Dumbledore gave us a brief speech, reminding us that the forest was forbidden to everyone and that the older students should already know this, while giving a particular look to the twins.
He also mentioned the list of prohibited items, which could be found on the door of Filch's office. He informed the first-years that I would be offering extra courses for students, but they needed to come prepared with specific questions.
Finally, he introduced us to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart. He stood out at the teachers' table with his flashy outfit, giving the impression he wanted all the attention focused on him.
Most of the girls applauded because they were fans—or in love—of Lockhart. Marie, on the other hand, looked at him as if he were the worst piece of garbage in the world.
"If looks could kill, I'm sure he'd be in trouble."
"Obviously, this teacher is completely incompetent," she said.
"We can't say anything until we've seen him at work."
For the rest of my life, I regretted thinking he might be a competent teacher.
After that, it was time to head to our common rooms.
Hermione accompanied us, and we almost got into a dispute with her about Lockhart, especially she and Marie.
After a good night's sleep, we headed to the Great Hall for breakfast, a breakfast that, unfortunately, would be interrupted.
We were eating when Harry and Ron arrived and took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Hermione went over to them to find out where they had been, just as the owls arrived.
One letter among the others stood out because it was red.
"Oh shit!"
I grabbed Marie by the arm and rushed out of the Great Hall.
"I appreciate that you're so committed to our relationship and excited to have a good time with me, but we're not going to miss the first class of the year!"
"Stop joking, I'm trying to protect our ears." Right after I said that, a powerful voice boomed out. Even from a distance, I could hear the scolding.
She accused Ron of stealing her father's car and said they could have been killed. Apparently, her father was now under investigation because of it.
After the lecture, she softened her tone to congratulate Ginny on being sorted into Gryffindor.
"I won't say they deserved it, but they kind of did."
"Your sentence doesn't make any sense."
We headed outside for our first class, which was Care of Magical Creatures with Sylvanus Kettleburn.
"I can't wait to learn more about magical creatures."
It was one of the classes I was most excited for.
"I'm sure you'll know everything about these creatures."
"Maybe, but the teacher could be sharing anecdotes about the creatures or his own experiences with them."
What's interesting about this course is that we're not really forced to rely only on what we already know but are encouraged to learn more through personal experience.
The teacher was present and waiting for the students to arrive so he could start the lesson.
"Oh, my first students have arrived," he said.
I noticed he had a lot of scars on his face, but he looked very friendly.
"No offense, but we mostly came early to avoid getting our ears blasted by a certain howling."
"What brought you here early isn't important," he replied. "But since you're the first to arrive, if others are late, I'll award you points."
Mary was almost praying for the other students to arrive late.
After our defeat against Dumbledore's favouritism, Marie was determined to beat Gryffindor and that favouritism.
Unfortunately, her prayers weren't answered, as most of the students arrived before the official start of the class.