Chapter 968 - 396: The New Professor

Chapter 968: Chapter 396: The New Professor

Harry didn’t respond to this; in fact, he felt guilty towards these girls regarding this matter.

Except for Annie, who was somewhat better off, as she was sealed in time due to an irremediable Black Magic Curse. ℯℯ𝑙.

But it was different for the others, especially Pabi, who was trapped inside a unicorn’s body in the Forbidden Forest for a whole hundred years.

Quite tragic indeed.

As night fell, Professor Slughorn began to speak.

"Alright, I won’t keep you any longer," he said, "it’s time for you to return to your compartment, change into your school robes, and get ready to disembark."

Harry and Annie returned to the compartment together, where everyone else had already changed into their clothes and was waiting in place. Seeing them return, Ron greeted them with a cheerful smile.

"I heard from Neville," Ron said, "a Slytherin named Zabini accepted the invitation? His...um, his mom seems to be quite open-minded?"

"So, this party isn’t what you think," Harry said with a smile to them, "the invitees are all wizards from families with prominent figures. Obviously, I’m one of them."

"Because you are the prominent figure yourself," Luna said, removing her pair of frog-shaped glasses.

"Yes, I’m indeed a prominent figure," Harry laughed heartily, "You’re absolutely right."

With that, Hermione’s expression improved a bit.

This girl... still has a strong sense of self-esteem.

After getting off the train, they found the Nightmare Horse Carriage on the chilly platform and climbed aboard.

Six people per carriage, yet not crowded at all.

Midway, Annie realized she had left her scarf in the compartment. Helpless, Harry had no choice but to give her his own scarf.

Given Annie’s frail health, a gust of wind could easily cause some trouble.

"I’m thinking now," Ron said cheerfully, "that we get to sit in a warm carriage, while those new students aren’t as lucky—they have to endure mud, cold winds on the Black Lake... especially in third year, I recall it was raining at the time, wasn’t it? Even in the rain, those new students have to trudge through."

"I doubt even hail would spare them," Hermione commented, patting her face.

A burst of laughter erupted in the carriage, as everyone took delight in the new students’ plight.

After all, they are no longer new students and watching others suffer the same hardships they once endured was a gratifying experience.

After a while, the carriage arrived at Hogwarts.

They alighted and entered the great hall.

The hall retained its usual decorations, with four long tables lined up, some students already seated on either side.

It seemed they were slightly early.

Annie and Luna left, as they were not Gryffindor students—one went to Slytherin’s long table and the other returned to Ravenclaw.

When Luna emerged from Harry’s side, the students from Ravenclaw gathered around her, chattering away, though what they spoke of was unclear.

Annie’s side, however, remained quiet; the Slytherin students didn’t dare disturb her, for reasons unknown.

Harry withdrew his gaze, and soon, the hall was filled with people.

Professor McGonagall approached with the Sorting Hat and placed it on a four-legged stool.

The hat’s brim split open into a gap and began singing a nonsensical song.

"...because I’m the most beautiful Magic Hat you’ve ever seen!"

"It’s as pretty as crap." Ron sneered, "I’ve never seen a dirtier hat than that."

Harry smiled knowingly.

Professor McGonagall now stepped forward with a roll of parchment.

"When I call your name, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and listen to the sorting!" She announced sternly.

Without even looking at the parchment, she raised her voice: "Felix Abbo!"

"Ah, another one from the Abbo family." Ron grinned, "I’ve noticed, members of the Abbo Clan always seem to be the first to be sorted at Hogwarts... seems there isn’t a surname that can precede theirs in line?"

"There is, mate, there is." Harry replied, "Abaddon, abba, takes precedence over abbo."

At that moment, Felix Abbo was already on the stool, wearing the hat.

"Hufflepuff!" the Old Hat announced loudly.

...

Once the last student was sorted, Professor McGonagall picked up the hat, rolled up the parchment, and stepped away from the staff table.

Dumbledore then stood up, arms wide, and loudly proclaimed.

"Welcome to Hogwarts—I won’t deliver a long speech. So, let the feast begin!"

Immediately, as in previous years, the tables were filled with an array of delightful foods.

"I’m really hungry." Neville stared directly at the roast chicken in front of him, eager to dig in.

"I still don’t get why they provide peppermint candies," Harry looked at the peppermint candies in his dish, "that’s something I’ve never understood all these years... Aren’t they afraid people might choke on them while eating?"

"Perhaps the school has its considerations." Seamus shrugged.

"Look, Harry," Ron, reaching for a drumstick, nudged Harry with his elbow, "Hagrid is waving at you."

Harry glanced over toward the staff table, where Hagrid was indeed waving, and he returned the smile.

Hagrid and the dignified Professor McGonagall always seemed out of place together; when seated, her head barely reached between Hagrid’s elbow and shoulder.