Kael and Professor Sprout walked together through the entrance hall, up the marble staircase, and then down a corridor.
Professor Sprout's office wasn't large, but it was filled with the earthy aroma of soil, with a cozy fire burning in the fireplace and lush vines climbing the walls. Everywhere you looked, there were various magical plants, making it look just like the greenhouse outside the castle.
There was a small desk near the window.
Professor Sprout walked over to the desk and pointed at a brown box sitting on top.
"I received this parcel two days before the start of term, sent by the Ministry of Magic's Law Enforcement Department, along with a letter saying it was compensation for losses in the Forbidden Forest."
As she said this, Professor Sprout's expression suddenly became a bit peculiar.
"But I recall Minerva didn't seem to request any compensation from the Ministry of Magic, so these things should be for you."
"Ahem, yes, Professor."
Kael said with some embarrassment, "I did write to the Ministry of Magic, but that was at the request of the Beaters.
They seemed to know I used some valuable magic items in the Forbidden Forest, and barely survived from Oren's hands, so generously decided to provide me with some compensation."
"Really." Professor Sprout said with a smile:
"But the letter also mentioned they would soon send special personnel to build a new greenhouse at Hogwarts. Is that also something you requested?"
"Err... that wasn't me."
Kael thought for a moment and said, "I just mentioned in the letter that too much Dark Magic had been used in the Forbidden Forest, damaging many precious magical plants and trees that are hundreds of years old.
They probably want to compensate the school in this way."
Professor Sprout's expression grew even stranger, her face slightly reddened, and she subconsciously glanced out the window.
She knew all too well what plants were in the Forbidden Forest.
Most of the rare and precious plants had long been moved to the greenhouse by her, leaving at most some Dittany or Puffapods and other common varieties.
As for those so-called century-old trees... truth be told, after the Beaters left, she and Filius restored the damaged Forbidden Forest to its original state in just five minutes.
After all, a Corrosion Spell doesn't count as high-level Dark Magic, a simple Finite Incantatem can easily resolve it.
Professor Sprout cleared her throat and said righteously, "Yes, it's a pity about those plants, rare for the Ministry of Magic to consider this point, knowing to build a new greenhouse to protect them."
She seemed very pleased, speaking with a lighthearted tone, "Well then, go ahead and check their compensation here, see if anything is missing.
But remember to be quick, I believe the Sorting Ceremony is about to start."
After finishing, Professor Sprout left the office, closing the door behind her.
After she left, Kael walked to the desk and opened the box.
There weren't many things inside, half of it was neatly arranged Galleons, about fifty or so, with the word "broom" written next to it.
In the Forbidden Forest, Kael did throw away a broom, which was broken in half by a fallen tree during the subsequent battle, completely wrecked.
Presumably, the people at the Ministry of Magic couldn't find such an old model, so they simply converted it into cash.
Kael put the Galleons aside.
The broom was school property, so these Galleons weren't related to him, the remaining items were the focus.
Aside from the Galleons, there were only five tightly sealed glass bottles left in the box.
They were all filled with seeds
—magical plant seeds.
Names were written on the bottles.
"Chomping Cabbage"
"Mandrake"
"Lovage"
"Poisonous Tentacles"
"Fanged Geranium"
Kael picked up the bottles and carefully placed them into his Transfiguration Lizard Skin Bag.
He felt a bit fortunate.
To make things more reasonable, these were all reported as "lost plants," which is why the Ministry of Magic sent them to Hogwarts.
After all, almost all of these are classified as "extremely dangerous" plant species, especially Chomping Cabbage and Poisonous Tentacles, which are banned trade items, and the Ministry of Magic forbids private cultivation and sale.
Before this, Kael was actually unsure, frankly speaking, he was gambling on whether the professor receiving the parcel would open it.
If opened, then these seeds would only appear in the newly built greenhouse later.
Fortunately, Kael's luck was good.
Professor Sprout, aside from the greenhouse plants, wasn't very attentive to other things.
After securing the bottles, Kael let out a heavy sigh of relief.
He genuinely appreciated the Ministry of Magic's thorough packaging.
Getting these seeds from under a plant master's nose was truly thrilling.
After leaving Professor Sprout's office, Kael went down the staircase, back to the auditorium.
The new students had arrived, and the auditorium had transformed into a sea of pointed black hats, with each long house table filled with students.
In front of the main guest seat was the old and shabby Sorting Hat, which compared to last year had some additional items.
The hat tip was wrapped in a red and blue cloth, perhaps a tea towel or headscarf, and additionally, the brim sported a small pair of sunglasses.
Kael arrived at the auditorium just in time to catch it singing.
The Sorting Hat appeared very excited, twisting on the Triangular Stool, and its tune was completely different from traditional music of the Magic Realm.
"...
Hogwarts truly is a school, where the magic taught is all oddly wonderful.
Gryffindor hides bravery in their heart, possessing courage and spirit, unafraid of difficulties and danger.
Hufflepuff is upright, unafraid of arduous labor, students are resilient and honest.
Ravenclaw is clever and smart, seeking secrets in books, exploring the meaning of magic.
You may end up in Slytherin, they are calm and meticulous, in pursuit of glory they don't mind stepping on others.
Come on, put me on, don't be afraid.
Finally, let me say, my name is the Sorting Hat.
Where you'll be sorted... don't mess around."
After the Sorting Hat finished singing, the entire auditorium exploded, young wizards applauding as if to raise the roof.
Kael turned to the other side, heading over to the Hufflepuff table.
Cedric had saved him a seat between him and Mikel.
"Kael, you should have come earlier." Cedric said, slightly disappointed, "The Sorting Hat's tune was completely different from previous years."
"Yes, I heard it just now." Kael replied with a smile.
It seems the Sorting Hat received the Christmas gift he sent it last year.
He just didn't expect Hogwarts to be able to play those tapes.