Chapter 20: Pansy Parkinson

As he walked, Ino ignored the various strange looks around him and buried his head, sitting down at the Slytherin table.

"I knew it... Really, on the train, I knew you'd get into Slytherin."

He had just sat down when he heard low murmurs beside him. From the tone alone, he didn't need to guess who it was.

"Please be quiet and keep your composure, Mr. Malfoy."

Ino didn't feel like saying a single word and had no interest in chatting with Draco.

"Tch! There you go again, as if I don't know what you're thinking. Besides, composure is just for show in front of others," Draco said dismissively.

"Now you really need to be quiet."

As Ino spoke, he also signaled with his eyes for Draco to look towards the head table.

The Sorting Ceremony had already ended.

As headmaster, Dumbledore had already stood up, smiling broadly at all the students. He spread his arms as if nothing made him happier than seeing the students gathered together.

"Welcome! Welcome to a new school year at Hogwarts!"

"Before the feast begins, let me say a few words. They are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you."

After saying these words, Dumbledore sat down, and everyone warmly applauded.

Of course, many were discussing the meaning of the headmaster's words, and it wasn't just limited to Ravenclaw; even among Slytherin and Hufflepuff, there were whispers.

"How boring..."

Ino had no interest in these discussions. Rather than guessing word puzzles, wasn't the array of food on the long table more appealing?

In front of him alone were roast beef, pork chops, whole roast chickens, bacon, ham, lamb chops, fries, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and various breads...

And this was just the food nearby; the table was filled with countless other dishes.

"Gluttony is no different from greed..."

Ino glanced at the neighboring table where a red-haired boy was devouring two chicken legs as if he had never eaten a full meal at home.

Shaking his head, he picked up his plate, chose a few items from nearby, and began to slowly enjoy his lavish dinner.

"Do you know that pureblood loser?" a clear voice rang out.

"Are you talking to me?" Ino looked up reluctantly.

He didn't want to engage, but with her question, the surrounding Slytherins had all paused in their eating.

"Parkinson! Pansy Parkinson."

The owner of the voice had jet-black short hair, fair skin, and a face that was somewhat delicate, but her thin cheeks gave her a somewhat mean look.

"Ino Swinburne!" Out of courtesy, Ino put down his cutlery and looked at the girl across from him.

He mostly associated Parkinson with Draco, as in the original story, this girl had loved him for seven years but ended up marrying someone else, which was somewhat regrettable.

But regardless, now was not the time for chatting.

From the start of the feast, Ino had felt like he was being watched by some invisible eyes.

Especially now, the feeling was more pronounced, but he had decided to ignore it, not responding even if he could pinpoint the exact location of the gaze.

"I only know a few people at Hogwarts, and he's not one of them. Now, can I quietly enjoy my dinner, Miss Parkinson?"

Ino quickly answered, and without waiting for her reply, he resumed eating the remaining half of his steak.

The atmosphere grew cold for a moment.

But that was just on the surface. Ino didn't see that his cold and curt response had made many Slytherin girls' eyes sparkle.

...

Time flew by unnoticed.

The feast gradually came to an end.

As the last student put down their cutlery, under the magic's effect, the four long tables in the hall were once again spotless, as if the feast had been just an illusion.

Dumbledore stood up again, and all the students in the hall fell silent, their eyes focusing on the head table once more.

"Now that everyone is full, while you still have some energy left, I must remind you of a few new school year notices..."

"First years should note that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to all students. This also applies to older students."

Dumbledore's gaze swept across the Gryffindor table, where George and Fred exchanged a look, feigning obedience.

"Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Also, a list of forbidden items has been extended to 127. For details, anyone interested can consult Mr. Filch in his office."

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in trying out for their House teams should contact Madam Hooch."

After finishing, Dumbledore paused briefly.

"Lastly, I must tell you that this year, the right-hand corridor on the fourth floor is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

As his words fell, the hall was plunged into an eerie silence.

The first years were silent because they were genuinely scared, while the older students were surprised by the headmaster's unusual warning.

Second and third years might not feel much, but sixth and seventh years... they were curious about the headmaster's sudden shift.

As for the fourth-floor corridor, they had no interest in it; they had walked there countless times over the years.

"Is it necessary to scare people..." Ino thought wryly.

Usually, baiting like this was done subtly, but Dumbledore had practically thrown the bait in their faces.

It was fortunate this was aimed at Gryffindors. If it had been Ravenclaws, they might have been initially taken aback, but none would have fallen for it.

...

"Now, before you all go to bed, let us sing the school song!"

With a flick of Dumbledore's wand, a long golden ribbon appeared in midair, forming the lyrics to the school song.

"Everyone pick their favorite tune," Dumbledore said, "Ready, sing!"

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts..."

...

Ino's face grew darker as he followed the Slytherin procession, surrounded by the new students of his house.

Singing, or rather chanting, was a forte of bards. They were also highly sensitive to off-key singing.

But now, hearing the cacophony of melodies around him, including a rendition in funeral march tempo, Ino was on the verge of covering his ears and fleeing the scene.

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