CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── "Where'd you come from?"
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Y/N POV
"Welcome!" Dumbledore's voice boomed, reverberating through the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling reflected a twilight sky filled with stars, and the room was alive with the warm glow of hundreds of floating candles. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!"
The students around me burst into applause, and I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Despite the whirlwind of emotions I'd been dealing with lately, especially with Draco Malfoy, I felt content to be back at school.
My eyes drifted toward the Slytherin table, searching for the blonde boy out of habit. As if sensing my gaze, he was already watching me. A small, knowing smile curved his lips. There was something comforting in his expression, and for a brief second, I allowed myself to return a small smile in his direction.
"First," Dumbledore continued, "I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor."
The hall erupted with polite applause, but it wasn't until Dumbledore's next announcement that the students truly came alive. "I'm also delighted to announce that Care of Magical Creatures will now be taught by none other than our very own Rubeus Hagrid!"
With a gasp of excitement, I turn over to Seamus, who returned the same wide-eyed expression. The two of us cheered loudly as we watched Hagrid rise to a stance, nearly knocking over the table.
But Dumbledore's voice took a darker tone as he continued, "Finally, on a more serious note..."
How many more announcements could there possibly be?
"Hogwarts, at the request of the Ministry of Magic will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban." He said.
The atmosphere in the Great Hall shifted instantly, from excitement to unease. My eyes widened as I took in the gravity of what he'd just said. The dementors. Here. At Hogwarts.
"The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. While they are under strict orders not to enter the castle itself, you will on occasion see them as you go about your daily activities. Under no circumstances are you to approach them. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving." Dumbledore said.
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The next morning, I made sure to wake up earlier than usual. I checked my schedule again: Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, then Defense Against the Dark Arts. Simple enough. After getting ready, I slipped out of the common room and headed toward the North Tower for my first class.
