More Important Than Any Broomstick [Harmione]

22. Announcements

"Sure Neville," said Harry. Neville sat next to the twins, right across from Ginny. Hermione noticed that every few seconds, he'd glance at Ginny and slightly blush.

"So," said Neville, ending the silence that started when he sat down, "What are Fred and George doing?"

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After the rest of the enjoyable trip, in which George finally won so they gave the Game Boys back to their owners, they found themselves soaking wet in the Great Hall. They all laughed when Peeves got Ron in the head with a water balloon. Harry and Hermione had noticed it beforehand and could have stopped it, but they couldn't think of one good reason to do so.

Before they sat down, Hermione pulled her wand out and verbally performed the drying charm on Harry, herself, Fred, George, and Ginny. Afterwards she whispered into Harry's ear, "I almost did that without my wand. It's going to be difficult acting like we need them, and even harder to remember to say the spells."

Harry whispered back, "I know, it'll be like pretending to be a first year again."

She chuckled softly at that statement, and then Fred said, "Oy, if you two must whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears, do it without making noise. The sorting's started. We're trying to hear the names of our new potential customers."

When the sorting was over, the Headmaster made the simple announcement, "Tuck in."

Soon after the feast had started, Nearly Headless Nick showed up, talking about how Peeves had been terrorizing the house elves, gaining Hermione's attention. "There are house elves here at Hogwarts?" she asked.

"More than anywhere else in Europe I believe," said Sir Nicolas.

"I, er, I don't suppose they get wages here, do they?" asked Hermione timidly.

"Of course not," said Nick.

"But, but they're happy here, aren't they? I mean, they're not mistreated, are they?"

"Aside from when Peeves is terrorizing them, I'd say they're the happiest elves I've ever seen. Professor Dumbledore always praises their work, and I've never yet heard of him punishing an elf."

"Well, that's good," said Hermione, as she took another bite of her food.

Harry smiled at her, causing her cheeks to go a little pink. "You handled that very well," he said.

"What did you expect me to do, refuse to eat?"

They continued the meal amiably, until the dishes were cleared and the Headmaster walked up the podium to make his announcements.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. First of all, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to announce that smiling in the hallways is no longer permitted," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes. Filch gave him a quick glare. Dumbledore continued, "I'm joking, of course, but Mr. Filch did ask me to remind you that magic is forbidden in the hallways, and that the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden to all students. He has also added Screaming Yo-Yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs to the list of forbidden objects within the castle. If you're interested in the full list, which comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, it is inside Mr. Filch's office." He then motioned toward the staff table. "As you may have noticed, there are three new members of staff here. Professor Brooks will be teaching History of Magic." He motioned to a petite woman with tan skin, brown eyes, and long brown hair. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, and was very attractive. About half of the younger boys blushed when she waved her hand. "Professor Figg will be teaching Muggle Studies."

Harry couldn't believe his eyes as he recognized the grizzled gray hair, although now instead of a hairnet she was wearing a pointed hat. He whispered to Hermione, "That's Mrs. Figg! The lady with all the cats who lived on Privet Drive that used to baby-sit me!"

Hermione gasped. She then whispered, "I'll bet Dumbledore placed her there to spy on you. Now that you don't live there, she had no reason to stay."

Dumbledore continued, "And finally, as the new Head of Slytherin House and Potions Master, is Professor Black, recently cleared of all charges."

"What?" came the sound of several surprised students from the Slytherin table.

"Isn't he Harry Potter's guardian?" came the sneering voice of Draco Malfoy.

"Yes he is, quite right Mr. Malfoy, although I regret to inform you that I must take five points from Slytherin for your speaking out of turn," said Dumbledore. "I'm sure that Professor Black will not show favoritism toward Mr. Potter in the manner that Professor Snape has shown favoritism toward Slytherin House and you in particular in the past."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle as he saw Sirius, sitting next to Remus, smiling brightly. "Did you see the look on Draco's face?" Harry whispered to his neighbors, causing them all to chuckle quietly.

Dumbledore continued, "It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year." Harry hid his grin as he looked around at Fred and George, his fellow members of the Quidditch team. They were mouthing soundlessly at Dumbledore, apparently too appalled to speak. Dumbledore went on, "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy - but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts, we will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament."

Fred and George loudly said together, "You're JOKING!"