After half an hour, the feast was nearing its end. The main courses had been replaced with various desserts.

Kyle chose maple syrup pudding.

Bill and Charlie had strongly recommended it, saying that this kind of pudding was rarely found elsewhere, except at Hogwarts.

Kyle took a bite and found it was truly delicious. The sweetness was just right, the taste was refreshing and fragrant, with a subtle touch of sourness that made it perfect as a dessert.

After everyone had finished eating, the remaining desserts were cleared away, and the table was clean, neat, and spotless.

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

"Now that everyone is full, I have a few words to say before you go to bed."

"First years, note that the forest on school grounds is off-limits to all students."

"And... " Dumbledore paused, then continued, "Professor McGonagall also asked me to remind everyone, please do not use magical prank props in class or any public area. Otherwise, you will face severe consequences."

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

The twins weren't fazed. They stood up and bowed continuously to those around them. They looked so smug as if Dumbledore had been praising them.

Professor McGonagall, not far away, looked as gloomy as can be, her lips pressed together tightly.

You could tell just by looking at her that the twins were probably going to be put in detention, and it wouldn't be for a short time.

Dumbledore, however, remained composed. He continued, "The tryouts for Quidditch players will be held in the second week of this term. Students in the second year and above who are interested in joining the house team should contact Madam Hooch."

It was indeed for the second year and up...

Since Kyle already knew this would be the case, he didn't feel disappointed.

Besides, even though Dumbledore said that it didn't mean first-year students couldn't participate in Quidditch tryouts.

Excluding first years was just a way to accommodate Muggle-born wizards. They had never been exposed to Quidditch before. It wouldn't be fair to them if they chose players now.

After a year, they would be familiar with the wizarding world. That would be the perfect time to hold tryouts.

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Of course, if there were really good prospects, the Heads of Houses wouldn't mind using a little privilege, like Harry Potter a year later.

So, Kyle planned to try his luck with Professor Sprout in a couple of days and see if he could take part in the tryouts with the second years.

It would be torture not to fly for a whole year.

"Quiet..."

Dumbledore had to raise his voice to silence the group of young wizards who were excited about Quidditch.

"Finally, I'm honored to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."

Dumbledore stepped aside and extended his hand towards the professors' table.

"Professor Oren, say hello to everyone."

Next to Snape, an unassuming middle-aged wizard stood up and smiled, waving to everyone.

The Great Hall erupted in a few cold, scattered claps. Except for the first-year students, who were clapping enthusiastically, the students in the other years weren't very excited.

It was only a contract professor. What was the point of being enthusiastic? They would change next year anyway. They only need to be polite for Dumbledore's sake.

Professor Oren didn't mind. It seemed like he had already guessed the outcome. After saying hello, he sat back down.

But he didn't know whether it was because of disappointment or embarrassment, but Professor Oren moved his chair a little too forcefully. He leaned over, his elbow hitting Snape squarely in the ribs.

"Ssh!"

Snape gasped, clutching the armrest of his chair. He managed to hold back a cry.

"I apologize, Severus. Are you okay? Do you need to go to Madam Pomfrey?" Oren asked with concern.

"I think we're not familiar enough to call each other by name, Professor Oren.

Besides, I'm not so fragile that I need to go to the hospital wing just for a little bump. No need for your concern."

Snape moved his chair to the side. A look of disgust flashed in his eyes as if he had seen a Flobberworm that had been drained of its mucus and had no medicinal value.

Professor Oren looked a little embarrassed. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something.

But Dumbledore had already finished talking about Hogsmeade village and started instructing the young wizards to sing the school song.

A long, golden ribbon floated in the air. The Great Hall quickly filled with different melodies.

Oren could only swallow the words he had wanted to say. He joined everyone in singing with a bard's style,

Hogwarts,

Hogwarts,

Hogwarts,

Hogwarts,

Give us your knowledge,

Whether we're balding old men,

Or kids with bruised knees.

...

A perfectly good school song, but it was turned into a large-scale concert disaster. Everyone used different melodies.

The most common ones were "The Glory of the Hippogriff" and "Symphony of Fate ". These were the choices of most young wizards.

As for Kyle, he used "The Road to Heaven is Wide and Broad."

Everyone had their own choice, but if anyone was singing the happiest, it would be the Weasley twins.

Fred and George linked arms with each other, singing the school song with the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" while dancing merrily.

Their actions attracted a lot of attention. Soon, the cheerful Gryffindor students spontaneously joined them, turning the original school song session into a cacophony of chaos.

But it has to be said that they looked truly happy. Even Dumbledore, on the platform, couldn't help but join in and dance for a bit.

After the school song ended, Fred and George received the warmest applause from the audience.

"What a wonderful sight. That's what the school song is meant to be." Dumbledore straightened his slightly askew wizard hat and said with a smile, "Now, it's bedtime. Go back to your dorms."

...

The evening ended, and everyone rushed towards the Great Hall door.

The prefects quickly went into action, gathering the new students from their respective houses.

"First-year students, this way."

"Don't push. Let the new students go first. Let the first-years go first!"

"Hurry up, new students. We have to hurry."

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

...