Chapter 520: Sirius' Transformation
Chapter 520: Sirius' Transformation
Until today, Kyle never imagined that Sirius would come to Hogwarts as a professor, and of all subjects, Defense Against the Dark Arts.
No wonder he was the first Gryffindor in the Black family. He truly is brave.
Kyle just hoped that by the end of the term, Sirius wouldn't land himself in Azkaban again for some absurd reason. Of course, if that did happen, Kyle wouldn't be surprised.
Defense Against the Dark Arts professor... it was that notoriously difficult position in the wizarding world where anything could happen.
Professor Dumbledore had to deal with a new professor every year, and his reputation had suffered as a result in recent years.
However, Kyle soon realized that Sirius was probably already on Dumbledore's list, and even if he hadn't come this year, he would likely have been asked to take up the position eventually... after all, it was incredibly difficult to find someone suitable for the job.
And given Sirius' personality, he most likely wouldn't refuse.
After the introduction of Sirius, the dinner came to an end.
Snape was the first to stand up, his face gloomy as he strode out of the Great Hall.
However, as he passed by Sirius, he heard a mocking laugh that made no attempt to hide its disdain.
"Tsk..."
Snape paused in his tracks and turned coldly toward the source of the sound.
"Oh, if it isn't our hero..." Snape said expressionlessly, "I thought you would be wallowing in guilt at home, crying for those who died because of you... It seems I was mistaken. Your feelings for Potter aren't as deep as I assumed."
"Shut up, you snot-nosed brat," Sirius' expression turned icy as well. "You know very well who's responsible for James' and Lily's deaths... If you hadn't gone running to your master to-"
"Professors."
Professor Dumbledore's timely appearance cut off the two bickering men.
He said with a hint of headache: "I don't think the Great Hall is a suitable place for a chat. Care to join me for a cup of tea? I recently acquired a rather delightful blend."
"No, thank you," Snape replied sarcastically. "I'd rather not have tea with a Dementor's lunch. That putrid smell would be most unpleasant."
"Same here..." Sirius retorted without missing a beat, "I'd much rather have tea with a Dementor than sit across from the likes of you."
Dumbledore's headache intensified. Although he had anticipated some tension between the two, he hadn't expected their first encounter to be so fraught with hostility.
Fortunately, their voices were not loud, and the chaos in the Great Hall masked their words from the students...
Cedric, who was organizing the lower-year students into lines, glanced toward the staff table and whispered, "Kyle, it seems that Snape and Black don't get along very well."
"That's to be expected," Kyle replied casually. "He doesn't get along with any of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors... Don't glare at me, Connor. It's the truth.
"Just think about it. From Orin in our first year to Quirrell, Lockhart, and Lupin... Hasn't it always been like this?"
Connor fumbled for a response and finally sighed in resignation.
While Snape's relationships with the other professors couldn't be described as friendly, they weren't exactly hostile either. The exception, of course, was the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor... It was a fact that Snape would mock and ridicule them at every opportunity, and even Connor couldn't argue with that.
Fortunately, the topic didn't continue, and once the front positions became available, the three of them led the lower-year students back to their common room.
The next day.
"I watched your match the other day."
In the entrance hall, Sirius stopped Kyle, who was on his way to breakfast. "It was brilliant. That old turtle, Karkaroff, actually deducted a point from you. I really want to teach him a lesson."
Dreaming? Perhaps if it were another subject. But Dark Arts... honestly, Dumbledore would be glad to have someone volunteering for the position.
One more person could serve as a backup, in case one of them managed to last until the next school year, he wouldn't have to face rejection again.
Kyle sized up Sirius.
He wore a brand-new robe, and his usually messy hair was neatly groomed and pulled back.
Moreover, after a period of rest, he looked much better. His sallow complexion had given way to a healthy glow, and one could faintly discern his handsome features from his youth...
"Aren't you worried?" Kyle asked. "This position has always been short-lived, without exception."
"I've thought about this issue," Sirius said confidently. "I joined midway through the year, and there's Alastor Moody before me. Even if there is a curse, it won't fall on me...
And most importantly, the previous professors all had their own issues, which ultimately led to their departure from Hogwarts. But I don't, and neither does Professor Moody...
Also, the two of us are quite skilled. Even if we do encounter Death Eaters or something similar, we can handle it."
Seeing his confident expression, Kyle didn't say anything further.
After all, even if he did, Sirius might not listen... So be it.
"Have you seen Harry?" Kyle asked.
"Ah, yes," Sirius couldn't help but laugh. "We talked for a long time last night. He even wanted to stay in my office... Of course, I would've been happy to, but I just started today, and my office is empty. I can't have him sleeping on a bench.
"Come to think of it, I never realized how old the furniture at Hogwarts is. Those chairs look older than I am."
"It's always been like that," Kyle spread his hands.
This was one downside of Hogwarts. They could magically repair broken items, so there was no need to buy new ones... The school governors obviously wouldn't spend the extra money to replace the school's furniture with a new set of tables and chairs.
The two continued walking towards the Great Hall, chatting about the Triwizard Tournament.
"How's the search for the second clue going?" Sirius asked. "If there's anything you need, feel free to come to me for help... But you have to come secretly, don't let others see you. The Triwizard rules state that professors aren't allowed to help."
"There's still three months left, no rush..." Kyle said. "By the way, I haven't thanked you yet."
"For the fire-bolt, right?" Kyle said. "It was a huge help. If I still had my old Nimbus 2000, I wouldn't have been able to dodge those twenty-nine Bludgers, let alone escape the dragon."
"It's quite a coincidence how that came about," Sirius laughed. "I originally wanted to send you a pure golden elephant statuette as a Champion's gift, but Professor Dumbledore told me you might prefer a broom... And the people at Quality Quidditch Supplies also said that the Nimbus 2000 was indeed outdated."
"Professor Dumbledore?" Kyle asked in surprise. "He suggested you send me a broom?"
"Ah... yes," Sirius shrugged. "We ran into each other at the Ministry of Magic. I was there to assist with the investigation of the Crouch matter.
"Luckily he mentioned it, and now look, it came in handy."
(End of Chapter)
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