Due to the small rift between Cho Chang and Marietta, they did not speak to each other until the end of the feast.
However, Alaric noticed that Cho Chang and Hermione seemed to have grown closer.
Additionally, throughout the feast, Luna had been observing Alaric intently.
No, it wasn't just observing; it was more like a curious study, as if Alaric were some strange yet cherished magical creature in her eyes.
As the students had finished their meal, the noise in the Great Hall grew louder.
At this moment, Dumbledore stood up once more.
The room fell silent immediately, and everyone turned their faces toward the Headmaster.
"Alright, since we are digesting yet another sumptuous feast, I ask for your attention for a moment as I go over the new term's notices," Dumbledore said.
"First-years should be aware that the Forbidden Forest in the grounds is off-limits—this is something that our older students should know by now as well."
"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has requested that I remind you, for the four hundred and twenty-sixth time, that magic is not to be used in the corridors, among many other regulations listed on that long parchment pinned to the door of Mr. Filch's office."
"This year, we have two changes in the teaching staff. We are pleased to welcome Professor Grubbly-Plank back, who will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures.
We are equally pleased to introduce a new teacher, Professor Slughorn."
Slughorn stood up.
His bald head gleamed in the candlelight, his protruding eyes and sea lion-like white beard giving him a distinctive appearance.
His large belly cast a shadow on the table as he stood.
"He is a former colleague of mine who has agreed to return to take up the post of Potions Master."
"Potions Master?"
"Potions Master?"
The term echoed throughout the Great Hall, and everyone seemed to question if they had heard correctly.
Even Alaric was somewhat surprised.
He hadn't expected that, with Umbridge gone, Slughorn would become a professor at Hogwarts so soon and, like in the original story, take up the position of Potions Master.
But it made sense. Slughorn was known for being somewhat timid.
His willingness to return to Hogwarts despite Voldemort's threat was probably due to Dumbledore's persuasion, possibly including Harry's involvement.
If he weren't taking the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, then...
"Meanwhile, Professor Snape," Dumbledore raised his voice to drown out the murmurs, "will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."
—As expected, but according to Voldemort's curse, Professor Snape could only hold the position for a year at most.
What would happen next year?
Alaric was puzzled, but he didn't have the opportunity to explore this personally, as he was confident he would defeat Voldemort within the school year.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the hall from another corner.
"No!"
Many heads turned in that direction.
It was Harry, glaring furiously at the staff table.
In fact, he was not alone; many other students were also opposed to this decision.
Even Hermione, next to Alaric, had some prejudice against Snape.
Snape sat on Dumbledore's right side.
When Dumbledore mentioned his name, he did not stand but lazily raised one hand, acknowledging the applause from the Slytherin table.
"Well, there's one good thing about this," Alaric heard Anthony say, "Snape will be gone in less than a year."
"What do you mean by that?" Terry asked.
"That position is cursed. No one can hold it for more than a year... Quirrell even lost his life over it. I personally hope another tragedy occurs..."
"Enough!" Hermione interrupted loudly.
Dumbledore cleared his throat.
The commotion wasn't just from Harry, Anthony, and Terry; the entire hall buzzed with discussion over the news of Snape's appointment.
Dumbledore seemed unaware of the magnitude of the announcement. He waited for complete silence before continuing.
"I need to stress that the situation is very dangerous.
Everyone at Hogwarts must be extremely cautious to ensure their safety.
The castle's magical defenses have been strengthened over the summer, and we have new, more effective protections.
However, every staff member and student must remain vigilant and cannot let their guard down.
Therefore, I require you all to strictly follow every safety regulation set by the staff, no matter how annoying they may seem—particularly the rule against being out of bed after hours.
I urge you to report any suspicious or unusual occurrences, both inside and outside the school, immediately to the staff.
I trust that you will control your behavior for the safety of yourselves and others."
Dumbledore's blue eyes scanned the students, and then he smiled.
"Now, your beds are waiting for you, as warm and comfortable as you'd expect.
I know your immediate priority is to rest well and prepare for tomorrow's classes. So, let's say 'goodnight.' Toodle-oo!"
As usual, the benches were pushed back with a loud screech, and hundreds of students began to file out of the Great Hall toward the dormitories.
Cho Chang also stood up and called out authoritatively, "First-years, please come this way!"
Alaric walked over to Luna, who was still holding the Crumple-Horned Snorkack.
Seeing her owner approach, the Snorkack happily wriggled free from Luna's arms and leaped into Alaric's embrace, then mischievously climbed onto his head.
Alaric, always indulgent of the Snorkack, let it curl up on his head like a comical white hat.
Even Luna couldn't help but laugh at Alaric's current appearance and his helpless expression.
Alaric smiled and then looked at Luna, asking, "I noticed you've been watching me all evening. Why is that?"
Asking this question made Alaric feel a bit vain, but he still asked.
If a beautiful girl looked at you for a minute, you might think she likes you.
If she looked at you for half an hour, you might think she was falling for you.
If she looked at you for an hour, you might wonder if she's just daydreaming.
But if she stared at you for three or four hours straight, it could be quite unsettling.
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