When the train arrived at the station, the sky had already turned almost completely dark.
Hagrid's voice came from outside.
"First years! First years over here! Harry, come over here, how are you?"
Adrian woke up from his slumber, hearing the chattering noise from outside.
Looking out the window, he could see that students had already gathered on the platform, with Hagrid standing before them, continuously saying something.
He rubbed his stiff shoulders and arms, stood up from his chair, and stretched.
Riding the Hogwarts Express again after so long was quite a nice experience.
Adrian only disembarked from the train after all the students had walked away.
"Whistle—"
Adrian whistled, the crisp sound echoing in the night.
Moments later, there was a whooshing sound from high in the air.
Then, a figure silently descended from the night sky, landing gracefully in front of Adrian.
Its large wings folded slightly, and though its body was skeletal, it was quite tall, with a pair of pupil-less eyes that appeared particularly eerie in the darkness.
It was a Thestral.
"Thank you for coming to pick me up," Adrian raised his hand and gently stroked the Thestral's neck.
The Thestral lowered its head and sniffed his palm, as if confirming his scent, then gave a soft snort, seemingly expressing affection.
Adrian nimbly mounted it.
The Thestral spread its enormous membrane-like wings, fluttered them slightly, then leaped powerfully, carrying Adrian into the night sky.
The cold evening wind blew against his face, his black robes fluttering in the wind, like a shadow merging into the night.
Honestly, Adrian thought Thestrals weren't really suitable for direct riding because they were simply too thin. Sitting on one was genuinely uncomfortable.
That protruding bone was digging into Adrian's backside rather painfully.
This was probably why Hogwarts only had Thestrals pull carriages.
The Thestral brought Adrian to the main entrance of Hogwarts Castle.
As he dismounted, Adrian couldn't help but sneeze; the evenings were still quite cold, especially when flying in the air.
Adrian had arrived before the students.
At this time, the first-years should still be in the middle of the Black Lake, and the other students had probably just boarded the Thestral-drawn carriages.
Adrian pushed open the great doors of Hogwarts Castle and found Professor McGonagall standing before him.
Professor McGonagall wore an elegant dark green robe, standing straight with her hair impeccably arranged and a serious expression—clearly preparing to welcome someone.
Of course, she wasn't waiting for Adrian.
She was there to welcome Hogwarts' new students, and such serious preparation was obviously to maintain a good image in front of the newcomers.
When Adrian opened the door, he saw Professor McGonagall's face freeze.
Clearly, she hadn't expected Adrian to appear there; according to her plan, she should have been seeing a large group of adorable first-years.
"Why is it you, Professor Westeros?" Professor McGonagall looked behind him curiously and asked, "Where are the students?"
"They're behind me," Adrian shrugged, then said casually, "I came on the Hogwarts Express just like the students. I haven't missed the start-of-term feast, have I?"
A flash of helplessness crossed Professor McGonagall's face, but she quickly regained her serious demeanor, and looked at Adrian expressionlessly.
Maintaining her composure was more important right now.
"Professor Westeros," she said sternly, her voice slightly urgent, "Please go in quickly. All the other professors have already arrived, except for you."
Hearing Professor McGonagall's urging, Adrian didn't rush but instead asked, "Do you need help welcoming the new students?"
Professor McGonagall glanced at Adrian's wind-tousled hair that resembled a bird's nest, and her mouth twitched slightly.
"No need, Professor Westeros," she waved her hand.
"Very well."
When Adrian reached the Great Hall, just as Professor McGonagall had said, all the professors and the headmaster were already in their places. Even Quirrell had arrived; only Adrian hadn't taken his seat.
When Adrian looked toward the front of the Great Hall, he noticed that Professor Sprout's gaze immediately locked onto him.
Professor Sprout waved to him, smiling warmly. "Professor Westeros, come quickly."
Adrian smiled slightly and walked toward her with light steps.
As he passed by the professors, he felt everyone's gaze focused on him, some with curiosity, others seemingly impatient.
The impatient one was naturally Hogwarts' Potions professor, Severus Snape.
Of course, Adrian understood Snape.
Since a certain period during his fifth year, Snape had always looked at him with disdain.
Adrian himself didn't like this former follower of Voldemort either.
Although he now seemed to have returned to Dumbledore's camp, Adrian still didn't like him.
But now was not the time to dwell on old grievances.
Adrian walked all the way to the last seat and sat down—right next to Professor Sprout.
As soon as Adrian sat down, Professor Sprout turned her head slightly.
"It's really you, Adrian," she said softly, her eyes showing disbelief and delight. "I always thought Kettleburn was joking, but he actually found you to take over his position."
"I didn't expect it myself," Adrian shrugged, "but the professor trusted me, and I like teaching, plus I'm very knowledgeable about magical creatures."
"I know," Professor Sprout's smile grew even brighter, "but I think you might be more suited to teaching Herbology."
"Then you'd be out of a job, Professor," Adrian joked, "I couldn't let that happen."
In fact, during Adrian's student years, he had shown exceptional talent in Herbology.
Combined with being a Hufflepuff student, Professor Sprout had always considered him a pride of Hufflepuff.
After all, who wouldn't like a well-behaved student with excellent grades?
Snape, sitting next to Adrian, heard this conversation and couldn't help but sneer.
'Why are you laughing?' Adrian wondered, confused.
If you've got the nerve to fight... well, actually, he might lose that one.
Adrian said nothing, just glared fiercely at Snape.
But Snape had already turned his head away, completely ignoring Adrian.
"..."
Dumbledore clapped his hands, wearing his characteristic benevolent smile. He scanned all the professors and gestured for everyone to quiet down.
"Everyone, please quiet down," Dumbledore said. "The new students will be arriving soon. This is an important moment, so please maintain elegance and dignity."
He paused, smiled slightly, and turned his gaze to Adrian. "I believe our new Care of Magical Creatures professor has a unique understanding of hairstyles."
Only then did Adrian notice his wind-tousled hair sticking out in all directions, and quickly began to fix it with his hands.
"I thought that was the latest fashion," Professor Flitwick mumbled beside him.