Harry slipped into the Great Hall from the side, making as little noise as possible. He tiptoed to the seat Ron had saved for him. Ending up in the Hospital Wing on the first day of term was hardly something to be proud of!
"Harry, are you all right?" Ron asked urgently. "Hermione told me Madam Pomfrey took you to the Hospital Wing!"
Harry was about to tell him quietly when Dumbledore tapped his goblet with a spoon, calling for silence. He had something to say, so Harry held his tongue for now.
Dumbledore wore a pale gray robe, with his distinctive half-moon spectacles perched on his nose. Though he was over a hundred years old, with white hair and a beard several feet long, he always seemed full of energy.
"Quiet for a moment, please!" Dumbledore said with a smile, his beard gleaming silver in the candlelight. "First, welcome back to Hogwarts!"
"But before the term begins, I have a few things to tell you, one of them particularly important. I think I ought to explain it before you enjoy the food and festivities—and before sleep overtakes you."
Dumbledore coughed twice and cleared his throat, then continued in a steadier voice. "Our school has received several unusual guests: the Dementors of Azkaban. The Ministry of Magic sent them here on official business. I expect many of you have already seen them aboard the Hogwarts Express, though it was hardly a pleasant encounter!"
"The Dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the school," Dumbledore continued. "I must stress that while they are here, no one is to leave the school without permission. You must understand that their power is not to be underestimated. No trick, disguise, or deception will fool them—not even an Invisibility Cloak," he added quietly.
"Dementors