The Power Within

~*~Chapter Six~*~

The Secret is Out

As they entered the Great Hall, Harry left Professor McGonagall, and ran straight to Ron and Hermionie.

"Harry! What is it?" Hermionie asked, surprised to see him so happy.

"Sirius- name cleared- teaching- Defense Against the Dark Arts!!!" Harry seemed to have trouble speaking in full sentences.

"What?! " they chimed.

"You´re joking!" said Ron. Harry took a seat and told Ron. Professor McGonagall brought forward the three-legged stool and the old sorting hat. Soon, the Great Hall doors opened and Hagrid led the scared-looking first years through to the front of the room. Professor McGonagall spoke.

"When your name is called, you are to step forward, take a seat on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head. When you are sorted, you will join your house at the appropriate table. Aldon, Sherry!" A small blonde haired girl stepped forward, clearly shaking from head to foot. She sat on the stool and placed the hat on her head; the rip in the brim opened wide and said.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" The second table on the right erupted with cheers as Sherry joined her house. The rest of the first years were sorted after half an hour, and then Dumbledore spoke.

"Before we begin the feast, I have a few announcements to make. This year we have made a few changes; for the first time in a very long time, we have people that have finished at Hogwarts and would like to teach. They are here this year for in-class training. I would like to introduce Ms. Jennifer Mitchell, who will be working along-side your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher..." Dumbledore paused for a moment and winked at Harry, "Mr. Sirius Black."

There were many gasps and whispers from people around the Hall, but they figured it wouldn't be that bad. After all, why would Dumbledore hire him, if he was criminally insane? Dumbledore rose his hand for silence and continued to speak.

"Our next Teacher-In-Training is Ms. Jessica Fobert, who will be working with Professor Flitwick, in Charms. Please make our new teachers feel welcome, when they arrive later on this evening, and throughout the rest of the year. Now, finally, I would like to announce that, under special circumstances, we have a new student this year. She is in her fifth year and will arrive shortly, with our new teachers. So! Let the feast begin!"

As usual, the food appeared magically on the golden plates. Harry dived into the food and began to stuff his face; he was extremely hungry and had been waiting a very long time for the feast! Ron seemed to feel the same way as he ate two things at once; he had a chicken wing in one hand, and a Yorkshire pudding in the other. About 15 minutes into the feast, the doors opened once more, and a spine-chilling silence ran through the hall. There were two very pretty girls in the lead; Harry figured they were the Teachers-In-Training. Next was a tall man, Harry new to be his godfather, Sirius Black. Harry gave him an energetic wave, as Sirius smiled back proudly. The last person to come in was a young girl... She had long dark-brown hair and was about Harry´s height, she also had eyes just like Harry´s; they were a vivid green color.

"Ah! Here are our new teachers and student!" said Dumbledore pleasantly, "Let me introduce them to you... This is Ms. Jennifer Mitchell," A young colored girl stepped forward and gave the Hall a very enthusiastic smile. "Next we have Ms. Jessica Fobert!" The second girl stepped forward and waved to all of the students. She was about the same age as the first girl, but seemed to have a more quiet personality.

"Now we have Mr. Sirius Black, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!" Sirius came forward and smiled politely to everyone. He was in much better shape then before; his clothes were clean, his hair washed, and he looked like he had had a few good square meals. "Now, I would like you to meet our new student... Hailey, would you like to introduce yourself?" Hailey nodded and took a small step forward.

"Hi," she said quietly, "I- I'm Hailey. Hailey Potter." The Hall erupted and Harry´s jaw dropped.

`What did she just say?´ Harry thought to himself.

"Silence, please," said Dumbledore, and the hall went quiet again. Hailey hesitated for a moment, and then turned to Dumbledore. He gave her a winning smile and urged her to go on.

"Um... Harry?" Harry turned to look at her.

`How did she know my name?´ He thought... He closed his mouth, as he had just realized it was still open.

"Harry?" she said again, "Um... wow this hard... I- I-" she couldn't seem to get the words out, until finally, "I'm your sister..."