Dumbledore's welcoming ceremonies are always a delight to be heard by returning students, although some new arrivals might be easily frightened by his overwhelming presence. As headmaster, Dumbledore is the kindness soul of Hogwarts. That's not to imply he can't be strong and ruthless when required, though. Dumbledore merely adapts himself to the current situation and takes on the most comfortable personality for the environments he's given. For example, allowing someone from the Ministry of Magic to interrupt his traditional speech with something of her own creation. 

This visitor to Hogwarts, its newest addition to the teaching staff as well, is not a mysterious stranger to Dumbledore, neither Harry Potter. In fact, if she was more influential in the Ministry, beloved Harry Potter might have found himself locked away in Azkaban Prison. Indeed, for whatever reason, this currently un-named woman has quite the vendetta against young Potter of Gryffindor. 

Appearing under the guise of a sweet, little 'ol lady dressed in that ridiculous shade of pink...no one suspected how truly demonic this primly wrapped gift of sunshine could actually be. Well, perhaps Harry had his skepticism regarding her intentions, but nothing he could openly accuse her of. She introduced herself as Dolorous Umbridge. Such an innocently appearing woman was given the charge of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Isn't that ironic? 

[i]"I can tell we're going to be great friends."[/i]

Hogwart's devious pair, the Weasley twins, shared their immediate dislike of this woman by uttering two words beneath their breath. "That's likely." Upon hearing their vocal remarks, Umbridge straightened her pose and continued on with her speech. The entire time she spoke, students visibly cringed at her insinuations of Hogwarts. Even headmaster Dumbledore could be seen shaking his head in dismissal. However, he said nothing. Umbridge finally concluded her tedious rambles and sat back down at the staff's table. Dumbledore granted his students the delicious feast and soon the Great Hall was busy with chattering voices and sounds of amusement echoing from each table. 

Gryffindor seemed less joyous than the others. The source of this rooting from Harry and his close friends. Ron, busy stuffing his face with an assortment of food, knew very well that Harry was distressed. As for Hermione, she caught onto the sickening realization that the Ministry is interfering in Hogwarts. Across from the other side of Gryffindor's table, the elder of the Weasley twins tried to comfort Harry. "You want us to give ol' toad face there a proper welcome?" The mischievous nature of their plan quite obvious. 

* * * 

[I'll add Hillary in the next post. ^_^]