Tver helped Dumbledore decorate the Great Hall, making it look as good as new and filling it with the fresh energy of the new school year. However, this task was traditionally handled by Professor McGonagall, so even Dumbledore found himself somewhat unsure during the setup, not as skilled as Tver.
"To anyone who doesn't know, they'd probably think you're the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts..." Tver, in a lighthearted mood, couldn't resist teasing Dumbledore.
"Ahem," Dumbledore's face flushed slightly. "Minerva has always been outstanding. I trust her completely with these tasks."
It was the first time Tver had heard such a refreshingly unconventional excuse for slacking off. With a "I've learned something new" look on his face, he made his way to the staff table, where several professors had already arrived early. Naturally, that included the newcomer, Lupin.
He was chatting awkwardly with Professor Flitwick, clearly still adjusting to his role as a teacher. After all, a life of constant upheaval had left him unaccustomed to such a warm, stable environment.
"Remus," Tver plopped down beside him, her tone full of concern, "how's the adjustment to school life going?"
"Tver, you've only been here for two years, but Remus has been here for seven!" Professor Flitwick immediately retorted.
Tver paused, realizing he'd made a bit of a blunder.
"Alright, but at least I have more experience as a professor? How's your lesson preparation going for tomorrow? Feeling nervous?"
Lupin seemed momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected Tver, after corresponding for half a month, to be so casual. He clearly remembered when Tver had single-handedly taken down the werewolves!
"It's... going okay?" he answered hesitantly.
On the train, he had already heard plenty of students praising Professor Fawley and expressing excitement about this year's lessons. He'd even overheard them saying that if another incompetent professor was assigned to share the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, they'd take matters into their own hands—either lock them in Azkaban or send them straight to St. Mungo's!
This made him doubt the lesson plans he'd spent a month preparing. Even if he was struggling to find work elsewhere, surely that was better than being thrown into Azkaban?
But Tver slapped him hard on the shoulder, helping to steady his confidence.
"Don't worry! The students are easy to please. Give them a set of questions, and they'll be happy. Besides, your ideas are brilliant—they'll love it!"
"But aren't you resentful that I'm taking over your class?" Lupin asked.
"Not at all!" Tver slapped Lupin's shoulder even more enthusiastically, knocking off some of the little weight he'd gained. "With someone as outstanding as you, I have no worries leaving the job to you!"
Dumbledore silently observed from the side, somewhat speechless at Tver's tendency to say whatever came to mind.
"Enough talk—the new students are arriving," he quickly reminded, preventing Tver from saying anything else peculiar.
As soon as Dumbledore spoke, the chattering in the Great Hall quieted down instantly. The new batch of little "radishes," clearly uncomfortable under the spotlight, timidly lined up and entered the hall.
Seeing this, Tver couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic, looking at them as if he were an old professor. Who would have thought that these well-behaved little radishes would, in just a few days, blend right into Hogwarts' mischievous atmosphere?
However, the rainstorm that day was severe, and many first-years—and even some upperclassmen—had their robes soaked, trying to get as close to the torches as possible to dry off. Tver noticed several students showing signs of catching a cold.
With Dumbledore's permission, he stood up before the Sorting Ceremony began, drawing surprised glances from the crowd. With a flick of his wand, a gentle, warm breeze began to swirl from its tip. This breeze was like the soft wind of a hairdryer, warm and comforting, sweeping over the entire hall and enveloping every student and their robes.
Several students immediately stood up, spreading their arms and legs wide, forming a "大" shape, to let the warm air reach every corner of their robes. But they didn't forget to cheer.
"Professor Fawley, could you blow just on me?"
"Professor, I want to learn that!"
"Professor Fawley, I'm freezing—could you give me a hug?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I want a hug too!"
Ahem, the last two lines were clearly the Weasley twins fooling around. They stood up and mimed hugging, causing the students to burst into laughter.
"You two can hug yourselves."
Tver reluctantly lowered his wand, but not before giving the twins a tap.
Instantly, the twins clung to each other, unable to break free no matter how hard they struggled.
The students' laughter grew louder.
Feeling the cheerful atmosphere, the new students immediately felt more at ease, whispering to their newly made friends and discussing the young professor.
Even when Professor Flitwick approached with the student roster and the Sorting Hat, smiles remained on their faces.
As for Professor McGonagall, she had already taken Harry and Hermione away before the ceremony even began.
Tver stroked his chin thoughtfully, watching the new students being sorted.
According to the plan, Hermione was supposed to receive a specially requested Time-Turner to solve her class schedule conflicts.
Students who chose the full course load were typically given one. Not many chose this path, but Percy was one of them.
That was why he had borrowed one for a brief study session earlier.
However, the inner workings of the Time-Turner were too complex and delicate.
Without dismantling it, Tver couldn't understand it. And if he did take it apart, he couldn't guarantee that there wouldn't be time-related issues.
As for usage, the Time-Turner couldn't handle too much magical energy, nor could it travel too far back in time. That's why it was usually only loaned to younger wizards to attend classes.
Someone like Percy, now in his seventh year, had gradually reduced his use of the Time-Turner because his magical energy was nearing its limit.
While Tver was lost in thought, the Sorting Ceremony wrapped up smoothly, and the newly sorted first-years sat down at their respective house tables.
Dumbledore then began his pre-dinner speech.
"I would like to thank Professor Fawley for helping to warm you up a bit."
"But I must remind you, there are many unfriendly guardians surrounding the school this year. You've probably already experienced that on the train."
"So, do not try to provoke Dementors, and do not try to deceive them. They are not fooled by Invisibility Cloaks or Disillusionment Charms, nor will they be deterred by the Shield Charm of a badge!"
"Otherwise, they will not hesitate to leave you with lifelong injuries before any professor can intervene!"
This was the first time the students had seen Dumbledore speak so seriously.
Normally, he was like a kindly old man.
But now, they felt a chill run through them.
Naturally, they also remembered the terrifying sensation on the train—who would dare provoke such horrifying creatures?
Dumbledore was satisfied with the fear he saw in their eyes, which was exactly why he hadn't dealt with the Dementors on the train or at the entrance.
"Additionally, I am pleased to announce that this year, we will be welcoming two new professors. First, Professor Hagrid, who will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures—"
Dumbledore was interrupted by a burst of applause from the students, filling the hall.
The applause continued even after Hagrid had sat down, forcing Dumbledore to raise his hand and silence the noise.
"And Professor Lupin, who will teach Defense Against the Dark Arts alongside Professor Fawley."
This time, only a sparse round of applause followed, mostly from a few professors like Tver.
The students almost started booing, but seeing even Professor Fawley clapping, they hesitantly joined in for a short moment.
However, the applause didn't last long, as the delicious food had already been served!
The new school year had officially begun!