Chapter 838: Chapter 715: Kael’s Two-Sided Mirror
Kael didn’t think Conna passing the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers’ exam was difficult. With her talent, combined with Professor Snape’s help, this was almost a sure thing.
Of course, that is, unless someone maliciously lowers her score...
But then again, even if they do, it doesn’t matter. After all, I’m graduating next year and will have plenty of time to help them correct their mistakes.
...
An hour later, the pudding dessert on the table disappeared, and the golden plates returned to their shiny new state.
When Dumbledore stood up, the echoing laughter and chattering in the auditorium instantly faded away.
"Good evening, everyone." He smiled, spreading his arms as if to embrace everyone in the auditorium.
"Look at his hand," Mikel suddenly said.
Ryan turned his head to look, "It’s normal, what’s wrong?"
"I mean, Dumbledore is wearing a ring," Mikel said, "He never wore a ring before."
Kael noticed it too. There was a very conspicuous gemstone ring on Dumbledore’s finger, the black gem was just slightly smaller than a Golden Snitch.
Resurrection Stone!
Kael squinted his eyes but quickly lost interest.
Because Dumbledore’s hand hadn’t changed, still the same as before, indicating the curse on the ring had already disappeared.
And the fact that it could be worn on his hand also meant it was no longer a Soul Artifact... Dumbledore still had a contract on him, if the ring was still a Soul Artifact, he couldn’t even touch it.
As if sensing Kael’s gaze, Dumbledore looked over and gently winked at Kael.
"It’s so good to see you all here again, and not a single person missing," he said loudly.
Everyone knew what he meant by that.
Over the past two months, almost every edition of the Daily Prophet reported someone missing or even dead. They were lucky to have escaped, indeed a fortunate thing.
Dumbledore didn’t linger on pleasantries and, as usual, announced a few precautions to the new students.
Like freshmen not being allowed to go to the Forbidden Forest, or the selection time for the Quidditch team.
However, this year an extra rule was added.
"...Filch wants me to tell everyone. This year, students are strictly prohibited from bringing any products purchased from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes."
Without a doubt, Fred and George were targeted, their entire store blacklisted from school... simple and efficient.
"And," Dumbledore continued, "this year, we are delighted to welcome a new teacher, Professor Slughorn."
He extended his hand backwards, and Slughorn stood up, his bald head shining under the candlelight.
At the Slytherin table, Malfoy watched him wave and sneered disdainfully, but the next moment, his smile faded.
"I’m very glad Professor Slughorn has agreed to return to Hogwarts as the Potion Class teacher."
"Potion Class?"
The entire auditorium seemed to pause for a second, followed by a buzz of murmured conversations.
"Meanwhile," Dumbledore raised his voice, "Professor Snape will be responsible for the Defence Against the Dark Arts class."
"No!"
"Absolutely not!"
Two abrupt voices sounded in the auditorium.
It was Harry and Malfoy, and they almost stood up simultaneously.
Harry couldn’t accept Snape teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, as it’s his favorite class.
While Malfoy didn’t choose Defence Against the Dark Arts... It’s easy to understand, as someone about to serve the Dark Lord, there’s no point in defending against one’s own kind.
Yet his mother repeatedly urged him before school started to make sure to choose Snape’s class.
Originally, Malfoy didn’t care, thinking he would surely excel in Potion Class. Who would have thought, Snape went to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts, and in charge of Potion Class is the hated Slughorn.
"Draco, the professor is looking at you," Pansy tugged at his robe under the table.
Only then did Malfoy realize he and Harry Potter had become the center of attention, with Snape on the stage coldly watching him.
A realizing Malfoy immediately sat back down.
Calming down, he realized that course selections could be changed, and as long as Snape agreed, he could still attend Defence Against the Dark Arts.
As for Slughorn’s Potion Class... who cares.
"Ah, Snape finally got what he wanted," Kael said to Conna, "I remember he always wanted to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, seems the headmaster finally agreed this year."
Conna frowned, not happy for Snape... After all, everyone knew the Defence Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts was not a good job.
She couldn’t understand why Snape would insist on teaching that class when Potions was clearly his specialty.
"Don’t worry," Kael said softly, seemingly seeing through Conna’s concerns, "I guess after this school year, Professor Snape will probably be back in the Potion Class room again."
"Really?"
"Most likely," Kael said, "Besides, the curse isn’t as scary as you think, look at Lupin, Sirius, and Moody, they’re all just fine."
Kael’s reassurance seemed to have some effect, and Conna seemed less worried.
There were many people like them, the entire auditorium was abuzz with discussions; their interest in this matter surpassed even Dumbledore’s subsequent reminders.
