The tables were filled with many delicacies; a Large turkey (it could be seen on everyone's table), butterbeer, Lobsters, Smoked Salmon, Oysters and a large bowl of toffees. For desert there was Caramel Pudding, Chocolate mud cake, Vanilla sponge Cake and Orange jelly.
They all were happily eating and chatting with each other till the plates were cleared off the food and Professor McGonagall woke up again.
'I expect that now everyone is well fed. As you all know an announcement is to be made and for the same reason this feast took place earlier than usual.'
At this the hall was filled with excited whispers.
'Now, you all know that the castle has been restored to its original state. Thanks to you all. As a result I have two announcements to make. First, this year has been very challenging to us all. The war and the influence of the Dark Lord in the school has brought the academic year to be at its lowest point. Many went into hiding, some resumed with the studies and some set to fight from within the castle.'
As she said this she smiled to Neville, Luna, Seamus, Dean, and Ginny.
'Few of us even went on to fight him in secret.' She looked at Harry, Hermione and Ron.
'All in all none of the students have received the proper knowledge that Hogwarts gives every year. So to this note I announce the opening of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry reopened to the students of last year to start a fresh with their studies starting the beginning of next month.'
'Wow, isn't that great we didn't miss studies after all. I should get started on reading for N.E.W.T.S. as soon as possible. We only have a month to go.' Hermione said in excitement to Harry and Ron.
'What?!!' Ron almost shouted.
It seems that the reaction of the rest of the students was more on Ron's side.
'It is for your best. The sooner we start the sooner we and and we can make room for the new students. My second announcement I however feel will cheer up us all.' McGonagall continued.
There was an instant silence. Everyone was anxious to know what would cheer them all including McGonagall.
'As we all have been here supporting the school after the war none of us have had the pleasant time to celebrate.' At this McGonagall paused to allow the rest to prepare to listen to the next words.
'The teachers and I with help from our fellow wizards and witches.' She nodded to all the elder wizards and witches gathered at the table with her.' Have decided to arrange a small celebration for us all which will take place within a few minutes on the Quidditch ground.'
At this there was a burst of applause all over the hall and people started talking excitedly.
'If everyone is satisfied then shall we all proceed to the ground? Thank you.' McGonagall ended.
Everyone stood up and started to move outside towards the ground.
'Amazing, I never thought Professor McGonagall could do this. I mean McGonagall and celebrations. The only time I saw her agreeing to a celebration is when Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup.' Ron exclaimed in excitement.
'They must have arranged it really fast, considering we were there a few hours ago.' Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron.
'They did.' Ginny said with a grin.' I also helped a bit but Bill told me was taken care of. He just told me it's turned out great.' Ginny whispered so only the three could hear.
Truly the ground was great in fact it seemed to be more than great. As they all approached the ground they saw glimpses of lights above. As they came near the Quidditch ground they saw that the lights were suspended in thin air high above surrounding the ground lighting the grounds for people to walk to the ground. The ground entrance had glitters that seemed like they were moving in water. As Harry walked through the entrance his body felt familiar warmth that he knew well but it was for a short while.
'Cheering charm was a weak one.' Hermione.
'Maybe Flitwick is scared that the school would burst into unnecessary laughter and sound like a gathering of mental people than a celebration.' Ron said.
'Can't mental people have fun? Gilderoy does.' Harry burst out in laughter. He was soon joined by Hermione, Ron and Ginny.
As they entered the ground it had banners of all the four houses hung in mid air with their respective animals moving, (Gryffindor lion was roaring, Slytherin serpent was slithering in one spot, Ravenclaw eagle soaring in a circular motion and the Huffulpuff badger kept on moving in and out of view). The most attention grabbing was the scoreboard which was like a large board with the words 'NEW BEGINNING' swaying and lighting. Below the words, pictures of Quidditch matches, Triwizard Tornament and surprisingly the War were being shown. The pictures of the war were not depressing but were encouraging as they were those of wizards casting spells and curses at the Death Eaters. Harry noticed another thing, as the images of the war came along with it came a message. 'We defend ourselves and our loved ones. We stand together as one through all.' When Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny found seats near Neville and Luna they settled down ready to enjoy and join in the celebration.
'Amazing what they have done with the ground. It's hardly recognizeable.' Neville said when they were settled.
'Fireworks anyone?' Luna asked handing the four a large box.' They are placed for lighting but a note said we will be informed when to start.'
'Wow. How more brilliant can this get?' Ron exclaimed in joy as he took the box.
Within a few minutes the stands were filled in spite the fact that only a reasonable number remained behind.
'It seems people from Hogsmead have come too.' Luna said as she indicated to the lady who owned Three Broomsticks who was some seats away.
'WELCOME LAIDIES AND GENTLE MEN!!' Harry heard Kingsley's voice echo through the ground.
'I HOPE THIS CELEBRATION CAN BE WELL ENJOYED BY YOU ALL. THERE ARE FIREWORKS AND FIRECRACKERS PROVIDED FOR EVERYONE ON THE STANDS PLEASE ONLY START WHEN THE SIGNAL IS GIVEN.A SMALL SHOW WILL SE PUT ON THEN ALL OF US CAN JOIN. SO WITHOUT ANY FURTHER DELAY LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN.'
With that a series of beautiful fireworks began to light up the night sky. The fireworks were wonderful. Clown was drawn on the sky which started to dance tapping its feet. Then came a large cauldron that was stirring and every time the large spatula made a complete turn an animal came out of the cauldron (First came a panda, Penguin, Kangaroo, Tiger and Lion).
Then came the fireworks with messages like 'Together we stand strong.' ' Good always prevails' Danger is not to be feared but faced' ' Know no evil when you are true' 'Strength comes from close ones' 'Trouble should be done with.'
''Join in everyone!'
'THAT'S THE SIGNAL PEOPLE' Kinsley's voice came.
Soon everyone joined in some had musical fireworks others had images of famous witches and wizards, messages while some were showers of lights of different colours. Harry was having a lot of fun it seemed like everyone was.
'Ron, Hermione come.' Harry said after an hour or so.
I hope you guys enjoy it.😉🤗