Chapter 342: The Sorting Ceremony

"Sorry, I hope I'm not too late."

The smiling Dumbledore spoke loudly to the students.

Umbridge, who was sitting on the staff seat, also smiled, stood up, and said in her high-pitched voice. "No, Dumbledore, you came just right. I thought I was going to host."

Several other Head of Houses showed displeasure, even though you were a professor from the Ministry of Magic.

But even if Dumbledore didn't come, it would have been Professor McGonagall who would have said that.

And Dumbledore didn't care. He asked Harry and the others to return to the Gryffindor's Long Table and came to the High Table.

The gleaming platters on the four long tables were suddenly filled with food.

"There's much time for speeches, so eat now!"

When the voice fell, the Great Hall was filled with the sound of knives and forks colliding with plates, and many people were already starving.

Umbridge didn't care about Dumbledore's ignorance. She smiled, took a Magic Web device, and pointed at it.

"She looks so disgusting, and my mother says she's a flatterer who climbed the ranks by Fudge and is said to be Fudge's concubine."

Luna and Alvin all gasped. Fudge's taste was very strong!

Astoria did not look at the pink toad on the High Table. She sat by Alvin's side.

She just confirmed the relationship. The little witch can't wait to always stick to Alvin's side, and she doesn't go to Slytherin's Long Table.

Cho nodded in agreement, Umbridge was an old employee of the Ministry of Magic, and almost everyone knew her.

Her parents knew something about Umbridge, and no one who had worked with Umbridge had good things to say about her.

She takes other people's credit, brags about his background, and often promotes bloodline theory.

She even tried to set up a register of Muggle-born wizards, but it was rejected.

Listening to their complaints, Alvin finished eating a piece of pork chop and said. "Don't pay attention to her. She is a clown. Tell me if she targets you."

The words full of security warmed the hearts of the girls.

When the dinner was over, the Table was clean again, Dumbledore stood up, and everyone knew he would speak.

"Next, I have something to announce."

"Unfortunately, Hagrid, our Professor of Care of Magical Creatures, has temporarily left us."

There was joy on the faces of some of the little wizards. Does this mean they don't have to care for such disgusting creatures?

Dumbledore didn't care about their reactions and continued to introduce them. "Professor Silvanus Kettleburn has finally agreed to return to our midst after my strong persuasion."

There was warm applause from the audience, an old man with wounds all over his body and a prosthetic leg stood up and bowed slightly.

Regardless of his gentleness, this professor is also a restless master. He once created a record of at least 62 class probation periods during his tenure at the school, and no one has been able to break it until now.

These scars on his body were brought to him by those dangerous magical creatures.

"Dumbledore, remember, I will only teach for two months. You still need to find someone to replace me. I want to go to South America to observe Salamanders!"

Kettleburn reminded Dumbledore, who nodded to show that he understood.

"Of course, old man. I've actually found your replacement, but the new professor has some business to deal with."

After introducing him, before Dumbledore could speak, Umbridge stood up and asked in a sweet voice.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I think it's my turn?"

Dumbledore was a little stunned. Before he could react for a while, Umbridge coughed twice and said in a speech-like manner.

"The Ministry of Magic has always believed that educating young wizards is an important matter of identity, so I came here as the Senior Deputy Minister of Magic. Mr. Fudge sent me here hoping you will receive the best education."

"I believe that under the leadership of the Ministry of Magic, you will be able to learn what you need this semester, and some traditional dross will no longer exist."

"As your new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, I will bring you a different experience."

After speaking about this, she sat down. Dumbledore started clapping, and the other professors followed, but everyone was very perfunctory.

"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge. Then the next thing is more important, and I need you to focus."

Umbridge's long speech had made some of the little wizards drowsy, and he had to use an Amplifying Charm to wake them up.

"Everyone knows that a Dark Lord left his cage during the summer vacation."

Everyone who knew something about Grindelwald would know the seriousness of this matter.

"Darkness has shrouded us, and besides what you can see, other dangers are lurking around us."

Umbridge frowned slightly, trying to interrupt Dumbledore's words. Still, Professor McGonagall stared at her seriously, making her give up the idea.

When she first arrived, she decided to endure it for a while.

Dumbledore's speech continued. "In these special times, unity is our only way out, and I can guarantee that you are safest as long as you are at Hogwarts!"

When the words fell, the Weasley twins slapped the Table vigorously, and soon thunderous applause broke out in the Great Hall.

As this century's most powerful white wizard, his promise can still bring a great sense of security.

"Professor! You beat Grindelwald decades ago. Why don't you catch him now?"

A Gryffindor student stood up and shouted loudly. The applause fell quickly, and everyone looked at Dumbledore curiously, waiting for his answer.

"I'm sorry folks, I've tried, but Grindelwald has been missing for a while. Until today, when he showed up at King's Cross and attacked Mr. Potter."

Thousands of waves were stirred for a while, and everyone opened their mouths and looked at Harry, who was safe and sound. They thought it was Dumbledore who beat Grindelwald away.

What they didn't know was that Dumbledore didn't react at all this time.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

The twins also only knew these things now and asked in disbelief.

Harry smiled bitterly. "I was taken to the Headmaster's office as soon as I got back, so I don't have a chance."

The twins thought about it, and it seemed to be the case, so they let Harry go.

It is in this eccentric atmosphere that this year's school opening dinner is over.