocolate when they had worse cases."

Amanda nodded numbly as Madam Pomfrey checked up on Harry.

"Thank you, Amanda. That was very thoughtful of you. I hear you even checked up on the Slytherins. There are not many Gryffindors that would do that. "

Amanda gasped as Harry jumped up, insisting he was fine. She chuckled to herself and the two older witches stared at her.

Harry left the room and Madam Pomfrey felt her forehead.

"You're burning up, Amanda, are you sure you are alright?" She said and Minerva looked at her.

"Remus said that Miss Potter had a particularly bad reaction to the Dementors." Minerva said to Poppy.

Amanda just nodded and said, "I'm fine." She looked at Hermione, then left the office, waiting outside with Harry.

When Hermione and Minerva exited the office, the three children follow the Professor to the Great Hall.

As they entered, Amanda left Harry and Hermione and went to join Fred, George, Lee and the two girls. Amanda was about to tell them what they had been discussing with Minerva when Albus stood up for his speech.

"Welcome!" he said, the candlelight shimmering on his beard, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast..."

Albus cleared his throat and continued. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

He paused, and Amanda knew straight away that they were looking for Sirius, and she hoped that the man wouldn't be stupid enough to come near the castle. She knew he was innocent, and she definitely didn't want him going back to Azkaban.

"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises - or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly, and Amanda smirked at Harry and winked. Harry smiled, before he glanced at Ron. "It is not 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-" Albus looked at Amanda and winked. Amanda smiled and nodded her head. "-and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs foul of the Dementors."

Amanda saw that Percy had puffed out his chest so that his Head Boy badge shone at the people closest. She sniggered and pointed him out to Fred and George. They smirked at each other, and when Percy wasn't looking, she summoned it and hid the badge in her pocket.

Albus continued, "On a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. Firstly, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Amanda immediately started to clap her hands. She had decided that she was going to meet up for coffee with Remus soon and apologise for her behaviour on the train.