Dumbledore looked at McGonagall's stern face and felt both amused and slightly happy that someone was angry on his behalf.
Although these rumours and talks didn't bother him, if it had really bothered him, he would have already stopped the rumors in the bud.
It still made him happy to see many people get angry on his behalf and argue for him.
Especially after the defeat of Voldemort, many started to speak up for him openly.
At his age, Dumbledore is well aware of human nature.
When people lose their loved ones, important things, or anything else, it is only natural for them to want to vent their feelings and emotions. It is only natural that they want to find a target and reason to blame.
Some will blame themselves, their powerlessness, money, time, connections, etc.
Some will blame others, their enemies, their circumstances, friends, the world, God, fate, and more.
When Voldemort and the Death Eaters terrorised decades ago, most blamed the Ministry and didn't have the courage to blame and confront Voldemort and the Death Eaters due to powerlessness; only a few joined the Ministry and the Order of the Phoenix to oppose Voldemort.
Only when the war ended with Voldemort's death did many dare to curse at the captured Death Eaters, wishing for the cruellest punishments to befall them. But even then, they didn't even dare to utter Voldemort's name.
Their wounds only healed with the help of the power of time.
But this time, when people lost their loved ones, with the rumours spread, they made Dumbledore their target to vent, even if they knew deep down that it was not his fault, because they knew about his nature, and a good reason was given to make him a good target to blame and vent on.
Dumbledore slowly swept a glance at the students and finally settled on Harry.
When he entered just now, he heard Harry speaking for him, which made him feel a little guilty.
Because when he found out that Harry was Voldemort's Horcrux, he made a plan to sacrifice Harry in the worst-case scenario, in case he couldn't find a safe way to destroy Voldemort's remnant soul.
With his study of love reaching a limit and needing only a little push to reach a qualitative change, a level enough for him to die and make a journey to the Death dimension and go on the same adventure as his family and see the end of their journey.
Dumbledore didn't have time to slowly deal with Voldemort.
But for the sake of peace and due to the sense of responsibility of being Voldemort's guide to the magical world, he decided to make Harry, the prophesied saviour, grow up quickly and to make him grow strong enough to fulfil his role.
For that, he was ready to make some small sacrifices, ready to sacrifice even his life and make use of every last bit of value he has.
But now, with Voldemort's death and Grindelwald's choosing a peaceful way to fulfil his goal, there's no need for Dumbledore to make any sacrifices.
So when rumours about him spread, Dumbledore decided to let it be and decided to be their target to blame and vent on. At least this will help them regain their mental health faster. Before dying, he can help the victims of the senseless violence and war.
After giving Harry a slight smile, Dumbledore turned to Professor McGonagall and said with a smile. "Thank you, Minerva."
"Now, please take your seat. I want to make a happy announcement and tell good news to everyone before the start of the banquet."
After seeing Professor McGonagall nod and leave, Dumbledore turned to the students and spoke with a light smile. "Welcome to Hogwarts and this start of the new semester, everyone."
"Before the announcement, I would like to say sorry for all your losses."
"Age caught up to me."
"Voldemort was defeated this quickly only thanks to the help of two young wizards, Mr Collin and Mr Potter, and the sacrifices of Aurors and Order members." At the last words, Dumbledore glanced and nodded at Andy and Harry. For which, while Andy just smiled, Harry seemed quite embarrassed.
After a pause, while some wizards who had gossiped just now looked down, Dumbledore continued, "Taking my age and my inability to be present at Hogwarts all the time into consideration. After careful reflection, I decided to make Professor McGonagall Acting Headmistress from this semester on."
"A year later, she will officially step up to take her position and duties as Hogwarts Headmistress."
If not for the need to get the school Board of Governors' approval, something that he can easily gain after a few meetings, given the current situation.
And the need to look over Andy and give him some guidance for the sake of the wizarding world's future, Dumbledore would have directly made Professor McGonagall Headmistress.
He is not someone like Headmaster Dippet, who would occupy the Headmaster position for half a century.
At Dumbledore's words, after a short silence, whispers were immediately heard in the Great Hall.
Everyone, including professors, were shocked, as Dumbledore didn't discuss it with them before, so it came as a surprise.
Professor McGonagall stood up in shock and shouted, "Albus!"
"You—"
Dumbledore interjected and said with a warm smile, "Minerva, I made this decision after careful consideration. You are a perfect fit to be the next Headmistress."
"Let's talk after the banquet."
After saying that, Dumbledore nodded to the other professors, who were also looking shocked, before turning to the other students and saying, "Silence."
When the noise quieted down, Dumbledore continued, "Due to my frequent absence the previous year, Professor McGonagall was already doing my duty on my behalf, so there's no need to worry about her abilities."
"Moreover, I will not retire right away. I will be here for another year and guide her."
"Now that the announcement was made. I won't bore you any longer."
"Let's start the banquet and fill our empty stomachs."
Dumbledore smiled and raised his golden wine glass, concluding his speech on point like always.
When the foods and drinks started to appear, no one was in the mood to eat, with a myriad of thoughts and emotions going through their minds.
Some felt happy, some felt sad, some felt guilty, and some didn't care.
Everyone ate their food slowly, whispering with each other heatedly and occasionally sneaking a glance at Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.
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