It was late in the evening when Cael and the twins carefully made their way back to the castle. With the help of the Marauder's Map, they managed to avoid Filch and any patrolling professors. Fortunately, Filch was tucked away in his office with Mrs. Norris, as usual, leaving the corridors empty for their quiet return to the Gryffindor common room.
And so, the days of the Christmas holidays came to an end.
It was the sixth of January, the dawn of a freshly minted year — 1991. The train from London had arrived, bringing the returning students to Hogsmeade Station. Like a line of chicks trailing behind their mother hen, the students followed Hagrid up the snowy path to the castle. One by one, they entered the Great Hall for yet another welcome feast.
Cael walked in with the crowd as came down from Gryffindor dorm , his eyes scanning the hall now buzzing with chatter and the clinking of cutlery. As he took his seat at the Gryffindor table, something caught his attention — a new face among the staff at the teachers' table. It was a man with jet-black hair, sharp black eyes behind glasses, engaged in conversation with Professor Dumbledore.
Before Cael could dwell on it further, Angelina approached, her tone slightly bashful.
"Hello, Cael. How are you? How was your holidays? Hopefully, you enjoyed them… especially with the twins, as they make everything joyful and with the mix of some annoying pranks " she added with a knowing smile.
Cael returned her smile with playful charm. "Hello, stunning lady. I'm good, and yes, we did enjoy it. Especially sneaking out and visiting Hogsmeade — that was quite the adventure."
At that, Alicia, who had been listening in, chimed in eagerly.
"Oh, I'm so jealous! You know we aren't allowed to go there until next year. Tell me, did you visit Madam Rosmerta's inn? It's very famous!"
Cael grinned. "No, actually. We didn't. We just explored the area a bit — it was our first time, after all. But next time, we'll definitely visit the inn."
Moments later, Katie slid onto the bench beside him, greeting everyone cheerfully.
"Hello, everyone long time no see ."
Then her eyes found Cael, and she smiled warmly. "Oh, thanks for the Christmas gift! I loved it. And… how about you did you liked my scarf? Hope you enjoy it's warmth in this weather ?"
Cael's smile deepened as he responded, "I loved it. It's beautiful. Did you make it yourself?"
Katie giggled softly. "No, my mum made it. She loves knitting and making that sort of thing."
The conversation flowed as other girls at the table also exchanged thanks for gifts, laughter filling the space between them.
It was then that Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair, his calm and composed voice carrying across the Great Hall, silencing the chatter.
"Welcome, welcome… our next pillar of the wizarding world," he began, his eyes twinkling as they scanned the students. "I hope you all had a warm and joyful Christmas with your friends and families, surrounded by love and happiness."
The attention in the hall shifted once more to the new man seated beside him, whose presence had already sparked whispers and curious glances. Dumbledore's expression turned fond as he gestured toward him.
"After the unfortunate accident that befell Professor Line last term, I have invited my dearest friend to take up the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. He is a resourceful wizard, a former student of mine — and some of you may already know him."
The man rose from his seat, his smile confident yet approachable, dressed elegantly as the room held its collective breath.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"I present to you… Mr. James Potter."