Vid recounted everything honestly, neither embellishing nor downplaying.
Even so, Professor McGonagall was still furious, her nostrils flaring as if she could breathe fire any moment. She angrily said, "Bullying classmates... and using such insulting names... we absolutely cannot allow such behavior—Severus, I want Mr. Malfoy to have detention for at least a month!"
Professor Snape seemed lost in thought, his face pale and vacant. It took him a while after hearing Professor McGonagall's words to slowly say, "Of course... you're right... Minerva... let's do that..."
"Good!" Professor McGonagall exhaled and, turning to Vid, she finally softened her strict expression a bit.
"Mr. Gray—"
"Yes, Professor." Vid lowered his head: "I know I shouldn't use magic spells on classmates in the hallway..."
"Ahem." Professor Flitwick suddenly coughed twice, "Indeed, too impulsive. What if someone got hurt? For your recklessness, I will deduct one... uh..."
Professor Flitwick sneaked a glance at his two colleagues beside him.
"—Five points!"
He gritted his teeth and said firmly, then secretly winked at Vid, signaling—don't worry, we'll add them back later.
Professor McGonagall managed a slight smile and said, "Well, of course—also, for your brave defense of a classmate and successfully using the Disarming Spell, I will add ten points to Ravenclaw, Mr. Gray. It's clear that you... um... excel in Spellcasting!"
...
"Added ten points?" In the Umbrella House, Michael was quite surprised at the result.
"Actually only five points, because before that, Professor Flitwick deducted five." Vid emphasized.
"I know... but... it's Professor McGonagall!" Michael was rather incredulous, "She doesn't even favor Gryffindor people!"
"Precisely because Professor McGonagall is fair that she added ten points to Ravenclaw!" Padma seemed unsurprised, "Think about what Malfoy did... A month of detention is really too lenient for him!"
"Not only that, they didn't gain any advantages from Professor Snape either." Theo shared a piece of news unknown to everyone—"Someone saw the Slytherins go together to complain to Professor Snape, only to be kicked out in less than two minutes."
Leian nodded in understanding: "Even though Professor Snape is usually very—strict, he doesn't senselessly favor Slytherin, right?"
Neville probably wouldn't agree; he thought that if they saw how Professor Snape nitpicked them during Magic Potion Class with Gryffindor and Slytherin together, perhaps they'd reconsider their vastly inaccurate perception.
While the group was chatting, the door of Umbrella House suddenly opened—only one person would come at this time, and Padma cheerfully waved and shouted: "Hermione!"
The brunette walked in briskly from the door, smiling brightly: "Good afternoon, everyone!"
"Eh?" Padma looked at her with some doubt: "Hermione, why do I feel like something about you is different today?"
"No, not really—" Hermione tucked her hair around her temples, saying evasively, "Maybe hearing that Malfoy got taught a lesson—it's a bit too joyful—"
"Hmm..." Padma was skeptical—could that truly be the reason?
Michael, however, noticed immediately—Hermione used to have notably large front teeth, coupled with her frizzy brown hair, making her look a lot like a beaver. But today, when Hermione smiled, her teeth were neat and of normal size, appearing much cuter than usual.
"Wow, Hermione!" Michael didn't reveal what he observed but praised, "You're truly radiant today."
Hermione laughed shyly and, to divert attention, she turned and called behind her: "Come in, Harry!"
Harry Potter, who had been hesitating outside, finally stepped in, and everyone turned their gaze to him, making the boy awkwardly rub his hair.
This wasn't the first time they met, but seeing classmates in the classroom was normal. Having a new member join one's "territory" or "circle", and it being Harry Potter… still, it brought a peculiar and special feeling to their hearts.
Nobody spoke for a moment.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Harry awkwardly greeted, "Um—hello, everyone? I'm Harry Potter..."
He then despaired—what a dumb thing to say? They've been attending school for half a year; surely everyone knew each other by now?
Hermione had always advised him to leave a good impression on everyone, but it seemed his first step was messed up by his foolishness...
They must think he's talking weirdly, appearing too silly...
"Is it time for introductions again?" Vid stood up first, extending his hand with a smile: "Hello, Harry, I'm Vid Gray."
If only oneself did something stupid, that would be toe-curling awkward; but if someone else did it too, then that embarrassment seemed to diminish.
Harry gratefully shook hands with Vid.
Then Michael Corner reached out too, "Welcome, I'm Michael Corner—actually, I wanted to say earlier, the way you caught the Golden Snitch last time in the field was so cool! I'm looking forward to your next performance."
"Thank you." Harry gave a shy smile.
"Welcome to join us, Harry, I'm Theo Mancini." Theo said with a smile, "Next game is against Hufflepuff, I can only wish you to enjoy the match, and hope Hufflepuff wins."
Harry wished he could say something witty and humorous in response, but as someone not good with words, suddenly all he had in mind was Wood's passionate speech in the rain—
"Hufflepuff is not to be worried about!"
No... can't say that...
"Defeat Hufflepuff! Win the House Cup!"
Enough! He wasn't here to offend everyone...
"Give it your all! The first time in seven years! Let Professor McGonagall see us shine!" Wood shouted fervently!
Harry: ...
"I will definitely give it my all!" Before his mind caught up, Harry had already spoken.
Theo laughed, "That's the spirit."
"Leian Caro." Leian shook hands with a gentle smile: "Though I haven't joined other clubs, I have to say, SSC is definitely the best."
"Of course." Harry promptly said.
"Padma Patil." Padma grinned as she shook hands: "My only request is not to confuse me with my sister."
"I won't mix you up." Harry assured.
Unlike the almost identically copied Weasley twins, the Patil sisters' differences are quite apparent—even though they have very similar appearances, their personalities, and expressions differ greatly, so no one would mix them up.
"Well—finally, there's me." Hermione also ceremoniously shook hands, "Your friend—and a partner in SSC."
"Oh—Hermione—" Harry couldn't help but laugh.
At that very moment, Harry had completely forgotten all the thoughts he had upon entering. During the cheerful welcoming ceremony, he genuinely felt himself being accepted by a group—unlike friendship with Ron, or some classmates' admiration due to the "Savior" fame, this was very different.
Harry couldn't quite articulate what this difference was right now; he only knew that he felt very good, as if he had landed softly on clouds.