Professor Sybill Trelawney's dismissal plunged the once cheerful atmosphere of the castle back into gloom.
Two teachers had already been driven out by Umbridge—that pink toad—and nothing seemed capable of stopping her, not even Professor Dumbledore.
However, Dumbledore acted swiftly, appointing a new Divination instructor before Umbridge could take advantage of the situation to install one of her own.
The new Divination teacher was a Centaur named Firenze.
When Umbridge first saw Firenze, her face froze in utter disbelief.
Firenze did not move into the West Tower to share an office with Professor Trelawney (who, truthfully, wouldn't have been pleased about it anyway). Instead, he took up residence on the first floor, in a room that Professor McGonagall personally prepared for him.
This only made Umbridge grit her teeth in fury.
Still, even Umbridge understood that after already dismissing two professors, causing another major incident could spark outrage among the staff and students—though in a way, she had already done so.
So, after Trelawney's dismissal, she appeared to quiet down for a time.
...
By eight o'clock Friday morning, the long-abandoned Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was already packed.
Fourth-year Hufflepuffs and Slytherins sat in eager anticipation, flipping through their copies of Defensive Magical Theory as they waited for their new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor to arrive.
At ten past eight, as the castle bells chimed, Professor Newt Scamander entered the classroom.
"Good morning!" Professor Scamander greeted warmly, his voice calm and pleasant. He pulled out a roll call list and began taking attendance one name at a time.
"Sean Avery…"
"Present!" Avery responded quickly.
When he reached "Eloise Midgen," the girl jumped to her feet in flustered excitement. "Professor Scamander, could you sign my copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?"
Her request immediately drew a burst of laughter from the class.
"I'd be happy to, Miss Midgen," Scamander replied with a kind smile. "But we'll have to wait until after class."
When he called the final name, "Madeleine Yaxley," Professor Scamander closed the register and gestured for the room to settle down.
"I'll admit, I was hesitant to accept this position," he began from the podium. "Though I've had some experience dealing with dark wizards, I've always considered my true calling to be the study of magical creatures."
"However, Professor Dumbledore informed me that he wanted all of you to receive proper Defense Against the Dark Arts training this year—so, here I am."
Newt Scamander's tone remained calm, without a trace of boastfulness or pretense.
"As for the rumors currently spreading throughout the wizarding world, I'm sure you've all heard them," he continued. "I have no intention of debating whether they're true or false. Arguments achieve nothing. What matters is preparation—because being ready for the worst is always the right choice."
"I believe you understand what I mean. And I hope all of you will put genuine effort into this course."
Professor Scamander's voice carried an undeniable sincerity. Coupled with his reputation, it didn't take long for him to earn the trust of nearly every student in the room.
...
"Now, let me outline my teaching plan," Scamander continued. "From after Christmas through Easter, I'll be teaching you practical defensive spells such as the Shield Charm and the Impediment Jinx. These are essential for protecting yourselves in dangerous situations."
He paused before adding, "After Easter, we'll focus on more offensive spells—such as the Stunning Spell and the Petrification Charm. When confronting Dark Magic, striking first is often your best defense."
"And what about before Christmas, Professor Scamander?" asked Zacharias Smith of Hufflepuff curiously.
"Excellent question, Mr. Smith," Scamander replied with a smile. "Since we're only a little over two weeks away from the Christmas holidays, I suspect that anything you learn now would be forgotten after a few weeks of unrestrained merrymaking."
"…So, instead, I have a personal lesson plan—to explore with you the role of Magical Creatures in defending against Dark Magic."
The class leaned forward eagerly. Everyone knew that Professor Scamander's expertise in Magical Creatures was among the most respected in all of Europe.
...
"Magical Creatures, of course, are no strangers to you," Scamander continued. "You've been taking Care of Magical Creatures for over a year and a half now. Professor Dumbledore also told me that as second-years, you already learned to handle some rather dangerous creatures."
"However, it's important to remember that not all Magical Creatures are dangerous. Some, if treated with respect, can become your friends, companions, even allies in battle."
"And at times, Magical Creatures can play crucial roles in combat."
"For example, take the Bowtruckle. If you ever find a door warded against Alohomora, a Bowtruckle might be your best ally—it's not fooled by magic the way we are."
"Or consider aerial combat. Riding a Hippogriff—or even a Thunderbird—is far more powerful than simply relying on a broomstick."
"Then there are creatures like Kneazles, Crups, or Nifflers—agile, easily tamed Magical Creatures that can prove invaluable in tracking or reconnaissance."
"If you can tame one or two Magical Creatures and make them your companions, you'll have loyal allies when facing a dark wizard's attack. A little help can make all the difference."
With that, Scamander's lengthy introduction finally came to an end.
He waved his wand, and a cardboard box flew out from a nearby cabinet.
"For today's first lesson," he said with a gentle smile, "I'll teach you how to befriend a Niffler."
A small, dark-furred head poked cautiously out of the box, glancing around the room before retreating slightly toward Professor Scamander.
"Another Niffler?" Jon muttered, frowning as he quickly shoved his ring-bearing hand into his pocket.