The opening feast was about to begin. According to the usual proceedings, they would start with the Sorting Ceremony, followed by a speech from the Headmaster. If there were any new professors, there would also be a welcome for them, and then they could start eating.
But this year was clearly a little different.
Oh, of course, not in the way the Twins, George and Fred, had hoped—with the Sorting Hat shouting something ridiculous like "Azkaban."
This year, Professor McGonagall was no longer in charge of welcoming the first-years. Professor Snape had taken her place. At that moment, he was leading the new students in through a side door, and they stood in a corner between the Four Houses' long tables and the raised platform where the professors sat.
On the platform, Dumbledore smiled at everyone.
"Welcome, new students!"
As he spoke, the orchestra in the corner, conducted by Professor Flitwick, fell silent.
"And welcome back to our returning students. Welcome home."
Dumbledore braced both hands on the lectern. He wore pink Wizarding Robes embroidered with silver shooting stars, and his silver hair and beard hung down as he looked at everyone through his half-moon spectacles, his eyes full of emotion.
"I think this is a special year. The world is changing too quickly. Anton has led many people to the moon, Voldemort is planning to build a wizarding army in the Americas, and the Ministries of Magic in various countries are in complete disarray."
"As Chief Warlock of the International Confederation of Wizards, I don't think I have enough energy left to devote myself entirely to the school. It's time for me to step down as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
A roar of voices rose from the students below.
This wasn't the first time something