Snape's Office.
"Our newly appointed... student-caring... Professor Lupin," Snape said, his expression twisted as though merely uttering the name was a deeply repugnant act, "was so eager to send me a message from the train... for the sake of your mental and physical well-being."
He glared at Theodore and Blaise, his brows furrowing so tightly that a deep crease appeared between them.
"And the delicate, oh-so-special Boy Who Lived is now enjoying Madam Pomfrey's exclusive care because of it. I should probably send the two of you to join him, but I expect Slytherin students to be made of sterner stuff."
With a loud clunk, he slammed two bottles of Cheering Potion onto the table. For a moment, Jane couldn't decide which was more stressful—the pressure from Snape or the Dementor's chilling presence.
"No need, Professor Snape," Theodore said. "Yu already gave us Cheering Potion."
Snape's hand froze mid-motion, and his sharp gaze shifted to Jane. Crossing his arms, he suddenly asked:
"What are the side effects of Cheering Potion—singing too much and nose-twitching—and how do you handle them?"
Thankfully, the extra lessons from the end of last term hadn't completely escaped Jane's memory. She replied, "Add a sprig of pepper mint."
Snape's expression softened slightly, as if this was the only good news he'd heard all day.
"It seems you didn't completely waste your summer... Now, hand over your essay."
Being asked to hand in homework on the first day of term was almost cruel. Theodore and Blaise gave her sympathetic looks.
Snape took her parchment, scanning it inch by inch. However, his expression grew darker and darker.
"The Shrinking Solution—why don't I recall assigning such a topic?"
He slammed the parchment heavily onto the desk.
"I don't believe Lockhart's curse included driving people insane, Miss Yu."
"If your brain is functioning properly, you should remember that I assigned an essay on the principles of the Draught of Living Death."
Jane felt her vision go dark.
Only now did she recall that her Potions essay was a special assignment from Snape, not the general Shrinking Solution essay given to the rest of the class.
Her summer had been so consumed by the joy of gaming that, in the frantic rush to finish her homework in the last three days, she had completely forgotten!
Snape let out a cold snort. While he didn't deduct points from Slytherin, he didn't let her off the hook either.
"Regrettably, Miss Yu, your foolishness has earned you a month of detention—starting tomorrow."
Jane's face froze.
Why did she always seem to attract such calamities every year?
For the second consecutive year, she had somehow managed to land herself in detention on the very first day of term. She was starting to suspect she had a karmic connection to this dungeon from a past life.
Snape, however, seemed to be in a much better mood after issuing the detention. With a wave of his wand, a piece of parchment floated over to her.
"Your illustrious guardian, considering your fondness for all things furry... has arranged for you to take an additional elective."
"Now, the three of you, return to the Great Hall."
Jane took the parchment, a sense of foreboding growing stronger by the second.
Looking closely, she realized it was her timetable. Her elective courses had increased from two to three—
She now had an additional class: Care of Magical Creatures.
Her face fell instantly.
Sure, magical creatures were fascinating...
But the new assignments were already waving at her...
With a very mischievous grin.
...
In the Great Hall.
The Sorting Ceremony had just concluded, and Dumbledore was giving his speech.
As soon as Jane entered, his eyes immediately found her, and he gave her a wink.
"Welcome!" he said, smiling warmly. However, after spending an entire summer with him, Jane could read his subtle expressions. Beneath the surface, there was a hint of displeasure—likely related to the attack on the train. "There are a few matters you must be aware of..."
"First of all, our school is now hosting several Dementors, stationed here on official business from the Ministry of Magic—you've already encountered them on the train. They will be guarding every entrance to the school, and no one is permitted to leave without authorization."
"No disguise, including Invisibility Cloaks, can fool them. Their nature does not comprehend excuses or pleas, so do not give them any reason to harm you. I trust the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl to ensure no students provoke them."
The Hall was utterly silent; no one dared to move or make a sound.
Theodore and Blaise's faces turned pale once more.
"Let's move on to a happier topic," Dumbledore continued. "I am delighted to welcome three new teachers to our staff."
"First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly agreed to fill the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Jane recognized him as the professor who had checked on them on the train. Unlike the other professors, who wore their finest robes, he was dressed in threadbare clothing, and the Hall responded with only sparse applause.
"I heard the Head of House was furious about this appointment," Daphne whispered to Jane. "Look at his expression."
Following Daphne's gaze, Jane saw that Snape's face had grown even darker, his expression bordering on hatred.
"As for our second new teacher, Rubeus Hagrid, he has agreed to take on the role of Care of Magical Creatures professor, replacing the retired Professor Kettleburn."
The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers, but the Slytherin students taking this class looked less than thrilled.
"Merlin help us," groaned an older student. "Kettleburn was reckless enough, but at least his classes didn't result in too many accidents. But Hagrid—the gamekeeper? I wouldn't be surprised if he fed us to those creatures!"
Dumbledore went on to introduce the final new teacher.
"Our third new teacher, Professor Slughorn, will be joining us in a few days. He will take on a new role at the school, advising fifth-year and above students on career planning. Younger students are also welcome to consult him!"
This announcement brought smiles to the faces of the older students, especially the Slytherins, who clapped enthusiastically—even though Slughorn wasn't present.
"My father said he was an outstanding wizard in his day," Draco commented, clapping half-heartedly. "I don't understand why important figures are always introduced last."
Pansy, sitting to his right, eagerly agreed. She had missed the chance to join Draco's compartment on the train, which had included both Jane and Daphne, her rivals. Now, she seized the opportunity to praise Draco's opinions as insightful and wise.
Daphne watched her with disdain, rolling her eyes.
At least she had the good sense to learn how to judge people accurately early on.
Her thoughts drifted to the serious conversation she had with her father over the summer...
...
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