To welcome the new term and the start-of-year feast, the Great Hall had evidently been decorated again. The ribbons representing the four houses were brand-new, and over a thousand candles floated above the tables, making the golden plates and goblets gleam.
Although wind and rain lashed the ceiling, with occasional flashes of lightning, none of it affected the Great Hall. It was much warmer here than outside.
Su Er parted ways with Hermione at the entrance to the Great Hall and went to sit at the Hufflepuff table.
The Fat Friar had half his body submerged in the middle of the long table. As Su Er passed, he pulled his hand out of the table and gave him a friendly wave.
"Long time no see, Fat Friar."
Quite a few young wizards were already sitting in their seats, chattering about the recent Quidditch World Cup.
The Quidditch World Cup was a major event of a kind rarely seen in recent years. Whether they had attended or not, nothing stopped them from discussing some player's brilliant moves on a particular team with their friends.
"I have to say," Morn said animatedly, "Krum's Wronski Feint was absolutely brilliant."
"It's a shame Bulgaria still lost in the end."
The High Table stood right in the center of the Great Hall. The seat for Dark Magic Defence Against the Arts was empty, and Professor Snape looked as gloomy as ever, with greasy hair and a long face. Come to think of it, Su Er had not contacted Professor Snape at all over the summer. He really had failed to show proper respect for his teacher.
Snape noticed Su Er studying him and looked over calmly.
Su Er's heart jolted. He gave Professor Snape an awkward smile and a wave, then shifted his gaze, only