Chapter 448: Interesting Things

They passed through the seemingly ordinary wall and arrived at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. A red train with white steam billowing from it sat quietly on the tracks, the words "Hogwarts Express" emblazoned in large gold letters across its body. Thick smoke poured from the train's chimney, mingling with the bustle on the platform to form a scene brimming with fantastical color.

After boarding the train, they found an empty compartment. The seats inside were upholstered in soft red leather, and the windows were spotless, offering a clear view of the scenery outside. Once Li An and Guo Yao sat down, they set their luggage aside.

"I wonder what interesting things will happen at Hogwarts," Guo Yao murmured softly, leaning against Li An's shoulder.

Li An gently stroked Guo Yao's hair and said with a smile, "No matter what happens, we'll face it together."

The train slowly pulled away, and the scenery outside the window rapidly receded. Fields, forests, and mountains flashed past their eyes, accompanied by the strange, magical glow unique to the wizarding world, like a flowing scroll painting.

After some time, the train finally arrived at Hogwarts Castle. Li An and Guo Yao stepped off with the crowd, and before them stood a magnificent, ancient castle whose spires pierced the clouds, casting long shadows in the afterglow of the setting sun. Green vines crawled all over the castle walls, and warm light glowed from the windows, giving it a mysterious yet cozy feel.

"Wow, this is Hogwarts!" Guo Yao exclaimed, her eyes wide open, awestruck by the beautiful sight before her.

Li An couldn't help being drawn in by the castle's grandeur either, but he didn't forget to stay alert. He carefully observed everything around him, silently committing the castle's layout and possible danger points to memory.

They followed the other new students along a narrow path to the castle's great hall. The hall was filled with a hubbub of voices, and enormous candles floated in the air, illuminating the entire space. Moving portraits hung on the walls, the figures within occasionally chatting with one another as if recounting the history of Hogwarts.

Soon, the Sorting Ceremony began. On a worn, old stool sat a battered old hat—the legendary Sorting Hat. It would sort each student into one of the four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin—based on their personality, abilities, and traits.

One by one, the students stepped forward and put on the Sorting Hat. Whenever the hat called out their house, warm applause and cheers erupted from below.

When it was Li An's turn, he walked forward with steady steps, both nervous and excited. Just as he was about to put on the Sorting Hat, a sharp, arrogant voice suddenly rang out: "Oh, look who it is. Some rash nobody popping out of nowhere, and he wants to get into Hogwarts too?"

Li An turned his head and saw a boy with pale blond hair standing not far away, a contemptuous smile on his face. Beside him were a few students with equally arrogant airs—it was Draco Malfoy and his cronies.

Li An was displeased, but he kept his composure, merely casting a faint glance at Draco before continuing toward the Sorting Hat.

Seeing that Li An had Meiyouli Society him, Draco grew even more annoyed. He strode up to Li An, blocking his path, and taunted, "What, too scared to talk? I say you're nothing but a coward, completely unworthy of being at Hogwarts."