Umbridge could say no more. The Great Hall had dissolved into chaos.
She shot Harry and the Twins a vicious glare, forced a strained smile onto her face, and sat down.
"Professor Umbridge's speech was very illuminating," Dumbledore said with a cheerful smile. "Now, as I was saying, Quidditch team tryouts will begin in the second week of term. It's late, so we won't keep you from your rest any longer.
"Prefects, please show the first years the way. Everyone else may return to your Common Rooms."
Dumbledore kept it brief. The moment he finished, chairs and benches scraped and clattered all around them.
At the Gryffindor table, Hermione was already on her feet. "First years, this way!" she called with an air of authority.
The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Prefects followed suit.
As for Slytherin...
Draco was getting up when someone tugged his shoulder. He was about to snap, but when he turned and saw Will, his expression changed to a smile. "What is it?"
Will patted Draco's shoulder and tossed him a small object. "Do me a favor, Draco. Show the new students the way for me, and this is yours."
Draco caught it and looked closely—a Prefect badge.
"I— I can't—" Draco was tempted, but he quickly shook his head.
"Will, what are you doing?" Sylvia's voice came from behind him. Will felt a small hand pinch his waist. "Prefect Behrens, the students are waiting for you to show them the way."
Will gave a helpless smile, cast Sonorus on himself, and called out, "First years, this way. Line up and keep pace. If you get lost, you'll spend the night outside the Common Room."
With that, Will headed toward the Slytherin Common Room without another word. Sylvia walked half a step behind him, while the first-year Wizards