Chapter 23
Half an hour later, the feast was nearly at its end, and the main courses on the tables had been replaced with a variety of desserts.
Kain chose a maple syrup pudding.
This pudding came highly recommended by Bill and Charlie, who claimed that aside from Hogwarts, it was rare to find anywhere else that could match its authentic taste.
Kain took a bite and found it truly delightful. The sweetness was just right, it was fragrant and palatable, and a hint of perfectly balanced tartness was the finishing touch that made it an ideal post-meal dessert.
Once everyone had finished eating, the remaining desserts were cleared away, and the tables returned to their pristine, spotless state.
Dumbledore stood up, and silence returned to the hall.
"Now that everyone has had their fill, I have a few words to say before you return to your dormitories."
"First-year students, please note that the forested area on school grounds is off-limits to all students."
"And..." Dumbledore paused before continuing, "Professor McGonagall has also asked me to remind everyone not to use magical tricks or gadgets in class or any public areas, as severe penalties will be imposed."
As he spoke, nearly half of the people in the hall instinctively turned to look at Fred and George in Gryffindor.
The twins didn't shy away from the attention. They stood up and graciously bowed to everyone around them, their expressions brimming with pride as if they had just been praised by Dumbledore.
Not far away, Professor McGonagall's face was a picture of displeasure, her lips pursed even tighter.
It was clear from her expression that the twins were likely facing a lengthy detention.
Dumbledore, however, continued unaffected, "The tryouts for the Quidditch teams will take place in the second week of this term. Students from second year and above interested in joining their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
As expected, one had to be in the second year to participate...
Since Kain already knew this would be the case, he wasn't disappointed.
Moreover, while Dumbledore said this, it didn't mean that first-year students were absolutely prohibited from trying out for Quidditch.
Excluding first-year students was mainly to accommodate those of Muggle origin who had never been exposed to Quidditch. Selecting team members now would be unfair to them.
After a year, once they were more familiar with the magical world, it would be the perfect time for tryouts.
Of course, if there was a particularly promising student, the heads of houses wouldn't mind bending the rules a bit, like they would a year later for Harry Potter.
So, Kain planned to try his luck with Professor Sprout in a couple of days to see if he could join the second-year students for the tryouts.
Not being allowed to fly for a year would be too torturous.
"Quiet, please..."
Dumbledore had to raise his voice to calm down the excited young wizards below because of the upcoming Quidditch trials.
"Lastly, I am honored to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Dumbledore turned slightly and gestured towards the teachers' table.
"Professor Orren, please greet everyone."
Beside Snape, a nondescript middle-aged wizard stood up and waved to the crowd with a smile.
A few lukewarm, scattered claps sounded in the hall; apart from the enthusiastic first-year students, the older students were less interested.
After all, just another yearly professor; why the enthusiasm when they'd be replaced next year? A perfunctory acknowledgment for Dumbledore's sake was enough.
Professor Orren didn't seem to mind, apparently having anticipated this reaction. After greeting everyone, he sat back down.
But whether from disappointment or embarrassment, Professor Orren moved his chair with a bit too much force, inadvertently elbowing Snape in the side.
"Hisss!"
Snape sharply inhaled a breath of air, gripping the arms of his chair tightly, managing to suppress any vocal expression of pain.
"I'm very sorry, Severus, are you alright? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey?" Orren asked concernedly.
"I think we aren't familiar enough to call each other by first names, Professor Orren. Besides, I'm not so frail that a slight bump requires a visit to the hospital ward, so no need to fuss over me."
Snape shifted his chair away, his eyes flashing with disgust as if he had just seen a flobberworm squeezed dry of all its medicinal value.
Professor Orren looked somewhat awkward; he opened his mouth as if to say more.
However, by then, Dumbledore had finished discussing Hogsmeade and started directing the students in singing the school song.
A long golden ribbon floated above, and soon the hall filled with various melodies.
Orren had no choice but to swallow what he had wanted to say and joined everyone in singing the school song in a bard's chant.
"Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Teach us something please,
Whether we be old and bald
Or young with scabby knees."
...
What was supposed to be a solemn school song turned into a chaotic musical debacle, sung in every conceivable tune.
The most frequently chosen tunes were "The Glorious Hippogriff" and "Beethoven's Symphony No. 5," popular choices among many of the young wizards.
As for Kain, he chose "The Broad and Free Way."
Everyone had their own unique selection, but if anyone was having the most fun, it was undoubtedly the Weasley twins.
Fred and George, linking arms with each other, sang the school song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee," dancing lively steps as they went.
Their antics attracted many eyes, and the cheerful Gryffindor students quickly joined in, turning the school song segment into a veritable dance riot.
But it was undeniable—they looked truly joyful, and even Dumbledore on the stage couldn't resist joining in for a brief dance.
When the school song ended, Fred and George received the warmest applause of the evening.
"How beautiful, that's the true spirit of the school song," Dumbledore adjusted his slightly crooked wizard hat and smiled, "It's time for bed now, everyone please head to your dormitories."
...
As the party ended, everyone surged toward the great hall doors.
Prefects sprang into action, quickly gathering the new students from their respective houses.
"First-year students, come this way."
"Don't push, let the first-years go first!"
"Quickly, new students, we need to hurry."
"Is everyone here? Remember to follow me, don't fall behind."
...
(End of Chapter)