Sean and Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts through the Floo Network in his office.
This was Dumbledore's privilege – he could connect his office to the Ministry's Floo Network as needed. When Dumbledore needed it, he could establish the connection, and when he didn't, he could disconnect it.
Walking out of the fireplace in Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Sean looked at Dumbledore, who also emerged, and said, "Professor Dumbledore, if there's nothing else, I'll head back to class. By my calculations, I can still make it to Potions."
"As the school's headmaster, I naturally support your attendance. Go ahead!"
"Then I'll be going. Goodbye, Professor Dumbledore."
After saying farewell, Sean hurried back to the Slytherin common room, returned to his dormitory, put away the Wizengamot robes and badge he'd brought back, then grabbed his books and rushed into the classroom just before class started.
Seeing Sean sitting in the seat Blaise had saved for him, Snape's mouth curved into an almost imperceptible arc, and his mood for teaching suddenly improved. This finally gave the Gryffindors, who had barely been able to breathe recently, some relief. By the end of class, Snape had only deducted five points from Harry and five from Neville – a total of just ten points, which was practically miraculous.
Sean watched the Gryffindors leave the Potions classroom happily despite losing ten points, greatly amazed by his Head of House's ability to psychologically manipulate Gryffindor. Getting points deducted yet leaving the classroom with excitement – had all the Gryffindor lions gone mad?
"Sean, going to the Great Hall later?"
Nodding, Sean said, "Yeah, I'll be there."
"That's great; I thought you had something else tonight."
"I've had a lot going on recently, but soon there won't be much to do. I can have some peace until the third round of the tournament."
Just as Sean said, he was indeed able to settle down for a while, returning to normal academic life. Although he still needed to research life alchemy content in addition to studying, leaving almost no rest time, Sean had lived the same way for the past three years. Returning to this familiar routine actually made him feel very fulfilled and stable.
The Apparition training class arrived as scheduled.
When the Apparition training class began, Sean came to the Great Hall as promised. The Great Hall had been requisitioned by the training class and was filled with sixth and seventh-year students.
Some seventh-year students were taking the class for the second time, having failed the test in their sixth year.
From Sean's understanding, the Apparition training class was more like getting a driver's license in the non-magical world – only those who reached the appropriate age were allowed to participate. Sean was an exception.
Therefore, when Sean entered the Great Hall, the sixth and seventh-year students were somewhat surprised, but they quickly accepted this arrangement. After all, Sean was far too special at Hogwarts now. Setting aside his achievements and his becoming an official Wizengamot member, just being Hogwarts' champion in the Triwizard Tournament was enough for everyone to take notice and consider any special treatment he received as natural.
As for the Apparition training class, wasn't it natural for Sean to participate?
Shortly after Sean entered the Great Hall and stood aside waiting for class to begin, the Ministry official sent to teach Apparition immediately approached him, proactively shaking hands. "Master Sean, I'm Rodolph Ayre from the Apparition Test Centre of the Department of Magical Transportation. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello, Mr Ayre. I'm just a student here to learn Apparition. You don't need to treat me specially – after all, learning Apparition magic is very rigorous, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Ayre nodded repeatedly. "Exactly, that's right. Apparition is indeed one of the most rigorous forms of magic. I'll begin the class now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me directly."
"Alright, thank you, Mr Ayre."
As the class began, Ayre started teaching everyone the fundamentals of Apparition. When class started, Sean saw Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick both arrive, apparently there to handle any splinching problems that might occur during student practice.
Both professors seemed surprised to see Sean there.
Approaching, Professor McGonagall asked Sean quietly, "Sean, why are you here too?"
"Professor, I applied to participate in Apparition training class early. Professors Snape and Dumbledore both approved it."
"Why the rush to learn Apparition? This magic is dangerous. The Triwizard Tournament won't involve Apparition - it's not allowed in the competition venue. You could easily wait."
Looking at the concerned Professor McGonagall, Sean thought for a moment and said, "Professor McGonagall, I'm learning Apparition for completely different reasons. You must have heard about the rumours circulating in the Ministry recently."
Pausing briefly, McGonagall then nodded, saying quietly, "Yes, I've heard, but that matter – that person – is far from you. There's completely no need to do this because of it..."
"Professor, I received Professor Dumbledore's invitation to join the Order of the Phoenix."
Hearing this, McGonagall's expression changed dramatically. Her eyes filled with surprise as she looked at Sean, her rising and falling chest showing her emotional agitation. She opened her mouth as if to say something but couldn't find the words. Finally, she just whispered to Sean, "Focus on your class first. I'm going to find Dumbledore."
"Professor, actually..."
Without answering Sean's words, McGonagall just waved her hand, said something to Professor Flitwick, then turned and quickly left the Great Hall, heading to the headmaster's office.
Watching Professor McGonagall's departing figure, Sean suddenly felt that Dumbledore was about to face a storm.
Professor Flitwick tiptoed sneakily to Sean's side and asked quietly, "Sean, what's wrong with Professor McGonagall?"
Sean certainly couldn't directly say he'd joined the Order of the Phoenix and that Professor McGonagall was angry about it.
So he just told Professor Flitwick, "Maybe Professor McGonagall is upset because Dumbledore approved my exceptional participation in Apparition training class."
"Just that?" Professor Flitwick shook his head, indicating he didn't understand.
At that moment, Ayre reached the most important part of Apparition - the principle of the three D's. Sean naturally ended his conversation with Professor Flitwick and began listening attentively.