Chapter 11: The Tower  

"If you don't have the fate of a protagonist, don't act like one," thought Hoffa Bach at this moment, feeling like crying but having no tears left. Damn, he was really in a miserable state. Starting from a low point was one thing, but... 

Wasn't it promised that his choices would be respected? 

The Sorting Hat really didn't give a damn about his choice! 

After the Sorting Hat made its decision, faint applause came from the second row of tables on the left, much quieter than when Tom Riddle was seated. 

It was probably the lowest applause ever recorded. 

Moreover, the applause carried a sense of relief. He had taken too long, making everyone else starving. 

As soon as Hoffa walked to the Ravenclaw table, he felt a gaze as sharp as a sword. 

Following the gaze, in the corner, Aglaia had her arms crossed, her blue, ghost-like eyes filled with coldness and anger. 

At this point, Hoffa didn't want to argue with her anymore. He found the diagonal spot and sat as far away from Aglaia as possible. 

Not long after Hoffa left, Miranda also sat on the high stool. The only difference was that Vice-Principal Goshawk personally placed the hat on her head, showing no intention of avoiding favoritism. 

Soon, the hat shouted "Ravenclaw," and she was sorted into Ravenclaw as well. 

Miranda casually took off the hat and sat across from Hoffa: "Looks like we're still classmates, huh?" 

"Yeah." 

Seeing Miranda, Hoffa felt a bit better. 

At least not everyone in this house was like Aglaia. He just needed to stay away from her. 

Thirty minutes later, the sorting ended. 

... 

Professor Goshawk rolled up the parchment and casually tapped the high stool with his wand. 

Both the stool and the hat disappeared. 

He turned and sat back at the staff table. 

Hoffa was starving by now, remembering that he had only eaten a few snacks all day. 

Others were the same; the sound of growling stomachs surrounded him. 

But it wasn't over yet. From the center of the staff table, Headmaster Armando Dippet stood up. 

As he rose, the lights in the hall flared up, illuminating the entire space. 

(Hoffa silently吐槽: What a showy old man.) 

His stern gaze swept the room, and he coughed before solemnly saying, "First, I must emphasize the long-standing rules: anyone caught wandering at night will be placed under observation. A second offense will result in immediate expulsion. 

"Anyone found entering the Forbidden Forest without permission will have their wand destroyed and be expelled. 

"Anyone found raising prohibited creatures will be sentenced to a month of labor..." 

Armando went on for nearly ten minutes, listing various rules. 

"My god..." Hoffa covered his face with his hand, lamenting once again why he had traveled back to 1938. 

Compared to the Dumbledore era, Hogwarts at this time was like a strict rehab school. 

Finally, after finishing the rules, Armando Dippet coughed twice: "There are some new changes this year. Due to the tense situation in the magical communities across Europe, the Ministry of Magic has set up a special teleportation point on the school grounds. Students in their sixth year and above can, with approval, access designated areas for Auror training." 

After speaking, the old headmaster sat down. 

The dining table immediately erupted into synchronized applause. 

Hoffa also clapped along, gaining a deeper understanding of Hogwarts' current state. 

No wonder it was so strict—it probably had something to do with the impending World War II. 

Indeed, in the era when Harry was born, the world was at peace, and no one cared much. The school could be relaxed. 

But in this era, slacking off might not just mean waiting for death—it might mean seeking it. 

After the applause, a crisp *ding* rang out. 

Suddenly, Hoffa's plate was filled with an abundance of food. 

There were appetizers, fresh oysters, crab meat, foie gras, assorted chilled fruits, Russian caviar, and various fresh juices. 

Hoffa followed the example of the older students around him, quickly taking a bit of everything. 

The taste was exquisite, greatly whetting his appetite. 

A few minutes later, the food on the plates disappeared. 

Then the main courses appeared: roast beef, breaded lamb chops, pork chops, London mixed grill, chicken wings, cauliflower gratin, lobster gratin, cabbage, mashed potatoes, croissants, pancakes... 

There were so many types that Hoffa couldn't even count them all. People always said British cuisine was terrible, but this was an eye-opener for him. 

It seemed like Hogwarts' house-elves were hired from abroad. 

As they began eating, the previously serious atmosphere slowly dissipated, and people around started chatting and laughing. 

Hoffa ate while listening to the older students discussing various topics, from Quidditch to national affairs, from gossip to wizarding celebrities. 

He enjoyed both the food and the conversation. 

Moreover, the Ravenclaw students spoke with their own unique insights, truly living up to their reputation as the most intelligent house. 

Ghosts also emerged from various corners of the castle. Hoffa didn't see Peeves, whom he most wanted to see, but he did notice a female ghost in a robe. She was beautiful, wearing a crown, and floated gracefully past the Ravenclaw table, greeting others elegantly. 

She was Ravenclaw's ghost, Helena Ravenclaw, the daughter of the founder Rowena Ravenclaw, also known as the Grey Lady. 

She was the most beautiful ghost in Hogwarts. 

Ravenclaw wasn't bad, Hoffa thought to himself as he cut a piece of lamb chop. 

After the main course came the soups: mushroom chicken soup, creamy tomato soup, French onion soup, and oxtail soup. 

Seeing these dishes, Hoffa regretted filling himself up with the main course. 

The students had hearty appetites, but the professors at the staff table were more restrained. 

Hoffa noticed that halfway through the feast, Headmaster Armando Dippet left, followed by Vice-Principal Goshawk. They seemed to have something serious to discuss, their expressions grave. 

Hoffa asked Miranda, "What does your grandfather teach?" 

Miranda sipped her juice and said, "He's the head of Ravenclaw House and teaches Charms. I must warn you, never contradict him in class." 

The head of Ravenclaw, Hoffa thought silently. This old man seemed stricter than Professor McGonagall. It looked like he was in for a tough time. 

After the soup, desserts appeared on the plates: jelly, crème brûlée, apple pancakes, mousse, and lime-flavored ice cream. 

Hoffa was completely stuffed. He could only manage to take a bit of the lime ice cream, thinking to himself that he must control himself at the next feast. 

After the meal, a familiar figure stood up from the staff table. 

It was a younger version of Dumbledore. 

As he stood, the students burst into enthusiastic applause. 

This applause was much more sincere than when Headmaster Armando Dippet spoke. No matter the era, Dumbledore was always popular. 

Dumbledore tapped his glass and smiled, "Prefects, take your students back to the common rooms. But before that, we have one important thing to do." 

The students from all four houses clapped and laughed, "Sing, sing!" 

The Gryffindors were the most boisterous, while the Ravenclaws smiled. 

Miranda whispered to Hoffa, "He's the greatest Transfiguration teacher in history. He can transform into hundreds of animals." 

Hoffa didn't know this and asked in surprise, "Really?" 

"Of course, the Animagus legislation was drafted with his help," replied an older student beside him. 

On the staff table, Dumbledore waved his wand. 

The remaining juice in all the students' cups suddenly turned into colorful ribbons and burst out. 

Some students who were about to drink were caught off guard and laughed as ribbons covered their faces. 

Dumbledore said, "Ready! Sing!" 

Then the entire school sang in unison: "Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, teach us something please, whether we be old and bald or young with scabby knees, our heads could do with filling with some interesting stuff, for now they're bare and full of air..." 

Hoffa didn't know the song, but he swayed and tapped his foot along with the melody. 

After the song ended, the atmosphere reached its peak. 

Dumbledore spread his arms and said amidst the enthusiastic applause, "Remember, even in the darkest times, there is magic and music to accompany us." 

... 

The feast ended, and the prefects led the students out of the hall and toward their respective common rooms. 

Strangely, Hoffa was most familiar with the Gryffindor common room, perhaps even more so than some older students. But he knew nothing about the Ravenclaw common room. 

Their prefect was an old acquaintance, someone Hoffa knew all too well. 

It was Filius Flitwick. 

So much so that Hoffa called out his name the moment he saw him, startling the short prefect. 

Now, Flitwick's face was clean-shaven, and he looked quite handsome, about the same height as Indor. 

Years later, he would become the head of Ravenclaw House and teach Harry Potter. 

He was a good-natured man. 

Flitwick walked while explaining Ravenclaw's history to the newcomers. 

"Our house was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw, representing the element of air. 

"Our symbol is the eagle. Of course, eagles don't live in low places. If any of you have trouble with heights, I suggest you visit the school nurse first." 

Some people chuckled softly. 

But soon, they stopped laughing. 

Hoffa followed Prefect Flitwick higher and higher, the magical stairs constantly shifting positions like building blocks, helping them climb. 

Finally, when they reached the top of Ravenclaw Tower, some newcomers with acrophobia dared not look down, as only scattered lights were visible below. 

Hoffa estimated the tower was at least 300 meters high... Just looking down made him dizzy. 

If it weren't for the stairs, who knows how long it would take to climb. 

Flitwick smiled, "Ravenclaw Rule No. 75: Don't throw things off the tower." 

The newcomers forced a few dry laughs. 

The prefect led the trembling newcomers across a narrow aerial bridge, bringing them to a large knight's portrait. 

The armored knight in the portrait slowly bent down. Beside the portrait was a bronze eagle statue standing on a ring. 

Seeing the group approach, the eagle spread its metallic wings and asked, 

"What must be abandoned or embraced to bring life, yet within you, it is the source of life?" 

Flitwick stepped aside, "Ravenclaw's common room has no password. You must answer the riddle to enter." 

The newcomers lowered their heads, all pondering the riddle. 

Then, a light laugh came from the crowd. The silver-haired Aglaia proudly said, "Too easy. The answer is water." 

The students around her showed understanding and admiration. 

Flitwick snapped his fingers. 

"Correct. Too bad I'm not a professor, or I'd give you points." 

The bronze eagle closed its wings. 

The knight straightened, and the portrait slowly opened, revealing a blue passage behind it. 

Hoffa sighed. 

He saw a bit of Hermione in the silver-haired girl. 

Both were smart and proud. 

Entering the common room, it was a large circular space. 

There were soft cushions on the floor and a few chairs. 

The walls had elegant arched windows adorned with flowing blue and bronze silk. Through the windows, Hoffa could see the stars shining brightly in the night sky, like lights dotting the heavens. 

In the distance, misty mountains stretched endlessly, with gentle winds brushing past faint clouds, creating a serene and peaceful scene. 

The ceiling was a dome adorned with stars, and the deep blue carpet below also had star patterns. 

The room had tables, chairs, bookshelves, and a white marble bust of Rowena Ravenclaw in a niche opposite the door. 

Next to the bust was a door leading to the dormitories above. 

The atmosphere was very quiet. 

Some older students sat cross-legged on the cushions, some reading, some playing chess, and others simply meditating. 

When the newcomers entered, the older students merely nodded slightly before returning to their activities. 

Hoffa walked to the window, looked at the starry sky, and leaned on the railing to feel the breeze. 

The air carried the unique fragrance of honeysuckle at night. 

Suddenly, Milarepa's meditation method began to work on its own. 

Not resisting this instinctive feeling, Hoffa sat on a cushion by the window and began his meditation. 

He thought that perhaps the Sorting Hat had made the best decision for him. 

With each breath, his fingers formed intricate gestures. 

His mind spread like a spider's web throughout Ravenclaw Tower, though it was confined to the common room. 

Whenever he tried to extend his consciousness beyond the common room, he encountered endless darkness. 

He didn't know if it was due to his limited mental strength or magical barriers. 

Time seemed to stand still during meditation. When he finished, most people had already left. 

But two remained. 

Miranda sat on the carpet by the bookshelf, reading by magical light. 

The girl named Aglaia sat in a chair, writing and drawing on parchment. 

Hoffa had no idea what she was writing, but the parchment was densely covered. 

Seeing Hoffa stand up, Aglaia glanced at him coldly, a faint sneer on her lips. 

Miranda, however, closed her book and stood up with Hoffa. 

As they reached the fork leading to the dormitories, Miranda suddenly whispered, "Did you offend Aglaia?" 

Hoffa muttered, "If avoiding her counts as offending her, then yes." 

Miranda chuckled, "Then you're in for a tough time. Veelas are very vengeful creatures." 

"What?" Hoffa was slightly shocked. "She's a Veela?" 

"Not a pure Veela, but she definitely has Veela blood. Delacour is a French surname, and in that regard, she's quite like you." 

With that, she said goodnight and entered the girls' dormitory. 

Hoffa went into the boys' dormitory. 

The dormitory was at the very top of the tower, with four four-poster beds inside. His roommates were already asleep. 

Deep blue velvet curtains hung by the beds, and his backpack was placed beside his bed. 

Hoffa undressed and got into bed, but a small question lingered in his mind. 

Why did the silver-haired girl choose to come to Britain instead of attending Beauxbatons?