Perhaps it was because of Ron and Hermione's knowing smiles, or perhaps Harry's gaze was too intense. Whatever the reason, Qiu handed Harry the mooncakes, then hurried away with a blush.
"Hey, mate, how about letting us try those treats from the East?" Ron said with a grin.
"Oh, come on, this little bit wouldn't be enough for anyone. I'll order a whole batch later and let you eat your fill," Harry said, quietly hiding the little paper packet Qiu had given him behind his back.
Ron, Hermione, and Neville all curled their lips.
Qiu seemed to be in another carriage, a long way away. Harry felt a little regretful. Had he known, he would not have chosen a compartment so far back. He had chosen one at the rear to avoid having people who boarded later peer in while looking for a compartment.
At the station, more than twenty schoolmates had already struck up conversations with Harry, all on the same subject: Harry, did you cut your hair?
Clearly, everyone was having trouble adjusting to his change from flowing long hair to a short buzz cut. In fact, even Ron and the others had needed several days to get used to it.
After closing the compartment door, Harry and the others began chatting casually. Just then, a voice came from outside the door. It was not particularly pleasant, but not all that unpleasant either.
"This year should be interesting. It's a wonder Hogwarts can still host this in its current state. It's the greatest consolation I've had for coming to this dump. You know, my father seriously considered sending me to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts. He knows the headmaster there.
"Well, you all know what my father thinks of Dumbledore-he's far too fond of Mudbloods. At Durmstrang, those lowlifes