"In the same state as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology," Hermione said with a string of words most people didn't understand.
"How many magic schools are there?" Fred asked excitedly.
"There's also the Ganges Magic Academy in India, the Nile Magic School in Northern Africa, and the Babylon Magic School in the Middle East Region," Sirius answered.
"Looks like we've got something new to do at school again." Fred and George exchanged a glance and high-fived, "Yay! Another market opportunity!"
Luckily, Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley weren't staying at Number Twelve Grimauld Square. If Mrs. Weasley found out that the twins were secretly working on some magical inventions, she would certainly give them a good scolding and confiscate all their assets as punishment.
"So..." Hermione suddenly asked, "Do other schools have four houses like we do at Hogwarts?"
Upon hearing Hermione's question, everyone simultaneously turned their gaze to Sirius.
Among everyone present, Sirius was the oldest and had seen the most, and could impart knowledge from a senior's perspective.
Harry, Cassandra, and Pabi, being pseudo-elders, didn't count; they'd only been around in the 1890s and weren't actually old.
It's like some people aren't old in age, but they have a high ranking in another aspect.
A fifteen-year-old great-grandfather isn't really that strange.
"I've learned about Ilvermorny," Sirius said, waving his fork. "Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has four houses: Long-horned Water Snake, Leopard, Thunderbird, and Puckwudgie, representing scholars, warriors, adventurers, and healers, respectively."
"Because one of the school's founders, James Stewart, was a Muggle, Ilvermorny always considers itself the most democratic and inclusive magic school—a claim that's unique among schools founded by non-magical people, referred to as Muggles."
Sirius paused, then continued, "When a student enters Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, they are first brought into the round entrance hall of the castle. There are four wooden carvings representing the four houses."
"As the new students line up in the circle of the hall, the rest of the faculty and students watch from the balcony above. Freshmen stand against the wall in a circle and are called one by one to stand on the Gordian Knot marked in the center of the stone floor. The magical statues consider whether they want the student placed in their house. Each reacts differently."
The Long-horned Water Snake's response is for the crystal on its forehead to light up; the Leopard house emits a roar; Thunderbird's statue flaps its wings; while Puckwudgie raises its bow and arrow."
At this point, Sirius paused again and said, "In rare cases, more than one house's statue expresses interest in the same student. In such situations, the student has the right to choose. Even rarer is the case where all four houses wish to recruit the same student."
"Cool." Ron whistled, "Seems way better than our school with just a dusty old hat, isn't it?"
"Oh, Ron." Sirius shook his head regretfully, "You know, the Sorting Hat is older than both the United States and Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry combined. What you think is an ordinary hat is actually a piece of history that Ilvermorny admires but can never own."
"Oh, the world's four thinnest books, I know," Harry laughed, "One of them is America's history."
"What are the others?" Fred and George asked curiously.
Hermione answered snappily, "British cookbooks, German joke collections, and Italian war heroes!"
The table exploded with laughter upon hearing Hermione's answer.
"Well," Sirius wiped tears from his eyes, "I don't want to defend Britain on this point—you see, we're having Italian food right now. Look at these meatballs, Mama mia~"
"If I had a choice, I definitely wouldn't eat British food," Ron said, smoothing his shirt, "I'd rather go hungry."
Harry glanced at Ron, thinking you're not the only one who has said that; Gareth did too.
Sigh.
Thinking about it, Harry couldn't help but compare Gareth and Ron in his mind.
They're so alike, too alike!
Just like a dear grandson!
Just not sure, when Ron snaps a photo with Gareth's portrait, whether he'll say, "Look where great-granddad and I look."
"Say?" Hermione suddenly asked, "I've always been curious, why does Hogwarts' menu contain so many cuisines? It's not just British food; it includes dishes from various countries..."
"Because of some reasons long ago," Sirius said, glancing at his godson Harry, then at Cassandra.
Harry and Cassandra exchanged a look and smiled, everything understood without saying a word.
Speaking of which, the food reform at Hogwarts had something to do with them.
"Oh, whatever the reason or whoever they are," George and Fred raised their glasses together, grinning broadly, "We should thank them, for saving us from the atrocity of British food—cheers to the heroes!"
"Cheers to the heroes!" everyone toasted.
Sirius put down his glass, wiped his mouth, and said, "British cuisine, well, it's not bad, other than being a bit salty, stale, smelly, and fishy."
"True," Ron agreed from the side.
As they spoke, Harry's crystal ball chimed with pleasant music.
This was an idea from Harry; the crystal ball should play music and vibrate when a call comes in.
"It's Draco," Harry said, picking up the crystal ball.
He answered the call.
"Harry!" Draco's excited face appeared on the crystal ball, "Have you heard? They're hosting an international Quidditch school league! Every school has to select a team, Harry! This is huge!"
"Certainly is," Harry agreed, nodding, "Do you want to join the school team?"
"Of course I do!" Draco nodded rapidly, then suddenly remembered he and Harry were both Seekers, so said sheepishly, "It's okay, I'll be your alternate. It doesn't matter where the trophy comes from, after all. Being an alternate, well, it's pretty great."
"By the way," he added, "Monty, the captain of Slytherin, asked me to ask how you plan to select the Hogwarts Quidditch team?"
"Why ask me about this?" Harry chuckled, "Why are you so certain the decision lies with me?"
Upon hearing this, Draco had a "Excuse me" expression.
"Really, Harry?" Draco spread his hands, "I can't think of anyone else in this school who has the prestige to organize the whole school's team and select from the four houses... even Dumbledore couldn't persuade everyone."
"Then why think of me?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Don't kid around, buddy," Draco frowned, "After all, we Slytherins have already made up our minds to follow Mr. Potter's decisions."
Harry raised his brows, unsurprised by Slytherin's cooperation.
That's Slytherin for you; knowing when to act promptly.
"Things haven't been decided yet," Harry waved his hand, indifferent, "We'll have to wait until everyone nominates a Quidditch team captain, don't you think?"
"Alright, Harry," Draco saw Harry wasn't taking the bait, so didn't press further, "I'll tell Monty to vote for you when nominating the Hogwarts Quidditch team captain."