chap6pg1

As the hat finished it�s song, the students clapped quietly. The first name was called out. As Helen Appleby was made a Hufflepuff, Harry began to talk quietly to Ron and Hermione.
�Hey guys, did you notice that Snape isn�t up there with the rest of the teachers?� Harry said. They looked up at the head table. Snape�s chair was empty.
�I wonder who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is,� Ron wondered. They looked at the other empty seat. �Maybe they�re planning on making a big entrance.�
Finally, after Jennifer Zealer was made a Ravenclaw, the sorting hat was put away, and Professor Dumbledore stood up to begin his speech.
�Welcome new students, and our returning ones,� he said. �If you haven�t noticed already, we have two teachers missing. Professor Snape will be returning shortly after he has finished some of his private business, but as you all know, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She will be arriving at the school shortly, and I would like you all to give her a warm welcome when she arrives.� There was a quiet murmur among the students. Dumbledore continued. �Our first order of business is to inform you of the new rules that are in effect this year. First, everyone must be with at least 1 other person at all times, no less. We don�t want people wandering the hallways alone at this time. Secondly, there will be no leaving Hogwarts grounds without adult supervision. This rule applies to all Hogwarts students. A ten-thirty curfew has been established. Any student found out of bed will be given detention and their house will lose fifty points. Finally, there will be no Quidditch practice ��
A loud groan rose from all four house tables.

�Hey guys, we�re just about there,� stated Ron. The three changed into their robes. Soon enough, they pulled into the Hogsmeade station. They disembarked from the train, and heard a loud, scruffy voice behind them.
�Firs� years over �ere!� came Hagrid�s voice. They all turned around.
�Oy, �Agrid!� shouted Ron. All three of them waved their hands vigorously.
�Hey boys!� replied Hagrid. Hermione stopped waving. Hagrid chuckled. �And �Ermione!� he said. She smiled. �Don�t have much time to chat now, I�ll talk to yers later! Firs� years over �ere!� Hagrid continued.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione boarded the horseless carriages that would take them up to the school. The ride was very quick, so they didn�t have much time to chat. They reached the school, and happily entered the Great Hall. The school�s house colors could be seen everywhere, and the three made their way over to the table that was decorated with scarlet and gold. They greeted their fellow Gryffindor classmates. Suddenly, a hush fell over the students. The Sorting Hat had been taken out, and was now beginning its song.

It�s very hard to decide
What house is best for you.
There are four to choose from,
It is quite tough to do.

I can see every thought
That lurks inside your head.
Instead of choosing for yourself,
Just put me on instead.

The wise reside in Ravenclaw,
Learning quicker than the rest.
A Slytherin goes to any length
Simply to be the best.

To Hufflepuff go the loyal few,
Hard work is what they favor.
In Gryffindor dwell the brave at heart,
Their courage never wavers.

So try me on, don�t be afraid
I�ll take a look about.
And once I�ve looked you up and down
Your placement I will shout.