Half an hour later, the banquet was nearing its end, with the main course replaced by a variety of desserts. Kyle selected a maple pudding.
This pudding came highly recommended by Bill and Charlie, who claimed that it was rare to find such an authentic version outside of Hogwarts.
Kyle took a bite and found the taste exceptional—perfectly sweet, fresh, and flavorful. The slight sourness added a wonderful contrast, making it an ideal dessert to end the meal.
Once everyone had finished, the remaining desserts were cleared away, and the table was left spotless.
Dumbledore rose, and the hall fell silent.
"Now that everyone should be full, I have a few words before you return to your dormitories."
"First-year students, please be reminded that the forested area on school grounds is strictly off-limits."
He paused before continuing, "Professor McGonagall has also asked me to remind you that using magical objects in classrooms or public areas will result in severe punishment."
At these words, nearly half the hall turned to look at Fred and George from Gryffindor.
The twins, however, were unphased. They stood up, bowing to the crowd, looking proud—as if Dumbledore had been praising them instead of warning them.
Nearby, Professor McGonagall's face hardened, her lips drawn tightly together. From her expression, it was clear the twins were in for serious punishment, possibly solitary confinement for a long stretch.
Dumbledore remained composed and continued, "Quidditch tryouts for house teams will be held in the second week of term. Any students in their second year or above who are interested, please contact Ms. Hooch."
Kyle sighed, knowing that he would have to wait until next year. However, he wasn't disappointed, as he had already expected this. Dumbledore's announcement didn't mean first-year students were entirely excluded from Quidditch tryouts, but it was designed to give Muggle-born students a fair chance to familiarize themselves with the magical world. By their second year, everyone would have a fair opportunity.
Still, Kyle thought he might try to speak with Professor Sprout in a few days to see if he could participate in the second-year tryouts. Being grounded for an entire year would be unbearable.
"Quiet…"
Dumbledore raised his voice, calming the excited students who were already abuzz about Quidditch.
"Lastly, I have the honor of introducing our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Dumbledore gestured towards the teachers' table.
"Professor Oren, say hello to everyone."
A plain-looking, middle-aged wizard next to Snape stood up, smiling and waving to the students.
The applause that followed was sparse and unenthusiastic, save for the first-year students who clapped earnestly. The upper-year students were indifferent; after all, Defense Against the Dark Arts professors rarely stayed longer than a year.
Professor Oren seemed unfazed, having likely anticipated such a reaction. He greeted them politely before sitting down again.
Unfortunately, as he adjusted his chair, he accidentally bumped his elbow squarely into Snape's side.
"Hiss!" Snape inhaled sharply, gripping his chair tightly to keep from crying out.
"My apologies, Severus. Are you alright? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey?" Oren asked.
"I don't think we're on first-name terms, Professor Oren," Snape responded icily. "And I'm not so delicate that a mere bump would send me to the hospital."
Snape shifted his chair aside, a flash of disdain in his eyes, as if he'd been touched by a useless, dried-out caterpillar.
Professor Oren, looking slightly embarrassed, opened his mouth to say something else, but Dumbledore was already talking about Hogsmeade. The headmaster then instructed the students to sing the school song.
A long, golden ribbon floated above the hall, and soon, a variety of tunes filled the space.
Oren swallowed whatever he had been about to say and joined in with the chant.
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts,
Please teach us,
Whether we're old and bald
Or children with broken knees…"
The school song became a concert of sorts, with students singing to different tunes. "Glorious Hippogriff" and "Symphony of Fate" were popular choices.
Kyle, however, sang his own version: "The Road to Heaven is Wide and Broad."
But if any tune brought the most joy, it was the Weasley twins' rendition. Fred and George linked arms and sang the song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee," dancing merrily.
Their antics attracted attention, and soon, several other Gryffindors joined in, turning the school song into a full-blown celebration. Even Dumbledore couldn't help but sway along on the stage.
When the song ended, Fred and George received the loudest applause.
"How wonderful! That's exactly the spirit of our school song," Dumbledore said with a smile, adjusting his slightly crooked hat. "Now, it's time for bed. Off to your dormitories."
…
As the feast ended, students rushed toward the exit.
The prefects quickly took charge, gathering the new students from their respective houses.
"First-years, over here!"
"Let the first-years through! Don't push!"
"Hurry up, first-years, we need to move."
"Everyone here? Stick together, don't fall behind!"
(End of Chapter)