Hogwarts in the shadows

Hephis said slowly: "Not yet, there is no time, we will do it when we have time."

"Then do it as soon as possible! This will improve your reputation." Draco looked at him helplessly.

Hephis hummed through his nose.

Draco felt a sense of loss, but he didn't dare to say anything more. He could only lower his head silently.

The sorting ceremony was presided over by Professor Flitwick, who placed the Sorting Hat on a three-legged stool that was not much different from his height.

The process was quite funny. Because of his height, Flitwick needed reminders every time the little wizards needed to take off the hat.

When he met some confused little wizards, he could only grab their hands.

He guided them to fall towards him, then jumped up and took the Sorting Hat off their heads.

Hephes was really confused.

There are so many professors in the auditorium, why does Professor Flitwick have to be the one to teach?

The sorting ceremony ended in laughter and joy.

Professor McGonagall returned, and so did Hermione, who had returned to the Gryffindor table.

Dumbledore stood up. He always gave people the impression of being full of energy, but today he looked much more haggard.

"Welcome!" Professor Dumbledore said in a low voice, "Welcome to Hogwarts! I have something very serious to announce to you all."

"As you all know, the Dementors have searched the Hogwarts Express. They will be stationed at our school on official Ministry business."

“They will be stationed at every entrance to the school.”

"During their stay, I must stress one thing: no one is allowed to leave the school without permission. Dementors have a keen sense of perception, and no tricks or disguises can deceive them - not even an invisibility cloak."

He paused, his eyes sweeping across the faces of every little wizard, "So I solemnly warn each of you: Don't give them any excuse to hurt you."

As Professor Dumbledore finished his words, the entire hall fell into silence.

Dumbledore paused for a moment, as if giving the young wizards time to digest the news.

"What's exciting is that," he began slowly, his voice no longer as serious as before, "this year I have the honor of introducing two new teachers to join our team."

"First, there was Professor Lupin, who took up the vacancy in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class without hesitation."

Following Dumbledore's introduction, there was some scattered and unenthusiastic applause in the hall.

Hephis noticed that Professor Snape's face was distorted and he stared at Lupin fiercely, full of hatred.

Hephes sighed inwardly.

Got it!

There is something to do again this year.

"Next, the second teacher I want to talk about," Dumbledore took a deep breath, with a hint of regret in his tone, "Our beloved Professor Kettleburn has retired due to old age, which makes us all feel very sorry."

He raised his voice. "Luckily, however, Mr. Rubeus Hagrid has agreed to teach Care of Magical Creatures as well as his role as gamekeeper."

Hephis saw that Hagrid's face was flushed red at this time, but he was smiling like a 300-kilogram "child".

He was the first to applaud, and the little Slytherin wizards saw his action and also applauded out of respect.

Draco, who had been in a low mood, widened his eyes, but he quickly reacted.

He clapped his hands vigorously and shouted "good" loudly.

The young wizards from other colleges looked at the Slytherin table in surprise, but that was what they accepted.

The entire auditorium was soon filled with warm applause, which was a far cry from the atmosphere when Lu Ping was introduced just now.

Hagrid had evidently not expected such a warm welcome.

His eyes were red, and he buried his big face in his two big hands and lowered his head shyly.

Professor McGonagall patted his elbow gently, giving him encouragement and support.

As the applause died down, Dumbledore smiled and said.

"Okay, we've talked about the important stuff. Now, let's eat!"

Hefeth was also a little hungry, and the Chinese food that An An specially prepared after further study was indeed delicious.

He showed off three big bowls of rice.

Especially the spicy stir-fried pork and chopped pepper fish head, which made him sweat profusely.

Draco tasted it curiously and was still hissing beside Hephis.

If you didn't know, you would think he was practicing Parseltongue.

After the dinner, Hephis and Draco walked towards the teachers' seats.

Of course Hermione and her two pendants came over too.

Hefeth looked at Hagrid and raised a smile: "Congratulations, Professor Hagrid!"

Hagrid's red face and eyes were wet again.

"Hephis, thanks to you, Headmaster Dumbledore told me everything. It was you who found the key evidence and helped me clear my name."

"Thank you! Thank you!" He kept thanking.

Hephis patted his hands, "We are friends, aren't we?"

Hagrid knelt down and gave him a gentle hug.

"I can't believe it... Headmaster Dumbledore... He actually... He actually let me..."

Hagrid was obviously a little too excited. His voice gradually began to sob, and finally he covered his face with a napkin.

Professor McGonagall came over when she saw this and said, "You five, hurry up and catch up with the team and go back to the dormitory to rest."

Snape had a gloomy face and his eyes were still staring at Lupin.

"Hephis, I have something to talk to you about, please stay."

Professor McGonagall glanced at Snape and urged the other four to hurry up.

Hephis chatted with Hagrid for a few more words before turning around and leaving with Snape.

He followed Snape to the familiar Potions office.

Snape waved his wand and the office door slammed shut.

How are you preparing?" Snape said seriously.

Hephis was a little surprised, but still answered: "The last magical creature has been obtained. Once I get familiar with it for a while, we can start."

Finally, a smile appeared on Snape's gloomy face.

"I have already chosen the location. It is on an isolated island not far from England."

"Thank you for your hard work, Professor."

Snape's eyes suddenly became sharp, and he looked directly at Hephis. "I'll ask you one last time, how sure are you?"

Hefeth took a deep breath and said, "I can't say it's 100%, but even if something unexpected happens, I'm sure I can come back safely."

Snape looked at him for a moment, "Unicorn blood, if you can get two more drops."

He paused and said, "I will ask Dumbledore for the ashes and tears of the Phoenix Nirvana."

"I have a lot of unicorn blood." Hephaestus smiled mysteriously.

Snape looked at him in surprise, but didn't ask any more questions, just nodded.