Wilbur was late, was late, for a very important date! Or rather, a feast and a speech in this case.
The not-too-old man jogged along the way, nearly bumping into a few students in the Entrance Hall who were loitering, shooing them onward with a cheery, "
Best find yourselves a seat soon! You won’t want to miss this speech, I assume you. It’ll be brighter than a festival tent full of swooping fwoopers but twice as colourful and less noisy!" One student happened to graciously offer him some colourful feathers to adorn, and why, he couldn’t resist that. The feathers were quickly folded to resemble a circlet around his shiny head. He eventually stopped short of the doors when he made his grand entrance. His face was sun-kissed from the reminiscence of the summer heat, waving as a sparkle of stars left his bedazzled hands. The Sorting Hat had long been put away by one of the staff members. Due to his early absence, Professor Menon had the Frog Choir step in to fill the gap with a splendid rendition of the Hogwarts theme song.
It was a shame he missed out on the earlier conversations and snacks, but this display was a treat on its own.
Beaming, he shuffled down the rows of tables toward the dais, his hands rising and falling like a conductor’s (but of an old habit from his days leading the Hogwarts Choir) guiding the final echoes of laughter and chatter as they rang through the hall as his own boisterous voice joined in the final few notes of the school’s esteemed anthem - his own tune reminiscent of that of Greensleeves as was so beloved by his dearly departed wife.
As the last of the voices were still echoing off the stone walls, the Headmaster stepped up to the podium amidst the applause, his fingernails individually painted with all of Hogwarts house colours. His eyes twinkled as he looked upon each of the students before offering his Hogwarts faculty that was equal parts appreciation (for maintaining merriment and order in his absence) as it was effervescent. His positively besotted disposition would surely come as no surprise to any of them, considering his bubbly like a cauldron set to high heat pitch during an earlier faculty meeting. With a flourish, he turned towards the Great Hall with his arms once again held high and waited for the noise to settle down to quiet.
Pausing, he smiled, before brandishing his hands out, "
Welcome! Welcome! To another year at Hogwarts!" Wilbur breathed out a gleeful sigh of relief. “
It brings me great pleasure seeing all returning and newly sorted faces here. Be thoughtful, be wise, be patient, be resourceful, and of course, make good use of the time you have dedicated to your studies and making friendships harbour.” Adding, "
This year, we have a slight change in staff, our resounding History of Magic Professor, who once graced these halls as Head Girl, Professor Amstern, now serves as Head of Hufflepuff house." Allowing time for her to make an acknowledgement amidst the applause.
"
Now that’s not all the news we have today. Having spent a summer dedicated to the fine arts and learning about the importance of fresh change, behold, you may have noticed a fresh coat of paint amongst the hallways. This year we will be dedicating to promoting House unity and Hogwarts pride, rounding off the year with a little big something I think you all will find quite festive. In due time, you will receive further details through your Professors and Head of Houses." But of course, he would not say much more. The mystery of such events is left to one’s imagination and anticipation. "
Now, on the more competitive side of said House pride. Gobstones and Quidditch tryouts will take place among our other extracurricular activities. Be sure to take a look at notices around the school for that, as well as speaking with Professor Feirgrund for information on joining Summer Gobstones and Professor Springer for Summer Quidditch through U-17."
He paused to allow this information to sink in and finally lowered his arms while his hands and fingers remained as animated as ever.
"
As said throughout the years, I strongly caution all students from taking a stroll through the Forbidden Forest unsupervised and without permission. If you happen to see something or someone attempting to enter or arrive from the forest, do tell, as the safety of others most certainly is the exception to all tattletale peer pressures. I’m quite sure their ghost would’ve appreciated someone looking out for them." And finally, some closure, "
Now, with all that said and done. I offer you some key advice to make your year one for the books: Take note of your surroundings and think, how can I improve? Where can I improve? The choice is in your hands. And with that said." Clapping his hands, a shower of glitter flew from under the sleeves of his robes, before the tables filled with all the food. "
Dig in!"
And fear not, dear colleagues ― he had a perfectly marvellous pun waiting in the wings, stretching its legs and clearing its throat, as tradition so cheerfully dictated.