Chapter 248 The New Professor At D.c.a.d
The Wizengamot's verdict on Peter Pettigrew was half praised and half protested, leaving many dissatisfied. Some believed Peter should be executed, either by direct murder or through the Dementor's Kiss.
When the truth of the incident was first revealed, those voices were very loud.
Over time, wizards gradually calmed down, with some starting to think such practice was too cruel. Even if Peter Pettigrew deserved it, the Dementor's Kiss was deemed too inhumane. The number of wizards holding this opinion was gradually increasing.
However, when Peter was placed in Azkaban Wizard Prison, people were restless. After all, there was Sirius' escape case.
Even with the Ministry repeatedly guaranteeing strict monitoring of Pettigrew, the outside world was still filled with doubts. They did not trust Fudge and the Ministry of Magic.
Under such circumstances, wizards became increasingly curious about Sirius Black, the only wizard to have ever escaped from Azkaban guarded by the Dementors.
Many wizards lined up early to wait for the shop to open upon learning that the special edition of the day from the Hogwarts Magic Headquarters at Diagon Alley 36 would publish the first exclusive report on Sirius' escape.
Apart from novelty and adventure enthusiasts, many simply adored Sirius.
Just as they adored Lockhart a year ago, once the truth was revealed, the brave and fearless Sirius became the object of admiration for many.
Unlike the Muggle world, the magical world revered power; wizards needed their heroes.
After Lockhart's true face was exposed, people were disappointed and began seeking new individuals to replace him. The emergence of Sirius Black filled that void.
He was a well-deserved hero, a fighter against the dark forces.
Moreover, the new hero looked very handsome, and everything about him was even better than before. Many witches, including Mrs. Weasley's age group, were madly in love with him.
The spotlight of the day was Sirius Black's first public appearance after being acquitted.
Although it was the last day of the Christmas holidays, his fans gathered there to see him and get his autograph.
Among the crowd were also many young wizards. They didn't come for Sirius Black but to buy magic tricks from the Weasleys and other interesting magical items made by other Hogwarts wizards about to be sold on the store's ground floor.
In the paper, Evan had advertised almost everything.
His strategy was successful and managed to stir the entire magical world.
At that moment, a long line formed outside the store, stretching to the street corner. More and more people were joining.
"Calm down, Sirius, you just have to sit here and sign. It's very simple," Evan said, looking at Sirius, who seemed somewhat restless.
"I'd rather fight Death Eaters than do this again!" Sirius Black squeezed the pen in his hand, nearly breaking the penholder due to his force.
Unlike Lockhart, he had not yet adjusted to being in the limelight.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I will help you, and the sales on the ground floor are all handled by Fred, George, Ginny, Dobby, and Kreacher," Evan ordered. "Especially Dobby and Kreacher, both of you must make an effort to get used to this. After today, you will be in charge of camp work and daily sales."
"Yes, sir!" said the excited Dobby. It was his first time doing something like this.
Kreacher remained silent. He gazed suspiciously at the Weasley's fireworks in front of him. He seemed to be contemplating that spectacle, and from the expression in his eyes, it appeared he thought what was happening before him was absurd. If it weren't for Sirius' orders, he would have turned around and left long ago.
In Evan's plan, due to financial constraints, he did not intend to hire too many people. The gathering of newspaper manuscripts could still be completed as before. In the store, Lupin and Dobby would generally be present. Kreacher should also be able to help.
As for Sirius, he was also ready to assist in the store.
However, this morning, he received a letter from Dumbledore, inviting him to replace Lupin as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.
He accepted the invitation, and everyone was very happy upon hearing the news.
Harry, in particular, was thrilled beyond measure. He could not believe that his godfather would become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, his favorite class.
Evan was also very eager to see Snape's reaction upon encountering Sirius.
Unlike Professor Lupin, who was kind and averse to conflict, Sirius would undoubtedly stand up to Snape with his explosive personality.
There was no doubt that the second semester would be very exciting. Not only between the two of them, but also a showdown between Gryffindor and Slytherin. The competition for the House Cup this year was sure to be fierce.
Furthermore, Sirius promised Evan to help him gain recognition from the tribe of centaurs in the Forbidden Forest, and then obtain the key to the Gryffindor's Treasure.
Evan could not wait to acquire this item that could enhance his magic.
Indeed, the happiest individuals, apart from Evan and Harry, were Fred and George. The more chaos that ensued, the more opportunities they would have to play pranks. Many of the mischievous products that Mrs. Weasley and Hermione deemed dangerous and prohibited could be sold.
"Are you ready? It's about to happen. Let's open the door," Evan said as he approached to help Lupin open the shop door.
Dobby, the house-elf, remained nervous behind the counter on the ground floor, watching as the crowd flowed in like the tide. They chattered excitedly and headed straight for Sirius in the center of the room.
While Lockhart continued to sell well, wizards were purchasing a special edition of the Hogwarts Magic newspaper and walking away with two photos that Sirius was signing.
Sirius smiled stiffly, striving to bear the situation.
As they waited in line, the wizards curiously eyed the wide array of products on the counter, many of which were both fascinating and practical. It was hard to believe they were the works of young wizards. When they spotted something intriguing, they made a purchase.
Facing the counter where Fred and George were in charge, there were early crowds of young wizards buying joke products. Their products were highly sought after and quickly sold out.
Evan noticed Fred and George sneaking up on Mrs. Weasley and Hermione, handing over a hefty order to a young wizard purchasing their products, filled with items that had previously been banned by Mrs. Weasley.
In conclusion, the seemingly chaotic opening of this shop was a great success. Even the Muggle items deliberately placed in the corner by Evan attracted many buyers.
Though not many, gradually people began to make their way to that corner. To wizards, these were very novel gadgets, and surely more interested individuals would come by.