She wasn't the only one who noticed the difference—everyone in the hall was exchanging opinions with their neighbors. Orli clapped along with the rest, clearly hearing the buzz of conversation about the Sorting Hat's unprecedented warning.
Harry "Bit different this year, wasn't it?"
Harry raised his eyebrows.
Orli "You're absolutely right."
Orli said quietly.
The Sorting Hat usually confined itself to describing the four houses' distinctive qualities and its own ancient duty. Orli couldn't recall it ever delivering counsel to the school before the Sorting ceremony.
Hermione "Do you suppose it's ever given warnings like this before?"
Hermione's voice carried a note of anxiety.
Nearly Headless Nick "Oh yes, indeed,"
Nearly Headless Nick materialized beside them, his partially severed head tilting precariously:
Nearly Headless Nick "The hat feels honor-bound to give the school due warning whenever it senses impending peril."
Professor McGonagall began reading the first-year roster, and the hall's murmuring gradually subsided. In its place, Ron's stomach produced increasingly loud rumbles of protest. Finally, the last new student joined Hufflepuff, and Dumbledore rose to address the assembled school.
Dumbledore "To our newcomers—welcome!"
Dumbledore's voice rang out clearly, his arms spread wide, face radiating warmth and joy. Orli felt profound relief seeing both his hands remained flesh-colored, unmarked by the withering curse she'd witnessed in darker timelines.
Dumbledore "To our returning students—welcome back! There was to be a speech, but there isn't now! Tuck in!"
As Dumbledore settled gracefully into his chair, flicking his long beard over his shoulder to keep it from his plate, the hall erupted in delighted laughter and enthusiastic cheering. Platters materialized instantly—steaming pies, rich stews, fresh bread, roasted meats, and goblets brimming with pumpkin juice.
Ron "Absolutely brilliant."
Ron's voice brimmed with anticipation as he seized the nearest dish, heaping food onto his plate with desperate efficiency. Nearly Headless Nick observed his feast with wistful longing.
Hermione "What else do you know about the Sorting Hat?"
Hermione inquired, glancing up from her modest portion.
Harry "Right—if it's just a hat, how does it know the school's in danger?"
Harry added, genuinely puzzled.
Nearly Headless Nick "I confess complete ignorance on that matter."
Nearly Headless Nick admitted:
Nearly Headless Nick "However, the Sorting Hat resides permanently in Dumbledore's office. I daresay it overhears considerable intelligence there."
Harry "And it wants all the houses to be friends?"
Harry's gaze drifted toward Malfoy's position at the Slytherin table.
Harry "Fat chance of that happening."
Nearly Headless Nick "Now, now, Harry. Unity breeds strength, division breeds destruction."
Nearly Headless Nick shook his head disapprovingly, causing his partially attached head to wobble alarmingly on his neck.
Nearly Headless Nick "The Bloody Baron and I maintain perfectly cordial relations, despite our... philosophical differences."
When the students had satisfied their hunger, conversation resumed its familiar buzz throughout the hall. Dumbledore rose once more, commanding attention with his mere presence.
Dumbledore "Now that we have all digested another magnificent feast, I require a few moments of your attention for the customary start-of-term announcements."
Dumbledore began, his voice carrying easily to every corner:
Dumbledore "First-years should understand that the Forbidden Forest remains absolutely off-limits to students—and certain older students would do well to remember this restriction."
George and Fred exchanged knowing grins.
Dumbledore "We have experienced two staffing changes this year. We are delighted to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will resume teaching Care of Magical Creatures. Additionally, we are pleased to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor."
A smattering of polite applause echoed through the hall, though Orli noticed it lacked the usual enthusiasm. The pink-clad woman rose slightly, offering a simpering smile and a ridiculous little wave that belonged more in a children's tea party than Hogwarts'Great Hall.
Orli felt her skin crawl. Something about Umbridge's saccharine demeanor screamed danger—the kind of threat that hid behind false sweetness and bureaucratic authority. The Ministry had planted their spy within Hogwarts' walls, and Orli suspected this year would test every student's courage in ways they'd never imagined.
The real war, she realized, wouldn't just be fought with wands and spells—it would be waged in classrooms, corridors, and the very heart of magical education itself.
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