Borrower, Mr. Filch

Harry wore a gentle smile as he slowly stepped forward. Facing so many people, he was a little nervous too.

But he could not lose his composure. If he could not even handle a situation like this, how would he dominate the Dimensional War in the future?

The Supreme Mage expected him to subdue all the Dimensional Demons!

Under everyone's gaze, Harry put on the filthy Sorting Hat.

The moment he did, he felt a force emerge from the hat, trying to read his mind and memories.

Only then did Harry understand why the Sorting Hat could so accurately place Young Wizards in the most suitable House. It could read their minds and memories, peering into who a Young Wizard truly was.

Perhaps even the Young Wizards themselves did not understand themselves as well as the Sorting Hat did.

The Sorting Hat had a form of magic similar to Legilimency embedded within it!

Naturally, Harry would not allow the Sorting Hat to read his memories. He immediately erected a layer of protection in his mind, including Occlumency and a mental shield spell.

He sealed away his memories of the other world, along with abilities such as lending that could not yet be exposed, while leaving the rest of his unimportant memories open.

Of course, the Sorting Hat had no idea that it could only see what Harry wished to show it. After obtaining part of Harry's information, it exclaimed loudly:

"Oh, truly unbelievable—such talent that even a hat finds astounding!

Hmm~ very difficult, far too difficult. I can see that you are courageous and unafraid of any hardship. You possess extraordinary talent, and your heart is not bad either.

You would suit every House. Oh, as expected of our Savior, an almost omnipotent Young Wizard.

Perhaps you should go to Slytherin. Slytherin can help lead you to glory, there is no doubt about that...

But Gryffindor suits you as well. You could absolutely become the next Dumbledore, and most likely surpass him...

No, no, no. You are also eager to learn. Perhaps Ravenclaw could give us a scholar capable of bringing change to the Wizarding World...

Oh, too difficult. This is far too hard on a hat. How about you choose for yourself?"

The entire Great Hall fell silent, waiting for Harry's answer.

Every House hoped Harry would join them, and every Young Wizard wanted to be friends with the Savior. Even the Young Wizards of Slytherin were no exception.

Of course, one Young Wizard was silently praying that Harry would not be sorted into Slytherin. Poor Mr. Malfoy was terrified at the moment.

If Harry was sorted into Slytherin, he would have to face him every day. Maybe one day he would go to sleep and never wake up.

Those golden blades were no toys!

Harry fell silent for a moment, then immediately made his decision.

To him, it made no difference which House he joined.

But Hermione and Neville, who admired him immensely, had both been sorted into Gryffindor. Gryffindor was undoubtedly the best choice.

Besides, Dumbledore had also come from Gryffindor. Sharing the same House might earn him some goodwill from the greatest wizard of the age.

Harry gave his answer. "Then Gryffindor."

After Harry gave his answer, the Sorting Hat nodded. "That truly suits you. In that case... Gryffindor!"

When the Sorting Hat loudly announced Harry's placement, cheers and applause far greater than before erupted throughout the hall.

Though the other three Houses were somewhat disappointed, they still applauded and cheered for the Savior. The little lions, meanwhile, leaped to their feet, bouncing and shouting uncontrollably:

"We have Potter! We have Potter!"

Harry took off the hat and walked to the Gryffindor table, sitting beside Hermione. Prefect Percy hurried over and gripped his hand tightly, as though Harry were some leader arriving for an inspection.

Seeing this, Harry's eyes flickered. It seemed Ron's older brother was someone who liked power.

There was nothing wrong with that. Harry liked people like that. If Percy worked hard enough, perhaps Harry could make him Minister for Magic in the future.

After dealing with these Young Wizards, Harry looked toward the guests' table on the platform. Hagrid sat closest to him and gave him a thumbs-up.

Harry returned it with a bright smile.

He looked farther toward the center of the dais. The greasy-haired professor was staring at him with malicious eyes. Harry gave him another smile before ignoring him. Let that greasy old bat fume by himself.

After casting an increasingly friendly look at Quirrell, Harry saw Dumbledore. The kindly old wizard lifted a golden goblet set with gems slightly toward him in greeting.

Harry felt that he should leave a good impression on Dumbledore.

After Harry, only three people remained.

Lisa Turpin became a new Ravenclaw, and then it was Ron's turn.

Ron looked even more nervous than Hermione had been. His face was pale green, and his whole body trembled as though he were ill.

The Sorting Hat shook itself. "Ha, another Weasley. I know where to put you, I know... Gryffindor!"

Thus, the four Young Wizards who had ridden in the same boat were sorted into the same House. It had to be said that this was a kind of fate.

The applause for Ron was clearly not as loud as it had been for Harry. Even his brother Percy paid more attention to Harry.

Perhaps Percy felt that being the Savior's friend could bring him more power?

Harry, Hermione, and Neville all applauded Ron, and Harry even cheered loudly. He knew how to make a Young Wizard feel better.

The final new student was Blaise Zabini, who was sorted into Slytherin.

Once all the Young Wizards had been sorted, Professor McGonagall rolled up the parchment and left with the filthy Sorting Hat.

At that moment, Dumbledore rose to his feet. Only then did Harry realize how tall he was, probably around six foot three.

He also noticed many faint traces of healed injuries on Dumbledore's body, all remnants of magic. It seemed this kindly old wizard had been quite a restless fellow in his youth.

Perhaps, like the Supreme Mage, the title of greatest had to be fought for.

Albus Dumbledore looked at the Young Wizards with a broad smile, spreading his arms as if to embrace everyone.

His voice was steady and powerful, slightly hoarse and rhythmically resonant:

"Welcome, welcome, everyone, to Hogwarts for the start of a new school year!

Before the feast begins, I would like to say a few words. First, a few matters requiring your attention.

First-years, take note: no student is permitted to enter the Dark Forest—that is, the Forbidden Forest!

In addition, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor is also forbidden!

If you do not wish to die a most painful death, do not go there!"

Dumbledore's tone was severe, but Harry's attention was entirely on Mr. Filch.

He studied the middle-aged man curiously and discovered that he was actually a Squib!

Perfect!

As a new borrower, Mr. Filch could not be more suitable!