Hogwarts Raven's Claw

Chapter 453 Conversation
As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, countless delicacies suddenly appeared on the empty long table in front of everyone.

The auditorium now became lively. The students who had been sitting on the train for a whole afternoon immediately rushed to eat. Especially the freshmen. Perhaps it was because it was the first time they saw such a scene, they became particularly excited.

To be honest, Mike couldn't understand their behavior. After all, the food on the table was almost unlimited within the specified time, because the house-elves in the kitchen would replenish it continuously, so there was no need to do this.

But even though he didn't understand, Mike was still very happy, because such a lively scene was really happy to watch, and now the auditorium was even completely filled with laughter.

After watching the excitement for a while, Mike turned his gaze to the faculty seats.

Mike had been paying attention to his arm when Dumbledore was speaking.

But unfortunately, there seemed to be some powerful shielding spell attached to it, which made even Mike unable to detect Dumbledore's true situation.

However, based on what Mike observed with his naked eyes, Dumbledore's injuries had reached a very serious level.

After coming to this conclusion, the corners of Mike's mouth finally curled up, and he immersed himself in the feast with peace of mind.

Happy times are always short-lived, and the buffet feast only lasted about half an hour before it was over.

This time is a bit short for senior students like Mike who have a strong desire for socializing, but it is enough for freshmen and junior students. After all, their meals are really just meals. Some freshmen with small appetites are full within ten minutes of the start of the meal.

After all the food on the plates in front of everyone disappeared, Dumbledore slowly stood up from his chair, walked to the podium and said:
"Well, this feast is finally over, and now I really have a lot to tell you. First of all, it is still Mr. Filch's request. He asked me for the 404th time to tell you not to make trouble in the corridor. In addition..."

Dumbledore began to talk about the same old things as in previous years, but Mike had no interest in it, so he looked away.

In a corner of the faculty seats, Professor Slughorn was talking to Professor Flitwick, seemingly reminiscing about the past. However, Professor Flitwick looked a little impatient, and it was obvious that he was not willing to talk to Slughorn.

On the other side, Hagrid sat with Professor Trelawney, who taught the Divination class. This was really a strange thing, because the eccentric witch Trelawney usually would not leave her small attic, and even her classes were held in the classroom under her attic.

But this is understandable. After all, she was tortured badly by Umbridge last year and was almost kicked out of Hogwarts. So it is understandable that she wants to show up more often and make her presence felt.

"...Today, we are very happy to welcome a new professor - Professor Slughorn!" Dumbledore's voice suddenly became much louder. "He is a former colleague of mine. After some discussion, he decided to return to his old job and serve as the Potions professor at Hogwarts this year!"

Hearing this, Mike immediately looked in the direction of the voice and saw Professor Slughorn, whose name was called, waving to the students in the auditorium with a smile, responding to the enthusiastic cheers of the students.

But the embarrassing thing is that there was no cheering or even applause from the audience.

Now everyone is concerned about only one thing, that is, since Slughorn's arrival has taken away the position of Potions professor, where should Snape go?
The Slytherin boy who was invited to lunch was about to applaud, but was forcibly stopped by Draco.

Gradually, the muscles on Slughorn's face became stiff, and a rich red color was slowly rising to his earlobes.

Mike smiled slightly when he saw this, then he stood up and started clapping.

His movement startled the Ravenclaws around him. They stood up almost reflexively and began to applaud along with Mike.

Next came Hufflepuff, then Gryffindor, and finally sparse applause came from the Slytherin table.

The expression on Slughorn's face became a little better. He looked at Mike with gratitude, and then glared fiercely at Draco on the Slytherin side - he saw all the little movements they made just now.

Dumbledore still had that smiling face. Looking at the thunderous applause in the auditorium, he suddenly raised his voice and said in a voice that drowned out all the applause present:

"In the meantime, Professor Snape will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts for the next year!"

As soon as these words were spoken, an extremely dramatic scene occurred.

The auditorium, which was originally filled with thunderous applause, suddenly became quiet. Everyone opened their eyes wide and looked at Dumbledore in disbelief.

Snape moved, but he did not stand up to greet everyone like Slughorn did. Instead, he sat lazily in his seat and waved expressionlessly.

This caused an uproar at the Slytherin table. They slapped the table wildly and cheered loudly. Draco was the most excited among them. He climbed onto the table excitedly and kept waving his arms towards the faculty seats.

At this time, students from other colleges finally reacted. They gathered together and whispered. For a moment, the auditorium became as noisy as a vegetable market.

"Why are they so happy?" Franklin looked at the Slytherin table in confusion. "I don't understand. Does the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor have a higher status than the Potions professor?"

A Ravenclaw fraternity member replied:

"You know, Snape's dream is to become a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and now, he has finally achieved his wish."

"That's it?"

"I guess so. Maybe they think Snape will give them more preferential treatment after becoming the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Otherwise, their behavior cannot be explained." Another Ravenclaw said, "But it's no big deal. After all, Snape won't be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for long. You know, this position is cursed, and no one can hold this position for more than a year.

But to be honest, this is really ironic. A Death Eater actually became the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, hahaha!"

As soon as these words were spoken, a low, mocking laugh broke out from the Ravenclaw table.

At this time, Mike was staring at Snape without saying a word. He didn't know why, but he always felt that Snape was not happy at the moment, but looked a little irritated.

After letting the students go for a while, Dumbledore finally spoke again. This time, he first used an explosive spell to attract everyone's attention, and then slowly said:

"I am sure that everyone in this hall is well aware that Voldemort and his followers are causing trouble everywhere and are growing stronger.

I need to emphasize that the current situation is extremely dangerous, and each of us at Hogwarts needs to be extremely cautious to ensure our own safety.

The castle's magical defenses have been strengthened during the summer vacation, which makes us more effectively protected.

But each of us students still needs to be vigilant at all times. Here, I sincerely implore you to strictly abide by every safety rule set by the teachers, no matter how annoying those rules are, especially for those students who can't sleep at night and like to wander around." Dumbledore paused when he said this, and his eyes swept over Harry's group of three and Mike and others.

"Well, your beds are waiting for you, and they are as comfortable and warm as you wish." Dumbledore continued, "I know your top priority now is to get a good rest and prepare for tomorrow's class, so let's say goodnight."

After saying this, Dumbledore raised his wand with his intact arm, and then the four long tables in the hall were neatly stacked on both sides, leaving a large open space.

Those who had lost their seats said goodbye to Dumbledore one after another, and then, led by their respective grade leaders, walked in an orderly and slow manner towards their respective college lounges.

This year's opening dinner ended a little too late. Many students had already started yawning, especially those in grades one and two who had been having fun all day and could hardly open their eyes.

The professors also began to leave. They had to prepare for tomorrow's classes when they returned home tonight.

Dumbledore continued to stand motionless on the podium, watching the students slowly leave the auditorium with a smile.

He didn't extinguish the candles in the auditorium until the last student disappeared, then turned and walked upstairs.

"Dumbledore, I think we need to talk."

Suddenly an old voice came from the darkness. Dumbledore's brows jumped, and he was stunned for a moment before he said:

"Horace, can't we talk about this tomorrow? You have an early class tomorrow."

Professor Slughorn came out from the darkness and said with a serious expression:

"No, I have to talk to you now!"

Dumbledore was silent. He stared at Slughorn. The two looked at each other for a long time before Dumbledore sighed and said:
"If that's what you want, fine. Let's go to my office."

After saying this, Dumbledore turned and continued walking upstairs, with Slughorn following behind him.

The two remained silent throughout the journey, and Dumbledore walked so fast that Slughorn had to jog to keep up with him.

Soon, Slughorn's breathing began to become rapid.

Perhaps to ease the awkward silence, or simply to get Dumbledore's attention and slow down his pace, Slughorn said:
"Hey, Dumbledore, is your hand okay? Do you want me to take a look at it? You know, I'm not only a master of potions, but also a pretty good healing artist."

Dumbledore stiffened upon hearing this, and instinctively put the injured hand wrapped in silk bandages into the sleeve of his robe.

"Thank you, Horace, but it's not necessary. Severus has already treated me, and I believe I will be fully recovered in no time."

"Okay then... but... could you please walk slower? Phew~ I can't keep up with you."

Dumbledore did not reply, but calmly slowed his pace, which made Slughorn breathe a sigh of relief.

After a long journey, the two finally arrived at the principal's office.

Slughorn collapsed on the sofa and gasped, while Dumbledore poured him a glass of water, then sat behind his desk and whispered:

"Tell me, Horace, what do you want to talk to me about?"

"Thank you! Phew! This really saves my life." Slughorn drank the water in the cup, and then said, "McTomley, Dumbledore, I want to talk to you about McTomley."

Hearing this name, Dumbledore's expression froze, and after a while he asked:
"What do you want to know?"

"Do you know anything about the whereabouts of the Eliver family? Why would Mike Townley's Los Santos Group publicly sell the exclusive products of the Eliver family? What is the connection between the two?"

Dumbledore was silent. Slughorn waited for a long time without receiving a reply. Finally, he murmured absentmindedly:
"They...can't come back, right?"

"Yes."

"Mike killed them all?"

silence……

"Okay, I think I know." Slughorn said excitedly, and at the same time reached out to pick up the refilled water cup and took a sip, but his hand was shaking slightly, causing ripples on the water in the cup. "So Mike is really strong!"

Seeing Slughorn's excitement, Dumbledore frowned and said:

"Horace, I'm giving you a piece of advice, don't get too close to Mike, he's dangerous!"

"You mean he's a bad guy?"

"Of course not. Even the Avery family incident had its reasons. It can't all be blamed on him."

"That's good, isn't it? I think Mike is a good kid." Slughorn said with a smile, "Do you know how embarrassed I was when I was on the stage just now? There were so many people, but no one welcomed me back to Hogwarts, not even Slytherin, where I used to be the headmaster!
And then Michael stepped up and gave me his support, which was such a gentle gesture, wasn't it? Dumbledore."

Dumbledore did not reply. He frowned, his deep eyes seemed to be staring at Slughorn in front of him, or at the unknown existence in the darkness.

Slughorn looked very relaxed. He stood up, straightened his appearance, and then slowly walked out of the principal's office, saying as he walked:
"You should take good care of your injuries, Dumbledore, and don't worry too much about me. I won't make the same mistake again."

As the door creaked shut, the entire office fell into complete silence. Dumbledore slowly leaned back, leaned his entire body on the back of the chair, and sighed deeply.

"Ah~"

(End of this chapter)