"We need to talk," Sifu muttered, brooding over the Sorting. The more he thought, the more it felt wrong.
Could this Tangmu Lideer be a magical reincarnation of the Dark Lord?
The Sorting Hat's speed didn't always reflect talent, but it revealed personality and inner nature.
Sifu had never seen a pupil sorted into Slymerin so swiftly. Only if Salai himself were resurrected would it be so immediate.
What did that mean?
Tangmu was alarmingly suited to Slymerin. As Head of Slymerin, Sifu didn't see that as good.
Dengbuliduo ignored Sifu's concerns. After Laisi Zhasini took his seat, the Headmaster stood with his usual bright smile.
"Welcome, new and old pupils, to a new year at Hogwarts!"
"Fool! Crybaby! Scum! Twist! Thank you all!"
He bowed slightly and sat.
Thunderous applause erupted—Tangmu clapped too.
"What did he say?" Andeluosuo, in the mental Learning Space, looked baffled. He hadn't understood, yet everyone applauded.
"The fact he ended with those few words deserves applause," Tangmu muttered.
Plates filled with food: roast lamb, chops, crispy fries, mashed potatoes, meat stew, creamy mushroom soup, garlicky bread, meat pies—scents tempting young witches and wizards.
Tangmu dug in, grabbing ribs, chicken wings, and mushroom soup, eating heartily.
Though Dafuni's snacks were mostly gone, snacks don't fill you up. He was still hungry.
Britain's reputation as a culinary wasteland held some truth, but Hogwarts' food—beyond fish and chips—leaned toward traditional Scottish home-style cooking, with spices, butter, and broth stewing meat to perfection.
Some French dishes, like the creamy mushroom soup, graced the table.
With fresh ingredients and no overly fancy preparation, this was leagues better than the orphanage's fare.
Andeluosuo was still processing. "Small can be a strength?"
Tangmu smirked, chewing. "You've never sat through a one-and-a-half-hour speech from an idiot."
Long-winded speeches weren't unique to the East—British officials dragged on too. At award ceremonies, principals or chairmen piled on praise, not for the audience but for journalists, chasing political exposure in the 1990s pre-social-media world.
"Newspapers are the lifeblood of British politicians," Tangmu remarked.
"Alright," Andeluosuo sighed. "Your Headmaster's unhinged, but… powerful. I sense it."
Strong wizards recognized each other. The Dark Lord conquered many but feared Dengbuliduo for the real danger he posed.
"Between you and Dengbuliduo… who's stronger?" Tangmu asked, curious. Power-level talks never got old.
He looked up, startling Dafuni, who thought he was choking and handed him orange juice.
Tangmu thanked her and sipped.
"A wizard's strength isn't just magical power or spell potency. I'd say Dengbuliduo and I were equals. In a proper duel, I'd never lose," Andeluosuo said, exuding the confidence of a Wizard of the Century.
Tangmu nodded, impressed, but didn't press further.
By the feast's second half, most pupils were full, picking at desserts and chatting.
A second-year boy had asked about Tangmu's Sorting Hat conversation but turned away upon learning he was Muggle-born.
Tangmu's background spread down the Slymerin table.
Dozens of glances—some hostile, some curious, none friendly—met him.
Tangmu wasn't bothered. Dafuni looked more anxious.
She whispered, "Slymerins value bloodlines. But if you're strong, whatever you do is right."
An eleven-year-old comforting him made Tangmu chuckle. "I'm an orphan. I'm used to this. It's no big deal."
Dafuni's eyes reddened with worry.
Fearing she'd cry, Tangmu shifted to discussing Hogwarts life in the coming weeks.
Plates cleared, polished clean.
Dengbuliduo rose, announcing rules and stressing their importance, staring at the Gryffindor table—specifically at two redheaded twins.
The twins grinned, making faces, causing Dengbuliduo to laugh.
Milawa Maige's stern look made him compose himself. He invited everyone to sing the Hogwarts anthem.
Golden ribbons formed the lyrics in the air. As the last syllable faded, Dengbuliduo wiped a tear and announced it was time for dormitories.
He headed toward the tower staircase, Sifu following.
[^1]: In the Wizarding World, the Start-of-Term Feast marks the beginning of the school year, following the Sorting Ceremony. Slymerin House, founded by Salai, values ambition and cunning, often associated with pure-blood lineage.