Banquet and the Slytherin Dormitory

Could it be... that the reason the Weasley twins' alchemy became so advanced later on was because they studied alchemy under this Mr. Valison Green during that year?!

Linley's expression shifted slightly.

If that was the case, could he also study alchemy under this famous French alchemist?

After all, the Philosopher's Stone that had extended Mr. and Mrs. LeMay's lives by more than six hundred years was also an alchemical product!

Although Linley had no interest in prolonging his life, the power of alchemy fascinated him.

After all, the Philosopher's Stone was alchemy, but alchemy was not merely the Philosopher's Stone!

At that moment, Mr. Green—no, Professor Green—seemed to catch Linley's gaze. He gave Linley a slight nod and offered a kindly smile.

Seeing this, Linley could not help glancing at Professor Snape's zombie-like face right beside Professor Green.

They were both gloomy men, so why was the difference between them so enormous?

That was what Linley thought.

Soon, the Sorting Ceremony came to an end.

Hogwarts's headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, rose to his feet. Beaming at the young wizards, he spread his arms and said happily, "Welcome! Welcome to Hogwarts for the start of a new school year! Before the feast begins, I would like to say a few words. And they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

"Thank you all!"

As Professor Dumbledore's voice fell, thunderous applause erupted in the Great Hall.

Not a single word of nonsense!

Linley was suddenly rather moved. It reminded him of his high school graduation ceremony in his previous life, when the principal had insisted on personally shaking every student's hand while handing out the diploma folders. With thousands of people taking turns, Linley had waited below the stage for more than three hours...

At that moment, the plate before Linley suddenly filled with food: beef, roast chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, sausages, steaks, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and perhaps because of a certain Old Bee, mint hard candies and other sweets as well.

Just as Linley was about to dig in, the ghosts of the various houses suddenly drifted out.

Beside the Slytherin table stood a terrifying-looking ghost with blank, staring eyes, a gaunt face, and silver bloodstains all over his robes. This was Slytherin's house ghost, the Bloody Baron.

Good grief, how was anyone supposed to eat with that there?!

Linley felt somewhat helpless. With someone covered in blood standing right beside the dining table, it was hard to keep one's appetite.

Linley did his best to ignore the Bloody Baron, then tried the steak and roast potatoes on his plate. To his surprise, they tasted quite good.

After the young wizards had all eaten their fill, the food on the plates was replaced by desserts.

There was a dazzling array of treats: every kind of ice cream, apple pie, treacle tart, chocolate éclairs, jam doughnuts, trifle, strawberries, jelly, rice pudding, and more.

Linley took two cups of ice cream and began eating.

At last, the plates became clean again, and the Great Hall returned from its mealtime clamor to its original solemn quiet.

"Oh, now that everyone has eaten and drunk their fill, I have a few more words to say. At the beginning of term, I would like to give you several notices. First-years should note that the forest on the school grounds is forbidden to all students. Students in other years would do well to remember that too."

Professor Dumbledore's bright eyes swept toward the Weasley twins. Clearly, the two of them had made quite a few trips to the Forbidden Forest during their first year.

"Also, the caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind everyone that magic is not to be used in the corridors between classes. Finally, Quidditch team trials will be held in the second week of this term. Anyone wishing to join their house team should contact Madam Hooch."

"And now, before we all go to bed, let us sing the school song together!"

Professor Dumbledore announced loudly, a smile appearing on his face.

But Linley noticed that every professor except Professor Dumbledore froze at those words, their smiles stiffening.

Professor Dumbledore waved his Wand, and a long golden ribbon twisted and coiled like a snake, forming lines of golden words. They were the Hogwarts school song.

"Everyone choose your favorite tune," Professor Dumbledore said. "Ready, sing!"

Under Professor Dumbledore's lead, the young wizards quickly began to sing. Some of the first-years were shy at first, but they soon joined in as well.

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts,

Teach us something, please,

Whether we be old and bald or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling