#19 - Chapter 19 Breaking News
The young wizards erupted in excitement, their screams instantly filling the entire hall. They jumped and cheered, as if trying to lift the ceiling off its supports.
Although Sebastian had anticipated the reaction, the surge of noise that erupted at that moment almost deafened him.
The young wizards held the protection badges in their hands, turning them over and over, not wanting to miss a single detail, and growing more fond of them with each look.
"Oh my god! Protection badges! And in the shape of the Hogwarts crest! I love it so much!"
"Are these for us? Can we take them with us after graduation?"
"I saw them at Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop; even the most basic protection badge costs ten Galleons!"
"I know, I know! The Aurors in the Ministry of Magic each have a top-of-the-line protection badge!"
"Professor Swan, I love you so much!"
Seeing that the young wizards showed no signs of stopping, Sebastian had no choice but to cast a "Sonorus" charm on himself.
"Young wizards, please calm down for a moment."
Hearing Sebastian's voice, the young wizards quieted down and refocused their attention on their idol, Professor Swan.
"This is an intermediate-level protection badge. When you encounter danger, it can automatically cast a Shield Charm once, with power similar to that of a normal adult wizard!"
"When the badge's magic is used up, don't worry."
"You can recharge the badge yourselves."
Upon hearing these words, the young wizards couldn't sit still; they fidgeted in their seats.
What to do!
They really wanted to try out the badge's protective effect right now.
Why wasn't Professor Swan finished speaking yet?
So anxious!
Especially Fred and George, they were waving their wands at each other, eager to test the badge's effectiveness immediately.
Seeing the young wizards becoming restless again, Sebastian had no choice but to cast another "Sonorus" charm on himself, drawing their attention back.
"Now, to announce the final matter: this year, I will be forming a Hogwarts Quidditch team."
"This team will represent Hogwarts and compete with the teams from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute."
"The winning team will receive a prize sponsored by Swan's Alchemy."
"One hundred Galleons each!"
Charlie's attention was immediately captured, and he couldn't wait to stand up and say:
"Professor! Let the Gryffindor team go! We're the strongest!"
Before he could finish speaking, the Quidditch captains from other houses stood up, confronting him sharply.
"Nonsense! Our house's Quidditch team is clearly the strongest!"
Immediately, the young wizards from each house supported their own team, all claiming that their house's Quidditch team was the strongest.
Before the young wizards could descend into chaos, Sebastian said sternly:
"Quiet!"
Seeing that Professor Swan was a little angry, the young wizards dared not make any more noise and sat up straight.
They competed secretly, each sitting up as straight as possible, as if the professor would choose them if they sat straighter than the other young wizards.
"I will not choose any of the house Quidditch teams to become the Hogwarts school team."
"Instead, I will choose the best of the best, selecting the seven most skilled players from the four Quidditch teams to form the strongest Quidditch team."
"The Hogwarts Quidditch Team!"
Before Sebastian's voice faded, the young wizards couldn't sit still, lowering their voices and whispering to each other.
"Crap, Professor Swan seems to be from Slytherin."
"Yeah, will he only choose Slytherin students?"
"Ah! I'm starting to dislike Professor Swan a little."
In contrast, the Slytherin students held their heads high, revealing smug smiles.
In their minds, Professor Swan would definitely favor the Slytherin students.
After all.
Glory belongs to Slytherin!
Sebastian scanned the crowd, taking in the expressions of the young wizards, and he found it somewhat amusing, but he simply said:
"The selection of the school team will be conducted in an open and transparent manner."
"I don't care which house you're from."
"I only care about the results of the selection; the top seven will automatically become members of the school team!"
Charlie's heart was instantly filled with enthusiasm.
Fair selection.
Hogwarts Quidditch Team.
Competing with other magic schools.
Magic Schools Quidditch Cup.
One hundred Galleons each!
Oh my god!
Every single one of these was too tempting.
Just thinking about it made him feel invigorated!
He kept cheering himself on, determined to have Gryffindor take more spots on the school team and beat Slytherin.
Just as he was about to find Gryffindor's Keeper, Wood, to discuss countermeasures, Professor Swan's words reached his ears again.
"The selection will be held on the first Saturday after the start of school."
"Meet at the lawn in front of the castle at 8:30 in the morning."
"Young wizards who are interested in participating in the selection, please don't be late; Professor, I have a very strong sense of time."
"Please travel light; I will provide the flying brooms for the selection."
"Also, if there is anything unfair during the selection process, you are welcome to report it to Headmaster Dumbledore."
Sebastian looked at the young wizards and saw that they were all itching to get started, so he dropped another bombshell to attract them.
"In addition, I need sixty young wizards to form a professional cheerleading squad."
"When we go to other magic schools for competitions, the cheerleading squad will travel with us to cheer for the Hogwarts team!"
"Students who are interested in cheering for the Hogwarts team."
"Students who are interested in visiting other magic schools."
"Don't miss this opportunity."
"It's getting late; if I keep talking, I'm afraid you'll all starve to death."
"The specific competition format and the selection criteria for the cheerleading squad will be posted on the bulletin board tomorrow."
"Everyone, please check it out then!"
With that, Sebastian bowed to the young wizards again and returned to the teachers' table with a smile.
What?
Did I hear that right?
Cheerleading squad?!
And we can visit other magic schools!
The young wizards wailed, condemning Professor Swan's immoral behavior.
Professor Swan.
Please explain clearly.
Our curiosity has been completely piqued by you.
We're not hungry yet.
We can hold on.
Please explain it now!
......
Throughout the entire dinner, the young wizards were excited, discussing the Quidditch team, the selection of the cheerleading squad, and the alchemical items brought by Professor Swan while they ate.
Seeing that the young wizards were full, Dumbledore announced the end of the dinner and instructed the prefects of each house to lead the new students back to their respective common rooms.
Sebastian and Snape exchanged a glance and nodded.
Before the students moved, Snape stood up and said in his unique voice:
"Slytherin students, gather in the common room."
"We need to have a little meeting!"
