After the dining portion of Hogwarts' opening ceremony ended, Headmaster Dumbledore began his speech.
Actually, it was much the same as last year, just expressed differently.
Time is the most worn sorting hat, dividing youth into forgotten corners.
Unknowingly, another school year had arrived.
Although everyone had achieved good results in the previous academic year, there were still some shortcomings and deficiencies, and there was still some distance from the school's expectations.
In the new year, he hoped everyone could quickly adjust from their long holiday state, actively transform their identity, integrate into their roles, and welcome the new semester with a fresh attitude.
While doing well in daily study and life, they must also abide by school rules and regulations and strictly discipline themselves.
For example, no casting spells in the corridors, and no wandering around the school at night.
The selection of Quidditch players would be held in the second week of this term, and those interested could sign up.
In principle, first-year students could only serve as reserves, and second-years could become official players.
When he said this, everyone couldn't help but look at Harry.
The Boy Who Lived had to be somewhat different from others, and his abilities had indeed proven he was capable of handling that position.
Understandable!
In addition, since the Philosopher's Stone was no longer in the school, the prohibition on entering the fourth-floor corridor was also lifted.
This meant that the only place still forbidden to students was the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts.
Furthermore, several items were added to the list of objects banned within the castle.
When Dumbledore read out their names, Sherlock was shocked to discover they were precisely those dark magic items and prank objects found during the platform inspection earlier.
It seemed that the previous inspection at the platform, besides its original purpose of preventing dark magic items from entering the school, had an additional benefit.
Enriching Hogwarts' list of contraband items.
Of course, Dumbledore didn't specifically explain the reason for the station inspection.
Such things, once done, were done. There was no need to explain, as doing so would only make matters worse. It was better to let students speculate for themselves, which would be more effective.
In any case, no one would connect this incident to Voldemort.
Unlike last year, after emphasizing the above matters, Dumbledore also specially introduced the Hogwarts faculty and staff to everyone.
This was a new segment added after seeking opinions from various parties, and it would continue in future opening ceremonies.
Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Head of Gryffindor House, and Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Head of Ravenclaw House and Charms Professor Filius Flitwick.
Head of Hufflepuff House and Herbology Professor Pomona Sprout.
Head of Slytherin House and Potions Professor Severus Snape.
History of Magic Professor Cuthbert Binns, also the only ghost professor.
Astronomy Professor Aurora Sinistra—this was a course that didn't require the use of magic.
Flying instructor and Quidditch referee Madam Rolanda Hooch.
For first and second-year students, these were mainly the teachers they would interact with.
The remaining courses like Ancient Runes, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies were electives that wouldn't be encountered until third year.
Besides the professors, Professor Dumbledore also introduced the school's support staff.
Caretaker Argus Filch.
School mediwitch and matron Madam Poppy Pomfrey.
Keeper of Keys and Grounds, gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Librarian Madam Irma Pince.
After introducing the familiar faces, it was naturally time for the newcomer.
"Due to well-known reasons, this year we welcome another new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!"
When he said "another," Dumbledore himself was momentarily embarrassed. He coughed lightly before continuing.
"Actually, everyone has already met him at the station just now—Professor Gilderoy Lockhart!"
"Well-known, well-known—"
Sherlock looked at Dumbledore, who had already handed the initiative to Gilderoy Lockhart.
When he noticed Sherlock's gaze, Dumbledore returned a gentle smile.
"Sherlock, what's wrong?"
Harry, seeing Sherlock's expression, couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Is it really well-known?"
Harry was stunned and was about to say something when enthusiastic applause suddenly drowned out his voice.
Gilderoy Lockhart straightened his Order of Merlin ribbon slightly and slowly stood up.
His golden hair shimmered like waves under the candlelight, making him particularly dazzling among the faculty.
"Dear students, please allow me—Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, and your new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—to give a brief self-introduction."
Just one sentence, and the entire hall erupted in thunderous applause.
Of course, some people found him displeasing.
Ron: "I can't believe he changed into another purple robe in such a short time."
Lockhart was obviously experienced in handling such occasions. He raised both hands and pressed down slightly. When the applause died down a bit, he continued.
"Since graduating from this school, I have traveled far and wide, confronting various mysterious dark magical creatures face to face.
These experiences have all been recorded in my dozens of bestselling books, which I believe many of you have read.
In 'Holidays with Hags,' I went deep into hag lairs, revealed their habits, and cleverly resolved a hag riot crisis.
In 'Travels with Trolls,' I faced ferocious trolls alone, and with wisdom and superb magic, successfully tamed them so they would no longer wreak havoc.
This time last year, I gave a Yeti a cold in the Himalayas.
The summer before last, I danced the tango with a banshee in Ireland.
Even earlier, I taught a mother hag to use dental floss in the Albanian forests.
Of course, these are all in the past!
What I want to say is that I have mastered many exclusive magical techniques—those defense strategies against dark magic were all summarized by me in actual combat.
In the coming academic year, I will unreservedly pass on this knowledge to everyone.
In class, I will not limit myself to textbooks. I will have rich practical activities, allowing everyone to personally experience the wonder and power of magic.
I firmly believe that under my guidance, every student will master the essence of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
As long as you listen carefully to my lessons, when facing dark forces, you will definitely have sufficient ability to protect yourself and those around you.
Let us join hands to embark on this magical learning journey full of challenges and surprises!"
Gilderoy Lockhart indeed lived up to Headmaster Dumbledore's special introduction.
In fact, his performance was perfect.
This could be seen from the reaction of all the teachers and students in the school.
Originally, Dumbledore wanted to applaud first, but as soon as Professor Lockhart finished speaking, the hall was briefly quiet before erupting in thunderous applause.
The students' eyes sparkled with excitement and admiration, especially the Ravenclaw students.
This was quite normal, as this house had the most female students, and they looked at Professor Lockhart with stars in their eyes.
Hermione's face was flushed red, her eyes had turned into little stars just like the Ravenclaw girls, and she kept muttering.
"Professor Lockhart's experiences are simply incredible! I knew we would definitely learn so much from him!"
In the tidal wave of applause, Lockhart elegantly turned and bowed slightly to Dumbledore, his golden hair tips glimmering with fine light under the candlelight.
Ron snorted coldly. "Sherlock, Harry, I bet you he practiced that bowing posture in front of a mirror eight hundred times!"
Harry also felt somewhat embarrassed, and due to the photo incident at Flourish and Blotts, his impression of Professor Lockhart wasn't very good.
However, seeing that Hermione and Ginny both seemed to admire Lockhart greatly, he could only say vaguely.
"I hope he can really teach us to fight dark magic."
Sherlock took in everyone's reactions and formed a preliminary judgment about Gilderoy Lockhart.
However, judging from the professors' attitudes toward him, it was quite intriguing.
As for more information, he would have to wait until actual classes.
After Professor Lockhart's self-introduction, Dumbledore began conducting the school song with all the teachers and students.
If Professor Lockhart's self-introduction had only made the faculty and a small number of students feel embarrassed, this segment made almost everyone break out in a cold sweat.
The main reason was that the school song had no fixed melody, and everyone could choose their favorite tune.
Under Dumbledore's leadership, the entire school's interpretation of this song was all about letting themselves go.
You sing yours, I'll sing mine.
Professor Dumbledore and the Weasley twins performed as consistently as ever.
One really dared to sing, and one really dared to conduct.
They stubbornly sang the entire school song to the slow melody of a "Funeral March."
Next was the prefects' moment to shine, as they were responsible for leading the students from their respective houses back to the common rooms.
When the Slytherin prefect Gemma Farley led the first-year witches past the Gryffindor students, she playfully winked at Sherlock.
When she noticed Sherlock was unmoved by this, she chuckled softly and silently mouthed something.
Sherlock couldn't help but frown slightly.
But this only lasted a few seconds. Since their destinations were different, they soon went their separate ways.
Just like last year, Percy still led the Gryffindor students to the common room.
His attention was mainly focused on the first-year students, including his sister Ginny.
Along the way, he also explained to everyone about Hogwarts' moving staircases, hidden doorways, the troublesome Peeves, and the Fat Lady's new password.
Since recovering from his serious illness last year, Sherlock's body had been quite robust.
Combined with his experience from last year, even though he had been busy all day, he still didn't feel much fatigue.
So, after three seconds of deep consideration, he decided to borrow the Invisibility Cloak from Harry.
"You want to go to the Forbidden Forest?"
When Harry heard Sherlock's words, he was immediately startled.
'Mate, are you really that wild?
Professor Dumbledore just emphasized that going there isn't allowed!
And you already want to taste the forbidden fruit?'
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