When Care of Magical Creatures ended, the students headed back toward the Castle in twos and threes, talking noisily.
"Could Professor Hagrid be back?"
"How could he be? Didn't you see the Ministry of Magic's announcement and bounty? Professor Hagrid violated the Prohibition of Experimental Breeding of Fantastic Beasts Act. He's supposed to stand trial before the Wizengamot."
"But Professor Hagrid hasn't been tried."
"Merlin's slug pies! Mettes, that's the worst part! Professor Hagrid's a fugitive now! The Ministry of Magic has put up wanted posters! What are you thinking?"
"Well, I'm wondering if the new professor was appointed by the Ministry of Magic too, like that Weasley."
"...I hope not, but it's certainly possible."
They were right. Hagrid's flight had caused quite a stir.
Ordinarily, it wouldn't have drawn so much attention. But with the Ministry of Magic deliberately fanning the flames, its media had begun bringing up Dumbledore again, insinuating that he was behind it all. Dumbledore had arranged everything. Dumbledore was an ambitious schemer.
That evening, what happened in the Great Hall at dinner confirmed Mettes's guess.
As dinner began, Will spotted a new face at the professors' table—one he knew fairly well. Surprised, he decided to speak with Dumbledore after dinner.
But that wasn't going to interfere with his meal.
Sylvia sat beside Will as he prepared to attack a Morrissey Sweet Pepper Pork Chop, slathered in sauce, sprinkled with spices, and roasted almost to perfection.
It was richly spicy, enticingly smoky, tender and juicy, with a full, meaty flavor. Will loved it.
Clink! Clink!
Dumbledore tapped the stemmed glass beside him. The clear, ringing sound drew everyone's gaze.
"Sorry to interrupt, everyone, but before dinner begins, please allow me to introduce a new professor."
At Dumbledore's words, the young wizards who had already noticed