Whether intentional or not, Miss Gemma's words seemed to carry a slightly elevated tone. In the silent Great Hall, they rang out clearly.
At the Ravenclaw long table, Michael's mouth fell open with a "Wow." His eyes brimmed with envy and a thirst for gossip. He stole a glance at Luna, who had been at Ethan's side. Her expression remained as serene as still water, as if she hadn't heard a thing.
It wasn't until Michael happened to look down that he noticed Luna's hand, enveloped in a faint blue magic. The magic flickered like flames, subtly distorting the air around it, yet it felt as cold as moonlight—silent and ethereal.
Michael sucked in a sharp breath, a chill racing down his spine. He quickly averted his gaze, his heart still pounding. He looked at Ethan with a touch of admiration. Only a true warrior could navigate so freely among the girls. Oh, how envious he felt!
On the other side, upon hearing Miss Gemma's invitation, Ethan tilted his head. He waved his wand, scattering a shower of golden dust that rose like swirling sand, forming something resembling a schedule in mid-air.
Ethan murmured, "Hmm, let me check..."
"Miss Fleur has asked me to 'duel' in France for the 24th time over the summer holidays; the Patil sisters for the 13th time; Hermione mentioned traveling with her family for the 7th time."
Gemma Farley: ...
Everyone: ...
As Ethan continued mumbling to himself, Miss Gemma gradually pieced it together. Her smile faded away. She lifted her chin slightly, gazing down at Ethan with a chilling aura that began to radiate from her—even more intimidating than before.
Malfoy shivered and silently took half a step back.
In the frozen atmosphere, Ethan looked up and flashed Miss Gemma a natural, innocent smile. "According to the schedule, your slot is in nine years."
Gemma Farley: ...
The look of wanting to stab someone couldn't be hidden.jpg
A flush crept across her pale face. Staring at Ethan's oblivious expression, she couldn't help but grind her pearly teeth. Her fist clenched.
Then, she unceremoniously shoved the gilded business card into Ethan's arms!
"Hmph!"
She turned on her heel and strode away.
"What an enthusiastic woman," Ethan remarked. "She nearly tore my clothes."
He tucked away the slightly crumpled business card and turned to Malfoy. "What? Are you inviting me to your home for Christmas too?"
Malfoy paused for two seconds, then smiled sheepishly and nodded, reaching into his robes. "Of course, if you have the time... a small token of respect—it's nothing much."
At that moment, the other defeated Slytherins rose from the ground. They gathered around respectfully, a hint of fear in their eyes, and declared their loyalty to Ethan.
So, when Headmaster Dumbledore finished his affairs and entered the Great Hall, he saw Ethan surrounded by everyone, looking every bit like a gang leader. Business cards were handed over one by one. Handfuls of gold coins were shoved directly into his pockets, as if they feared he might refuse them.
Dumbledore: ...
"Oh, you're here, Headmaster Dumbledore," Ethan said, squinting as he noticed the old wizard standing silently at the entrance of the Great Hall. He raised a hand to dismiss the crowd around him, then smiled and nodded. "Please, you may begin the feast."
With that, he strolled leisurely toward the Ravenclaw long table. He waved to Luna, who, for some reason, seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.
For a moment, Dumbledore even thought Ethan was heading toward the center of the staff table, to his own seat.
Before the feast began, Headmaster Dumbledore addressed the precautions for the term. "To capture Sirius, Dementors will guard every entrance and exit of the school. They are merciless by nature, and for your safety, please do not provoke them!"
The students glanced silently at the headmaster, showing no reaction. Dementors are scary? Excuse me! Right now, there was something even scarier sitting among them!
The older students even scoffed inwardly.
Ethan: Proud.jpg
Dumbledore: "...Ahem. Now, let me introduce the two new professors for this term."
"Professor Lupin, who will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Snape rolled his eyes dramatically.
At the staff table, Lupin stood and bowed slightly. His shabby attire stood in stark contrast to the other professors.
Sparse applause erupted from below.
Michael asked suspiciously, "Can he really handle Defense Against the Dark Arts? I mean, he looks so frail."
Ethan replied, "Be careful—appearances can be deceiving."
Michael glanced at Ethan's handsome, harmless face and nodded in agreement.
Ethan had grown quite a bit over the summer. There was no longer any trace of the scrawny first-year boy. Under Hogwarts' generous meals, he was like a tree that had absorbed plenty of nutrients. He had a well-proportioned physique and long limbs. Ebony-black curly hair, fair skin, and handsome features—he looked just like a noble young master stepped out of an oil painting.
When he acted normal, his every gesture was elegant and composed. No wonder those young witches looked at Ethan as if they were on fire.
Michael sighed, tasting the sourness of a lemon.
Dumbledore continued, "Additionally, the former Professor of Care of Magical Creatures, Kettleburn, deemed himself too old and resigned at the end of last year."
"The new Professor of Care of Magical Creatures will be our gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid!"
With a clank, the towering Hagrid clumsily rose from behind the long table. His expression was a mix of nervousness and joy.
After two seconds, a burst of enthusiastic applause suddenly filled the Great Hall!
Ethan clapped along, watching as Hagrid, overcome with emotion, spilled his wine glass and nearly slapped his own head of house, Professor Flitwick, off the table.
Hmm, I remember at the beginning of this term, because Hagrid's Hippogriff injured Malfoy, he ended up changing all the remaining classes to feeding Flobberworms. It was incredibly boring.
Ethan pondered, "I need to find a way to make the classes more interesting—"
Hippogriffs are fascinating. All that's needed is to guard against a few safety concerns.
Ethan felt he had an idea.
After the headmaster finished speaking, the feast officially began. Incredibly rich and delicious dishes appeared on the long tables, and the Great Hall instantly filled with mouthwatering aromas.
Ethan naturally had a hearty appetite. However, there was still an urgent matter preoccupying him: the "interrogation" of Sirius. It left his heart restless, to the point where he could barely taste his food.
Finally, the feast ended. The prefects led the students to their respective house dormitories.
Ethan seized the opportunity. After saying goodnight to Luna, he slipped away like a fish.
From Myrtle's bathroom, he entered the Chamber of Secrets. After last year's explosion, Ethan had repaired it once more. As a secret base, it was incredibly convenient.
Deep underground.
[Hiss hiss——..——]
Under the Parseltongue, the iron snake head clanked back. The gate opened. A faint green mist wafted out.
Ethan took out the wardrobe, opened its doors, and dumped Sirius out.
Meeting his groggy eyes, Ethan smiled and said, "You're awake?"
"The Savior is doomed~"
Sirius: ?!!
He suddenly jumped up. His brain was still muddled from the bizarre universe inside the cabinet. He subconsciously blurted out, "Woof woof woof!!"
Ethan raised an eyebrow high.
Noticing his strange expression, Sirius's heart skipped a beat. He slowly lowered his head.
He saw his own canine paws and body.
Sirius: "...?!"
No way!! I'm a dog?!
The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.
Looking at Sirius's face, frozen in shock, Ethan leaned over, asking curiously, "Why are you barking?"
"We don't understand dog language."