The other professors had already left.
Only Snape, Dumbledore, and McGonagall remained in the Great Hall. The Sorting Hat's heart-rending cries ultimately made Dumbledore unable to bear it.
"Professor Snape, just as the Sorting Hat said, it is one of Hogwarts' precious possessions. None of us has the right to damage it or engage in any other... improper conduct."
Whenever others were present, Dumbledore never addressed anyone by name.
He had originally planned to take Snape to check on the poor student who had fainted earlier. Yet while he was merely tidying his beard, Snape had already laid hands on the Sorting Hat.
Honestly.
From Dumbledore's perspective, Snape's behavior at this moment was not entirely a bad thing. At the very least, it proved that Ian truly held some weight in Snape's heart.
It was a bond that could pull Snape back when he stood at the edge of the abyss and keep him from falling into it.
"I merely want to take the Sorting Hat for a bath."
Snape continued carrying the Sorting Hat by its tip, expressionless.
"A dung pit is not a bathroom! Let go of me, you detestable Old Bat!"
The Sorting Hat yelled and screamed.
"I think you should say less." Seeing Snape's expression darken, Professor McGonagall hurriedly made a silencing gesture at the Sorting Hat.
"Heh, Old Bat, is it? Not even Merlin can save you today." Snape started walking toward the restroom with the Sorting Hat.
Dumbledore raised a hand, hesitating to speak.
"Dumbledore! Save me! McGonagall!"
"I watched you grow up! Save me, quickly!"
The Sorting Hat wanted to struggle, but it had no ability to do so.
"It was Ian! Ian! I'm telling on him! That Young Wizard was the one who called you that! I was only copying him!" As