The Admiral of Hogwarts

“Good evening, Hagrid!” After getting off the train with his luggage, Veneto greeted Hagrid, who was standing on the platform holding a lantern, ready to lead the new students on the traditional journey across the lake. “Is it still necessary to take a boat in this weather?”

“Yes.” Hagrid wiped the water off his face with his hand and said. “Before I left, I saw Madam Pomfrey brewing a large pot of cold medicine. I reckon she'll give each of the kids a cup when they get to school in a bit.”

“I think we were pretty lucky our first year.” Hugo shook his head at Veneto, watching Hagrid gather the drenched, quail-like new students together.

Then, they followed the crowd to a muddy road and climbed into the carriages pulled by Thestrals. After closing the carriage doors, the carriages automatically started moving, bumping along the way.

The carriages rumbled forward, passing through the magnificent cast-iron gates of the school. However, unlike last year, this year there was a Dementor standing on each side of the cast-iron gates, causing everyone who passed through to shiver involuntarily.

“How long are these monsters going to stay here?” Hermione sighed in relief after the carriage entered the iron gates, then asked. “If they stay for too long, Hogwarts will probably be no different from Azkaban.”

“I saw in the newspaper that it seems they'll only withdraw these monsters after Sirius Black is caught.” Veneto said helplessly.

“Although the Ministry of Magic claims these things are under their control, I think the situation on the train just now speaks volumes.”

Just as everyone was discussing the Dementors, the carriages picked up speed on a long, sloping driveway, and drove all the way to the castle before stopping.

At that moment, Hugo received 4.5 Destiny Points due to Harry's runaway from home during the summer and the changes that had occurred on the train.

The reason why there weren't many points here was because although there were many changes in specific matters, the overall change was not significant compared to the original plot.

Following the stone steps in front of the castle, Hugo and the others passed through the huge oak doors and entered the deep entrance hall; the entrance hall was brightly lit by torches.

In the hall, a magnificent marble staircase led upstairs. The door on the right leading to the Great Hall was open, and just as Hugo and the others were about to enter, they heard a voice calling out: “Potter! Miss Granger! I need to see you two!”

Hugo turned around and saw Deputy Headmistress McGonagall calling out over the crowd. Seeing this, Hermione greeted Hugo and squeezed through the crowd towards where Professor McGonagall was standing.

Unlike the previous two years, this year, as soon as Hugo sat down at the table, many people came to greet him. It seemed everyone was curious about the alchemy competition during the holidays and his receipt of the Order of Merlin, First Class.

Besides that, the Dementor attack on the train and the company's Bald Eagle Patronus were also popular topics, with many people discussing the Dementors and Azkaban.

Everyone's voices grew louder and louder until Professor Dumbledore announced the start of the Sorting Ceremony, and everyone quieted down and watched the group of first-year students, who looked like drowned chickens, go on stage to be sorted.

Because Professor McGonagall had something to do this year, the Sorting Ceremony was overseen by Professor Flitwick, whose qualifications were second only to Professor McGonagall.

He used a clever spell to float himself less than 1 meter off the ground, then held a list in one hand and the Sorting Hat in the other to begin sorting the new students.

The Sorting Ceremony ended quickly. As Professor Flitwick walked out of the hall with an old hat and a three-legged stool, enthusiastic applause rang out in the hall, and everyone couldn't wait to have a big meal.

“Looks like I just missed the Sorting Ceremony.” At that moment, Hermione ran into the Great Hall, hunched over, and sat down in the empty seat next to Hugo.

Just as Hermione sat down, Headmaster Dumbledore stood up from his seat. He first looked around the hall and expressed his welcome to everyone. Then he spoke very seriously about something.

“I have a few words to say to you all, one of which is very serious, and I thought it best to make it clear before you all become befuddled by this delicious meal…”

“You are all probably aware that Dementors searched the Hogwarts Express earlier. Currently, our school will be hosting several Dementors from Azkaban. They are here to carry out official business for the Ministry of Magic.”

At this point, Professor Dumbledore paused. Many students focused their attention on the company sitting behind the teachers' table.

For Dumbledore, although this attack made him feel very annoyed, it was not without its gains. At least the company's use of the Patronus Charm further proved that they were definitely not some evil dark wizard.

After the discussions died down a bit, Dumbledore's expression suddenly became serious, and he said in a solemn tone that everyone would remember.

“During their stay here, I must make it clear that no one is allowed to leave the school without permission. Dementors should not be deceived by pranks or disguises — not even Invisibility Cloaks.”

“Dementors are instinctively unable to understand requests or excuses. Therefore, I warn each and every one of you: do not give them any reason to harm you.”

“At the same time, the prefects in the school, as well as our newly appointed Head Boy and Head Girl, must ensure that no students come into conflict with the Dementors.”

When Professor Dumbledore said this, Percy at the Gryffindor table puffed out his chest and looked around impressively, the golden badge with the letter P shining on his chest.

The hall was silent. Everyone seemed to be frightened by the headmaster's warning. No one moved, and no one made a sound. Because everyone knew that when the headmaster reminded everyone like this, it meant that the situation was indeed very serious.

“Alright, let's talk about something to be happy about.” Headmaster Dumbledore was very satisfied that everyone had listened to his words, so he revealed a smile and said.

“This year, I am very pleased to welcome two new teachers to our team.” “First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly agreed to fill the vacancy for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.”

Dumbledore moved aside a little, signaling everyone to look at the teacher's seat, and took the lead in applauding.

Only a few scattered, unenthusiastic applause rang out in the hall.

Because in the wizarding world, ability is basically directly linked to social status. At the very least, a wizard who can be a professor at Hogwarts shouldn't be so down on their luck. So Lupin, who was dressed shabbily, couldn't help but make people doubt his level.

“As for the second teacher we have appointed,” Dumbledore continued after the not-so-enthusiastic applause for Professor Lupin disappeared.

“Well, I regret to inform you that our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Professor Kettleburn, retired at the end of last year to spend more time with his remaining little rascals.”

“However, I am pleased to say that none other than Rubeus Hagrid will fill his vacancy. Hagrid has agreed to serve as a teacher in addition to his duties as gamekeeper.”