"Professor McGonagall wants us to teach Defence Against Dark Arts to the kids. Is she serious about this" Oliver asked in a voice full of surprise and shock.
"Looks like it though" Harry said shrugging his shoulders, Oliver looked at him and then at the letter at his hand.
"It is not like she asked us though, rather ordered us in such a short notice. Can we refuse it" Oliver said in disbelief.
"I don't think so" Harry said casually as he was enjoying the panic stricken look on his long time friend's face.
Even though Oliver knew this is how Professor McGonagall is but still he was a little shocked at such a short notice.
"What are you going to do" Harry asked as he looked at Oliver in a serious tone.
"Do we have an option" Oliver asked in a slightly irritated tone as he defeatedly looked at the letter at his hand.
"Looks like we will be making trip to Hogwarts twice a week then" Harry said as he sighed.
"The last thing I wanted to do is to teach, I can't bear to punish those little kids" Oliver said as he groaned in frustration.
"We should be getting going I guess, so that we don't miss the welcoming feast" Harry then said as he stood up from his seat.
Oliver sighed and stood up as well, then they apparated to Hogwarts grounds.
[APPARATION is a technique used by a wizard or witch to travel from one destination to another]
//////////PRESENT//////////
Harry and Oliver sighed as they foresaw the number of questions they will be bombarded with by their kids.
"We will be starting the sorting ceremony then" Neville said and the Old worn out hat placed on the stool on the podium opened its eyes. All the first years were amazed by the sight of it.
The Hat then started,
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find,
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall.
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat,
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head,
The Sorting Hat can't see.
So try me on and I will tell you,
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
The daring, nerve and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal.
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
All the first years were shocked; they were dumbstruck at the sight of a hat singing. Mudbloods had priceless expressions on their faces.
[MUDBLOODS are those who belong to Muggle families yet they have magic in them]
Neville cleared his throat and then opened the scroll with the list of students in it. He started calling out names, one after another the first years were sorted out in different houses.
After few names Neville looked at the name and then his eyes zeroed on Hugo, as he smiled lightly in an assuring way.
"Hugo Weasley" Neville called the next name, with a hint of warmth in his usual stern tone.