"Imagine that," said Professor McGonagall dryly. 

"I doubt," said Dumbledore, in a cheerful but slightly raised voice, which put an end to Professor McGonagall and Professor Trelawney's conversation, "that Professor Lupin is in any immediate danger. Severus, you've made the potion for him again?" 

"Yes, Headmaster," said Snape. 

"Good," said Dumbledore. "Then he should be up and about in no time. ... Derek, have you had any of these chipolatas? They're excellent. " 

The first-year boy went furiously red on being addressed directly by Dumbledore, and took the platter of sausages with trembling hands. 

Professor Trelawney behaved almost normally until the very end of Christmas dinner, two hours later. Full to bursting with Christmas dinner and still wearing their party hats, Harry and Ron got up first from the table and she shrieked loudly. 

"My dears! Which of you left his seat first? Which?"

"Dunno," said Ron, looking uneasily at Harry. 

"I doubt it will make much difference," said Professor McGonagall coldly, unless a mad axe-man is waiting outside the doors to slaughter the first into the entrance hall." 

Even Ron laughed. Professor Trelawney looked highly affronted. 

"Coming?" Harry said to Hermione. 

"No," Hermione muttered, "I want a quick word with Professor McGonagall."

 "Probably trying to see if she can take any more classes," yawned Ron as they made their way into the entrance hall, which was completely devoid of mad axe-men. 

When they reached the portrait hole, they found Sir Cadogan enjoying a Christmas party with a couple of monks, several previous headmasters of Hogwarts, and his