Chapter 56

Using the Floo at three broomstick pub at Hogsmeade, I made my way towards Hogwarts. As I was neither a student nor a teacher yet, I didn't have access through the Hogwarts wards. As Headmaster allows the new teachers access at the start of the term, I had to go through the front entrance of the castle, which is the only way for visitors to come inside.

But I didn't mind and leisurely walked to the castle entrance.

As the Hogwarts express had already arrived at Hogsmeade station, I expected the students to come here soon. So, I didn't waste any time and went straight to the great hall. Some of the teachers were already present, though Headmaster, deputy headmistress and newly appointed high Inquisitor were noticeably absent.

As I approached the staff table, I greeted the ones present there and took my seat. Soon the older year students started to come in. In around ten minutes, almost all of the students except the first year and all the staff members were present in the great hall.

Most noticeable was the New high Inquisitor, Dolores Umbridge. Got to say that the books didn't do her character justice. She was even more hideous then depicted in the books. Even though I expected it to some extent and prepared myself in advance, I nearly gagged when I saw her for the first time. So much pink, I almost thought that I was going to go colour blind. I don't know what spell she used, but it is certainly working in making everyone hate her the moment they saw her. What's worse was her sickly sweet and high pitched voice. You might think that I am over exaggerating but I assure you that I am not. You see, due to my dual animagus forms of falcon and wolf, my sense of hearing and eyesight are much stronger. Add on that Ritual I did to enhance my body last year, all of my senses are many times that of average wizard's. So her overall pink theme and high pitched sickly sweet voice is affecting me much more than the rest.

Shit, even though it was my idea to have her here, I don't think I can endure this torture for one whole year. I think it will be for the greater good if she were to suddenly drop dead during this Hogwarts year. Yes, a horrible person like her who tortures students and someone as blood bigoted as her deserve to die and for the greater good, I am willing to undertake the task myself.

But, damm it all, every time I look at her ugly mug, I want nothing more than to vanish her out of existence. Good thing I am a master occlumans, otherwise I don't know if I could endure this torture.

I was brought out of my thoughts when deputy headmistress McGonagall brought in the new first-year students for their sorting.

Soon the sorting of the new students started but I didn't pay any attention to it as there were no noticeable characters amongst the new students. Instead, I focused on older students. Actually, many of them were pointing at me and Umbridge. I can sense their confusion as there is only one opening for DADA professor and there are two of us new staff members seating on the staff table. Many of them were guessing about which one of going to be their new DADA professor.

Soon, the sorting of new first-year students was finished. Dumbledore stood up and started his speech, "Good evening, everyone. Now, we have a few changes in staff this year. Please welcome back professor Grubbly-plank, who will be substituting classes in care of magical creatures subject, while professor Hagrid is on temporary leave. We also wish to welcome our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, professor Aiden Canis, I am sure most of older year students remember him and the ministry appointed High Inquisitor, Dolores Umbridge. I am sure you will all join me in wishing them good luck. Also our caretaker Mr Filch has asked me to remind you-"

"*hem hem*" here Umbridge interrupted Dumbledore and stood up from her seat and started, "Thank you, Headmaster, for the kind words of welcome. how lovely to see all your bright happy faces smiling up at me. The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards of vital importance. But, sadly it has come to the ministry's notice that the educational standards for this great institution have fallen in the last few years. So, to ensure that students get the proper education, our esteemed Minister of magic, Cornelius Fudge has appointed me as the High Inquisitor. I am sure we are all going to be very good friends."

[Soft applause]

"Thank you, Madam Umbridge, for the most illuminating speech. Now, just like previous years, the forbidden forest is out of bounds for the students and doing magic in the hallway is strictly prohibited. Now, without any further adieu, let the feast begin."