Hogwarts' Golden Glory

As the Thestrals passed through the cast-iron gate, night began to fall.

Kane Malfoy sat at the far end of the carriage, looking out at Hogwarts Castle through the dimly lit window.

It was a rough, muddy road, and once they got into the carriage, it started moving on its own.

Who is pulling this cart?

Draco muttered something and tugged at the collar of his school uniform.

"It's not comfortable to sit on at all, and it even smells musty."

Kane did not respond.

Instead, he glanced at Thestral.

They have no flesh on their bodies; their black fur clings tightly to their skeletons, and every bone is clearly visible.

"You'll see it when you grow up."

The auditorium was brightly lit, and students gradually took their seats at the long tables of the four colleges.

Teachers began to sit in the teachers' seats as well.

In the flickering candlelight of the teachers' table, Gilderoy Lockhart was adjusting his gleaming gold bow tie in the air.

With every movement he made, the Order of Merlin on his chest jingled like a string of restless bells.

"I suggest we hold the first class in the auditorium."

Lockhart spoke loudly to Professor McGonagall beside him, his fingers lightly tracing the gold-embossed cover of his autobiography.

"That way, all grades can see me demonstrate how to subdue a werewolf—using non-violent methods, of course."

Professor McGonagall pressed her lips into a thin line: "Hogwarts' curriculum has been organized by year for two hundred years—"

"Ah! Speaking of grades!" Lockhart suddenly turned to Professor Flitwick, "I plan to have seventh-year students help write my new book, 'Defending Against the Dark Arts with Lockhart'—and they'll be credited, of course!"

A clear, cold snort came from the other end of the teachers' section.

Snape's black robes billowed slightly in the windless Great Hall, like a bat poised to pounce.

"Severus!" Lockhart seemed to only then notice his presence, revealing his impeccably white teeth.

"I was just about to ask you about improvements to the wolfsbane potion—a more romantic formula was mentioned in Chapter Eight of my autobiography..."

Looking at Lockhart, who was full of confidence, in front of him.

Snape's lips twisted into an almost sinister smile. "Romantic? I suppose you mean reckless. That error-ridden paper nearly turned three wizards into werewolf snacks."

"That must be because their skills aren't up to par, since I've already succeeded."

Just then, Sirius Black, who arrived late, strode in.

"Sorry for being late, Albus."

He nodded to Dumbledore without any apology, but his eyes were already fixed on the Gryffindor table; he was looking for Harry's location.

"I encountered a little...trouble on the way."

Harry sat bolt upright, his green eyes gleaming in the candlelight.

When Sirius winked at him, he responded with a smile.

"Black," Snape's voice slithered across the ice like a serpent, "I hope you don't bring your tardiness to Hogwarts."

Sirius lazily sat down, propping his long legs up on the empty chair: "More than being punctual, Severus, I care less about not bringing the musty smell of the cellar to the dining table like some people do."

Instantly, the atmosphere in the teachers' section became very awkward.

Kane's gaze was fixed on the teachers' table; barring any unforeseen circumstances, a fight was unlikely to break out.

"Gentlemen," Dumbledore gently interrupted, "let us focus on welcoming the new students."

Lockhart took the opportunity to clear his throat: "Just as I said—"

"Your reading list is boring enough," Sirius Black suddenly interjected, pulling a roll of parchment from his pocket and unfolding it.

"I added some practical and useful content—such as how to identify disguised Death Eaters, and practical techniques for fighting against some dark magic."

Hundreds of parchment copies were automatically produced and floated like snowflakes to the long tables of the four colleges.

Harry took a copy and saw that the top of it read "Black-Lupin Joint Curriculum".

Below are listed practical topics such as "Learning and Applying Patronus Charms" and "Identifying Dark Magic Items".

Lockhart's face instantly turned even darker than his cauldron: "Headmaster! This kind of content—"

"—That's exactly what the students need." Sirius grinned, revealing the mischievous expression he had during his student days.

"Unless you believe that Hogwarts students are unworthy of learning true defensive magic?"

The air in the auditorium seemed to freeze.

Hermione clutched the outline tightly, her eyes wide open; Ron's fork hung in mid-air, the meatball falling back onto the plate.

"Enough." Dumbledore tapped his wine glass lightly, the sound not loud, but it silenced the entire Great Hall.

"We'll discuss the course schedule tomorrow. Now..."

He waved his wand, and the rain clouds on the ceiling suddenly turned into a starry sky.

"Let's welcome the new students first."

As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, Professor McGonagall, who had been sitting in the faculty seat, left once again.

After all, this kind of thing has always been done by her, the vice principal, over the years.

"Freshmen, please follow me."

Guided by Professor McGonagall.

The first-year students began to file in.

Everyone was curious about this amazing school.

The students already seated at the long table, watching this scene, felt as if their enrollment had just happened yesterday.

Ginny looked around timidly, and soon she saw her brothers.

They all gave her encouraging looks, which boosted her confidence.

Luna remained dazed, staring blankly around; there were simply too many harassing horseflies around her.

It made her head feel a little messy.

But then she saw that strange boy named Kane.

So he gave the other person a friendly smile.

Kane was naturally paying attention to the other party and offering encouragement.

Unfortunately, the other party didn't seem to understand what it meant.

"Oh my god! Harry Potter!"

A scream erupted from the new students!

The other person was holding a Muggle camera and was curious about everything around them!

But what intrigued him most was that boy—Harry Potter!

Because the other person is the person he admires most!

"Harry Potter, can I not take a picture with you? No, no, no, I'd much rather take a picture with you!"

Harry was still a little embarrassed to be called out to his face.

Her once fair cheeks instantly turned red.

Seeing this, Sirius Black also showed a happy expression, after all, his godson seemed to have a loyal admirer!

This is much better than James!

"Excuse me, student, could you please keep quiet and return to the line?"

As the facilitator, Professor McGonagall quelled the incident immediately!

Colin was somewhat dampened, but he still quickly spoke up.

"I'll come find you when you're resting!"

Sure enough, fans always manage to overcome their fear when facing their idols.

The division ceremony was held very quickly.

As Kane had anticipated.

Luna was still sorted into Ravenclaw, while Ginny and Colin ended up in Gryffindor!