Arachnia

~Chapter1 ~

It was their first day back to Hogwarts as fifth years. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were fairly excited to be back. There was no doubt that Harry was, Hogwarts was his true home. Hermione was happier than usual wearing her Prefect badge. And Ron...was happy to be with his friends [A/N: You know who (hint, hint)].

"Heard about the new D.A.D.A. teacher?" Ron asked Harry and Hermione. Harry shrugged.

"I heard it was Fleur Delacour," Hermione said. Harry agreed with her. There were many rumors around the castle last year. They were on their way to the feast. "Maybe Dumbledore will introduce her at the feast."

Students rushed to get to the Great Hall. They sat at the Gryffindor table next to Fred, George, and Ginny. As usual, the sorting was done, and when that was over with Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

"Good Evening Students and welcome back to Hogwarts. I must inform you that the Forbidden Forest is off limits." He paused and began once again. "And I would like to introduce the newest member of the staff, Professor Delacour. She is the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher." (There were a few whistles and hoots within the applause from the tables as she stood up. Fleur blushed.) "That is all, you may return to your feast." He took his seat.

Ron's face blushed as Hermione scowled at him for whistling. Harry laughed.

"I think that she going to be a very good teacher, that's all," Ron looked down at his hands.

They continued eating their meal. Soon they were full and ready to go to bed. The Students in the hall swarmed at the exit on the Great Hall trying to get out. Hermione guided the new students and the rest of the Gryffindors to the familiar painting of the fat lady.

"Password," the lady said wearily.

"Ramora," Hermione said and the Portrait hole swung open. "You first years don't forget the password, Ramora." She stepped aside and let the students in. Harry and Ron were the last to get inside and Hermione followed them in. Hermione had to introduce where the dormitories were located and the common room. "The girls' dormitory is up on the left and the boys' dormitories are..."

Harry and Ron sat in some of the armchairs in the Common room.

"When do you think she'll finish?" Ron sighed.

"Dunno really..." Harry was thinking about the Quidditch matches coming up. Soon enough Hermione had finished and sent the new students on their own. She collapsed in a chair next to Ron.

"I'm so glad to be back! I can't wait to get back to Arithmancy," she exclaimed. "I read my book three times already..."

"That's all?!" Ron said sarcastically. Hermione ignored him.

"We better get some sleep. We have Transfiguration first thing in the morning." She got up and headed towards the girls' dormitory and said "good-night" to them as she reached the stairs. Harry and Ron decided that they should get some sleep too and went up to the boys' dormitory.