"Welcome! Welcome back to Hogwarts!"
Dumbledore stood at the center of the High Table, his silvery white beard and hair hanging before him, his eyes behind the half-moon spectacles filled with a gentle smile.
"Before the feast begins, there are a few things I would like to say.
"If anyone wishes to quietly slip themselves some sweets or snacks to fill their empty stomachs, please do. These matters are far less important than filling your bellies.
"Of course, do not eat until you are too full. The main course is still to come..."
The old headmaster's speech had no particular focus. He rambled on for quite a while until Professor McGonagall shot him a fierce glare, and only then did he finally get to the point. "All right, all right. First, there is the news that has already appeared in the papers. I expect everyone has heard the good news. Perhaps a few still have doubts or suspicions, but I can assure you—
"Voldemort has been completely destroyed, and he will never return."
A faint stir rose between the House tables. Some students whispered to one another, but they quickly fell silent again.
"On behalf of all Hogwarts professors, I promise you that no force outside the school will ever again be able to influence or interfere with the normal order of teaching here."
Dumbledore paused and lowered his head, revealing a resolute gaze through the gap above his spectacles. "My dear children, you may study in peace now."
He gave the students time to process the news. This time, the murmuring continued for a while. Some were joyous and excited, while others wore complicated expressions, until Dumbledore cleared his throat and the noise gradually faded.
"There is more good news to share with everyone."
Dumbledore turned slightly, drawing everyone's