Chapter 186 - Professor Pollen (2/2)
Rowan reflexively claps at hearing those around her clap but doesn't really pay attention beyond a single name that of J. E. Prewitt. The boy was sorted into Ravenclaw thankfully. But according to Molly Weasley herself, she said that she and her brothers were the last of the Prewett. Possibly a distant cousin, who died in the war? It wasn't until she realized that it was PREWITT and not PREWETT. There was a one letter difference, how embarrassing.
After some time, finally, the last name is shouted as the hall once more falls silent. At the head of the table, Albus Dumbledore stands with his gleaming white hair and beard. Wearing his usual exorbitant styled robes, he beams at all of them from behind his half-moon spectacles. ”Welcome to Hogwarts on this rather fierce night!” A soft rumbling chuckle is heard at the accurate remark.
”As we are all aware, Professor Adric still tragically remains missing. He shall be missed, I am sure,” Dumbledore said as more than one face disagreed with the statement as that was not the case at all. ”As such the Dueling club is once more discontinued until further notice.”
There is a loud collective moan from this year's 5th and 7th years. Professor Adric was an utter git, but at least he knew how to teach. And more importantly, he had been an excellent dueler. The 5th and 7th years could only desperately hope that the latest professor was more like Professor Adric and not like Professor Stricken.
Seeing the depressed faces of the 5th and 7th years, Dumbledore's eyes twinkle as he eyes, ”On that note, please welcome our newest professor for the post, Professor Pollen.”
Everyone claps as they crane their necks to gaze at the new professor. Professor Pollen was a straight, almost flat-chested woman with curly hair to her shoulders and a sprinkle of freckles over the bridge of her nose. And unlike the professor before her, Professor Pollen had a warm inviting smile on her face. This more than anything caused a sigh of relief at the normal sight.
Seeing their hungry impatient expressions, Dumbledore says, ”And let us eat!” The students cheer and happily turn to face forward as the golden goblets and plates filled with food.
With care, Rowan picked that which she liked and served herself. Enjoying the lovely meal, she managed to eat two plates plus a plateful of dessert. Satisfied, she cleansed her pallet with raspberry sherbet. ”I must say, they really outdid themselves this year,” Rowan privately thought to herself with gratitude towards the Hogwarts elves.
As usual, the Great Hall fell silent once more after a time, where Dumbledore gave his usual speech, before leading them off into a song. Clearing his misty eyes, Dumbledore says, ”Well off to bed!”
Stretching with a groan, Terry and Severus followed with huge bellies. ”That's what you get for eating four plates and two plates of dessert,” Rowan chided them.
”But it was so good,” Terry moaned.
”I regret nothing,” Severus said under his breath.
”So, you say now,” Rowan said with a dubious glance. Ignoring them, she followed the rest of the Slytherins that were heading towards the dorms.
Climbing up the stairs, Rowan read the name tags on the doors until she found theirs on the third floor. Apparently, they'd finally been moved to leave the lower levels for the younger 1st years. It was tradition, they'd not be moved again until their sixth year.
Stepping inside, Rowan was the first one inside as the girls were still several doors down from her. Seeing her find their dorm, they eagerly surged forward as Rowan once more found her bed next to the door. ”Well, at least we're up higher now,” Rowan muttered not knowing if that was a good thing or not.
”Ah, I'm so tired,” Tiffany groaned as she flopped down onto her bed that now had bed curtains. A handy feature to keep the cold out and to give the sleeper some privacy.
”Well, as soon as you undress, you can go to bed,” Silvia said as she began to ready herself for bed.
With a loud groan, Tiffany got up to put on her pajamas, before crawling into bed. She wasn't the only one as everyone else did the same and fell fast asleep including Rowan. And honestly speaking, they were going to need it as this would not be an easy year for them.