Chapter 611: The Ignored Umbridge
Sirius was taken away by the Ministry of Magic?
When Kyle first overheard the news, he thought it was some sort of joke. But as more fifth years joined the conversation, the truth of it became undeniable. Even the Gryffindor fifth years were buzzing about it, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione hadn't even come to the Great Hall for dinner.
Kyle turned to Susan Bones, the nearest fifth-year Hufflepuff, and asked, "Susan, did you say Professor Black was taken away by the Ministry of Magic?"
"Yes," Susan replied, her expression grave. "Defense Against the Dark Arts was our last class this morning. Near the end of the lesson, some people from the Ministry suddenly walked in. The leader claimed someone had complained that Professor Black wasn't fulfilling his duties as a teacher and that students had been injured in his class."
"Oh, and Headmaster Dumbledore was there too."
Kyle frowned, about to respond, when the doors to the Great Hall swung open with a sharp creak.
Dumbledore entered, his expression uncharacteristically serious. Behind him, a witch in a pink cardigan followed, her saccharine smile starkly out of place. Trailing behind them, Ron and Hermione struggled to restrain an irate Harry, pulling him toward the Gryffindor table as he attempted to storm toward the headmaster.
Most students barely noticed Harry's outburst, their attention fixed instead on Dumbledore and the woman beside him. The whispers grew louder, filling the hall with speculation.
Reaching the staff table, Dumbledore turned to face the room. Raising a hand, he said in his calm, commanding tone, "I must ask for your attention. Before you enjoy your meal, I need to take a moment to announce two important matters."
The Great Hall fell silent.
Dumbledore continued, "First, regarding Professor Black, he has been asked to cooperate with the Ministry of Magic in an investigation. During this time, he will not be able to teach you."