A Surge in Numbers

Li Wei Wickens returned once more to his beloved Ravenclaw Academy, sitting at the long table as he waited for the Sorting Ceremony to begin.

But unlike last time, when he had been personally involved, this time he was merely an observer.

After two months of summer holiday, the young wizards had not grown distant from one another because of their long separation. Instead, they chatted warmly, discussing how they had spent their break.

Michael and Anthony were the same. The two good roommates seemed to notice that Li Wei was not in high spirits, so they took the initiative to ask:

"Hey, Li Wei, how was your holiday? Did your plan to settle down in the Wizarding World work out?"

Li Wei forced a smile and thanked them.

"It worked out. Of course it worked out!"

"When you two have time, why not come visit my home? I still haven't properly thanked you for the help you gave me!"

"Ah, it was nothing!"

"But what's your home like? We really are curious!"

Anthony and Michael smiled awkwardly. Neither of them felt that they had actually helped Li Wei much.

As Li Wei chatted with the students and older students at the Ravenclaw table, he looked toward the Gryffindor table.

Hermione was also nervously looking around. She noticed Li Wei's gaze and gave him a questioning look.

Both of them were worried about Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Those two reckless troublemakers still had not appeared in the Great Hall.

Just as Li Wei and Hermione were filled with worry, the Great Hall's heavy wooden doors opened.

Professor McGonagall led a large flock of little chicks into the Great Hall like an old mother hen.

But weren't there far too many young wizards in this year's intake?

The Headmaster and