At this moment, food appeared on the tables. There were all sorts of food on display. Janice had expected it to be something similar to the Harry Potter books, but the food served was actually Asian food, which surprised her. There was Fried Noodles, Fried Rice, Laksa Satay, Chicken Curry, Nasi Bryani, Roti Prata, Nasi Lemak, Chicken Stew and others that Janice didn't know of. Ravenous, Janice piled her plate with a bit of everything and began to eat.
"The food here is heavenly." Lawrence said thickly, through a mouthful of Satay.
For once, Janice had to agree with him, as the food was how Chee Hao had said, out of this world.
As they ate, the topic turned to schoolwork.
"I heard that Transfiguration is a nightmare." Amelia, a first year replied.
"Well, if you just pay attention to what the teacher says, you'll be just fine." Seng Kiat, a prefect assured.
"What will we be doing on our first lesson?" Landy asked.
"Well, you guys will just be starting small on the first few weeks, like turning a matchstick into a needle or something like that." Seng Kiat replied, his mouth full of Nasi Bryani.
When all the food had been cleared, there was dessert on the table: Ice Cream, Mango Pudding, and Asian delicacies of every sort. Unable to resist the temptation, Janice tasted every dessert even though she was very full.
When the dessert was finally cleared, an old man wearing pale blue robes sitting in the middle of the staff table stood up. As he stood, Janice could hear Boon Kee whisper "Thats him! The headmaster of our school! Professor Lim!"
"Well, now that you have eaten, I have a few things to announce. First Years should take note that Sinister Forest is out of bounds and maybe some jokers here would like to note it too." he replied, looking at some students from the Mohammed table.
"Also, First Years ought to take note that the village, Colimeade is out of bounds until they have turned sixteen, that is, in their fourth year.
"Also, no magic is to be carried out in the corridors unless it's necessary."
"Quidditch auditions are now available. Any student wishing to play for their school team may consult Madam Lee for more enquires.
"For the first years, you will have to choose an co-curricular activity, also known as CCA, when you are in school for your weekend activities. For the list of CCAs, they are listed on your house notice board in your common room.
"Would all students please take note that the sixth floor corridor is strictly out of bounds to all students unless you wish to die."
"What's in there?" Janice mouthed to Lawrence.
Lawrence simply shrugged his shoulders, meaning he didn't know it too. Just as Janice was about to ask Boon Kee, Professor Lim interrupted again.
"Well, its pretty late now. Why don't we sing the school song now before we go to bed?" He suggested, his eyes twinkling. Janice, this time, could see some teachers rolling their eyes or suddenly becoming very stiff.
Professor Lim then took out his wand and waved it in mid air. There some white ribbon-like substance, which actually twisted itself into words.
"Just sing the song with any rhythm you like, and off we go!" He said, waving his wand like a conductor.
Professor Lim then waved his wand vigorously to the last few lines of the song, which at last, left some boys at the Mohammed table and Lawrence, Boon Kee and Chee Hao singing it to the tune of a Funeral March and to the tune of 'in the end' respectively. After singing the song, Professor Lim shooed them all to their dormitories.
"First years from CuiHua house! Follow me please!" A prefect from their house shouted.
Perhaps Janice had eaten too much or something, but Janice was feeling very
sleepy. As the prefect took them to their dormitories, she did not even
realise that she had walked past portraits with people that moved, or staircases
that moved around, or ghosts that waved to her. All she cared was how tired
she was and longing to sleep in her own bed.
Janice suddenly noticed that they had stopped, and looking up, she realised that she was standing right in front of a portrait of a Chinese woman in a baby blue cheongsam.
" Mi ma*? " She asked, her spiral curls bouncing as she talked.
*(Password in Mandarin)
"Xian Nu*" the prefect replied.
*(fairy in Mandarin)
The lady then put her fan down and pressed something on her table. She moved aside and there was a hole at the spot where she sat. Gladly, Janice climbed in and found herself in a large room with some armchairs and bookshelves against an air-con.
"Girls, your dormitories are just around the corner of the right staircase. For boys, your dormitories are just around the corner of the left staircase. Your trunks are already inside." he said.
Gratefully, Janice climbed up the stairs, and found a sign that said, 'First Years Dormitories'. When she got in, she found her trunk in one the beds against the window. She gratefully took out her pyjamas from her trunk and changed it before sleeping. The moment her head hit the pillow, Janice was already fast asleep.