The doors to the Great Hall suddenly swung open. Zhang Xiao had never seen anything like it: the four long tables had been moved far apart, leaving an enormous open space in the middle.
The young witches and wizards stood on either side in their robes, craning their necks and rising onto tiptoe to look toward the entrance.
Thunderous applause erupted at once. They clapped with all their might, whistled shrilly, and shouted cheers.
At the High Table at the far end, Dumbledore sat in his silver, high-backed chair, watching with a warm smile.
The professors were also in their seats, looking up toward him.
Uh, wasn't this... a little much?
Harry made headlines once every school year on average, and he'd even killed a Basilisk-the easy-mode version-but he'd never received such an extravagant welcome!
"You earned this. The moment you stepped forward and stood in front of all the other students, you deserved every bit of it."
Professor McGonagall clapped softly and added, "Professor Dumbledore agreed as well. He, too, felt you deserved this praise."
Professor Dumbledore agreed too?
Zhang Xiao walked inside on rather stiff legs. He had never experienced such an enthusiastic reception before.
Of course-if he hadn't died in his previous life, he surely could have had a welcome like this too...
The instant he stepped through the doors, the cheers and applause grew even louder.
A brilliant red carpet slowly unfurled beneath his feet. Fireworks of every kind appeared across the enchanted sky overhead. Holding a microphone, Lee Jordan announced in a deep voice:
"Ladies and gentlemen!
"Let us welcome-the defender of Hogwarts, the redeemer of ghosts, the reformer of the kitchens, Slytherin's finest student, the Champion who slew the Basilisk, the Dragon Knight!
"Xiao----------Zhang!"
The mingled roar crashed over him like a tsunami. Zhang