"Rita Skeeter? The reporter for the Daily Prophet?" Fred asked with a puzzled look. "What's that got to do with her?"
George chimed in from the side, "And we're definitely not interested in her. She's destined for unrequited love."
"That's really a shame." Kael didn't continue the topic, casually remarking as he slipped between the two.
By this time, lunch had already begun, and Kael just wanted to sit down and savor tender steak and pumpkin juice rather than stand at the auditorium entrance like a fool.
However, Fred and George had different ideas. They followed Kael all the way to the Hufflepuff table.
"We don't have any evidence, but I just feel like it's because of you that the Charm Classroom exploded."
Fred shoved Cedric aside and sat next to Kael, casually grabbing a cup of pumpkin juice and gulping it down. "Otherwise, why was everything fine before, but the moment you showed up, something happened? You must have affected it."
Hearing this, Kael felt a weight on his back, almost choking on his pumpkin juice.
What does that even mean? What did he do? He was clearly helping the whole time, and now they were pinning it on him?
Kael turned his head and wordlessly flipped the middle finger.
But Fred paid no attention, continuing to say, "It's a pity you're not in Gryffindor."
"We've asked around," George laughed. "The first class for new Gryffindor students is Magic Potion. If you were there, with the freshmen's cooperation, the one likely ending up in the Hospital Wing would be Snape."
"Yeah, such a shame." Fred set down the pumpkin juice, lamenting, "If you could really send Snape to the Hospital Wing, you'd be a hero of Gry... no, all of Hogwarts!"
Something seemed to come to Fred's mind, and his previously regretful expression turned into one of excitement, his whole body trembling.
In his excitement, Fred didn't even notice Cedric tugging at his robe from the side.
"Honestly, Kael, I still think you shouldn't be in Hufflepuff; Gryffindor is your true home."
"Let's say what you said is right, but Fred, George..." Kael suddenly cleared his throat, smiling, "Why do you think the new Gryffindor students would cooperate with me against Professor Snape?"
In my opinion, the young wizards of Gryffindor are all polite, well-spoken, and with a kind headmaster. They wouldn't be so... well, unruly."
"What nonsense are you talking about, Kael? Do obedient kids get sorted into Gryffindor?" Fred was first taken aback, then raised his eyebrows. "Oh right, that's not the way to put it. We just like adventure..."
"So... Mr. Weasley, is this why you are not eating at your own house table?"
A cold, emotionless voice came from behind.
The smiles on Fred and George's faces disappeared instantly, and they turned hard to look behind them.
"Professor McGonagall, when did you... I think there must be a misunderstanding. Let me explain."
"No need, Mr. Weasley. I believe I understand you perfectly, and there's no misunderstanding. You're lucky it's me and not Professor Snape standing here."
Professor McGonagall's expression was calm, looking no different from usual. "Since you were disrespectful to a professor, Gryffindor will lose ten points, ten points each."
Fortunately, it was just points being deducted.
Fred and George breathed a sigh of relief. It was just the start of the term, and Gryffindor's hourglass was still full. This twenty-point loss was acceptable.
"Additionally..." Professor McGonagall glanced at the twins, "Due to your poor conduct during the Sorting Ceremony, the both of you will serve detention every night for the next week."
Fred and George were struck like by lightning.
The Sorting Ceremony? They thought that matter was behind them...
They didn't mind losing points, but detention was a different matter. What's worse, consecutive detentions for a whole week meant no nocturnal adventures; it was practically a death sentence for them!
They began to despair.
"Professor, please..."
Fred and George looked plaintively at Professor McGonagall, hoping to awaken some sympathy in her heart.
Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall remained unaffected, her tone unchanging:
"Detention starts at eleven o'clock at night. Go find Filch; he will take you to the Trophy Room. There's a register there, recording the names and deeds of all the excellent students in Gryffindor's history.
You need to copy the register completely, once each, and you're not allowed to use magic or a Speedwriting Quill; you must write it by hand."
After speaking, Professor McGonagall pointed towards Gryffindor's table, "Now, Mr. Weasleys, return to your table QUICKLY!"
Fred and George walked back to the Gryffindor table, heads hung low, looking utterly defeated.
Kael also kept his head down, struggling not to laugh out loud. Only after the twins left did he turn and speak as if nothing had happened, "Good afternoon Professor McGonagall, it's delightful to see you here."
There was finally a slight change in Professor McGonagall's voice, "Good afternoon, Mr. Chopper."
"Just call me Kael, Professor," Kael smiled. "Have you had lunch? If not, please join us."
Cedric also quickly moved aside, leaving enough room.
Professor McGonagall's expression softened slightly, "I would love to, but unfortunately, I've already had lunch."
In order to maintain her dignified persona, Professor McGonagall usually arrived at the auditorium before mealtime, or simply stayed in her office, rarely dining with the young wizards.
"That's such a pity." Kael sighed lightly, and the other Badgers cooperatively put on disappointed expressions, as if they really wished to dine with Professor McGonagall.
Everyone was well-behaved.
Looking at this scene, then comparing it with the chaotic Gryffindor table next door, a wave of fatigue washed over Professor McGonagall.
There's truly no comparison without suffering.
Why are all the good kids in other houses? Especially Kael and Cedric. It would be great to have even one of them in Gryffindor.
That damned Sorting Hat...