A Multitude of Demons Dance

Half an hour later, the feast was drawing to a close, and the main courses on the tables had been replaced by a variety of desserts.

Kyle chose a serving of maple pudding.

This pudding was highly recommended by both Bill and Charlie, who claimed that outside of Hogwarts, it was rare to find one with such an authentic taste.

Kyle took a bite and found it truly excellent; the sweetness was just right, the fragrance was delightful, and a hint of perfectly balanced acidity was the finishing touch, making it the ideal post-meal treat.

Once everyone had finished, the remaining desserts were cleared away, and the tables returned to their clean, tidy, and spotless state.

Dumbledore stood up, and the Great Hall immediately fell silent.

"Now that we are all fed and watered, I have a few words to say before you head off to your dormitories."

"First-year students, please note that the forest area on the school grounds is strictly off-limits to all students."

"Furthermore..." Dumbledore paused before continuing, "Professor McGonagall has asked me to remind you that the use of joke shop items in classrooms or any public areas is prohibited and will result in severe punishment."

As soon as he finished speaking, nearly half the people in the Great Hall instinctively looked toward Fred and George of Gryffindor.

The twins didn't shy away; they stood up and began bowing to the crowd, looking as smug as if Dumbledore had just been praising them.

Not far away, Professor McGonagall's expression was as grim as could be, her lips pressed into a thin, tight line.

One look at her was enough to know that the twins were likely headed for detention, and it certainly wouldn't be a short one.

Dumbledore, however, remained composed and continued, "Quidditch team tryouts will be held in the second week of the term. Any students in their second year or above who wish to join their house team should contact Madam Hooch."

As expected, it had to be second year...

Since he had known this would be the outcome, Kyle didn't feel particularly disappointed.

Moreover, just because Dumbledore said that didn't necessarily mean a first-year student couldn't participate in Quidditch tryouts.

The reason first years were excluded was simply to accommodate Muggle-born students who had never encountered Quidditch before; it would be unfair to select team members before they had a chance to learn.

After a full school year, they would be familiar enough with the wizarding world, making it the perfect time for tryouts.

Of course, if there were truly a natural talent, the Heads of House wouldn't mind exercising a little privilege, much like Harry Potter a year later.

Therefore, Kyle planned to visit Professor Sprout in a couple of days to try his luck and see if he could be allowed to try out alongside the second years.

If he were really forbidden from flying for a whole year, it would be pure torture.

"Quiet..."

Dumbledore had to raise his voice to suppress the excitement of the young wizards stirred up by the mention of Quidditch.

"Finally, it is my honor to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."

Dumbledore turned slightly, gesturing toward the staff table.

"Professor Oren, please say a few words to everyone."

Beside Snape, an unremarkable-looking middle-aged wizard stood up and waved at the crowd with a smile.

A few cold, scattered claps echoed through the Great Hall; apart from the first-year students who clapped enthusiastically, the students in other years showed little interest.

Just another one-year professor, so why bother being enthusiastic? He'd be replaced next year anyway, so a perfunctory gesture for Dumbledore's sake was enough.

Professor Oren didn't seem to mind, as if he had already anticipated this result, and sat back down after his greeting.

But whether out of disappointment or awkwardness, the professor moved his chair with a bit too much force; his body tilted, and his elbow landed squarely in Snape's side.

"Hiss!"

Snape gasped, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair so tightly that he barely managed to stifle a shout.

"My apologies, Severus, are you alright? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey?" Oren asked with concern.

"I don't believe we are on familiar enough terms to address each other by our first names, Professor Oren."

"Furthermore, I am not so fragile that a mere nudge would send me to the hospital wing, so please, spare yourself the trouble."

Snape shifted his chair away, a flash of disgust in his eyes, as if he were looking at a Flobberworm that had been squeezed dry of its mucus and was now entirely devoid of medicinal value.

Professor Oren looked somewhat embarrassed, his mouth opening as if he wanted to say something more.

But by then, Dumbledore had finished speaking about Hogsmeade Village and began directing the students to sing the school song.

A long, golden ribbon floated in the air, and soon, a cacophony of different tunes filled the Great Hall.

Oren had no choice but to swallow his words and join in, singing along with everyone else in the style of a wandering bard.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Teach us something please, Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees.

A perfectly fine school anthem was turned into a massive musical disaster by the crowd, with everyone singing to whatever tune they pleased.

The most frequent choices were "Glorious Hippogriff" and "Symphony of Fate," which were the selections of the majority of the young wizards.

As for Kyle, he used the melody of "The Broad Road to Heaven."

Everyone's choices were varied and strange, but if one had to say who was singing the most joyfully, it would undoubtedly be the Weasley twins.

Fred and George linked arms, singing the school anthem to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" while performing lively dance steps.

This act of theirs attracted quite a few gazes, and the cheerful Gryffindor students soon joined in spontaneously, turning the original school anthem segment into a chaotic dance of demons.

Yet, one had to admit that they truly looked happy; even Dumbledore on the stage couldn't help but dance along for a short while.

Once the school anthem concluded, Fred and George were rewarded with the most enthusiastic applause of the night.

"How wonderful, this is the true meaning of the school anthem," Dumbledore said with a smile, adjusting his slightly crooked wizard's hat. "Now, it is time for bed. Everyone, return to your dormitories."

As the party ended, everyone swarmed toward the Great Hall doors.

The prefects moved quickly, striving to gather the first-years of their respective houses together.

"First-year students, over here."

"Don't push, let the first-years go first, let the first-year students go first!"

"Hurry up, first-years, we need to make good time."

"Is everyone here? Remember to follow me in a moment, don't fall behind."