The last time Harry saw Snape with such an expression was through his mother's memories by the Black Lake, where Snape was staring at Harry's father, James Potter.
"Well, I think the important things have been said," Dumbledore raised his hands and said, "Now, I announce, the feast begins!"
The golden plates and goblets in front of them suddenly filled with food and drinks, and Harry and his friends, who hadn't eaten much on the train, suddenly felt ravenous, so they grabbed some of the food within reach and started eating.
Especially Ron, who recreated his aggressive drumstick battle, holding one in each hand and eating passionately.
Hermione had given up on correcting Ron's table manners. To her, Ron was beyond saving, so why bother?
It was a sumptuous feast, with the hall echoing with laughter and the clinking of cutlery.
After the banquet, Dumbledore, as per tradition, led everyone in singing the school song.
"Even in the darkest days, never forget to maintain hope." Dumbledore held out his hand, waving it before the candles: "But we can always find joy, that is the trait we need."
After saying this, he raised his hand and said, "Now, let's sing the school song together—"
This was the part of the night all students least looked forward to, except for the Weasley twins.
They had taken a trip to Egypt and somehow learned a tune that made students imagine an image of green Roma breaking through the Saint Romanus Gate.
If there were any Turks present, they would surely recognize this tune as their traditional song "Ancestor, Grandfather."
"Actually, the Slytherin people should sing this."
In the end, the Weasley twins added jokingly, "After all, the Ottoman Empire is green, and so is Slytherin—they must have a common language."
The Slytherin students glared angrily at the twins after hearing their comment.
Hey, what are these copycats babbling about!
After the school song, Dumbledore instructed the class prefects to lead the students back to their respective dormitories.
Percy immediately stood up, slightly puffed his chest, seemingly wanting everyone to take a good look at the Head Boy badge on his chest.
"Big-headed boy," the four Weasley siblings muttered in unison, with the twins exchanging a glance and bursting into laughter.
Even Ginny joined in, not caring at all about Percy's hurt expression.
The freshmen and upperclassmen followed the prefects toward their common rooms.
The four houses had different common rooms: Gryffindor was in the tower, like Ravenclaw; Slytherin was in the dungeons, while Hufflepuff was next to the kitchens.
Those entering Hufflepuff were the luckiest, as they could reach the kitchen foyer by tickling the pear in the painting at the door, which would then transform into a door handle and let them through.
The House-Elves of Hogwarts never refused students sneaking to the kitchen for food, even if they weren't doing it openly.
The Gryffindor students were surprised to find that the guardian at the Gryffindor entrance had been replaced, no longer the portrait of Lady Pang, but a Sphinx.
"A Sphinx!" the Weasley twins exclaimed in unison.
However, their expressions showed no fear, but rather anticipation.
"Welcome back to the Gryffindor common room," the Sphinx said gracefully, "I am the new gatekeeper of Gryffindor; you may call me the Sphinx..."
"Isn't Sphinx a tribe?"
Someone in the crowd interjected, but the Sphinx didn't look pleased, perhaps because it didn't like being interrupted, or for some other reason.
"I think you should enhance your knowledge, Miss," the Sphinx said sternly, "I won't elaborate on that question—now, you need to correctly answer my question to enter the common room."
"Does everyone have to answer correctly?" someone shouted.
"No, only one person needs to answer correctly," the Sphinx said, chuckling, "After each correct answer, you have ten minutes of free access."
"Then what are you waiting for? Ask away!" Seamus said, eager to see the action.
The Sphinx looked down at the students and asked, "Which letter is an animal?"
Which letter is an animal?
This riddle...
"The answer is a bee," Hermione quickly replied, "Bee, pronounced the same as the letter B, isn't it?"
"Correct answer, Miss," the Sphinx moved aside, revealing the entrance, "Remember, even if you don't answer, I won't strangle you."
Hearing the Sphinx's remark, everyone shuddered.
Oh my, was there such a possibility?
However, the Sphinx's words were directed at Harry, its eyes fixed on him the whole time, causing Harry to feel quite self-conscious.
Once they entered the dormitory, some Gryffindor students began complaining, "Heavens, at this rate, we'll all turn into Ravenclaws—just think, we have to solve a Sphinx's riddle to enter the common room. How are we different from Ravenclaw then?"