Chapter 23: A Wild Bunch
Half an hour later, the banquet was winding down, and the main dishes had been replaced with an array of tempting desserts. Kyle, after surveying the options, picked a serving of maple pudding. Bill and Charlie had raved about this particular dessert, insisting that nowhere else could replicate its authentic taste quite like Hogwarts.
Kyle took a bite and immediately understood the hype. The sweetness was perfectly balanced, the fragrance rich and inviting, and there was just the right hint of acidity to round it all out. It was the ideal way to finish off the meal.
As the last bites were savored and the remaining desserts cleared away, the long tables returned to their spotless state. The Great Hall grew quiet as Dumbledore stood up, signaling that it was time for his traditional speech.
"Now," he began, his voice commanding immediate attention, "I trust you are all sufficiently full, but before you go to your dormitories, I have a few words to say."
The hall was silent, every student now focused on the headmaster.
"First-year students, please note that the forest area on the school grounds is off limits to all students," Dumbledore said, his tone serious.
"And..." he paused briefly before continuing, "Professor McGonagall has asked me to remind you that the use of magic in the corridors or any public area will not be tolerated and will be severely punished."
As soon as he finished, nearly half the room instinctively turned to look at Fred and George Weasley, the infamous Gryffindor twins. Far from looking abashed, the twins stood up and began bowing theatrically to their peers, their grins wide as though Dumbledore had just honored them.
Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, looked as though she was barely holding back her fury. Her lips were pursed so tightly they had nearly disappeared. Kyle had little doubt the twins would be in for some serious detention, and it certainly wouldn't be a short stint.