The Belated Sorting!

At the front of the Great Hall.

The professors seated at the Teachers' table sat upright and proper.

Dumbledore, clad in a purple robe, sat in the central seat. His silver-white hair and beard had been meticulously groomed, and his Eyes behind half-moon spectacles gazed warmly at the students.

Their gazes met.

Ian saw Dumbledore wink at him.

"This is my favorite time of year."

Filius Flitwick was as small as a dwarf. He was Ravenclaw House's current Head of House, and his small stature did nothing to diminish his magical attainment, which surpassed that of most people.

"What lively children. I wonder how many will enter our House."

Pomona Sprout, Head of House for Hufflepuff, looked like a housewife. She watched the new students entering the Great Hall with an expectant smile.

"The Sorting Hat will make the choice for them."

As for Minerva McGonagall, Head of House for Gryffindor, she wore the sternest expression among all the professors. Her perpetually pursed lips gave her the severity of a disciplinarian.

Of course.

Only those who knew her understood that behind her strictness lay a delicate and gentle heart. Her standing among the students far surpassed that of the Head of House currently leading Slytherin House.

Severus Snape.

"Go stand in line in the middle."

He pointed at the empty space in the center, his harsh command seeming to be squeezed out through his mouth. He had already left an overly forceful impression on many students.

Everyone obediently walked over.

"Professor Snape, thank you for taking over."

Professor McGonagall waited until Snape had returned to his seat at the Teachers' table, then rose and walked over to the filthy Sorting Hat. At that moment, nearly every student watched her nervously.

"Will we have to fight trolls?"

"I heard we need to catch an Augurey."

"Nonsense. My dad said the school's test is being locked in a room with a Veela."

Without Snape's restraint.

The Young Wizards began whispering among themselves.

Inside the magnificent hall.

The four long tables representing the four Houses were also filled with older students. Above them, the magical flames of the floating candles beneath the ceiling burned brightly.

Aurora had been staring up at the ceiling.

Ever since she saw the Sorting Hat, she no longer seemed as nervous as before.

"What are you looking at?"

Ian was feeling rather excited himself.

"Why isn't any wax dripping down?"

The German Girl spoke quietly, her voice carrying a hint of regret.

"Maybe when they cast the spell, they forgot to add some realistic effects." Ian was also rather surprised that the candles overhead seemed never to change.

"That makes sense."

Aurora nodded.

"It's fine. Once I learn alchemy, I'll help them fix this little flaw." Ian spoke eagerly. Teacher Mara's new assignment was still sitting in his trunk.

"Have you been this bad since you were little?"

Aurora's tone held a touch of astonishment.

"That's a good question."

Ian actually seemed to start recalling and considering it seriously. Aurora could not help widening her Eyes, her gaze full of disbelief.

"Silence!"

Just then.

Professor McGonagall's loud voice sounded.

The Sorting Hat atop the four-legged stool wriggled at just the right moment, revealing slit-like eyes and a mouth. Amid the Young Wizards' cries of surprise, it began displaying its soulful song, which had probably originated from Gryffindor.

In Hogwarts' ancient hall,

I shall sing a brand-new song.

Wisdom and courage shall meet here.

Every heart shall find its future path.

Oh, young hearts, full of boundless dreams,

Will it be Gryffindor's Flames, burning with courage and hope,

Or Slytherin's depths, concealing cunning and brilliance?

Or perhaps Hufflepuff's loyalty, warm as the sun,

While wisdom soars beneath Ravenclaw's eagle wings?

Listen to me, feel my gentle tremble—I am the Sorting Hat, and I never make mistakes!

If justice fills your heart and hardship does not deter you,

Gryffindor's flames shall burn bright for you;

If your mind is sharp and you seek the light of truth,

Ravenclaw's starry sky awaits your endless exploration.

If you long for love and treasure friendship like a jewel,

Hufflepuff's fields will surely fulfill your imagination.

If you hide your depths and seek the ambition within your heart,

Slytherin's lake will surely reflect your glory.

No matter where you choose, young hearts, do not hesitate or wander,

Let me guide you toward the path destiny has ordained!

The song was very loud.

Well.

Loud was about all it had going for it.

Ian believed that the Sorting Hat's singing, in some sense, also reflected Gryffindor's own artistic flair. Heaven knew why Dumbledore was listening with such a look of rapture.

Clap clap clap clap!

Many students in the hall were applauding as well.

And when the applause gradually died down.

Professor McGonagall stood beside the Sorting Hat with a scroll of parchment, preparing to begin Cat-girl roll call.

"Grace Allison!"

Professor McGonagall called out the first name.

Ian looked over.

He saw.

A girl with a few freckles on her face stood there looking utterly lost. Only after the Young Wizards beside her gently nudged her several times did she scramble toward Professor McGonagall.

"What do I do?"

The girl looked at a loss.

"Just sit on the stool."

Professor McGonagall explained gently.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

When the Sorting Hat was placed on the girl's head, its booming shout came moments later. Everyone then understood what the Sorting ceremony was all about.

Many Young Wizards let out sighs of relief.

A few, however, seemed somewhat unhappy.

Among them.

The Young Wizard who had earlier shouted about being in a room with a Veela looked the most disappointed.

"Mien Agfus!"

Another Young Wizard ran up to the stage.

A moment later.

The boy was sorted into Gryffindor House. One Young Wizard after another was called up, then walked toward their respective Houses amid the Sorting Hat's loud declarations.

"Aurora... Grindelwald!"

The moment Professor McGonagall called that name.

The Great Hall, which had still been somewhat noisy with cheers and celebrations, instantly fell silent—some were horrified, while others wore expressions of utter disbelief.

The bewildered Young Wizards quietly asked those beside them what it meant. Moments later, their faces too turned pale with terror.

"What!?"

Daphne, who had been chatting with an acquaintance, was probably the palest-faced Young Wizard present. She watched in terror as the German Girl beside Ian calmly walked forward.

At that moment.

None of the surrounding sounds could reach Daphne's Ears anymore. All she could feel was the buzzing chaos in her head, while the surroundings that had once been crystal clear before her Eyes seemed to blur.

I'm done for!

Remembering her earlier sneers on the boat, Daphne felt dizzy, yet found that her thoughts had instead become clearer.

My whole family is done for!

Yes.

Her thoughts were truly very clear.