Hermione and Neville had probably walked through the entire magical train, but they still couldn't find the runaway toad. Fortunately, Neville seemed to have emerged from the sadness of losing his pet—perhaps not completely, as he was still downcast, but at least he wasn't sniffling anymore.
Hermione entered and was surprised to see a pile of snacks on the table. She asked, "What are these?"
"A lady selling snacks came by just now," Vid gestured. "Look, I bought a lot—strawberry custard, chocolate balls, pumpkin tarts, cauldron cakes, and fruit drinks. Let's eat together. Oh, Neville, would you like to try this mint toad?"
Neville took it, muttering "Leif" while taking a bite. His eyes suddenly brightened, "It's delicious."
Hermione didn't decline either. She sat down confidently, took a piece of cake, and said, "Thank you, I was hungry too. By the way, you won't believe it, Harry Potter is in the compartment less than ten meters from us—do you know Harry Potter?"
"Of course, his name is mentioned in 'Important Magical Events of the Twentieth Century,'" Vid said while unwrapping chocolate beans. "But I think it's best not to disturb him—he lost his parents the night he became a hero. If it were me, I'd rather not have such honor."
Hermione was taken aback, "You—you're right—I hadn't thought..."
Neville looked down, clutching the mint toad a little tighter.
The sacrifice and honor of the Potter Family were world-renowned, but not many knew—during that time, the Death Eaters captured and tortured Neville's parents to insanity while searching for the missing Voldemort.
The boy buried these dark matters deep inside, and they enjoyed a hearty meal.
Vid originally thought there would be plenty of snacks left, but as the train clattered on for a long time and night fell without reaching the destination, all the snacks on the table were finished by the trio, and the snack lady was nowhere in sight, leaving their dinner still pending.
"Isn't Hogwarts supposed to be in the United Kingdom?" Hermione stood up angrily. "I'm going to the front of the train to ask the driver when we'll arrive."
"Let's go together."
This time Vid stood up too, curious about the driver who might work only four times a year, wondering who was responsible for the job.
Neville followed along, still hoping to find his pet.
The train driver was an unremarkable brown-haired man, smoking a pipe with a face full of stubble, yet in good spirits. Faced with the "questions" from the three young wizards, he replied cheerfully, "Don't worry, you'll be there shortly. You'll have dinner at Hogwarts Castle."
Hermione returned satisfied.
Passing through numerous compartments, Vid casually observed unfamiliar faces, only recognizing the Weasley Twins—their compartment was bustling with cheers and laughter echoing from afar. Who knows what amusing tricks they were up to.
Even before reaching their compartment, they suddenly heard screams as three kids stumbled across the corridor. One blond boy pushed Neville, shouting, "Move! Get out of the way!"
"Hey!" Hermione couldn't stop them and stomped her foot in anger, "Rude fellows!"
Vid reached out to steady the nearly-fallen Neville.
"Thank you," Neville said gratefully.
Vid shook his head and said to Hermione, "You go change into your robes first, we'll wait outside."
Hermione nodded, swallowed her anger, and entered the compartment with heavy steps. She locked the door and pulled down the curtain. Soon, she was dressed. Then it was Neville's turn. Just as the three had packed their seats' items into their trunks, they heard the driver's voice echoing throughout the train—
"Five minutes to Hogwarts, please leave your luggage on the train. We will transport it to the school for you."
The train slowed down and stopped at the station. Hundreds of students poured out like bees from a hive, the dark and small platform flooded with bobbing heads. Hermione and Neville were close on Vid's heels, looking slightly pale.
"First-year students! First-year students, follow me! Watch your step!" Nearby, a giant man holding a lamp shouted in a booming voice.
Vid and the others squeezed through the crowd. They noticed the older students heading in another direction, but in the face of the imposing gamekeeper Hagrid, no one dared to question.
A group of people walked through a dark path between the woods, eventually seeing a towering castle in the distance, with numerous windows glowing, the light reflecting off the mirror-like black lake, making the castle appear exceptionally majestic.
"Wow—" the new students exclaimed in unison.
Under Hagrid's guidance, everyone took small boats across the Black Lake and finally arrived beneath the castle. Hagrid even discovered Neville's toad on one of the boats. Neville joyfully retrieved his beloved toad, while Hagrid knocked three times on the castle's door.
The door opened, and Professor McGonagall stood in front with a serious expression.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said.
......
The Sorting Ceremony began.
Hogwarts has four houses—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, sorted by a talking Sorting Hat determining students' talents and qualities. Vid knew this even in his previous life.
Having lived in this world for eleven years, he had forgotten many scenes from novels or movies. But once realizing he was in Harry Potter's world, he reflected and recalled many memorable scenes, documenting them uniquely.
Before reporting, Vid carefully considered which house he wanted to be in—the Sorting Hat does consider students' wishes alongside talents.
First and foremost, he eliminated Slytherin—his parents weren't wizards, and in Slytherin where bloodline and family background are heavily valued, he might be ostracized by other students. Vid wasn't afraid of those kids but also wasn't interested in challenging high difficulty.
Gryffindor?
After careful consideration, Vid still thought it wasn't right.
With Harry Potter present, Gryffindor was the center of the storm where all eyes focused. Moreover, in the plot, most Gryffindors seemed a bit thoughtless, often succumbed to rumors, ostracized, and marginalized Harry Potter who hadn't erred, leaving a bad impression on Vid.
Similarly, Ravenclaw seems to have instances of bullying, mockery, and teasing of classmates (like Luna Lovegood).
Choosing Hufflepuff wouldn't be like that. Although most Hufflepuff students have average grades, they are sincere, kind, and trustworthy. Being considered foolish wouldn't matter, Vid believed his intelligence wouldn't change due to the house.
Having decided, Vid appeared more composed than those young wizards believing they'd fight trolls. After the Sorting Hat sang a song, Professor McGonagall carried a long list and sorted each new student into corresponding houses, some quickly, others after some hesitation. Suddenly, Vid heard a familiar name—
"Hermione Granger!" Professor McGonagall called loudly.
Hermione ran over, hurriedly put on the hat.
A moment later, the Sorting Hat shouted, "Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor long table erupted in cheerful applause.
Then—
"Vid Gray!"