Pomona made her way up the stairs to the headmaster's office.
"Would you like something to drink?" Albus asked.
"Nothing." Pomona replied. "I had quite a lot of pumpkin soda at the feast just now."
Albus did not press the matter. They both knew she had not been summoned here for refreshments.
"Regarding Miss Elena Aiken, how do you intend to handle her?" Albus said.
"If she still intends to attend Hogwarts and enroll in Hufflepuff, and if the others are willing to accept her after a vote, then we will accept her," Pomona said.
"Don't you think this is making a mountain out of a molehill, Professor?" Albus asked.
"Are you saying she is still a child?" Pomona asked.
"I am not asking you to be lenient, Professor. I only ask that you make a rational judgment," Albus said.
"If children can go to whichever House they want, would we not become just like Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? I am upholding the school's traditions, Albus—a tradition that has existed for a thousand years."
"Traditions can change," Albus said.
"I did not come here to debate with you. If Miss Aiken sets this precedent, and anyone can force their way into the House they want after the Sorting Ceremony because they are dissatisfied with the Sorting Hat's decision, then the Sorting Ceremony will become meaningless."
"And what of your compassion, in the face of tradition?" Albus asked.
"Compassion for what? Because she cannot have whatever she wants?" Pomona countered.
"Do you know what kind of person Miss Aiken is?" Albus asked. "Do you know what she went through just to attend a magical school?"
"'This is the path our lives take.' Compassion for the misfortunes of others is a virtue praised by Cicero, but if you are speaking