Pansy got out of the car and heard the croaking coming from Vizette's car. She couldn't help but scoff, "What era are we living in? People still keep toads as pets. Draco, don't you think?"
Draco watched Vizette's retreating figure without replying to Pansy's words.
After a while, another carriage stopped, and Goyle and Crabbe crawled out of it, followed by another long groan from the carriage.
Pansy reminded them, "They're here, we should go."
"Okay!" Draco replied, then abruptly asked, "What would you do if I lost something?"
"Where did it fall?" Goyle scratched his head. "Shall I help you look for it?"
Crabbe scoffed, "Goyle, you still don't understand Draco. Why bother looking? Why not just buy another one?"
"Exactly, just buy one." Pansy chuckled twice and said again, "Draco, we should go, the opening banquet is about to start."
Draco turned to look at Goyle and nodded. "Okay, let's go!"
-------------------------------------
As soon as Vizette reached the gate, he saw Neville looking anxious, pacing back and forth as if searching for something.
Not only Neville, but Hermione, Harry, and Ron were also at the door, looking around in similar positions.
Occasionally, a student would pass by, and Neville would look up, wipe the sweat from his brow, and ask, "Have you seen my toad? It's dark brown with thirteen bumps on its back..."
He remembered the characteristics of the toad Trevor very clearly.
"Neville, I found this by the roadside and brought it back for you." Vizette stepped forward and handed the toad Trevor, which he was carrying on his arm, to Neville.
"Trevor!" Neville exclaimed with delight, holding it in both hands as if it were a precious treasure. "Thank you so much! You always help me find it."
Harry, Ron, and the others walked over, and Hermione said, "Thank goodness nothing happened! Ron and Harry got here even earlier than us."
Harry and Ron groaned in unison, "Don't even mention it... I regret it so much... We should have just flown to school..."
"You guys!" Hermione's brows furrowed tightly. "Isn't this fine now? Driving in the air, how dangerous would that be!"
Looking at their expressions, both of them still seemed shaken, Vizette asked with some curiosity, "What happened to you at school?"
"We're in Snape's office…" Ron began.
Harry continued, "From sunset until just now..."
Ron patted his chest. "Luckily, Professor McGonagall remembered us and led us away. Otherwise, we would have just been standing there watching Snape feed the mushrooms earthworms."
Harry rubbed his hair, making it look like a bird's nest. "If Professor McGonagall doesn't come soon, I think Snape might make us...eat the entrails in those jars..."
"Alright, that's enough! The opening banquet should be starting soon, let's go in!" Anthony interrupted Harry and Ron, who were about to start complaining.
...
The group entered the auditorium, and everything felt so familiar.
Beneath the dome were thousands of candles suspended in mid-air, while above the dome was a brilliant starry sky, which complemented the suspended candles.
The professors had all arrived, and Snape sat in the corner of the long table, his face expressionless as he closed his eyes to rest.
It was clear that spending time with Harry and Ron had taken a toll on his energy.
Vizette looked toward where the Dark Arts professor was; Gilderoy Lockhart was sitting there, talking to Filius Flitwick.
Flitwick seemed uninterested, only occasionally nodding or moving his lips, as if he were merely responding to the eloquent Lockhart.
When Vizette arrived at the Ravenclaw table, Flitwick showed a more expressive face, smiling and waving at Vizette.
Vizette smiled and waved before taking his seat.
Lockhart noticed Flitwick's actions, pointed at Vizette, and then made a series of exaggerated gestures, babbling on and on.
Perhaps because Nicolas Flamel was a legendary alchemist, he was protected by a great deal of magic.
So Vizette hadn't been able to get in touch with Quirrell all summer.
If he wasn't mistaken, Nicolas Flamel's protection was at least due to the Charm of Loyalty.
With this magic, as long as the keeper doesn't actively reveal the address, no one else can enter Nicolas Flamel's house, even if they've already stumbled upon it.
...
Someone shouted, "They're here! The new students are here!"
With the sound of a door opening, Professor McGonagall was followed by a group of timid freshmen.
Luna was among them, but her attention was on the ceiling. After looking at it for a while, she turned to look around and smiled when she met Vizette's gaze.
Professor McGonagall arranged the chair, placed the Sorting Hat on it, and the Sorting Hat quickly tore open and began to sing a new song.
"Deep within the ancient Hogwarts, every corner is filled with the aura of magic…"
"Here, courage, wisdom, loyalty, and ambition converge to form the most brilliant stars..."
"I am the ancient and wise Sorting Hat, listen to my song, and find your house..."
"The Gryffindors, as fierce as lions, are indomitable and courageous, with boldness and bravery as their motto..."
"The Ravenclaws, as sharp as eagles, roam the ocean of knowledge; their shrewdness and wisdom are the driving forces behind their exploration..."
"The Hufflepuffs, as diligent as badgers, are steadfast and pure of heart, seeking the answer to creating happiness with sincerity..."
"The nimble Slytherins, like snakes, dream of gaining greater power, striving to grow and write their own legends through challenges..."
"Now, a new journey is about to begin. May the glory of Hogwarts illuminate your future..."
"Courage, wisdom, loyalty, and ambition will be your strongest shield. Children, put me on your shoulders and choose your future path..."
This year's song was a completely new Sorting Hat song. Perhaps because the Sorting Hat knew that the song cannot be changed, it had focused all its energy on creation.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, the Sorting Hat lowered its pointed tip, bowed to the students, and announced the official start of the Sorting Ceremony.
As each student sat on a bench, the Sorting Hat loudly proclaimed their House affiliation.
Colin Creevey's last name begins with the letter C, and this enthusiastic young photographer was sorted into Gryffindor as soon as he put on his hat.
He first ran to the long table where Vizette was, and then, reminded by other students, realized that he should go to Gryffindor, and finally found the right place with a flushed face.
Professor McGonagall glanced at the list and called out Luna's name, "Luna Lovegood!"
Luna walked lightly toward the Sorting Hat, a curious smile on her face, showing not a trace of nervousness.
She greeted the Sorting Hat before gently placing it on her head.
After a long silence, the Sorting Hat called out cheerfully, "Ravenclaw!"
…
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