After the last student, Blaise Zabini, was sorted into Slytherin, Professor McGonagall rolled up the parchment and took the Sorting Hat with her as she returned to sit next to Dumbledore on his right side.
The young wizards eagerly looked at the headmaster, waiting for his signal to start celebrating. Dumbledore stood up with a bright smile, arms wide open, as if nothing pleased him more than seeing all the students gathered together.
"Welcome!" he called out in a loud voice. "Welcome to Hogwarts for a new school year! Before the feast begins, I have a few words to share: Fools! Crybabies! Scum! Twist!"
"Thank you, everyone!"
Dumbledore sat back down, and applause erupted. Across from Wayne, a little badger looked utterly confused.
"What did the headmaster mean by those words?"
"Are you a Ravenclaw?"
"What nonsense! I'm clearly a Hufflepuff."
"Then why do you care? Just eat your food!"
The once-empty plates were now piled high with food: roasted beef, roasted chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, sausages, steaks, mashed potatoes, fries, pudding, various vegetables, gravy, and even mint hard candies.
In terms of variety, it was definitely sumptuous, especially considering England's culinary reputation. You can't expect a nation's banquet to be anything but French cuisine.
Wayne was enjoying his meal just fine; he wasn't picky. As long as the ingredients were good, a steak or lamb chop cooked with a casual method couldn't taste bad.
He also noticed that at the Gryffindor table, Ron was devouring a chicken leg in each hand, clearly unable to contain himself.
Wayne felt he should have been sorted into Hufflepuff; this was truly a paradise for food lovers.
While the other houses chatted and ate, the badgers at their table only focused on eating. Cedric had hardly said a word to Wayne before shoving a massive chicken leg onto his plate while his cheeks were stuffed full.
He really wanted to cry.
At the head table, Snape was chatting with Quirrell, who looked even more Arab-like with a scarf wrapped around his head.
Professor McGonagall leaned in to speak to Professor Sprout, who looked a little displeased.
"Laurence, can you help me with two Yorkshire puddings?" the Hat was eagerly asking from a seat away.
"Just call me Wayne, Hannah," he replied, handing her the pudding.
The little girl smiled cutely, shook her pigtails, and then went back to eating.
A milky-white ghost sat nearby, introducing and recommending the dishes he thought were good, and everyone called him the Fat Friar.
Wayne felt a bit uneasy about this. The idea that wizards, once hunted by the church in the Middle Ages, had now become friars... it was hard to describe that feeling.
The feast lasted nearly an hour, culminating in a pile of desserts. Wayne was not interested; English desserts were simply sugar frosting, and he certainly didn't want to develop diabetes at a young age.
Finally, the puddings disappeared, and Dumbledore stood up, returning calm to the hall. The young wizards eagerly awaited the headmaster's final address.
But just as Dumbledore was about to speak, Professor McGonagall interrupted:
"Wait a moment, Albus. Before you start, I have a few matters to address."
Dumbledore was momentarily taken aback; this wasn't a usual occurrence, but he quickly smiled and gestured for McGonagall to proceed.
Although Dumbledore was the headmaster, there were times when even he had to yield to McGonagall's authority.
"George, Fred, starting tomorrow, you two are in detention. Report to Filch every night at eight o'clock and clean the trophies in the trophy room three times. You'll only be released when you finish."
The twins, who had been busy joking and trying to impress the girls, froze and quickly stood up.
"Why, Professor McGonagall?"
Confusion and grievance filled their eyes; they had a whole lot of mischief planned, but they hadn't even started yet. Was it now fashionable to punish ahead of time?
"You're asking me that!" McGonagall gave them a stern glare.
"Who told you to scare the little wizards by describing the Sorting Ceremony as terrifying?"
Sprout broke into a smile as well; she was a plump lady who exuded a gentle demeanor.
"Cedric, you should help them too."
Now, the twins and Cedric all looked at Wayne.
Mystery solved.
Wayne 'shyly' lowered his head, pretending to be embarrassed.
"Yes, Professor." The three of them responded glumly, and Cedric spoke softly through gritted teeth, "You did this on purpose!"
Wayne kept his composure, "Don't talk nonsense; I'm just a little wizard who just started school and don't know anything."
"You're so bad; you should have been sorted into Slytherin," Cedric retorted, giving him the middle finger.
The twins exchanged glances and silently laughed.
Even though Wayne had set them up, they found it more entertaining—what could they do? This was way more fun than their silly brother Ron!
"Alright." Dumbledore began again, still smiling, "Seeing you all so energetic reassures me."
"However, I must bring a few important points to everyone's attention."
"First-year students, please note that the forest area on school grounds is strictly off-limits to all students, and our older classmates should remember that too."
His bright eyes swept over the twins, but they were busy plotting revenge on Wayne and completely missed the warning.
"It's like throwing a wink to a blind person."
"Also, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind everyone not to cast spells in the corridors during break."
"The Quidditch trials will take place in the second week of this term, and any students interested in joining the team should contact Madam Hooch."
"Lastly, I must inform you all that if you wish to avoid accidents and tragic deaths, please do not enter the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor."
Wayne scoffed, rolling his eyes.
Wasn't this the classic case of "there's no silver here at all?"
Dumbledore's words practically hinted that he had buried all his treasures and glory in the corridor on the fourth floor.
Go and look for it!
The little lions were already rubbing their hands in excitement.
"Now, before everyone goes to bed, let us all sing the school song!" Dumbledore announced loudly.
All the staff and students stood up, and Wayne also joined them.
At that moment, a notification pinged in his mind.
[Congratulations to the host....]
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