Normally, wizards qualified to beco professors at Hogwarts hold significant social status.
Although the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had been a scarce resource for decades—causing Dumbledore annual headaches in selecting new candidates—he never lowered his standards. Lockhart had been an exception. Dumbledore had read his books, and there was so truth between the lines. Who could have expected him to be a mory thief?
None of them were ever short on money.
Lupin was an exception. He had the ability, but before eting Harry and reuniting with Sirius, ability was all he had—nothing more. This forced him to travel using the sa transportation as the students.
"We have to wait until the school year starts to et the new professor?" Ron muttered.
"You're that eager to et him?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded. "Of course! Haven't you heard what Remus, Sirius, and Tonks have been saying lately?"
"They've been singing his praises, saying that, given the current situation, he can teach us how to protect ourselves."
Harry and Hermione opened their mouths but hesitated to speak.
"Sounds like he's really good at protecting himself?" Hermione said hesitantly. "After all, that year..."
"Physically very capable," Harry nodded. "And he has to prepare for the lessons in advance."
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Then it's perfect—it fills in his biggest gap."
Ron was completely lost. "Wait, wait—you guys know who the professor is? Did Remus or Sirius tell you?"
He sounded a little aggrieved. "I begged them so many tis, but they wouldn't tell ."
"They didn't tell us either," Harry said.
"We figured it out," Hermione added.
Ron was stunned. "You figured it out?"
"There aren't many people qualified to be a Hogwarts professor," Harry analyzed, sorting out his thoughts. "And he's on good terms with Lupin and Tonks. That narrows it down even further. Plus, they praised him so highly..."
"The answer is actually quite obvious."
Ron furrowed his brows in thought.
"Madam Vance?" he guessed. She was the woman who had accompanied Harry, Sirius, and the others back to the Potter house.
Harry and Hermione shook their heads.
"Then... Mr. Diggle?" He nad another person—Dedalus Diggle, a mber of the Order of the Phoenix, who greatly respected Harry and was powerful enough to summon a teor shower. On the night Voldemort died, he had done so over Kent, baffling astronors and startling the Ministry of Magic, who initially feared a Death Eater retaliation.
He was also a good friend of Sirius.
Molly had often sighed that Dedalus and Sirius were practically twins—sa youthfulness, sa good looks, sa exceptional magical talent, and most importantly, sa lack of common sense.
Again, Harry and Hermione shook their heads.
Ron was serious about this mystery. He sent Lavender away when she ca to check on him and even dismissed Ginny and Luna, who had co over arm-in-arm—Molly and Arthur had repeatedly told Ginny to befriend Luna and ensure she wasn't bullied anymore.
If trouble arose, she was to seek out Fred and George. It was their last year at Hogwarts; they might as well make the most of it.
The train gradually approached the station.
Ron suddenly gasped, inhaling sharply. "It's not my dad, is it?"
The Ministry of Magic's salary wasn't high—far lower than Hogwarts'. Social status was even more of a gap. A re departnt head couldn't compare to a Hogwarts professor. Several of Ron's older brothers now out-earned and outranked their father, so maybe, as a father, Arthur felt a bit pressured and was convinced by Dumbledore.
As for his abilities...
Mr. Weasley might seem ordinary and lack combat experience, but in terms of magical expertise, he might even surpass Scrimgeour. At least in alchemy, he was undeniably a master.
"No," Harry shook his head.
Ron exhaled in relief. "Really not?"
"Really not," Hermione confird.
Ron patted his chest. "That's good—thank goodness."
Having a parent as a professor would be a weird experience. Even the thought of it made Ron uncomfortable.
They changed into their robes.
"But if it's not my dad, then who else could it be?" Ron counted on his fingers, recalling everyone he had seen since the Order of the Phoenix regrouped. Except for his two brothers still abroad, he had listed almost everyone.
"You'll find out soon," Harry answered as he stepped off the train.
Ron gritted his teeth. Did he really have to wait until the Welcoming Feast?!
Hagrid greeted the first-years as usual. Even as a professor, he still had this part-ti duty.
Harry and his friends followed the familiar path to the Thestral-drawn carriages.
Ginny and Luna had arrived ahead of them, standing on tiptoe to wave.
"Harry, Hermione, I'm leaving Luna with you," Ginny said, pushing the girl forward. "My friends take up too much space in the carriage."
Luna nodded obediently, showing no emotion.
She could tell Ginny had no ill will—she was simply considering her other friends' feelings.
Harry and the others had no objections, and they boarded the carriage together.
"So, who's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year?" Ron asked Harry. "We'll be at the castle in ten minutes—just tell !"
"Little Ron, you don't know?" Luna turned to him.
Ron was stunned. "You know too?!"
Luna nodded and looked at Harry. "Should I say it?"
Harry waved a hand. "If you want. It's not a secret."
"Then I won't," Luna said, curling into her seat.
Ron was bewildered. "Did you figure it out too?"
"No, my dad told ," Luna shook her head. "He also told to be careful. But I think he's a good person."
Ron frowned. "Mr. Lovegood knows the new professor too?"
Luna nodded.
Ron rubbed his face, trying to recall if he had overlooked soone with a low presence.
They soon arrived at the castle.
Ron looked up at the staff table and imdiately saw Sirius, happily chatting with Professor Flitwick. Flitwick looked healthier than ever—this had clearly been his best sumr in years.
"Sirius?!" Ron shouted in disbelief.
The new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor waved at them cheerfully.
"It's Sirius?!" Ron muttered, completely stunned as he sat down, his face full of disbelief.
He had never considered Sirius—mainly because Sirius had been the one praising the new professor the most. Who would have guessed he was just hyping himself up?
"Why wouldn't it be him?" Harry asked. "You should have figured it out sooner."
"Sirius has experience," Hermione added. "He taught for Remus before. His style was different, but students liked him, and the results were good."
Ron grumbled, "If he hadn't praised himself so much, I might have figured it out sooner."
The first-years entered and were sorted.
"Harry, don't forget to take !" The Sorting Hat shouted from the stool before its spirit faded again—it was clearly returning to the motorbike body.
The new students were confused.
Harry flicked his wand, and the hat flew to his belt.
Older students explained to the newcors.
The feast went on happily.
After everyone had eaten, Dumbledore stood and cleared his throat.
"After enjoying a delicious al, I must say the things I say every year."
"Mr. Filch has reminded once again that magic is not allowed in the corridors, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes products are banned, and fireworks are strictly forbidden."
"Last year, during the Triwizard Tournant, Mr. Filch spent days cleaning up fireworks."
"The updated list of banned items is posted outside Filch's office. This year, over a hundred new items have been added."
Fred and George scowled—this was killing their business.
"Additionally, we welco Sirius Black as our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Sirius stood up, radiating charm in his deep-blue robes.
Gryffindors cheered loudly. The other houses clapped hesitantly.
"And, good news—this year, the Quidditch Cup is back!"
Dumbledore spread his arms. "Let's welco a brand-new school year!"
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