Lord Black Phoenix cleared his throat.
"Let us start with some sweeter pieces of news," he said. "First, we have finally succeeded in completely controlling the constant growth of the Cursed Ice."
A wave of relaxed whispers passed down the long tables.
With the Cursed Glacial Ice, Herpo the Foul's Horcrux, destroyed last year, it was bound to happen.
The Cursed Ice, which kept trying to freeze all and everything at Hogwarts, had already begun losing its intensity. With its complete disappearance, no Auror, or a student in their absence, would have to risk getting frozen by it anymore.
That was indeed good news for everyone.
Dumbledore took a rare joy from the smiles on the students' faces.
Looks mattered little to him at his age. He knew exactly how his appearance affected those looking at him. He could have done some magic to make himself look like his old self, as he had done last year. However, that would be nothing but running away from reality — reality that he and his students needed to face this year, standing shoulder to shoulder.
So, let them see him as he was, Dumbledore believed.
Let them feel not only unnerved, but also safe, knowing that his youthful appearance also represented his strength.
The matter of the ceasefire with the Dark Alliance had already brought magical communities all across the world closer.
Now, he must make sure that it wasn't all in vain.
The peace he had bought with an Unbreakable Vow must deliver solid results.
"Second—" Dumbledore continued as the whispers died. "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
There was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause.
Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes.
Draco elbowed Black. "… Look at Snape. Mate can't seem to catch a break…"
Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin.
It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, as made clear by the twisted, loathing expression on his thin, sallow face.
"That's how he looks at me…" Harry frowned, feeling sorry for Professor Lupin.
"That's how he looks at everyone, but Darcie!" Black hissed under his breath, bringing laughter from Harry, Draco, and Ron.
Snape's head suddenly snapped toward the four of them, and they jerked their heads away, barely able to control their shaking shoulders.
"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin died away. "For the vacant position of Care of Magical Creatures teacher, I am delighted to announce that Madam Villanelle has agreed to take on the job. As she will also retain her position of High Counsellor of Student Welfare and Security, a much-needed and demanded job in these times, her duties will be conducted by none other than our Rubeus Hagrid in her absence."
The applause was nothing short of thunderous this time.
It was not only because of Madam Villanelle, who was popular among the students because of her magical capabilities and understanding nature, but also because of Rubeus Hagrid.
Of course, the Gryffindors cheered for him the loudest, the Slytherins barely clapping this time, other than Darcie, Hermione, and Daphne.
Dumbledore raised his hand, quietening everyone. "On a more neutral note," he added, "we have decided to do away with the position of Director of Student Discipline and Order. I think, the students of Hogwarts are already well disciplined where it matters the most."
And the students of Gryffindor erupted, loudly thumping the table, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff joining them with the same intensity.
Nobody knew where Umbridge had disappeared to just after the second year's final exams. The ministry had tired all its resources searching for her, but it had all gone to vain. It was like the air itself had swallowed her, leaving no clue behind.
Almost no student minded that thought, though, other than a few Slytherins who were promised lucrative positions under her rule.
Dumbledore let the children swim through ocean of joy.
Once he noticed that they have reached the shores, he straightened his spine.
"Now…" Dumbledore's tone changed slightly, "… let's move on to the slightly bitter stuff."
All students looked at him with bated breath, knowing exactly what he would start with.
"You must be wondering about the strange Boggarts, curious as you lot are," Dumbledore began. "Let me start by revealing that there are some secret Vaults at Hogwarts from the times of the four founders. They are five in number, but their locations are unknown even to me."
Daphne shared a glance with Darcie, both instantly realizing where this was going.
They weren't alone in that, though.
"Oh, yeah…" Draco suddenly mumbled. "I completely forgot to mention these Cursed Vaults to you guys…"
Harry and Ron gaped at him, dumbfounded.
Before they could say something, though, Dumbledore continued, "These Cursed Vaults, as you may call them, have ancient sealing Spells over them, which are coming to an end. The Cursed Ice was released from one of these Vaults. Recently, another Vault, which was in the library, collapsed, releasing a swarm of Boggarts, thousands in number. They are now occupying the drawers and cabinets of Hogwarts.
"I have convinced the most aggressive of them to act as Guards against external threats. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds within enchanted Cabinets that collect Fear. I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Boggarts are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises — or even Invisibility Cloaks.
"Also, instead of banishing all the remaining Boggarts out of the School, I have decided to let them remain where they are. It's not out of pity. It's for you."
Tongues of flames flickered around Lord Black Phoenix, bringing a touch of warmth to the air.
"Peace is not for stepping back and letting yourself drown in relief," Dumbledore said, his voice ringing in their ears. "It is to prepare — to grow… Last semester, many of you already conquered your fears. This year, we will build on that. We will train. Together. I have personally revised all years' syllabus, making it more… practical."
All students' eyes gleamed.
Dumbledore nodded within at that response. "Remember, Fear is not something to be afraid of. It exists in all of us. You must not deny it. You must not run away from it. Get comfortable — with the fears, the reality, and the darkness. And you will find that it does not have any hold on you."
A flame of resistance flickered in the students' gleaming eyes as they looked at the confident smile on Lord Black Phoenix's face.
"Well, that covers everything, I guess," Dumbledore smiled broadly. "There are a few crucial matters that also need to be discussed, but I will leave that to the respective Heads of the Houses. For now —
"— Let the feast begin!"
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