Half an hour later, the feast was drawing to a close, and the main courses on the tables were replaced by an array of desserts.
Kyle chose a serving of maple syrup pudding. Both Bill and Charlie had strongly recommended it, claiming that the flavor was more authentic here than anywhere else, even outside of Hogwarts. Kyle took a bite and found that it truly lived up to the praise. The sweetness was just right, refreshing and tasty, with a hint of tartness that added the perfect finishing touch. It made for an ideal after-dinner treat.
Once everyone had finished eating, the remaining desserts were cleared away, and the tables returned to their usual spotless, tidy appearance.
Dumbledore stood up, and the hall immediately fell silent.
"I trust everyone is full now, but before you head back to your dorms, I have a few things to say."
"First-year students, beware that the dark forest on the school grounds is off-limits to all students."
He paused, then continued, "Additionally..." Dumbledore's gaze swept over the students. "Professor McGonagall has asked me to remind you not to use magic or enchanted objects in the corridors or public areas, as it will result in severe punishment."
As soon as the words left his mouth, nearly half of the students instinctively looked toward Fred and George Weasley of Gryffindor.
The twins didn't flinch. They stood up, waving cheerfully and bowing to the surrounding students, their expressions brimming with pride—as though Dumbledore had just praised them instead of scolding them.
Not far off, Professor McGonagall's face darkened, her lips tightening. It was clear from her expression that the twins were about to face detention, and it would likely be a long one.
Dumbledore, however, remained unfazed and continued, "The Quidditch player tryouts will take place in the second week of this term. Students in their second year and above who are interested in joining their house teams should get in touch with Madam Hooch."
As expected, only second-year students and above could try out...
Kyle wasn't disappointed, as he'd already anticipated this result. Besides, although Dumbledore had said it this way, it didn't mean that first-years couldn't join the tryouts. The reason first-years were excluded was mainly to give Muggle-born students a chance to adjust. They'd never played Quidditch before, and it would be unfair to expect them to choose players at this stage. But after a year of exposure to the magical world, they'd be ready for tryouts.
Of course, if there were any exceptional talents, the Heads of House wouldn't hesitate to pull some strings, just like they did for Harry Potter a year later.
So, Kyle was planning to visit Professor Sprout in the next few days to see if he could try out with the second-years. A whole year without flying would be pure torture.
"Quiet, please…"
Dumbledore had to raise his voice to silence the excited chatter about Quidditch that filled the hall.
"Finally, I am honored to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Dumbledore said, stepping aside and gesturing toward the teacher's table. "Professor Orlin, please say a few words to the students."
A middle-aged wizard, unremarkable in appearance, stood up next to Snape and waved with a smile.
A few sparse, indifferent claps rang out through the hall. Only the first-years clapped enthusiastically, while the older students showed little interest. After all, it was just another temporary professor. Why bother getting excited? They'd likely be replaced by another next year. A half-hearted applause for Dumbledore's sake was more than enough.
Professor Orlin didn't seem to mind. He'd probably expected this lukewarm reception. After a brief greeting, he sat back down. However, whether from disappointment or awkwardness, when he adjusted his chair, he accidentally bumped his elbow into Snape's lower back.
"Ugh!" Snape sucked in a sharp breath, gripping the arms of his chair to steady himself, fighting back a yelp.
"Sorry, Severus, are you alright? Should I get Madam Pomfrey?" Professor Orlin asked, looking concerned.
"I think," Snape began coldly, "we're not quite at the level where we can call each other by first names, Professor Orlin. Also, I'm not fragile enough that a mere bump would require a trip to the hospital wing, so there's no need for you to worry."
Snape shifted his chair to the side, his eyes flashing with a brief moment of disdain, as though he'd just seen a useless, shriveled-up slug.
Professor Orlin looked embarrassed, opening his mouth as if to say something else, but at that moment, Dumbledore finished speaking about Hogsmeade and started leading the students in singing the school song.
A long, golden ribbon floated above, and soon, a variety of tunes filled the hall.
Orlin had no choice but to swallow his words, joining in the song with the rest, adopting a minstrel's voice as he sang along.
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Please give us knowledge,
Whether we're bald old men
Or children with scraped knees.
...
It was meant to be a simple school song, but it turned into a chaotic concert instead, with every student choosing a different tune. The most common choices were the "Majestic Hippogriff's Flight" and "Symphony of Fate," which most of the younger students opted for.
As for Kyle, he chose "The Great Wide Road to the Heavens."
The choices were varied, but if anyone was truly enjoying the moment, it was certainly the Weasley twins. Fred and George linked arms, singing the school song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee," while dancing merrily along.
Their antics drew plenty of attention, and soon, the lively Gryffindor students joined in, turning what was supposed to be a simple school song into a full-blown, chaotic dance party.
But truth be told, they looked genuinely happy, and even Dumbledore couldn't resist joining in with a few steps of his own.
When the song finally ended, Fred and George received the most enthusiastic applause of the night.
"Wonderful! This is what the school song is really about," Dumbledore chuckled, adjusting his slightly crooked wizard hat. "Now, it's time for bed. Off to your dormitories, everyone."
...
The feast ended, and the students swarmed toward the hall's doors.
The prefects quickly sprang into action, gathering their first-year students.
"First-years, over here!"
"Don't push! Let the first-years go first!"
"Hurry up, first-years! We need to keep things moving!"
"Is everyone here? Don't lag behind, follow me closely."
...
(End of Chapter)
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