Chapter 248: The New Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher

The Wizengamot's verdict on Peter Pettigrew was half praised and half protested, and many people were unhappy with the outcome. They felt that Peter should be executed, either directly or through the Dementor's kiss.

When the truth of the incident was first revealed, those voices were very loud.

As time went on, the wizards became calmer, and some people began to think that the practice was too cruel. Even if Peter Pettigrew deserved it, the Dementor's kiss was too inhumane. The number of wizards who held this viewpoint was gradually gaining.

However, when Peter was placed in the Prison for Wizards, Azkaban, people did not feel at ease. After all, there was the case of Sirius' escape.

Despite repeated assurances from the Ministry that Pettigrew was going to be strictly controlled, the outside world was still full of doubts. They did not believe Fudge and the Ministry of Magic.

In such circumstances, wizards became increasingly curious about Sirius Black, the only wizard who managed to escape from Azkaban guarded by Dementors.

Many wizards lined up early to wait for the store to open after learning that the special opening day issue of the new 'Hogwarts Magic' base of operation at 36 Diagon Alley would publish the first exclusive report on Sirius' escape.

Besides those who loved the novelty and adventure, many people simply adored Sirius.

Just as they adored Lockhart a year ago, after the truth was revealed, the brave and fearless Sirius became the object of many people's admiration.

Unlike the Muggle world, the magical world worshipped power, wizards needed their heroes.

After Lockhart's true face became public, people became disappointed and began to look for new people to replace him. Sirius Black's appearance filled the void.

He was a well-deserved hero, a fighter against the Dark forces.

To top it off, the new hero looked very handsome, and everything about him was even better than before. Many witches of Mrs. Weasley's age adored him madly.

The day's signing was Sirius Black's first public appearance after being acquitted.

Even though it was the last day of the Christmas vacations, his fans gathered there to see him and get his autograph.

Among the crowd, there were also many young wizards. They did not come for Sirius Black, but to buy the Weasley's joke items and other interesting magic items made by other Hogwarts wizards that were about to be sold on the first floor of the store.

In the newspaper, Ivan had published almost everything.

His strategy was successful and he was able to move the whole world of magic.

At that moment, a long queue was organized outside the store, stretching all the way to the street corner. More and more people were joining in.

"Easy Sirius, just sit here and sign in. It's very simple." Ivan was looking at Sirius, who seemed to be a little uneasy.

"I'd rather fight Death Eaters than do this again!" Sirius Black clenched the quill in his hand, and almost broke the quill holder because it was too rough.

Unlike Lockhart, he still hadn't adjusted to being the center of attention.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione and I will help you, and the first floor sales will go to Fred, George, Ginny, Dobby and Kreacher." Ivan ordered, "Especially Dobby and Kreacher, you two should work hard to get used to it. After today, you will be in charge of the daily and sales work."

"Yes, sir!" said Dobby excitedly. It was the first time he had ever done anything like that.

Kreacher did not respond. He looked suspiciously at the Weasley fireworks in front of him. He seemed to be studying this thing; and looking into his eyes, he was apparently thinking that what was happening in front of him was absurd. If it weren't for Sirius' orders, he would have turned around and walked away.

In Ivan's plan, due to financial constraints, he did not intend to hire too many people. The compilation of the newspaper manuscripts could be completed as before. In the store, there would normally be Lupin and Dobby. Kreacher should also be able to help.

As for Sirius, he was also willing to help in the store.

But this morning, he received a letter from Dumbledore, inviting him to replace Lupin as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts class teacher at Hogwarts.

He accepted the invitation and everyone was overjoyed after hearing the news.

Harry, in particular, was the most excited. He couldn't believe that his godfather would become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, his favorite class.

Ivan was also looking forward to seeing Snape's face after seeing Sirius.

Unlike Professor Lupin, who was gentle and unwilling to fight with others, Sirius would definitely be a tit-for-tat with Snape because of his explosive personality.

There was no doubt that the second semester should be very exciting. It wasn't just between the two of them, but also a showdown between Gryffindor and Slytherin. This year's House Cup competition should be fierce.

In addition, Sirius promised Ivan that he would help him get recognition from the Centaur tribe in the Forbidden Forest, and then the key to the Gryffindor Treasure.

Ivan could not wait for this object that could enhance his magic.

In fact, the happiest people besides Ivan and Harry were Fred and George. The more confusion they created, the more chances they had for pranks. Many of the naughty products that Mrs. Weasley and Hermione considered dangerous and forbidden could be sold.

"Are you ready? It's almost time. Let's get the door open." Ivan went to help Lupin open the store door.

Dobby, the house elf himself stood nervously behind the counter on the first floor, watching the crowds pouring in like a tide. They were talking excitedly, and headed straight for Sirius in the center of the room.

Just as Lockhart was selling much earlier, the wizards bought a special issue of 'The Magic of Hogwarts' newspaper, and took with them two pictures each that Sirius signed.

Sirius smiled stiffly, and struggled hard to cope with this issue.

As they stood in line, the wizards looked curiously at the wide variety of products on the counter, many of which were very interesting and practical. It was hard to believe that these were the works of young magicians. When they saw something interesting, they bought it.

In front of the counter where Fred and George were in charge, there were crowds of young wizards buying joke products. Their products were very popular and quickly swept up.

Ivan noticed Fred and George sneaking up on Mrs. Weasley and Hermione and placing a thick order in the hands of a young wizard buying their wares, full of items that had previously been banned by Mrs. Weasley.

All in all, the opening of this seemingly hodgepodge of a store had been a great success. Even the Muggle items that Ivan deliberately placed in the corner had attracted many people to buy.

Although the number was not that large, people were slowly starting to flow into that corner. For wizards, these were very novel gadgets, and no doubt there would be more and more people interested.