Ever since James and Lily left, life gradually returned to normal.
The days that followed were just a wait for the school year to start.
Vivi didn't return to Hogwarts; she chose to continue her studies in the Muggle world to complete her courses.
In her own words, it was to prepare for working at the Ministry of Magic after graduation.
"I'm just a weak and helpless little woman," Vivi said. "If I don't arm my head with knowledge, how can I compete with the old foxes at the Ministry of Magic?"
Vacation syndrome is an issue every student faces because, aside from those top students, no one likes going to school. More people wish to happily play at home.
Going back to school not only means attending classes and losing freedom but also means rushing to finish the assignments given by Professor Snape before the holiday.
So, upon returning to school, the first thing the students did was cram their assignments in the dorm.
Especially for the Gryffindor students, led by Fred and George, who formed a study group in the common room to brainstorm together and complete various papers assigned by Professor Snape.
Since Pabi went missing in her sixth year, Dumbledore held a private Sorting ceremony for her after the school year started.
Hogwarts students were used to it, as each year, two transfer students, often beautiful girls, would join.
"I bet a Galleon," Fred said while sitting at the Gryffindor table, "that she'll be a Slytherin—perhaps transfer students are drawn to that house, or maybe they all have Slytherin traits?"
"I'm in," George said gleefully. "I don't think she's a Slytherin—look, Fred, last year, two transfer students went to Slytherin. I doubt the Sorting Hat will put her there too."
His timing wasn't wrong because Vivi transferred in after Harry's second-year Christmas break in 1993; Cassandra joined in the first semester of her third year, also in 1993.
"Yeah, if all went to Slytherin, it would seem like some unfair manipulation," Lee Jordan said, baring his large teeth.
His dark skin made his teeth shine brightly.
No doubt, if he fell into a coal pile, just showing his teeth would make him easy to find.
"So, have you finished your essays?" Angelina asked softly, sitting between Lee Jordan and another black wizard, her fair skin starkly contrasting between them.
"Finished." Fred gave a thumbs-up. "Trust my abilities; after all, a small Magic Potion class assignment..."
His thumbs-up turned into a gesture that needed to be strictly prohibited in South Korea.
"Got it," George added.
Angelina shook her head helplessly. She knew the next line...
"So," George sidled over with a grin, "Angelina, can we take a peek at your homework? Don't worry—we're just comparing to see where our essays might be lacking..."
"You're impossible," Angelina shook her head helplessly. "I'll let you see after the feast."
George turned around and gestured a victory sign to Fred.
Fred rolled his eyes and flipped George the middle finger.
"Hufflepuff!"
The Sorting Hat's voice was sharp and genuinely delighted.
The Hufflepuff table fell silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers.
Even Professor Scamander, who was usually socially anxious, looked up and applauded Pabi.
After all, his own aunt had been sorted into Hufflepuff; who else would clap if he didn't?
As a Hufflepuff alumnus—or, in front of his aunt, more like an alumnus junior—he should display some depth.
When Dumbledore announced that Pabi Swedding was also a school governor, Hufflepuff students were even more ecstatic.
Of course, they weren't fools, they connected the dots to the unicorn named Pabi.
"Are you that Miss Pabi?"
At the Hufflepuff table, Iron Hat King Hanna Abbo timidly asked.
"I mean, the unicorn lady recently at school—she's also a governor and is also named Pabi. Maybe you two... um..."
"Yes, I'm her." Pabi smiled warmly at Hanna. "But at that time, I had a little trouble practicing Animagus, but I'm much better now..."
"I see!" Hanna's eyes sparkled, as she clutched Pabi and asked questions non-stop, with no intention of stopping.
Beside her, Cedric hesitated several times, deciding against stopping these gossiping classmates.
Forget it, let them ask, at least Miss Swedding doesn't oppose it, right?
The Hufflepuff atmosphere was far better than Slytherin's, or possibly too much better.
At least they wouldn't pick on you, like when Vivi first arrived at Slytherin dorm, a bunch of troublesome guys showed up...
However...
One Hufflepuff tradition is to take newcomers to dine in the dining hall.
"I should tell you, Miss Swedding, if we want to enter the kitchen, we just need to..."
Megan hadn't finished when Pabi's hand had already skillfully tickled the pear.
The pear giggled twice, transforming into a door handle.
"Like this?" Pabi smiled slyly at Megan.