Chapter 368: Inside and Outside the Walls of Hogwarts [bonus]
January was almost over.
The first month's commotion had faded. Echoes of the Christmas banquet still rippled through pure-blood circles.
Classes ran on schedule. Meals came and went. The young witches and wizards filling the corridors had shifted their concerns from holiday gossip back to homework and Quidditch.
Dumbledore only appeared in the Great Hall occasionally.
He'd sit at the center of the staff table during meals, exchange a few words with McGonagall or Flitwick, sometimes laughing warmly, sometimes listening with a furrowed brow. More often than not, he left before finishing his plate.
The Daily Prophet remained a picture of calm prosperity. The new Minister, Harold Minchum, had his photograph on the front page twice a week.
Once in the editorial section, emphasizing that the Ministry maintained the highest vigilance regarding the current situation and would take all necessary measures in accordance with the law.
Once in the international section, attending the annual reception of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, shaking hands and smiling with the French Minister for Magic.
Page three carried the occasional brief report on werewolf attacks. Short pieces, restrained language, stressing that investigations were underway, urging witches and wizards to remain alert.