Chapter 16: 'Academic Exchange”

Chapter 16: “Academic Exchange”

Sean’s heart beat fiercely, and a weird feeling in his heart struck. He hurriedly lowered his head and took a sip of pumpkin juice. The girl was still staring at him when he raised his head again, but the feeling dissipated.

Sean raised his cup, smiled at her, and greeted her. However, he thought in his heart that he would stay away from this senior in the future.

After everyone filled their stomachs, the rest of the food disappeared from the table, and the plates were empty. After a while, pudding, ice cream in all flavors, apple pie, fruit tarts, chocolate muffins, fried jam doughnuts, marmalade pudding, strawberries, jelly, and rice pudding appeared.

For Sean, most desserts in the UK have too much sugar.

Seeing that Cotton smeared another layer of cream on the dessert, Sean had a bit of a toothache. That thing must be sweet. As the feast came to an end, Dumbledore stood up again.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.

“Now that everyone is finished. Before you go, let me give you a few things to keep in mind for the new semester.” The hall suddenly fell silent, leaving only the slight crackling sound of candles burning.

“First-year students, note that the forest area on the school grounds is forbidden for any students to enter. Some of our senior classmates should also keep this in mind.” Dumbledore’s eyes swept around the Gryffindor table.

“Mr. Filch also wants me to remind everyone not to use magic in the corridor between classes.”

“The vetting of Quidditch players will be held in the second week of this term. Students who are interested in participating on their own team, you can contact Ms. Hooch.”

After saying this, Dumbledore’s expression became a little serious. He waved his right hand lightly, and a column of fiery red letters appeared in the air.

[Nurmengard.]

“Some of you may already know it. But yes, we have reached an academic exchange plan with Nurmengard School of Magic.”

The originally quiet hall suddenly became noisy, and the students all started to discuss it.

“That gossip actually came true? God, when I think of those students in Nurmengard, I’m going to get sick.” Cotton was complaining to the others.

“Can you tell me why?” Sean turned his head to the side and asked softly, and Hermione on the side approached curiously.

“Oh, are you from a Muggle family?” Cotton showed a stunned look, and then his face became ugly.

Dumbledore didn’t take out his wand. He waved it lightly. Nurmengard’s font disappeared, and the flames recomposed a large paragraph of lyrics in mid-air.

“Everyone chooses their favorite tune,” said Dumbledore. “Get ready and sing!”

“Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald,

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they’re bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we’ve forgot,

Just do your best, we’ll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.”

Everyone sang the school song in unison. Only the Weasley twins continued to sing along with the slow melody of “Funeral March.” Dumbledore conducted followed the last two notes with them, and when all of them were done singing, he applauded greatly.

“Music,” He said, while wiping his eyes, “are more glamorous than anything we’ve done here. Now it’s bedtime. Everyone, please proceed to your own dorms.”