(15) Cassandra: You are cuter than your brother!

After the Sorting Ceremony concluded, Dumbledore gave his customary welcome speech to the new students.

"Before the feast begins, I have a few reminders to announce."

"First, first-year students are strictly forbidden from entering the Forbidden Forest. It is a very dangerous place."

As Ian listened to Dumbledore's warnings, he silently mocked the old man in his mind.

This speech again? He says it every year, but it doesn't work at all.

Honestly, those who are destined to go into the Forbidden Forest will go anyway. Those who are meant to trespass in restricted areas will still do so. And those who are going to seek trouble? They won't hesitate one bit.

At least for himself, Ian Potter had already decided—he wouldn't venture into the Forbidden Forest to seek trouble until he had sufficient strength.

Then again, considering that the three-headed dog guarding the Philosopher's Stone was one of Hagrid's pets, Ian wasn't even surprised anymore. Who in their right mind would mess with such a "puppy"?

Just thinking about the Acromantulas—those eight-eyed spiders—already made Ian's scalp tingle with dread.

He truly couldn't understand how Hagrid could raise such terrifying creatures.

Ian concluded that no matter how horrifying an animal might be, Hagrid would probably try to domesticate it.

Speaking of the Philosopher's Stone, Ian's thoughts wandered to "the noseless villain."

The Philosopher's Stone, also known as the Sorcerer's Stone, had the power to turn any metal into pure gold and could produce the Elixir of Life, granting immortality to anyone who drank it.

Thus, for the half-dead Voldemort, the Philosopher's Stone was an irresistible temptation.

Dumbledore, being the strategist bastard he is, was willing to go all in. To provide Harry with the necessary trials, he used the last remaining Philosopher's Stone of a 600-year-old man as bait to lure Voldemort.

And poor, foolish Voldemort, like a donkey chasing a carrot dangling in front of it, was led step by step into Dumbledore's carefully laid trap.

Ian couldn't help but suspect that Voldemort had been mentally dulled by Lily's "love" curse. Otherwise, how could he not see through such an obvious trap?

"Secondly, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the corridor on the right-hand side of the third floor is also off-limits," Dumbledore continued. "If you do not wish to die a very painful death, I suggest you stay away."

Ian, who had been contemplating Voldemort's apparent lack of intelligence, reflexively curled his lips at this sudden announcement.

Old Dumbledore's already cast the bait. Now it's just a matter of waiting for the noseless one to bite.

"Finally," Dumbledore added, "I must mention that Hogwarts is full of secrets. While you will learn and grow here, some secrets are best left unexplored."

"Curiosity can sometimes lead to danger, and I urge you all to value your lives."

"And now, I have just one last thing to say: Nitwit, Blubber, Oddment, Tweak."

"Thank you, everyone. Let the feast begin!"

Dumbledore concluded with a wave of his hands.

Instantly, the four house tables were laden with an array of delicious dishes.

Ian had been starving, and the moment Dumbledore's speech ended, he eagerly began sampling the food on the table.

He had to admit, Hogwarts' meals were delicious, especially the desserts, which were particularly exquisite.

As Ian ate, he chatted with Draco, occasionally glancing at Cassandra.

Sitting to his right, Cassandra was calmly and gracefully cutting her steak. Her elegant demeanor gave no hint of the "one punch, one kid" ferocity Draco had described.

"Potter." Cassandra dabbed her mouth gently with a napkin before looking down at Ian. "You've been watching me."

It wasn't a question—it was a statement.

Caught in the act, Ian showed no embarrassment. Instead, he nodded calmly. "That's right. I'm curious about Miss Vole."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "Curious about what?"

"Curious why you've taken the initiative to approach me," Ian said bluntly, voicing his doubt. "Miss Vole doesn't strike me as someone who makes friends easily."

Cassandra studied Ian for a few seconds before letting out a soft laugh. "Because you're special, Potter."

"Oh? Special how?" Ian frowned slightly.

"Because…" Cassandra deliberately drew out her words, her tone unhurried. "You're the Boy-who-lived."

Ian's lips twitched. "Just because of that? My brother's too. Why don't you approach him?"

"He's different," Cassandra said, shaking her head. "He's not like you. Not at all."

"How are we different?" Ian pointed at his face. "We might not look exactly alike, but we're still twins."

"Of course you're different," Cassandra said, leaning closer to Ian with a slight smile. "You're cuter than he is."

Ian: "..."

He stared at Cassandra speechlessly. "Miss Vole, that's a pretty flimsy reason, don't you think?"

"Flimsy?" Cassandra blinked and sat back in her seat. "But I'm telling the truth."

She genuinely thought Ian was much better looking than Harry. And since her father had instructed her to get close to the Boy-who-lived, he hadn't specified which one. Naturally, she chose the better-looking option, and it certainly helped that this one was in Slytherin.

Ian was at a loss for words and was about to respond when he suddenly felt an intense gaze on him.

Looking up, he met Hermione's fiery eyes filled with anger.

Ian's heart skipped a beat.

Oh no!

He hadn't even decided to pursue Cassandra yet, and Hermione had already caught him being overly friendly with another girl. He was doomed!

Hermione's cold glare was brimming with the accusation: You two-timing, unfaithful wizard!

Ian quickly gave Hermione a sheepish, apologetic smile, hoping to calm her down.

But Hermione wasn't having it. She glared at him one last time before turning away to talk to Harry and Ron, completely ignoring him.

Ian: "..."

Well, it seems that it is not an easy thing to coax the little childhood sweetheart.

He rubbed his temple helplessly and turned to look at Cassandra: "Miss Vole, you just caused me a big trouble."

Cassandra looked at Ian blankly: "Huh? What trouble?"

"Nothing." Ian sighed, "Just proceed with your meal."

Although Cassandra didn't understand what Ian was saying, she still lowered her head obediently and continued to eat dinner slowly.

After dinner, led by the Sorting Hat, the teachers and students of Hogwarts began to sing the school song.

"Everyone can choose the tune they like to sing." Dumbledore took the wand and acted as a conductor.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald,

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff....

"Ugh.." Ian sang a few sentences with everyone, and couldn't help twitching at the corners of his mouth.

Who wrote these lyrics? It's too weird, right?

Who would like to sing this kind of song?!!

Oh! There really are some people!

Ian silently looked at the Weasley twins who used the funeral tone and the loudest voice, and silently gave them a thumbs up in his heart.

These two are talented!