The Great Hall was alive with excitement tonight. Even Peeves, who'd set off five Filibuster Fireworks at the castle gates just ten minutes earlier, had been granted special permission by the ghosts to join the Opening Feast. Though he was kept under the strict supervision of the Bloody Baron, Slytherin's resident ghost, Peeves was clearly in high spirits.
Those Filibuster Fireworks were a gift from George and Fred Weasley to Peeves when they first arrived at Hogwarts—a peace offering to smooth over last year's tense stand-off between the living and the spectral.
As students noticed a new, unfamiliar professor seated at the staff table, their emotions grew tangled. Some found themselves missing last year's Professor Holmes—though mostly just his inventive practical lessons. At the same time, they secretly hoped the school would do away with last year's exhausting exam system. Sure, it had boosted some grades, but the process was downright painful.
Quite a few students were just plain disappointed. Compared to last year's Professor Holmes—or even the rest of the staff in their finest robes—Professor Lupin looked positively shabby, his threadbare attire standing out starkly against the gleaming table. It was hard for them to imagine that someone who dressed like that could be any good at magic.
Everyone also noticed Professor Snape shooting daggers at Lupin from the far end of the staff table. Everyone knew Snape had always wanted the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, but had never gotten his wish. Still, the twitching on Snape's sallow, thin face was surprising—even last year... Only now did they recall: at the start of last year, Professor Snape hadn't been at the staff table at all.
Harry, who had never been fond of Snape, was quick to pick up on the difference. Snape's gaze at Lupin wasn't angry, nor did it carry the usual sneering disdain he reserved for Harry's uncle. Instead, it was a look of deep, familiar loathing—the same look Snape wore every time his eyes landed on Harry, even though Harry was his Potions class representative.
This year's Sorting Hat song started out just like last year's, prompting wild cheers from the hall. Harry and Ron, who'd missed last year's feast, led the shouts at the Gryffindor table with extra enthusiasm. The new first-years, standing awkwardly in the aisle, looked bewildered—this was nothing like the magical world they'd imagined.
But at the end, the Sorting Hat added a new line:
"Let us forever remember every Defence Against the Dark Arts professor..."
Ron leaned over and muttered,
"Why does it sound like the Sorting Hat's saying Professor Holmes is dead or something...?"
Harry couldn't help picturing his uncle, slouched alone on a sofa, bored out of his mind watching Muggle news, scratching Wangcai's belly with one hand while directing Padfoot to fetch his slippers with the other...
He decided he really ought to write home more this term—not just to report on his progress, but to keep his uncle's spirits up.
The Sorting proceeded smoothly. When a girl named Romilda Vane placed the Sorting Hat on her head, it barely paused before shouting,
"Gryffindor!"
Romilda set the hat aside and headed for the Gryffindor table—only to find, to her disappointment, that there was no enthusiastic applause, not even from the other Houses. Instead, everyone was turning in their seats to look behind them.
She spun around and saw a young, handsome wizard descending the stairs at the side of the Gryffindor table.
For nearly a minute, the hall was silent—then, all at once, the Great Hall erupted in thunderous applause. At the Hufflepuff table, a few students even tossed their hats into the air, cheering.
Snape, whose expression had been dark as a thundercloud, allowed himself a thin, mocking smile as he glanced at Lupin. But Lupin simply responded with a warm, genuine smile, and Snape's face fell even further.
Compared to the students' cheers, the ghosts' reactions were much more complicated. Only the Fat Friar, Hufflepuff's resident ghost, looked remotely pleased. The others floated in midair, their faces a mix of astonishment and displeasure, all eyes fixed on the newcomer.
Peeves in particular was in a panic—he'd just convinced the Bloody Baron to let him perform a little magic trick, but now that Douglas was back, he'd be lucky to escape un-vanished, let alone put on a show.
Quick as a flash, Peeves whipped out his last Filibuster Firework, hurled it toward the Great Hall doors, and screeched,
"The Ghost Killer's back! Run for it!"
As everyone's attention swung to the firework, Peeves slipped through the nearest wall and vanished. The other ghosts hesitated for a split second, then scrambled in a flurry of translucent limbs, squeezing through the walls in a panic.
In the end, only the four House ghosts remained, floating above their respective tables and glaring at Douglas with open displeasure.
The scene startled the first-years. Some paled at the word "killer," and if not for the quick hands of older students nearby, might've bolted straight out of the hall.
Douglas glanced after Peeves, then turned and greeted Dumbledore and the rest of the staff with a cheerful smile.
"Sorry I'm late—ran into a bit of trouble, but I made it!"
Professor McGonagall gave him a brief smile before turning to the students with her usual sternness.
"Quiet! The Sorting Ceremony will continue! Next..."
The rest of the Sorting went by quickly.
Dumbledore rose from his seat, his beard sparkling in the candlelight, radiating energy and warmth.
"Welcome! Welcome back to Hogwarts for another year!
I have several announcements, one of which is particularly important, so I'd best make it before you all tuck into your delicious feast and your minds turn to mush..."
He swept his gaze around the hall, waiting until every eye was on him, then cleared his throat and continued:
"Our school is currently hosting several Dementors from Azkaban. They've been sent by the Ministry of Magic on official business—as you may have noticed, since they searched the Hogwarts Express...
Now, there's no need for any of you to worry. I've already explained to the Ministry what happened on the train. After all, there's nothing wrong with casting Lumos in the dark—and I must say, there were some truly impressive Patronus Charms cast as well. In my opinion, taking measures to avoid conflict in such circumstances is not only understandable, but entirely necessary. So please, don't fret.
However, regarding the Ministry's report that a Dementor went missing during the incident, Hogwarts will be conducting a thorough investigation. If any student knows anything about this, please report promptly to your Head of House..."
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