HP: Supreme Potion Collector [Original Female Protagonist]

As the carriage passed through the gates flanked by winged boar statues, it rolled along the wide driveway, swaying violently due to the howling wind. Hogwarts loomed ever closer, its many lit windows flickering dimly behind the thick curtain of rain. The carriage halted at the stone steps before the grand oak doors, and the four of them hurried up the steps, dashed through the entrance hall, and entered the Great Hall.

Their hair was drenched, water dripping everywhere, making the marble floor slick. Orli slid with each step as she made her way to the table, casting a Drying Charm on herself once more. The Great Hall was as magnificent as ever, specially adorned for the start-of-term feast. Hundreds of candles floated above the tables, illuminating the golden plates and goblets with a warm glow. It was far cozier inside than the stormy weather outside.

Orli glanced towards the staff table, noticing more empty seats than usual. Of course, Hagrid was likely occupied ferrying the first-year students across the lake, and Professor McGonagall was probably arranging for the entrance hall floor to be dried. The last vacant seat… that was for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

With Barty Crouch Jr. having had his soul taken by the Dementors, this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor should be the real Moody, right? Orli felt a wave of apprehension as her gaze shifted to Snape, who was staring impassively at the incoming first-years, not sparing her a glance.

The Sorting of the new students concluded swiftly. Orli recalled how nervous she had been back then, her legs cramping as she felt all eyes on her. But now she realized that the students seemed more interested in the feast about to begin. She barely remembered any of the new students' names.

Professor Dumbledore stood up, smiling warmly at all the students, his arms spread wide in a welcoming gesture.

# Dumbledore

"I have only two words for you,"

he said, his rich voice echoing throughout the hall,

# Dumbledore

"Dig in!"

The empty plates suddenly brimmed with food, and everyone eagerly served themselves their favorite dishes.

# Ron

"Ah, that's much better."

Ron mumbled through a mouthful of mashed potatoes. Orli took a hearty bite of pie, feeling her empty stomach finally being satisfied.

At last, the desserts were devoured, and the last crumbs vanished from the plates, leaving them spotless and gleaming. At this point, Dumbledore stood up once more. The buzzing conversation in the hall ceased immediately, leaving only the sound of the howling wind and the pounding rain. A flash of lightning from the enchanted ceiling briefly illuminated all the students' faces.

# Dumbledore

"Well!"

Dumbledore said, beaming at everyone,

# Dumbledore

"Now that we're all fed and watered, I must ask for your attention once more as I have a few announcements to make."

# Dumbledore

"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that this year, the list of banned items inside the castle has been extended to include Screaming Yo-Yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises approximately four hundred and thirty-seven items, which can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office for those interested."

Dumbledore's mouth twitched slightly.

# Dumbledore

"As ever, I would remind you that The Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to students, and that Hogsmeade is off-limits to all students below third year."

He continued:

# Dumbledore

"I must also inform you with great regret that this year, the Quidditch House Cup will not take place."

# Harry

"What?"

Harry gasped, taken aback. Fred and George had their mouths agape, staring at Dumbledore as if they were struck dumb with shock.

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