Chapter 171: Self-Control (1/2)

After the sorting ceremony ended, few first-year boys and girls sat near Chris on the Gryffindor table. All of them stopped talking as it was the time for Dumbledore's speech.

”To our newcomers,” said Dumbledore in a ringing voice, his arms stretched wide and a beaming smile on his lips, ”welcome! To our old hands — welcome back! There is a time for speech making, but this is not it. Tuck in!”

There was an appreciative laugh and an outbreak of applause as Dumbledore sat down neatly and threw his long beard over his shoulder so as to keep it out of the way of his plate — for food had appeared out of nowhere, so that the five long tables were groaning under joints and pies and dishes of vegetables, bread, sauces, and flagons of pumpkin juice.

”Congratulations.” Colin beamed at few first years.

”Welcome to Gryffindor.” Chris said holding her hand out to the boy sitting beside her.

”Thank you.” The boy shook her hand, blushing. ”Euan Abercrombie.”

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”Christina Norton.” Chris said smiling.

Euan Abercrombie suddenly stopped and looked terrified at before pulling his hand back. He shrinks back in his seat and looked away.

Chris blinked a few times to understand that sudden change of behaviour then she remembered her reputation in the wizarding world. Though she had faced lots of stares and whispering, she never expected a first-year student to look horror-struck at her name.

”Chris... Are you...” Ginny trailed off looking worried.

Chris shrugged and started eating.

When all the students had finished eating and the noise level in the hall was starting to creep upward again, Dumbledore got to his feet once more. Talking ceased immediately as all turned to face the headmaster.

”Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices,” said Dumbledore. ”First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students — and a few of our older students ought to know by now too.” (Chris smirked.)

”Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door. We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”

Hermione, Ginny and Chris exchanged looks at the mention of Umbridge.

Dumbledore continued, ”Tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will take place on the —”

He broke off, looking inquiringly at Professor Umbridge. As she was not much taller standing than sitting, there was a moment when nobody understood why Dumbledore had stopped talking, but then Professor Umbridge said, ”Hem, hem,” and it became clear that she had got to her feet and was intending to make a speech.