Hogwarts: This Wizard is Unscientific 11
by adminChapter 11: What Did I Ever Do to Great Gryffindor?
Practiced… thousands of times?
Hermione stared at Andy, who was sitting opposite her. Was this kid bragging? But remembering Andy’s earlier levitation charm, she felt discouraged. Compared to the young witches and wizards of the magical world, the gap was immense.
This won’t do. I must work harder, striving to memorize every book in the library.
Hermione silently encouraged herself.
“Hermione, are you alright?” Seeing the brown-haired girl’s constantly shifting expression, Andy was puzzled.
What’s wrong?
Want to compete with me?
Andy did feel his magical abilities were insufficient. After all, this semester’s boss, Quirrell, was an adult wizard. Even if his mind wasn’t quite right, his abilities wouldn’t be weak.
While Andy didn’t plan on guarding the Sorcerer’s Stone or fighting a boss, having more self-defense abilities was always a good thing.
“Nothing.”
Hermione shook her head, then curiously asked, “By the way, have you always lived in the magical world?”
“Yeah!”
Andy explained, “My family lives in Ottery St Catchpole. It’s a village where witches and wizards live alongside Muggles.” (Muggles are non-magical people)
Andy briefly described the village layout and asked, “What about you?”
“My parents are dentists, and we live in the suburbs of London. Oh, you know where London is, right?” Hermione spoke rapidly.
“Yes!”
Andy nodded. “A few years ago, our family went to London on vacation, and the Ministry of Magic is in London.”
Hermione quickly added, “I know the Ministry of Magic, I read about it in a book. The Ministry of Magic was established in 1707. Its predecessor was the Wizards’ Council. The Ministry participated in and established the International Confederation of Wizards’ Statute of Secrecy, and it still upholds it to this day.”
Alright!
Andy believed this brown-haired girl had indeed memorized many books. She seemed eager to prove herself, speaking quickly each time and starting with, “I read in a book…”, followed by quick and accurate answers.
After a brief chat about the differences between the magical and Muggle worlds, as the train was about to depart, Hermione took a book from her backpack. “I’m going to read. What about you?”
“I think I’ll have a nap. I woke up too early this morning,” Andy said lazily.
Hermione placed the book on the small table, her small face serious and looking intently at Andy. “I advise you to reread all your textbooks. Once we arrive at Hogwarts, the Sorting Ceremony will be held.”
“They might test our spellcasting skills, or maybe have a written exam,” Hermione guessed.
“Right!”
Hermione continued, “Do you know how Hogwarts sorts students?”
Of course, the Sorting Hat decides.
But I can’t say that.
“I don’t know!”
Andy shook his head. “But don’t worry, nobody’s ever died during the Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony. And injuries like fractures or dismemberment can be quickly healed with magic.”
“A night is enough for a full recovery.”
Hermione: “…”
Hermione lowered her head to read but found herself unable to concentrate.
“Is the Sorting Ceremony really that dangerous?”
Hermione was disbelieving yet worried, and she glared. “Have your family never told you how Hogwarts sorts students?”
“No, it’s an annual tradition.”
Andy leaned against the carriage wall, smiling. “But don’t worry too much. Your level is considered excellent at Hogwarts.”
Andy couldn’t help but think of Ron.
What a slacker.
Before school started, Andy had met Ron a few times. This guy hadn’t even opened his textbooks, let alone practiced magic. Not even once.
Hermione glared at Andy; she didn’t believe him.
She had spotted Andy on the platform earlier and had seen him use the levitation charm.
She followed because she wanted to learn more about the magical world.
However, based on the information she’d gathered so far, even a random child in the magical world seemed far superior to her.
Practicing every spell thousands of times!
Gosh, I have to work even harder.
Thinking this, Hermione opened her book, forcing herself to read.
Whoosh!
Just before the train was about to leave, the carriage door was opened again.
“H-hello, can I sit here? There are no other seats left,” a round-faced boy stammered.
“Of course!” Hermione glanced at the round-faced boy and then continued reading.
The round-faced boy looked at Andy, who was dozing, hesitated, and sat next to him.
Andy opened his eyes and nodded in greeting.
“Why are you so late getting on the train?” Andy curiously asked.
Andy had seen this round-faced boy at the platform earlier; they’d even made eye contact from a distance.
Andy remembered him because the boy had a toad as a pet.
Incredible!
Didn’t he find it disgusting?
“M-my memory isn’t very good. My grandma talked to me for a long time…”
At this point, the round-faced boy was stunned. “Oh no, I’ve already forgotten what my grandma told me!”
Andy: “…”
Hermione: “…”
“I’m Hermione, Hermione Granger. What’s your name?” Hermione greeted first.
“Neville, Neville Longbottom!” Neville jolted, his tone extremely nervous.
Was he kept cooped up by his family?
Andy said, “I’m Andy Collins, you can call me Andy.”
“N-nice to meet you, Andy,” Neville quickly replied.
After introductions, Hermione continued reading, Andy continued his nap, and only Neville seemed awkward. He seemed to want to say something but didn’t know how.
Woo-woo—
The train slowly started moving. Andy opened his eyes and looked at the receding scenery outside the window.
Hogwarts, here I come.
Seeing Andy open his eyes, Neville was like a drowning man suddenly rescued, speaking as if shouting, “Andy, which house do you want to be in?”
The carriage fell silent for a moment; Neville’s face turned crimson.
One sentence, seemingly exhausting his courage.
“Ravenclaw, I guess! Or Hufflepuff and Slytherin would be okay, just not Gryffindor.” Andy was languid, his tone casual.
Hermione glared; Neville also seemed unhappy.
What did I ever do to great Gryffindor?
Entering Gryffindor was Neville’s dream.
His parents were both Gryffindor graduates; his grandmother even told him not to come home if he didn’t get into Gryffindor.
Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff are fine, but you dared to put Slytherin before Gryffindor.
Where’s my sword?
(End of Chapter)
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