Hogwarts in the shadows

The new professor was tall, bald, dark-skinned, and wore a gold ring in one ear.

He is Ginrys Shacklebolt, a working Auror at the Ministry of Magic.

Due to rumors of a curse placed on Defense Against the Dark Arts by Voldemort.

Plus there’s news that he himself may have returned.

Under this double BUFF.

This made the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, which was already a popular position, even less popular.

Dumbledore couldn't find anyone.

He found Percy, who had already taken the position of Minister of Magic, just before school started.

Percy also hopes to improve the quality of teaching in Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts classes.

So let Dumbledore pick any Auror he wants.

In the end, Dumbledore chose Shacklebolt, who was steady, cautious and had a high level of magic.

Hagrid appeared behind the staff desk.

He walked to the other end of the table and sat in the big chair that was his own.

This meant that the first years had crossed the lake and arrived at the castle.

After a moment, the door leading to the hall slowly opened.

Professor McGonagall led a group of first-year students who looked a little panicked into the hall.

In her hands she held a stool with the Sorting Hat on it.

The buzz of conversation in the auditorium gradually died down.

The first-year students lined up in front of the staff table, facing students from other grades.

Professor McGonagall carefully placed the stool in front of them and stepped back.

In the candlelight, the faces of the first-year students looked pale.

Then the Sorting Hat opened its mouth wide and sang its song loudly:

A long time ago I had a new hat,

Hogwarts had not yet been built.

Four noble founders,

I never thought there would be a day of disagreement.

……

Our Hogwarts is in danger.

Enemies outside the school are secretly coveting.

We must unite closely.

Otherwise everything will fall apart from within.

I have spoken plainly to you,

I have sounded the alarm for you...

Now, let's start sorting.

The Sorting Hat said, and stood still again.

There was some lukewarm applause in the auditorium, and more students were whispering.

Hephis glanced at the Sorting Hat in surprise.

This little word is complete.

It’s no wonder that I spent a year thinking about it before writing the lyrics.

Professor McGonagall's face turned cold as she listened to the buzzing in the hall.

She glanced at the students who were whispering to each other with a very stern look.

The discussions in the auditorium stopped immediately.

Satisfied, she returned her gaze to the parchment in her hand and read out the first name aloud.

"Euan Abercrombie."

The Sorting Hat thought for a moment, then the slit beside its brim opened again and loudly announced, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table immediately erupted in applause.

As time went by, the long line of first-year students gradually shortened.

Until the last little wizard, Rose Zeller, was sorted into Hufflepuff.

The branch ceremony ended successfully.

Professor McGonagall picked up the Sorting Hat and stool and strode away.

At this time, Professor Dumbledore slowly stood up with a gentle smile on his face.

"Welcome our new students!"

He opened his arms and said, “Welcome to this big family!

We also welcome our old students - welcome back!

There will be plenty of opportunities for speeches, but for now, let’s eat!”

There was cheerful laughter and applause in the auditorium.

Professor Dumbledore sat down and threw his long beard over his shoulders so as not to block the delicious food in front of him.

Draco also quickly put the caramelized pig's trotters onto the plate.

Although Chinese food is now a must-have dish in his restaurant.

But his mother Narcissa firmly disagreed with the appearance of pig's trotters on the table.

So he hasn't eaten it for two months.

He almost wanted to eat this.

Hephis suddenly became a little gossipy and asked curiously.

"Draco, how are you and Harry getting along?"

Draco's mouth was filled with pig's trotters, his cheeks bulging, like a greedy hamster.

"Well... not bad."

He quickly swallowed the food in his mouth and whispered, "Harry actually lived in my house for a while before school started."

Hephes' eyes suddenly lit up. Something was happening!

As soon as Draco saw Hephis's expression, he knew that he was thinking the wrong thing.

"I went to visit Harry during the summer vacation, but I didn't expect that he had such a bad time at his aunt's house, so I invited him to spend the summer at my house."

Hephis nodded.

No wonder Harry's image changed so much, it must be Narcissa's work.

A hint of mischief appeared on his face. "Are you still sleeping in the same bed?"

Draco blushed and felt a little embarrassed.

"How...how is it possible?"

The students were soon full and satisfied.

The auditorium gradually became noisy with the sound of conversation.

Dumbledore stood up again.

"Well, now that we have all finished this sumptuous meal,

Let me ask you to be quiet for a moment while we digest the delicious food."

His voice was gentle. "Let me explain to you the precautions for the new semester as usual."

He paused, then continued, “First-year students need to know that the Forbidden Forest is an area that students are strictly prohibited from entering.

I think some of our senior students should also be aware of this.”

"Mr. Filch, the administrator, has entrusted me with this, and this is also his 426th reminder.

They asked everyone not to perform magic in the corridors during class breaks, among many other rules.

These are detailed on the long list on Mr Filch's office door."

“We also have some changes in our teaching staff this year.”

The young wizards all showed expressions that confirmed this.

“We are very honored to welcome Professor Kimles Shackle,

He will be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

There was polite but not very enthusiastic applause in the auditorium.

Dumbledore continued without pausing, "Try-outs for the House Quidditch team will take place at ..."

With his blessing, the opening dinner officially ended.

The rubbing sounds of tables, chairs and benches could be heard in the auditorium, and students stood up one after another, preparing to leave.

Hephis casually tossed the prefect badge to Draco.

He lazily returned to the dormitory.

Draco happily pinned the prefect badge on his chest.

Then he set off to show the way to the Slytherin first-year students.

Places like schools have a natural magic.

It makes people feel drowsy.

Hephes wanted to sleep, but couldn't.

Because Snape was already striding towards him.

Obviously there is something to say.

Hephis had no choice but to follow Snape to the Potions Office.

"What's wrong, Professor?" Hephis saw Snape sitting down, and he also sat casually opposite the desk.

"Dumbledore asked me to inform you. A student from Xia country is coming here as an exchange student and asks you to take care of him." Snape explained softly.