A Vampire, an Ex-Demon, and the Power of Voodoo

Chapter Four: The Message

As Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked into the Great Hall, they all immediately looked up at the staff table and sure enough, there was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. He was sitting there with his tight tee-shirt squeezing his powerful, muscular body. Hermione sighed, Harry and Ron looked at her.

"Bet you anything Hermione fancies this one," said Ron grinning.

"It's going to be just like Lockhart's back," said Harry grim smile.

"Let's just hope this one isn't a nutter... and lets really hope he doesn't own any Cornish Pixies," Ron said, laughing uncontrollably.

Hermione gave them a menacing stare that made them both stop laughing only too quickly.

All of their other professors were there too, except for Hagrid who was bringing the first years over on the boats, and McGonagal who was waiting with the Sorting Hat and stool in hand. Snape was giving the new professor a look of complete and utter loathing, as he did every Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Trelawney was looking airy as usual, and Dumbledore was in high spirits. As he stood, the Hall grew quiet.

"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I know you are all tired and hungry from your journey-"

"He read my mind," Ron leaned over and whispered.

"-But we must first bring in our new students."

No sooner had he said it had the doors opened and in walked Hagrid, followed by a long line of scared looking first years.

Dumbledore spoke over the crowd, "Let the Sorting Ceremony begin!"

Professor McGonagal walked through the crowd of first years and sat down the stool and hat. No sooner had she done it had the hat open its brim and begin to sing.

Not long ago when the Dark Lord had power,

And wizards and muggles alike did cower;

There lived a boy only one year old,

Later stories of him would be told.

His mother and father, bless their poor souls,

Lost their lives to protect him you know;

After that night things never were the same,

You-Know-Who was all to blame.

On a cold, dreary night at Godric's Hollow,

The Potters did not know that they had been followed;

A blast of green light, a scream and a shout,

A thud in the hall, poor James was out.

He came through the door and with another blast of light,

Poor Lilly Potter was out of sight;

The Dark Lord now turned to the boy,

Just one more step in his evil ploy.

He had taken out the Potters, only the boy was left,

But he had no idea what to expect;

He did not know what was in store,

But in only a second, he was no more.

It is thanks to this boy that we are alive,

Without dear Harry we could not thrive;

But listen, take heed, we cannot slack,

We must prepare ourselves for Voldemort is back.

There was a synchronized shiver and the Great Hall became silent. Harry had never had so many eyes on him at once. Even all of the teachers, including Snape were looking at Harry. There was a feeling of fear in the room. Harry did not know whether they were afraid of the song, or him.