https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1659-A-War-with-No-Victors-Part-109-/12529436/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1661-A-War-Without-Victors-Part-CXI-/12529440/
Chapter 1660: A War with No Victors (Part CXI)
Chapter 1660: A War with No Victors (Part CXI)
As the group chatted, Professor Flitwick led the first-years into the Great Hall.
Cedric surveyed the line of new students behind Professor Flitwick and remarked to Albert, "There seem to be fewer first-years this year."
"It can't be helped," Albert replied calmly, yet his words were harsh. "Many Muggle-born wizards have been affected by Umbridge's actions, and those who didn't flee in time are now in Azkaban. We all know what their fate will be."
A heavy silence fell over the staff table. Everyone was aware that the Muggle-born wizards imprisoned in Azkaban had perished there. It was a topic too grim to discuss.
"At least your foresight in backing up the records of wizarding births prevented an even greater decline in numbers," Professor Sprout said, steering the conversation away from its somber path.
Hogwarts, under the leadership of Professor McGonagall, was in a similar state of disarray as the Ministry. The Headmistress was barely faring better than Kingsley, and her only advantage seemed to be the years she had to slowly untangle the mess.
Their hushed conversation was soon interrupted by the start of the Sorting Ceremony. They listened to the Sorting Hat's uninspired new song and watched as Flitwick called out names, one by one, students approached, donned the hat, and were then sorted into their respective houses. It gave Albert a surreal sense of deja vu.
Ever since he had discovered his transmigration into the world of Harry Potter, Albert had worked tirelessly to strengthen himself and secretly plotted to eliminate the ultimate boss, Voldemort, to ensure his family's safety from the Dark Wizard's threat.
Just a few months ago, Albert had finally slain Voldemort with his own hands, achieving his long-term goal and setting his life on an upward spiral, all thanks to his cheat-like abilities. It felt like a dream.
The Sorting Ceremony didn't last long, and soon Professor Flitwick rolled up the parchment, picked up the Sorting Hat, and departed.
Professor McGonagall stood up from her seat, beaming, and addressed the students with open arms. "Welcome to Hogwarts for the new school year."
She was well aware that everyone was hungry, so she didn't waste time with lengthy speeches. Instead, she promptly declared the start of the welcome feast.
While the feast for the new students was as sumptuous as ever, the menu seemed slightly different from what Albert vaguely remembered.
The crispy fried pork chops at Hogwarts, for instance, had never tasted this delicious in his memory. Undoubtedly, the house-elves' culinary skills had improved.
"Surprising, isn't it? They've changed the menu for the feast," Slughorn commented after taking a small bite of the potato pancake in front of him. "This is much better than simply boiling or frying potatoes."
Not only had the menu changed, but the table also boasted several tasty side dishes, a departure from the usual simple meat dishes.
This was undoubtedly good news for the older professors with more delicate palates and weaker stomachs.
The students were just as surprised by the changes to the feast as the professors, whispering among themselves about which dishes were the most delicious. They attributed these changes to Professor McGonagall's new leadership.
Among the whispering students, Hermione stood out for her solitary demeanor. Most of her peers from her year had either graduated or dropped out to work at the Ministry, leaving her with few familiar faces around her.
As for the curious inquiries from her surrounding classmates, Hermione felt only irritation and gave perfunctory responses to their questions.
"I can't believe how young those two professors are," a first-year student whispered, gesturing towards the two overly youthful teachers at the staff table. "They don't look much older than us."
It was understandable that they would find this unusual, given Albert and Cedric's exceptionally youthful appearances.
"That's Albert Anderson, the pride of Gryffindor," a Gryffindor girl proudly informed the new Gryffindors, sharing Albert's achievements with them.
The welcome feast concluded with hushed conversations continuing throughout the hall. Albert, however, didn't particularly enjoy the meal, as many students kept stealing curious glances at him. With his heightened senses, he pretended not to notice and engaged in small talk with his colleagues, though it wasn't a pleasant experience.
As the last piece of pumpkin pie vanished from the golden plates, Professor McGonagall rose from her chair, cleared her throat to quiet the students, and addressed them. "Filch has asked me to remind you that any joke products purchased from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes are strictly forbidden this year."
"For those interested in joining your house Quidditch teams, please submit your names to your Heads of Houses as usual. We are also seeking a new Quidditch commentator, so please sign up with your Heads of Houses if you're interested."
"This year, we are pleased to welcome two new teachers: Professor Anderson and Professor Diggory. Professor Anderson will be filling the vacant position for Defense Against the Dark Arts!"
As Albert stood up from his seat, the Great Hall erupted into an unprecedented round of enthusiastic applause.
"Professor Diggory will be serving as the assistant teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts and will be responsible for teaching first to fifth years," Professor McGonagall announced again.
"No, that's not fair!"
This time, Diggory was met not with applause but with voices of discontent and complaints.
"Ahem!"
Albert cleared his throat and raised his hand to silence the grumbling.
"Due to certain circumstances, I regret that I won't be able to teach you for an extended period. During this time, Professor Diggory will be in charge of instructing you in this subject. Rest assured, Professor Diggory is highly experienced in teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, and we have already prepared your curriculum in advance."
Although Albert's words didn't completely quell the students' dissatisfaction, the students in the Great Hall fell silent. They realized that their complaints wouldn't change what was about to happen.
Only after Professor McGonagall dismissed them did the students leave the Great Hall in a noisy rush.
"I'm sure it will only take one lesson for them to change their minds about you," Albert assured Cedric.
"Let's hope so," Cedric managed a weak smile. The earlier incident had hit him hard.
"You should have more confidence in yourself," Professor McGonagall consoled him.
After bidding Professor McGonagall farewell, the two men parted ways and headed back to their respective offices.
"Aren't you going to rest?" Albert asked, surprised to see Hermione leaning against his office door, waiting for him.
"I wanted to chat. It feels like there are hardly any familiar faces left at the school," Hermione said, looking lonely. With Harry and Ron having dropped out, she had almost no friends left at school.
"Come in, but not for too long," Albert said as he fished his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door, inviting Hermione inside.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
