Aaric gave the thestrals some treats for pulling the carts, and the gentle creatures accepted them, nuzzling him affectionately and showing clear signs of fondness toward him.
They reached Hogwarts with Daphne still ignoring Aaric for most of the ride, only acknowledging his existence once they arrived at the castle.
The Sorting Ceremony proceeded as usual, the first years entering like nervous ducklings, carefully following Professor McGonagall.
Aaric did not recognize any new students during the sorting and watched the proceedings with a mild air of disinterest, mostly chatting with Luna and Daphne as the students were placed in their respective houses.
The feast was delicious, and Aaric did his best to avoid glancing at the Gryffindor table, where Ron was eating his food like an animal.
"Why?" came a question from his side, Daphne asked the question from her soul after noticing Ron's behavior.
Aaric sighed and patted her head gently.
"He… just forgets he is a member of society when food is in front of him," Aaric muttered, noticing the grimace on Daphne's face and seeing that she seemed to have lost her appetite entirely.
"Don't think about it," Aaric said. Daphne nodded solemnly, taking small, careful bites, her eyes never looking up.
"You have my respect, Ron Weasley," Aaric muttered quietly, noting how frightened Daphne was to even glance at the boy.
Hermione, however, could not contain herself after seeing Daphne's reaction across the table. She made a fist and brought it down sharply on Ron's head.
Ron yelped in surprise and looked up, only to find Hermione scowling and Percy shooting a glare from across the table.
Percy had been wearing a badge with his full name above his prefect badge just before the feast, his chin and nose held high in his usual prideful manner.
Now, he had removed the badge and placed it in his pocket, giving Ron a death glare that could have frozen most anyone.
Harry spoke before Hermione could, "Ron, try and be aware of your environment." Ron looked embarrassed and nodded, trying to comply.
"You traumatized my friend, Ronald Weasley," Hermione whispered furiously, her tone sharp.
"Let's not go that far. This friend of yours seems a snob like you," Ron muttered back defensively.
Hermione's frown slowly transformed into a grin. "It's Daphne Greengrass," she said, emphasizing Daphne's full name, and Ron paled visibly.
"Even with your display, the food will taste better and I will have the best of dreams imagining what she'll be doing to you tomorrow," Hermione added, smiling sweetly, her words deliberate.
"Damn," Harry muttered from the side. Ron gulped, glancing anxiously at the timid-looking Daphne, and searching desperately for a way to escape school.
"There is nowhere to go," Harry added, his smirk sharpening. "Nowhere to hide, and no savior for you, Ron." He looked at Ron with the kind of intensity that made him seem almost demonic.
"Aaric will help me," Ron whispered, repeating the thought as if it were a prayer. "He will, I know it."
Ron then turned his gaze to Aaric, who had clearly overheard the conversation. Just as their eyes met, Aaric slid a finger along his neck with a wide grin.
"Aaric saw first," Hermione whispered to Ron. At that exact moment, a loud clapping sound rang out as dessert appeared on the table.
"Might as well," Ron muttered, finally beginning to eat like a normal person, savoring every bite as if it were his last meal.
After the feast, Dumbledore stood and clapped to get the students' attention.
He looked around at the gathered students with a gentle smile and prepared to speak, when at that moment the doors opened and Moody entered.
He walked awkwardly, his prosthetic leg creaking and cranking with every step, eyes wandering wildly as they scanned the hall.
The younger students, especially first years, were slightly frightened by the erratic manner of his movements.
Moody noticed this and consciously toned himself down to avoid scaring anyone as he made his way to his seat beside the other teachers.
"Let me start by introducing your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Alastor Moody," Dumbledore said, clapping lightly. The students followed suit, offering polite applause.
He then turned to announce the Triwizard Tournament, and the hall erupted with cheers and whispered murmurs.
"For ensuring safety, only students above the age of seventeen are allowed to put their names in the Goblet," Dumbledore announced, his voice calm but firm.
"Are you joking?" came the voice of the Weasley twins, prompting laughter from some students and a sharp glare from Percy.
"No, kids, I assure you it is not a joke. I have a good one, if you'll allow me," Dumbledore continued calmly.
"Why don't ghosts like rain at Hogwarts?" he asked, before McGonagall could intervene. The first years shook their heads adorably.
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "It dampens their spirits." The seniors groaned loudly enough for everyone to hear, but Aaric and a handful of first years laughed.
"Why are you laughing?" Daphne asked Aaric in shock, her voice tinged with disbelief. Luna shared her amusement, giggling quietly.
"Because I don't wish to dampen Dumbledore's spirit," Aaric said with a laugh.
Daphne glared at Aaric as if she was going to kill him.
"I made a bad joke; that doesn't mean I deserve to die," Aaric added, observing the intensity of Daphne's stare.
Even Daphne managed a small chuckle. "I think I should tell jokes after every feast," Dumbledore said, catching some of the laughter.
"Please don't," the Weasley twins muttered in unison.
"Oh, the last rule: only one student from each school will be chosen," Dumbledore said, ignoring protests from the students.
He returned to his seat with a calm, unshakable smile.
A/n: I want power stone and I want reviews, gimme gimme.