At those words, everyone who had been in the compartment turned to Harry and Hermione, because Hermione had told them not to tell anyone else about Harry's Patronus token capturing the Dementors just yet, lest it cause trouble for Harry and Professor Holmes.
Harry, meanwhile, looked toward Douglas at the staff table.
But Douglas was whispering something to Professor Sprout beside him, as though this had nothing to do with him.
Dumbledore continued:
"The Dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the school from now on. I must make this clear: while they are here, no one is to leave the school without permission.
"No trickery, deception, or disguise can fool a Dementor-even an Invisibility Cloak."
At that, Harry exchanged a glance with Ron. He even felt that the headmaster was deliberately singling him out. Was he really that unreliable in their eyes?
Dumbledore paused again, surveying the Great Hall with a very grave expression. No one moved or made a sound. Then he continued:
"It is not in a Dementor's nature to understand excuses or pleas for mercy, so I remind everyone here not to give them any reason to harm you.
"Of course, I must also remind those students proficient in the Patronus Charm and a certain kind of Lumos that I hope you will cooperate with the prefects and our newly elected Head Boy and Head Girl, protecting other students while avoiding any conflict with the Dementors..."
The Head Boy and Head Girl exchanged a look across the distance, then each turned toward the students who had performed so well aboard the express.
Then Dumbledore smiled again and said:
"Let us turn to a happier subject.
"First, let us welcome Professor Holmes back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He will continue to serve as