Half an hour later, the banquet was nearing its end, and the main courses on the table had been replaced by a variety of desserts.
Kael chose maple syrup pudding.
This pudding was highly recommended by Bill and Charlie, who said that aside from Hogwarts, few places had such authentic taste.
Kael took a bite and found the taste was indeed good, with just the right sweetness, fragrant and delicious. A touch of fitting tartness added the perfect finishing touch, making it an ideal after-dinner dessert.
Once everyone had finished eating, the leftover desserts were cleared away, and the table returned to its clean and immaculate state.
Dumbledore stood up, and the auditorium immediately returned to silence.
"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 the school grounds is off-limits to all students."
"Additionally..." Dumbledore paused and continued, "Professor McGonagall has requested me to remind everyone not to use magical prank devices during class or in any public areas, or you'll face severe punishment."
No sooner had he spoken than nearly half the people in the hall instinctively turned their gaze toward Gryffindor's Fred and George.
The twins, unfazed, stood up and bowed repeatedly to those around them, appearing as if Dumbledore had just praised them.
Not far away, Professor McGonagall's face was as dark as it could be, her lips pursed even tighter.
Seeing her expression, it was clear the twins were likely to be put in detention, and it wouldn't be a short one.
Dumbledore, however, remained composed and continued, "Quidditch player trials will take place in the second week of the term. Students from second year and above, who are interested in joining the house teams, please contact Ms. Hooch."
Sure enough, it was only for second years and above...
Having already expected this outcome, Kael wasn't disappointed at all.
Besides, although Dumbledore had said this, it didn't necessarily mean that first-year students couldn't participate in the Quidditch selection.
The exclusion of first years was mainly to accommodate young wizards from Muggle families who had never encountered Quidditch before. Choosing team members now would be unfair to them.
After a year, when they've become familiar with the magic realm, it would be just the right time for selection.
Of course, if there's truly good potential, the house heads wouldn't mind using a bit of privilege, like with Harry Potter a year later.
So Kael planned to try his luck with Professor Sprout in a couple of days to see if he could join the second-year selection.
Waiting a whole year without flying would be quite torturous.
"Silence..."
Dumbledore had to raise his voice to subdue the group of young wizards who were excited about Quidditch.
"Finally, I'm honored to introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
Dumbledore turned slightly, gesturing towards the teachers' table.
"Professor Oren, please greet everyone."
Next to Snape, a plain-looking middle-aged wizard stood up and waved to everyone with a smile.
The hall erupted in a few scattered and lukewarm claps. Apart from the enthusiastic first-year students, the older students weren't particularly excited.
Another annually replaced professor, why be so eager anyway? They'll be gone next year, and a polite gesture for Dumbledore's sake will do.
Professor Oren wasn't bothered, seemingly having anticipated such a reaction, and after greeting, he sat back down.
But whether due to disappointment or awkwardness, as he moved his chair, he accidentally elbowed Snape in the ribs.
"Hiss!"
Snape sucked in a cold breath, gripping the chair armrests tightly, barely restraining himself from crying out.
"My apologies, Severus. Are you okay? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey?" Oren asked with concern.
"I think we're not yet familiar enough to be calling each other by our names, Professor Oren.
Besides, I'm not so fragile that a little knock would require a trip to the Hospital Wing, so save your concern."
Snape shifted his chair away, a flicker of disgust in his eyes as if he had seen a Flobberworm squeezed of any useful mucus.
Professor Oren seemed a bit embarrassed and opened his mouth as if wanting to say something more.
But by then, Dumbledore had finished talking about Hogsmeade Village and began directing the young wizards to sing the school song.
A long golden ribbon floated above, and soon the hall was filled with a cacophony of tunes.
Oren had no choice but to swallow his remaining words and join in the singing in the style of a wandering minstrel.
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Hogwarts,
Teach us please,
Whether we be old and balding
Or young with skinned knees.
...
What should have been a school song turned into a chaotic musical medley, with everyone singing to various tunes.
The most frequently used melodies were "Glorious Griffin" and "Fate Symphony", which were popular choices among most young wizards.
As for Kael, he used "The Celestial Path is Wide and Vast".
Everyone's choices were diverse, but if anyone sang with the most joy, it was undoubtedly the Weasley twins.
Fred and George linked arms and sang the school song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" while dancing merrily.
Their actions caught quite a few eyes, and the cheerful Gryffindor students quickly joined in, turning the school song session into a festive frenzy.
Yet, it was undeniable, they genuinely seemed happy, so much so that even Dumbledore couldn't resist joining in with a few steps.
When the school song concluded, Fred and George received the loudest applause from the audience.
"How wonderful, this is the true meaning of the school song," Dumbledore said, adjusting his slightly askew wizard hat with a smile. "It's now bedtime, off to your dormitories all."
...
With the event over, everyone scrambled toward the auditorium doors.
The prefects quickly sprang into action, trying to gather the first-year students from their respective houses.
"First-year students, come over here."
"Don't push, let the first-years lead, let the first-year students go first!"
"Hurry up, freshmen, we need to keep pace."
"Is everyone accounted for? Remember to stick with me later and don't fall behind."
...