THE SHADOW PATH ⎯ james potter

[029]

chapter twenty-nine:

an uncertain future

The Great Hall seemed to bounce with anticipation that always marked the start of a new school year at Hogwarts. Candles floated above the four long house tables, casting a warm, flickering light over the sea of students, all dressed in their robes and whispering excitedly to one another. The enchanted ceiling above them mirrored the dusky sky outside, with stars beginning to peek through the fading daylight.

Ellie sat at the Slytherin table beside Charlotte, their heads close together as they whispered about the summer and the upcoming year. Across from them sat Dorcas, Barty, Regulus, and Evan, all wearing polite but guarded expressions. 

Their interactions had become more courteous over the past year, the events they'd been through together forging a tentative bond between them. Still, an unspoken tension lingered, a reminder that their friendship was a delicate balance between their house loyalties and the secrets they shared.

"Do you think this year will be... normal?" Charlotte asked quietly, her eyes scanning the hall nervously.

Ellie glanced around at the familiar faces, from the gleeful first-years at the front to the seasoned seventh-years at the back. "Normal is a bit of a stretch," she replied with a small smile. "But here's hoping for fewer ancient rituals and dark secrets."

Charlotte laughed softly, but the sound was tinged with worry. The past two years had been anything but normal, and the shadow of those experiences still hung over them.

Their conversation was interrupted by a soft murmur that swept through the hall as Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat at the staff table. The Headmaster's presence commanded immediate attention, and the students quickly quieted, eager to hear his annual speech.

"Welcome, welcome!" Dumbledore began, his voice carrying easily over the silent hall. "Another year at Hogwarts is upon us."

Ellie noticed Charlotte straighten in her seat, her gaze fixed on the Headmaster. She could feel the eyes of the other Slytherins on them too, especially Regulus, who had a keen interest in anything Dumbledore had to say.

"As you embark on this new academic year," Dumbledore continued, his twinkling eyes sweeping over the students, "I encourage you all to embrace the lessons that come your way, not just within the classroom, but outside of it as well. We learn from our books and our professors, yes, but we also learn from our friendships, our trials, and our mistakes."

Ellie felt a pang of guilt as Dumbledore's words seemed to hit close to home. She thought about the weight of the secrets she carried, the truth about her family, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. But she also felt a sense of determination. Whatever this year held, she would face it head-on.

"And now," Dumbledore said, a note of seriousness entering his tone, "it is my great pleasure to introduce a new member of our faculty. Please join me in welcoming Professor Slythe, who will be taking over as our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

The hall broke into polite applause, though there was an undercurrent of curiosity and apprehension. Defense Against the Dark Arts had a notoriously high turnover rate for professors, and each new appointment was met with a mix of hope and skepticism.

Ellie's attention snapped to the staff table as a tall, regal-looking woman stood and gave a small nod to the students. Professor Slythe was striking, with dark hair, and piercing green eyes that seemed to hold a depth of knowledge—and something more, something unsettling. Her robes were a deep, rich green that seemed to shimmer as she moved, and there was an air of quiet confidence about her that immediately set her apart from the rest of the staff.