A Certain Magical Hogwarts

Chapter 381 The Sarcastic Snape

Dumbledore's meaning was simple: no young wizard could leave Hogwarts without permission.

The Dementors are like the old gatekeepers; they don't recognize people, they only recognize... health codes.

No? Then you look like Blake, arrest him immediately! Wait, let me take a puff first.

After speaking of the Dementors, Dumbledore then said solemnly:

"Just today, a horrific attack on students by thunderbirds occurred on the Hogwarts Express."

That thunderbird has now made its home in the Forbidden Forest, therefore I warn each and every one of you:

No one is allowed to enter the Forbidden Forest until the school has dealt with the Thunderbirds.

Dumbledore glanced around the Great Hall with a serious expression, his gaze lingering particularly on William, the twins, Cedric, and Cho.

"Of course, it is wonderful," Dumbledore continued, "that this year, we will welcome two new teachers to the Hogwarts family."

Dumbledore is always happy, because after losing a professor in July at lightning speed, he grieves for less than two months before welcoming a new member in September.

Repeating itself

Repeating endlessly!

"The first one is Professor Lupin, who readily agreed to fill the vacancy for the Defense Against the Dark Arts course," Dumbledore said happily.

Professor Lu Ping bowed slightly and nodded to everyone.

Most of the students applauded enthusiastically.

The students had very low expectations for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor: just be a human being and know a little magic...

Everyone is too humble to dare to aspire to the level of "King of Knowledge," and only asks that the new teacher can understand some magic... even if it's just theoretical talk, as long as it's not just empty talk and nonsense.

After several years of devastation, especially for Quirrell and Lockhart... everyone has come to realize that the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is a strategically scarce resource.

They didn't really care whether the new professor was a dark wizard or not; at least he could teach something, right?

The most reliable professor they've encountered in recent years has been Tywin Lannister, the Death Eater.

To this day, his name is still sung by some students, and the young wizard often misses him!

Professor Lupin, though plain-looking and somewhat rustic, also intervened during the Thunderbirds' attack, as most of the students witnessed.

This professor is at least not a monster like Lockhart; he must have some ability, right?

Of course, most people would actually prefer Stark to be the professor! And the demand is very high.

William was shocked when he heard the news. Who was trying to harm him? Did they dare to show their face?

All the teachers applauded to welcome Professor Lupin, except for Snape.

Snape stared at Lupin with a hateful gaze, his eyes sharp as knives.

If looks could kill, Professor Lupin would have been stripped naked and stabbed until he was covered in blood.

"As for our second teacher," Dumbledore continued.

"Well, I regret to inform you that Professor Kettleburn, the teacher of the Conservation of Magical Creatures class, has retired and is enjoying an enviable retirement in Romania."

"Speaking of retirement life, I've made plans for myself. There are several places I absolutely must visit, and several old friends I absolutely must see..."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.

"Oh—it's probably not appropriate to talk about this now…not appropriate…" said Dumbledore. "Where was I? Ah, right, new professor."

I am pleased, not because of anyone else, but because Rupert Hagrid has come to fill this vacancy. Hagrid has agreed to serve as a teacher in addition to his duties as the gamekeeper.

Hagrid suddenly became the highest-paid professor at Hogwarts, after all, he was doing two jobs.

Hagrid stood up excitedly, his large belly nearly knocking over the table. His face was flushed, and a smile was hidden behind his unkempt black beard.

Everyone applauded again.

With Dumbledore's announcement, the dinner officially began.

After the banquet, it was time for the school song to be sung again, as part of the usual routine.

When the song ended, Hermione and Anne each took their cats home.

William, carrying the Boba Tea, left the crowd and headed towards the principal's office.

He had only gone halfway when he encountered Mrs. Lorris on patrol.

Behind her followed a kitten that looked exactly like her, its eyes wary and glaring fiercely at William.

It has an adorable, fierce-looking appearance!

It seems she's already officially licensed and has become Mrs. Lorice II.

William wanted to pet the kitten, but it dodged away.

Pshaw! I used to hold her when she was little, but now this Miss Alice won't let me touch her?

They have absolutely no conscience.

However, with Mrs. Lorris and Miss Alice nearby, and Filch probably there as well, William quickly grabbed his Boba Tea and slipped away.

Filch may like kittens, but he doesn't like ruining Mrs. Lorris's bobo tea.

After reaching the third floor, William waited at the door for a while and then heard arguing coming from the hallway.

"Principal, that Thunderbird was definitely sent by Black."

He appeared in France, and Thunderbirds also came from France. I don't believe there's no connection between them!

My advice is to seize the opportunity; we'll find Blake sooner or later.

"Severus, I assure you, this Thunderbird has nothing to do with Black... You should continue brewing potions for Professor Lupin; he won't be feeling well soon."

"Speaking of Lupin," Snape said in a low voice, "Headmaster, if Black wants to get into this school, he might need someone's help... after all, they are..."

Snape let out a disdainful chuckle and said sarcastically, "What about your best friend?"

"I believe him, just as I believe you," Dumbledore said.

"That's really bad. I thought I held a higher place in your heart," Snape sneered. "I never imagined I'd be as low as Lupin."

Dumbledore ignored Snape's words and instead said softly:

"I need you to keep an eye on Harry. I'm afraid if he finds out the truth, he won't be able to resist going to Black..."

"I am not Potter's babysitter!" Snape shouted angrily.

He was about to say something when he suddenly stopped talking because he saw William standing on the third floor.

"Alright, let's go back. I have some things to discuss with William."

Snape coughed hard, and in a voice that William could just hear, he said sarcastically, "Oh, of course, your most prized student—Shit-Big."

No wonder you were in such a hurry to get rid of me. I'll leave right now, okay?

Snape shook his robes, snorted, and strode away.

Dumbledore approached and said softly, "Alright, let's go up, William."

"What's wrong with Professor Snape?" William asked.

"Um...it's nothing, he just has some difficulty breathing and his throat is sore."

"Oh!" William said with a knowing look.

Professor Snape was having trouble breathing, and even Potions Master himself couldn't cure him. The cause was quite simple—he often spoke in strange, unpleasant tones.

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(End of this chapter)