"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 332: The Godson Gets the Axe First
Time slipped by in a blink—now, only two days remained until exam week.
Sirius was run ragged. The Academic Affairs Office staff hadn't even been fully assembled, yet here they were, facing the department's very first major event.
According to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry End-of-Term Examination Batch System, he was responsible for dividing all Hogwarts students—except the fifth and seventh years—into two separate exam groups.
On the final Friday evening before exams, the Great Hall's enchanted ceiling glittered with starlight, mingling with the golden glow of candles flickering atop the long house tables.
Students gathered as usual, chatting and feasting, though a few relentless overachievers still had their noses buried in books, even during dinner.
Harry was busy with a slice of pie when Ron nudged him sharply in the ribs.
"Harry, look!"
Following Ron's gaze, Harry noticed that, for once, every seat at the staff table was filled.
It was rare—almost unheard of—to see all the professors and staff assembled together for dinner.
He turned to Hermione and asked quietly, "Is something special happening tonight?"
Hermione didn't even glance up from her book. "Probably something to do with organizing the batch exams. I don't get it, though—if half the students are taking exams, what's the other half supposed to do? I asked the professors, but they all claimed not to know."
She finally looked up, her eyes narrowing on the staff table. "What's he doing there?"
"Who?"
They all followed her gaze—between Lupin and Hagrid, another figure sat, half-shrouded in candlelight by Hagrid's enormous frame.
Harry frowned in confusion. "Sirius? What's he doing up there? He's been so secretive lately—I haven't seen him in ages."
They weren't the only ones to notice the odd atmosphere. All around the hall, students were whispering, trying to guess what was coming.
Suddenly, a crisp clink of glass rang out, echoing through the hall.
Headmaster Dumbledore stood before the staff table, his silver beard aglow in the candlelight, blue eyes twinkling with a secret smile behind his spectacles.
"Dear students," his voice rang out, clear as a bell, "before exam week begins, I have an important announcement."
The Great Hall fell instantly silent, hundreds of eyes snapping to the head table.
At that precise moment, a mischievous rhythm cut through the hush.
All heads turned—at the Gryffindor table, Fred and George were tapping their silver forks against their plates, the unmistakable tune of a funeral march.
Before a thunderous Professor McGonagall could scold them, Dumbledore winked at the students and said, smiling, "Thank you. It seems you've already guessed. Quite appropriate, isn't it?"
The Weasley twins beamed, completely ignoring Percy's withering glare.
Sirius caught their eye and grinned.
"After careful consideration, Hogwarts will be establishing a brand-new department—the Academic Affairs Office."
Dumbledore tapped his wand lightly. A gilded shield appeared in midair, crossed quills and a set of scales blazing into view atop the flames.
"This office will oversee teaching assessments, inter-house collaboration, and…"—he paused for effect—"the handling of certain particularly troublesome student affairs."
A wave of whispers rippled through the crowd.
Harry looked eagerly toward Sirius.
With another wave of Dumbledore's wand, golden fireworks cascaded from the ceiling. The shield shrank, transforming into a badge that floated gently toward Sirius.
"Now, let us welcome Hogwarts' very first Director of Academic Affairs—Mr. Sirius Black!" Dumbledore's wand sent another shower of gold from above.
Sirius rose, catching the badge and pinning it to his rarely-worn, formal black Hogwarts robes.
"Good evening, little lions, little snakes, young eagles, and…"—his eyes twinkled as he swept over the Hufflepuff table—"little badgers."
"As Director, I promise you three things: First, every point deduction will come with a detailed explanation. Second, the Headmaster's office will be open every Wednesday for complaints. And third…"—he flashed a dazzling grin—"any student caught roaming the halls at night will receive a complimentary guided tour of the hospital wing."
The Gryffindor table erupted in laughter. Fred and George weren't just tapping out the funeral march now—they'd started to hum it, too.
Douglas happened to notice that Snape's knuckles had turned white. The Potions Master was stirring his soup with a silver spoon, creating miniature whirlpools.
Neville's toad, Trevor, chose that moment to leap out of a pumpkin juice cup, splattering foam all over Ron's face.
Harry wiped a crumb from his mouth, his green eyes suddenly shining. "Blimey, he kept this from me for ages!"
Hermione handed Ron a packet of tissues, realization dawning on her face. "This post is definitely connected to Professor Holmes."
Sirius let the laughter settle, then smiled and drew a long parchment from his pocket.
He began to read aloud, voice calm but carrying:
"May 22nd, early morning—
Gryffindor's George Weasley and Fred Weasley found wandering the kitchens at night. Ravenclaw's Edgar Vaughn caught lingering in the study room after curfew…
All above failed to return to their dormitories on time—20 points deducted.
May 23rd…
May 25th—Gryffindor's Harry Potter, for verbally insulting the… the Head of Slytherin House—10 points deducted…"
As Sirius's voice carried on, the Great Hall fell utterly silent.
One by one, students turned to stare at a shell-shocked Harry…
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