Adelaide knew from the original story that this toad wouldn't be found so easily, and her helping Neville wasn't just for the sake of the toad—she knew Dumbledore had always hoped Neville and Harry would become good friends, and this search for the toad was the perfect opportunity to introduce Neville to Harry before the official start of school.
Harry was only just entering the Wizarding World at this time, and he was eager for more friends his age; Neville, who had been timid and insecure since childhood, also longed to make more friends at Hogwarts—Adelaide took the initiative to introduce them as a helpful Senior, both to increase their favorability toward her and to put on a show for Dumbledore, making him believe she was acting according to his arrangements, thereby lowering his guard against her.
This way, if she wanted to cause some 'big trouble' later on, Dumbledore would likely be a bit more lenient with her.
As Adelaide and Neville reached the middle carriage, Adelaide suddenly noticed the Weasley Twins and their good friend Lee Jordan standing sneakily in the corridor.
Upon seeing Adelaide, Fred waved his arm excitedly and shouted, "Hey, Adelaide, come over and see what good stuff Lee Jordan got his hands on!"
The Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan quickly cleared a gap so Adelaide and Neville could clearly see what was in Lee Jordan's hands.
It was a Tarantula as big as an adult's palm, its body covered in thick hair, its eight long legs struggling constantly in Lee Jordan's grip.
Neville's face turned pale instantly, and he clutched the robes at his chest as if they were his last lifeline.
His legs suddenly went weak, and he collapsed to the floor as if all his strength had been drained, gasping for air.
"Merlin's leg hair!" Neville cried out in terror, "I've never seen such a big spider!"
His voice was trembling, clearly terrified by the giant Tarantula.
Seeing this, Adelaide shook her head helplessly and quickly went forward to help Neville up.
She glared at the Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan, scolding them, "Can't you guys tone it down a bit? Look at how you've scared this new little junior!"
George shrugged nonchalantly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he said in a slightly teasing tone, "I bet this 'little man' definitely won't be sorted into our Gryffindor House."
Sitting nearby, Adelaide's lips curled up slightly as she heard George's words, revealing a sly smile.
Her bright eyes sparkled with confidence as she responded without hesitation, "Alright, then I'll bet ten Galleons against you that Neville will definitely be sorted into Gryffindor House."
Then, Adelaide turned her gaze to Fred and Lee Jordan, a friendly smile on her face, and asked, "Do you two want to join in on this bet as well?"
Fred and Lee Jordan exchanged a look and then glanced at the still-shaken Neville; they seemed to be observing Neville's expression and demeanor, trying to find some clues from him.
The two then shared a smile and very generously followed George's lead, betting that Neville would not be sorted into Gryffindor House.
Seeing their choice, Adelaide's mood became even more pleasant.
She happily bid them farewell, thinking to herself that good deeds truly are rewarded!
She had merely helped look for a toad and had easily made a net profit of 30 Galleons.
They continued forward in silence.
Neville's footsteps seemed a bit heavy, as if something was weighing on his mind.
After some thought, Neville finally broke the silence and said gloomily, "Senior Grindelwald... you shouldn't have bet with them."
Hearing this, Adelaide stopped and turned to look at Neville, raising an eyebrow with a half-smile. "Oh? Why do you say that? Do you think you won't be sorted into Gryffindor?"
Her tone carried a hint of teasing, but her eyes were serious.
"Don't forget that your hero parents were both from Gryffindor; they were the bravest people I've ever seen—and as their son, isn't it normal for you to be sorted into Gryffindor?"
Neville's face turned beet red, and he answered somewhat stammeringly, "I-I'm not like them..."
At the mention of his parents, who had been tortured into madness, his voice instinctively dropped, and his head slowly bowed, as if he were unwilling to face the fact.
Seeing this, Adelaide sighed, her expression turning serious as she said earnestly to Neville, "Neville, I don't think you've truly seen yourself yet, nor have you truly understood the real meaning of the Gryffindor spirit."
Neville looked up at Adelaide, a flash of confusion in his eyes.
Adelaide continued, "Just as Ravenclaw House doesn't value simple academic grades alone, Gryffindor House doesn't just value reckless courage—I'm telling you this, but you might not understand it yet, as some things can only be understood through personal experience. So, I suggest you wait until you're sorted into Gryffindor House to experience and realize it for yourself."
Neville was silent for a long while before finally gathering the courage to ask, "Senior Grindelwald, can I... can I really be sorted into Gryffindor?"
His voice trembled slightly, seemingly filled with doubt and unease about the question.
Adelaide looked directly at Neville, a warm and affirming smile appearing on her face.
She replied in a firm tone, "Yes, Neville, you will definitely be sorted into Gryffindor; you have to believe in yourself, you're a natural-born Gryffindor!"
Neville was awestruck by Adelaide's determined gaze and was momentarily at a loss for words.
For a long time, Neville had lived amidst the sighs and doubts of others; even fellow members of the Longbottom family didn't think much of him, leaving him neglected within the family.
Even his Grandmother, who was closest to him, expressed concern over his magical abilities, feeling it would be good enough if he could just safely enroll at Hogwarts.
Neville had never imagined anyone would speak to him with such certainty, especially when that person was the Wizarding World's recognized genius girl.
Adelaide's affirmation made Neville feel an unprecedented sense of confidence and courage surging in his heart—from this moment on, Neville felt as though his entire being had changed somewhat.
He began to believe that he might truly have the potential to become an excellent Gryffindor; this belief burned in his heart like a flame, inspiring him to face future challenges, and even the world before him seemed to brighten.
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