"Hufflepuff!"
The Sorting Hat announced loudly, and the last new student staggered toward the Hufflepuff table as enthusiastic applause rang through the Great Hall.
The students were practically starving. At a time like this, nothing was more exciting than a steaming hot feast.
Professor Dumbledore stood up and spread his arms with a smile. "Welcome, new students, and welcome back, old students! There will be plenty of time for speeches, but not now. Dig in and enjoy!"
Cheers and laughter filled the Great Hall as delicious dishes suddenly piled onto the four long tables, and the students immediately began wolfing down their food.
"Excellent!" Wiser placed a rib on his plate and said happily, "Leaders who don't ramble before a meal are the best!"
Michael's eyes widened at once. He tugged on Wiser's arm, leaned closer, and asked quietly, "Are you all right? Eating this stuff..."
"Of course." Wiser lowered his voice as well. "It's not like this is my first time eating and drinking. Haven't you gotten used to it yet?"
Michael: "..." How could he possibly get used to it?
Padma, sitting nearby with her chin propped on her hand, smiled. "Wade, has something good happened to you lately? You seem a little more lively than usual."
"Of course." Wiser blinked. "Land of Little People has been a huge success, and a wonderful new term has begun."
"Is that so?" Padma smiled, and the look she cast his way seemed laden with endless meaning.
Just as Michael's heart began to tighten, Padma seemed to give up on probing further. She looked away and said, "Never mind. You boys always have secrets you won't tell anyone."
"Besides Land of Little People, Wade published a book too. Did you all know?"
Terry, who had been peeling a potato, looked up