Chapter 323

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The number of conversations suddenly decreased, and the characteristic sound of cutlery meeting dishes could be heard from all sides. I preferred to pay attention to food and not others. However, Ron often attracted the attention of others by talking with his mouth full and then inadvertently scattering crumbs of this very food around him. Or, together with Potter, he will offend our ghost, Nearly Headless Nick.

After dinner, the headmaster reminded everyone again that the Forbidden Forest wasn't called that for fun, and you can get acquainted with the list of forbidden things from Mr. Filch. In addition, the headmaster announced the changes in the teaching staff. Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank will teach the Care of Magical Creatures, and Dolores Umbridge will teach DADA. It was a short, plump lady with curly brown curls on her head and in a surprisingly pink business skirt suit. It was this lady who took advantage of the pause in the headmaster's speech and got up from the table and decided to say a word.

"Thank you, Headmaster," said Umbridge, smiling coyly, in her high, girlish voice with a gasp, "for the kind words of greeting."

She left the table and began to walk slowly along the small podium on which the table itself and the headmaster's throne were located.

"It's nice, I'll tell you, to be back at Hogwarts. To see so many happy little faces turned to me! I look forward to meeting each of you and am convinced that we will become very good friends".

Gradually, the students began to pay less and less attention to Umbridge's speech, preferring to whisper quietly among themselves. The very same protege from the ministry didn't seem to notice this, continuing to speak. However, her tone changed, and the words sounded as if she had rehearsed them many times, having learned to such a state that woke her up at night - she could easily tell everything.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards of vital importance. The rare gifts you were born with can be wasted if not cultivated and honed with careful instruction. The ancient skills that set the magical community apart from all others must be passed down from generation to generation — otherwise, we will lose them forever. To preserve, increase and polish the treasures of magical knowledge accumulated by our ancestors is the primary duty of those who have devoted themselves to the noble cause of teaching".

Umbridge nodded respectfully to the other teachers but received no response.

"Each new headmaster of Hogwarts brought something new to the difficult task of leading this ancient school, and so it should be because, without progress, there will be stagnation and decay. However, progress for the sake of progress should not be encouraged, for most of our time-tested traditions do not need revision. So, a balance is needed between old and new, between constancy and change, between tradition and innovation. Because some of the changes bring real improvement, while others, over the years, reveal their uselessness. Likewise, some of the old customs should be preserved, while those that have become obsolete should be abandoned. Let's take a step into a new era – the era of openness, efficiency, and responsibility. Preserving what deserves to be preserved, perfecting what can be perfected and eradicating what has no place in our lives".

Umbridge returned to her place at the table. Dumbledore clapped. The rest of the teachers followed the headmaster's example, but without a twinkle. As, by the way, the students — purely for decency. Dumbledore spoke up again, talking about some of the organizational nuances.

"Interesting …" Hermione thoughtfully wrapped a lock of hair on her finger.

"Did you like it?" Dean stared at her in surprise.

"No. But in this speech, Professor Umbridge made it clear that the Ministry suddenly had its own vision of how Hogwarts should work. And this vision she will plant no matter what".

When it was time to go to the common rooms, it turned out that Ron Weasley was the prefect. However, he actually very quickly got away with Harry, and the little ones were left unattended without any idea what to do. Anyway, they looked at the departed Harry and Ron with a slight fear and relief. Hermione and Lavender set out to storm the McGonagall fortress. Hmm ... Now I have nothing to do anyway, so:

"First years," slightly increasing the density and volume of magic around me, I looked at the confused first years. "Stand in a column by two."

The kids fussed around in a funny way, but there were nine of them, and one little boy with protruding ears was left behind.

"Abercrombie," the boy immediately looked at me. "You will be the closing one. This is a responsible and important task".

The boy nodded vigorously.

"Excellent. Follow me".

I went to the exit from the hall, and the little ones did not hesitate a second, cheerfully, and quickly followed me.

"Are you the prefect?" Quietly asked the girl, obviously walking with her friend in front of everyone.

"No. Our prefect, Ron Weasley, a friend of Harry Potter, elated with the joy of his post, happily ran away. There are legends that he is not very smart. But, empty talk aside …."

We left the hall and headed down the corridors to the main tower with moving staircases.