Hogwarts, UK–After a brief yet eventful hiatus, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has returned to his venerated position. Dumbledore forfeited his position a few months ago, following an uprising amongst Hogwarts staff. Dolores Umbridge, former assistant to Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge and Defense against the Dark Arts professor, lead the “coup” after Dumbledore refused to punish students for breaking Ministry established School rules. The coup led to a battle in Dumbledore’s office, where it was reported that several Ministry officials were injured. Dumbledore himself, however, was uninjured, and disappeared from all public view. He reappeared recently, during a battle against You-Know-Who in the halls of the Ministry of Magic. The withdrawal of Dumbledore left the position of Headmaster in the hands of the staunch Umbridge, which led to many disgruntled complaints among students and staff. “She had no idea how to run a school,” complained Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress. “She was dangerous, and those rules of hers were ridiculous. I’m glad she was run out.” Umbridge left Hogwarts shortly before the spring term ended, reportedly injured by a run in with violent centaurs in the Forbidden Forest. Her departure coincided with the battle at Ministry of Magic, in which Dumbledore reappeared fighting the resurrected You-Know-Who. A concession by the Ministry, which had denied You-Know-Who’s return, removed Umbridge from power and restored Dumbledore to his position. While the majority of parents and students are relieved to have Dumbledore back, a few question his methods. “He seems to be a bit over the top, at times,” says Jackie Jerbenson, whose daughter Joely is a second year. “I mean, there is absolutely no reason to tell the younger kids that someone’s trying to kill them.” “But there is,” argues Hermione Granger, an older Hogwarts student. “To warn us all, it makes perfect sense. We need to all be aware that such dangers exist in this world. That’s how Umbridge got into power the first time.” For now, Dumbledore will be returning as Headmaster for an undisclosed time period–and sporting a new look, it would seem. His accessorizing has been updated, according to a new “costume” director that has started renovations on the school. The wardrobe update coincides with the school’s decisions to allow regular clothing on all Hogwarts students. Whether his costume changes shall be as much a mainstay as his presence at Hogwarts, however, the wizarding community has yet to tell. |