Chapter 23: A Wild Bunch

Half an hour later, the banquet was winding down, and the main dishes had been replaced with an array of tempting desserts. Kyle, after surveying the options, picked a serving of maple pudding. Bill and Charlie had raved about this particular dessert, insisting that nowhere else could replicate its authentic taste quite like Hogwarts.

Kyle took a bite and immediately understood the hype. The sweetness was perfectly balanced, the fragrance rich and inviting, and there was just the right hint of acidity to round it all out. It was the ideal way to finish off the meal.

As the last bites were savored and the remaining desserts cleared away, the long tables returned to their spotless state. The Great Hall grew quiet as Dumbledore stood up, signaling that it was time for his traditional speech.

"Now," he began, his voice commanding immediate attention, "I trust you are all sufficiently full, but before you go to your dormitories, I have a few words to say."

The hall was silent, every student now focused on the headmaster.

"First-year students, please note that the forest area on the school grounds is off limits to all students," Dumbledore said, his tone serious.

"And..." he paused briefly before continuing, "Professor McGonagall has asked me to remind you that the use of magic in the corridors or any public area will not be tolerated and will be severely punished."

As soon as he finished, nearly half the room instinctively turned to look at Fred and George Weasley, the infamous Gryffindor twins. Far from looking abashed, the twins stood up and began bowing theatrically to their peers, their grins wide as though Dumbledore had just honored them.

Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, looked as though she was barely holding back her fury. Her lips were pursed so tightly they had nearly disappeared. Kyle had little doubt the twins would be in for some serious detention, and it certainly wouldn't be a short stint.

Dumbledore remained unfazed by the twins' antics and smoothly continued, "The Quidditch tryouts will be held during the second week of the term. Any second-year students or above who are interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch."

As expected, Kyle thought. He had already known that first-year students wouldn't be allowed to try out for the Quidditch teams, so he wasn't surprised by Dumbledore's words. The restriction wasn't entirely rigid, though—after all, exceptions could be made for extraordinary talent, like what would happen with Harry Potter a year later.

The rule was primarily there to level the playing field for Muggle-born students, who had never been exposed to Quidditch before attending Hogwarts. After a year, they'd be more familiar with the wizarding world, and it would be a fairer time for team selection.

Kyle, however, wasn't planning to wait a whole year. He was determined to speak to Professor Sprout in a few days and see if she might allow him to join the tryouts with the second years. The thought of not being able to fly for an entire year felt like torture.

"Quiet, please…" Dumbledore's voice rose slightly to regain control over the excited murmurings about Quidditch that had erupted among the students.

"Finally, I am pleased to introduce you to our new professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts." Dumbledore gestured to the staff table with a welcoming smile, directing attention to the figure seated there.

"Professor Oren, say hello to everyone," Dumbledore announced warmly.

The man seated next to Snape—a rather plain-looking, middle-aged wizard—stood up with a polite smile and waved to the students. The response was underwhelming. Aside from the first-year students who clapped a bit more enthusiastically, the rest of the hall only offered scattered, half-hearted applause. For the older students, the excitement of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had long worn off.

He's just another professor, Kyle thought to himself, he'll be gone by next year like all the others. No need to get too excited, just clap for Dumbledore's sake.

Professor Oren didn't seem bothered by the lackluster reception, as if he had expected it. After giving his brief greeting, he sat back down. However, as he shifted his chair, it slid a little too far. His elbow accidentally jabbed into Snape's lower back.

"Ssshh!" Snape hissed, gripping the armrests of his chair tightly to stifle a cry of pain.

Oren immediately turned to him, concern evident in his voice. "I'm sorry, Severus. Are you all right? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey?"

"I don't believe we're on a first-name basis, Professor Oren," Snape responded icily, clearly irritated. "And no, I don't need the hospital wing for a mere bump. Save your energy."

Snape moved his chair further away, his expression revealing his disgust, as if Oren were an unpleasant sight, like a Flobberworm drained of its slime and rendered useless.

Professor Oren looked a bit embarrassed and opened his mouth as though to say something more, but Dumbledore had already moved on, discussing the rules about Hogsmeade Village. Soon, he transitioned to leading the students in the school song.

A long golden ribbon floated above the hall, and soon the students began singing, each to their own melody. The hall filled with a chaotic mix of different tunes, transforming the school song into a medley of competing sounds.

The most popular tunes included "Do the Hippogriff" and "Symphony of Fate," which many of the young wizards favored. Kyle, however, opted to sing it to the tune of "The Wide and Broad Aisle."

But no one was enjoying it more than Fred and George Weasley. Arm in arm, they belted out the song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" while dancing energetically, creating a joyful scene that soon caught the attention of other Gryffindors. Before long, many students joined in, turning what was supposed to be a solemn school song into a spontaneous, lively dance party.

Even Dumbledore, standing on the stage, couldn't resist moving to the beat for a moment, a smile lighting up his face.

When the song finally ended, the entire hall burst into applause, with the loudest cheers going to Fred and George. Dumbledore, still adjusting his crooked wizard's hat, chuckled and said, "That was beautiful. That's what school songs are for!"

"Now," he continued, "it's time for bed. Everyone, back to your dormitories."

The banquet came to an end, and students began rushing toward the doors of the Great Hall. The prefects quickly sprang into action, trying to round up the first-year students.

"First-year students, over here!" one called out.

"Don't push, let the first-years through!"

"Freshmen, hurry up, we need to get moving!"

"Is everyone here? Remember to follow me closely and don't fall behind!"