Half an hour later, the feast was drawing to a close, with various desserts replacing the main courses on the tables.
Kyle chose a maple syrup pudding, highly recommended by Bill and Charlie who claimed that Hogwarts served it with unmatched authenticity.
He took a bite and found it truly delicious — the sweetness perfectly balanced, with a fragrant aroma and just the right hint of tartness that made it an ideal after-dinner treat.
After everyone had finished eating, the remaining desserts vanished, leaving the tables pristine and spotless.
Dumbledore stood up, and the hall fell silent.
"Now that everyone is well fed, I have a few more words before you head to your dormitories. First years should note that the forest on the school grounds is forbidden to all students. Also..." He paused, "Professor McGonagall has asked me to remind everyone that magical joke items are not to be used in classrooms or any public areas, under threat of severe punishment."
As he finished speaking, nearly half the hall instinctively looked toward Fred and George of Gryffindor.
The twins showed no sign of intimidation, standing and bowing repeatedly to those around them, beaming as if Dumbledore had just praised them.
Nearby, Professor McGonagall's face was stern, her lips pressed into an even thinner line. Her expression made it clear the twins were headed for a lengthy detention.
Dumbledore, maintaining his usual composure, continued: "Quidditch team trials will be held in the second week of term. Second years and above who wish to play for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
So it really does have to be second year...
Having anticipated this announcement, Kyle wasn't particularly disappointed. Besides, Dumbledore's words didn't necessarily mean first-years were completely banned from Quidditch trials.
The first-year restriction mainly existed to accommodate Muggle-born students who had never encountered Quidditch before — it would be unfair to select team members when they hadn't had any exposure to the sport.
After a full school year, they would be more familiar with the wizarding world, making it the perfect time for trials.
Of course, if there was real talent, the heads of houses wouldn't mind using a bit of their authority, just as they would with Harry Potter a year later.
So Kyle planned to try his luck with Professor Sprout in a few days, hoping to join the trials with the second-years. Going a whole year without flying would be torture.
"Quiet..." Dumbledore raised his voice to calm the young wizards who were buzzing with excitement about Quidditch, "Finally, I am delighted to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
He turned sideways, gesturing toward the staff table.
"Professor Orlen, please say hello to everyone."
Next to Snape, an unremarkable middle-aged wizard stood up, smiling and waving to the crowd.
{T/N: Yes, its OC.}
The hall responded with scattered, unenthusiastic applause. Only the first-years showed any real enthusiasm, while the older students remained indifferent.
Just another one-year professor — why get excited when they'd be replaced next year anyway? A perfunctory response for Dumbledore's sake was enough.
Professor Orlen didn't seem to mind, as if he had anticipated this reaction, and sat back down after his greeting. But whether from disappointment or awkwardness, he moved his chair too forcefully, stumbling and accidentally elbowing Snape in the side.
"Tch!" Snape drew in a sharp breath, gripping his chair's armrests to stifle a cry.
"I'm so sorry, Severus. Are you alright? Should we have Madam Pomfrey take a look?" Orlen asked with concern.
"I believe we're not yet familiar enough to be on first-name terms, Professor Orlen. Furthermore, I'm not so fragile that I need the hospital wing after a mere bump, so spare your concern." Snape shifted his chair away, his face twisting with disgust as if he'd just seen a Flobberworm squeezed dry of all its useful secretions.
Professor Orlen looked uncomfortable and opened his mouth to respond.
But Dumbledore had finished discussing Hogsmeade and had begun conducting the school song. A long golden ribbon floated in the air, and the hall filled with various melodies.
Orlen had no choice but to swallow his words and join in singing with everyone else, using a bardic chant.
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, Teach us something please, Whether we be old and bald, Or young with scabby knees…
What should have been a proper school song transformed into a delightful musical chaos, with everyone using whatever tune they pleased.
The most popular choices were "Do The Hippogriff" and "Symphony of Fate", which most young wizards had opted for. As for Kyle, he used "Stay With Me".
{T/N: Go listen Stay With Me from 1nonly, for those who likes Phonk/Rap.}
While everyone's choices varied wildly, the Weasley twins were undoubtedly having the most fun.
Fred and George, arms linked, sang the school song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" while performing jolly dance steps. Their performance caught everyone's attention, and the cheerful Gryffindor students spontaneously joined in, turning the school song into a wild dance.
The joy was infectious — even Dumbledore couldn't resist joining in for a short dance.
When the school song ended, Fred and George received the loudest applause of the evening.
"Wonderful, this is exactly what the school song is for." Dumbledore said with a smile, adjusting his slightly askew wizard's hat, "Now it's bedtime, off you go to your dormitories."
✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭
As the feast ended, students streamed toward the Great Hall's doors.
The prefects leapt into action, gathering the new students from their respective houses.
"First years, over here!"
"Don't push, let the first years through first!"
"Hurry up, new students, we need to get moving!"
"Is everyone here? Remember to stay with me, don't fall behind!"
✭✭✭
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