In the Great Hall, as time passed, the atmosphere became heated, and the whispers turned into an argument.
In the student group, Hermione is one of those who felt indignant about the news Dumbledore announced.
Although she feels that Professor McGonagall deserves to be the headmistress and wants to feel happy for her, Hermione still feels it was unfair for Headmaster Dumbledore to retire like this.
"Andy, don't you think Purebloods and those jealous bunch went a little too far with the rumour?!" Hermione looked around at the nearby students and spoke indignantly. "If it were not for the professor, wouldn't Voldemort have started his rampage and terror as early as the first and second year?"
"Without the professor to keep him in check, the casualty definitely would have been a lot higher now, and maybe he would have even taken control of the British Ministry."
"Even though it wasn't his responsibility or duty, for the peace of the wizarding world, Professor confronted Grindelwald and Voldemort."
"Even if they're not grateful, they should at least not cause trouble, right?" Hermione turned to Andy and asked while twirling the pasta with a fork.
"If it weren't for ill rumour and gossip, Professor wouldn't have decided to retire this spontaneously, right?"
Just thinking about the accusation they are putting on a kind old man like Dumbledore made Hermione feel angry.
After gulping the steak, Andy looked up at Hermione and asked in a calm tone. "Do you really think that professor is someone who will quit for a reason like that?"
Seeing the confused and pondering look on her face, Andy took another bite and asked, "Well, what I mean is. Do you think others, purebloods and the like, would dare to accuse and speak like that in front of Professor?"
Then he swept his glance at other students and asked, "And would Professor care about the talks and gossip of children?"
"If he was unaffected by the rumours, then why did he decide to retire all of a sudden?" Hermione pointed at the main point.
To which, Andy still calmly replied while eating, "That's something only the professor knows."
"Moreover, if he wanted, with his connection and influence, he could have put out the heat at the very start."
"But-but-" Hermione was at a loss for words.
"Don't worry; if you want, we can ask the professor directly later." Andy said while picking a pudding, "Do you want one?"
Seeing her nod, Andy passed her a plate and continued, "You didn't forget about my duel with Professor, right?"
"Duel?" Hermione was confused at first, then nodded as realisation dawned upon her. "Oh, the one he promised at the Headmaster's office?"
She felt the duel was absurd from the point of view of the Muggle morals she grew up in – a young teenager like Andy fighting an old man – but this is a wizarding world with magic, so that should be no big problem.
Moreover, since she started spell practice with acromantulas and had a gradual feeling of growing stronger, she now wants to see the duel between two top wizards and see the gap between them.
"Professor confirmed that he would fulfil his promise this semester." Andy took a cake piece and said with a fire in his eyes, "Do you want to watch the duel?"
He had been looking forward to this duel for a long time; seeing Dumbledore, he couldn't wait anymore.
Andy took a deep breath to calm down and said, "Although we probably won't be using dark magic, I believe it's going to be one of the best duels of my life. So, don't miss it."
"Seeing it through memory won't be as good as watching it directly."
Looking at her eyes, he asked, "If you like to see, I will ask Professor Dumbledore for permission."
"Hm. Has the date and location been fixed?" Hermione nodded and asked with anticipation. She wondered what kind of spells they would use.
"No. He will inform me tonight or tomorrow. If he doesn't, I will ask him directly." Andy replied in a serious tone, not wanting to postpone it any longer.
While they were chatting here, another conversation between Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore on a similar topic was going on at the faculty table.
"Albus, you should think it through once more. You are still young; you will live for another hundred or more years." Professor McGonagall advised a bit anxiously. Because she also felt that Dumbledore made this decision because of the students' opinions and words.
Not because of truly wanting to retire.
She believed he was hurt by their words due to the deep love he had for them.
When she was depressed from her husband's death and her lack of children, he was the one who supported her, and he pointed out that every student is like a child to them, broadening her view.
His love for students was visible to her from many instances; he didn't just say it for show.
"Minerva, you know more than anyone how busy I am this academic year. I don't have much time to fulfil my duties as Hogwarts Headmaster." Dumbledore smiled at her words and said.
"Albus, until you settle everything in Europe, I don't mind taking care of Hogwarts. There's no need for you to retire so soon." Professor McGonagall argued.
She is the one who is taking care of it now, so there is no difference.
"That's why you are the best fit to be the headmistress, Minerva." Dumbledore smiled and said. "Moreover, after I settle things in Europe, I want to spend the rest of my life for myself. Travelling everywhere."
Seeing her look and the silence from the other professors who were listening, Dumbledore chuckled and continued, "I am here now this time to brief you about other headmaster duties, power, and other secrets."
"And then to observe Andy's study and guide him."
Saying that, he drank the last gulp of wine and continued, "In a week, I have an important appointment, Minerva. You should come with me for that and witness it."
"What appointment?" Professor McGonagall asked in a quiet voice.
Dumbledore watched Andy and Hermione chatting and said with a smile in his eyes, "I will explain other details later in the Headmaster's office."
"Now it's time to end the banquet and send the students to their dorms. They must be tired from their journey."
After that, Dumbledore stood up and clinked his glass, gaining everyone's attention, and concluded the banquet.
Then, he asked the Prefects, Head Boys and Girls to lead the students to their dorms before leaving with Professor McGonagall, talking about the duties of Hogwarts.
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