Chapter 360: The Sorting
Once everyone was seated, Kyle shut the carriage door. The carriage lurched forward, moving at a slow, plodding pace, soon trailing behind the other carriages.
Kyle noticed the Thestral pulling their carriage glance back curiously at the one following them, its dragon-like head tilting slightly as though full of unspoken questions. Kyle had been able to see magical creatures like Thestrals ever since Quirrell had turned to dust before him. The Thestral seemed to be studying the carriage carefully, and after confirming that nothing looked amiss, it snorted softly and continued trotting forward.
Inside, Kyle had already recounted the recent events to Kanna and the others, including what Professor Lupin had told him.
"So that's why..." Cedric mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Not only did Professor Lupin not stop you from selling those badges, he even helped keep the crowd organized. He must've known about the Dementors coming to Hogwarts. If those badges really do offer some kind of protection, then they could be helpful for most students."
"Wait, what did you just say?" George interrupted suddenly, his voice slightly shrill. "Dementors... at school?"
"Didn't Percy mention it?" Cedric asked with a nod. "He brought it up when we were in the Prefects' compartment. The professor asked us to reassure the students, especially the first years, and find ways to help them cope with their fears."
"You mean we'll be going to classes with Dementors around?" Ginny's face grew pale at the thought. She still vividly remembered the bone-chilling cold that had filled their compartment when the Dementors had boarded the train. If that happened in the classroom, how would they even hold their quills, let alone pay attention?
"Of course not," Cedric quickly assured them, waving his hands. "They're only stationed at the entrances to the school grounds. They won't be roaming inside the castle."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Cho glared at Cedric. "Next time, maybe get to the point a little faster."
Fred and George immediately joined in, listing Cedric's faults with mock indignation. They had almost been ready to turn around and leave if Hogwarts had Dementors wandering the halls. Spending a year in a castle with those creatures would be anything but fun.