At the front of the hall.
The professors at the teacher's table sat upright and serious.
Dumbledore, dressed in a purple robe, sat in the central seat, his silver-white hair and beard meticulously groomed. His eyes, behind the half-moon glasses, warmly observed the students.
Four eyes met.
Ian saw Dumbledore wink at him.
"This is my favorite time of the year."
Filius Flitwick, who was as small as a dwarf, was the current head of Ravenclaw College. His small stature didn't affect his magical prowess, which far exceeded most people.
"Such vibrant children, I wonder how many will join our college."
Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff College, looked like a housewife. She was now watching the group of new students entering the hall with a hopeful smile.
"The Sorting Hat will make the choice for them."
As for Gryffindor's head, Minerva McGonagall, she was the most stern-looking of the professors, her lips always seemed pursed with a principal-like severity.
Of course.
Only those who knew this head would understand that behind her sternness lay a delicate and gentle heart. Her prestigious reputation among students far surpassed that of the current head of Slytherin College.
Severus Snape.
"Line up in the middle."
He pointed to the empty space in the center, his mouth seemed to squeeze out a strong command, which left a too forceful impression on many students.
Everyone obliged and walked over.
"Thank you for taking the lead, Professor Snape."
Professor McGonagall waited for Snape to walk to the teacher's table and sit down, then she got up and went to the dirty Sorting Hat. At that moment, almost all the students were nervously watching her.
"Will we fight giants?"
"I heard we need to catch a bird snake."
"Nonsense, my dad told me the school's test is to stay in a room with a succubus."
...
Without Snape's constraints.
The little wizards began whispering to each other.
In the grand hall.
The long tables representing the four different colleges were also filled with senior students. The magical flames of the candles hung beneath the ceiling burning brightly.
Aurora kept looking up at the ceiling.
She seemed to have relaxed after seeing the Sorting Hat, not as tense as before.
"What are you looking at?"
Ian felt a surge of emotion as well.
"Why isn't the wax dripping down?"
The German girl spoke quietly with a hint of regret.
"Perhaps when they cast the charm, they forgot to add some realistic effects." Ian was also surprised that the candles above seemed never to change.
"Makes sense."
Aurora nodded.
"No worries, once I learn alchemy, I'll fix this little flaw for them." Ian spoke eagerly; in his suitcase was Teacher Mara's new assignment.
"Were you born this mischievous?"
Aurora's tone carried a hint of surprise.
"That's a good question."
Ian actually seemed to start reminiscing, causing Aurora to widen her eyes, looking at him in disbelief.
"Silence!"
At this moment.
Professor McGonagall's loud voice rang out.
The Sorting Hat placed on the four-legged stool timely twisted, revealing line-like eyes and mouth. Amidst the cries of small wizards, it began to showcase its soul-stirring song, likely originating from Gryffindor.
In the ancient hall of Hogwarts,
I want to softly sing a new hymn.
Wisdom and courage will intersect here.
Each heart will find the direction of its future.
Oh, young hearts, full of endless imagination,
Is it Gryffindor's flame, burning with courage and hope,
Or Slytherin's depth, hiding wisdom and brilliance?
Or Hufflepuff's loyalty, warm as the sun,
In Ravenclaw's wings, wisdom soars high?
Hear my words, feel my light tremble, I am the Sorting Hat that never errs!
If your heart holds justice, unafraid of challenges,
Gryffindor's flame will burn for you;
If you are quick in thought, seeking truth's light,
Ravenclaw's sky awaits your boundless exploration.
With a desire for love, valuing friendship as a treasure,
Hufflepuff's fields will surely satisfy your imagination.
If you keep your ambitions hidden, seeking your heart's desire,
Slytherin's lake will reflect your glory.
No matter which path you choose, young hearts, do not hesitate,
Let me lead you to your destined direction!
...
The song was very loud.
Hmm.
Only the loudness remained.
Ian believed the Sorting Hat's song, in a way, reflected Gryffindor's artistic spirit. Who knows why Dumbledore seemed so delighted?
"Clap clap clap clap!"
Many students were clapping enthusiastically.
As the applause subsided.
Professor McGonagall also held a roll of parchment, standing beside the Sorting Hat, preparing to call attendance.
"Grace Ellison!"
The first name was called out by Professor McGonagall.
Ian looked over.
Only to see.
A girl with a few freckles on her face, looking bewildered, being gently nudged by the little wizard next to her, then rushed awkwardly towards Professor McGonagall.
"What should I do?"
The girl seemed unsure of herself.
"Just sit on the stool."
Professor McGonagall explained softly.
"Hufflepuff!"
When the Sorting Hat was placed on the girl's head, shortly after, accompanied by its loud shout, everyone understood what the sorting ceremony was all about.
Many little wizards breathed a sigh of relief.
Though some seemed a bit unhappy.
Among them.
The little wizard who had been exclaiming about staying in a room with a succubus was the most disappointed.
"Mien Agfus!"
Another little wizard ran onto the stage.
Moments later.
This boy was sorted into Gryffindor College. One by one, more little wizards were called, proceeding to their respective colleges as the Sorting Hat shouted.
"Aurora... Grindelwald!"
When Professor McGonagall shouted this name.
At that moment.
The originally noisy hall, filled with various celebratory shouts, suddenly fell silent—some were shocked, while others showed expressions of disbelief.
The little wizards, somewhat bewildered, whispered to the people next to them, only to turn pale and horrified moments later.
"What!?"
Daphne, who was originally talking to acquaintances, should have been the most pale among the little wizards. Her eyes widened in terror as she watched the German girl beside Ian calmly walk up.
At that moment.
The other sounds around her could no longer reach Daphne's ears; she could only feel her brain buzzing chaotically, and her originally sharp vision of the surroundings seemed to blur.
"I'm doomed!"
Recalling her previous sarcasm on the boat, despite feeling dizzy, Daphne found her thinking had instead become clearer.
"Our whole family is doomed!"
Indeed.
The mind was very clear.