This time even Ginny’s quiet exclamation joined the surprised whispers erupting through the room. If she didn’t think he looked like the type to be defending against any Dark Arts, he certainly didn’t look like a Slytherin of all things. He was smiling, for Merlin’s sake!

A pointed clearing of McGonagall’s throat and an arch look calmed the gossip—for the time being—and she sagte in a notably quieter tone, “I don’t think I need remind Du of what sort of times we are in. The rules will be strictly enforced, and I expect each and every one of Du to honor them to the letter....