Tasks and the Feast

Luke walked toward the Slytherin table with a smile.

Harry and Ron watched Luke leave, their feelings somewhat complicated. Ron could not help recalling how, ever since he was little, his father, mother, and brothers had constantly told him that Slytherins were vile and cunning.

They always praised Gryffindor, even believing that even the naughtiest little lion had his own merits.

Harry, meanwhile, recalled his first meeting with Malfoy at Madam Malkin's shop. Malfoy had disparaged Hagrid right in front of Harry while making no attempt to hide his approval of and longing for Slytherin. Later, when Hagrid had talked to him, he had also made it quite clear that the students of Slytherin Academy were terrible.

That had made Harry reject Slytherin Academy from the very beginning. But now, his friend—an outstanding friend—had been sorted into Slytherin Academy. It made him feel that perhaps he ought to get to know Slytherin again.

Hermione watched Luke's back and pressed her lips together. She had seen introductions to the houses in both the books and what Luke had told her. Whether it was Luke's advice or the knowledge in those books, they had all told her that it was best not to choose Slytherin. It was not discrimination; Slytherin truly was not suited to a wizard like Hermione.

Luke sat beside the girl named Taylor and gave her a polite smile, but she still kept her head lowered, seemingly with no intention of acknowledging him.

Luke did not mind. His brows furrowed slightly, then quickly relaxed. He knew he was not a Golden Galleon; it was impossible for everyone to like him. So, while chatting with the older students who took the initiative to greet him, he waved at Hermione, who was watching him from over there.

Hermione noticed his gesture and pressed her lips even tighter. Still, she ultimately nodded.

Soon, Hermione was seated on the stool. The Sorting Hat remained silent for a moment before finally shouting, "Gryffindor!"

Luke applauded Hermione as well. Deep down, he agreed that Hermione was a Gryffindor. She was intelligent and loved reading, but her remarkable ability to act and her thirst for adventure made Gryffindor the more suitable choice for her.

Not long after Hermione, Ron was sorted into Gryffindor as well. It was practically inevitable. The Weasley children all seemed distinct in their own ways, but the things they held fast to deep in their hearts were actually very similar.

Shortly afterward, Malfoy sat on the stool. The hat had barely touched his head before loudly announcing his house.

"Slytherin!"

The Slytherin table erupted into enthusiastic applause again, but compared to the applause Luke had received, it was clearly a level lower. Malfoy instinctively pursed his lips and cast a gloomy look toward Luke. Luke merely smiled and nodded at him, looking exceptionally friendly.

In the end, Malfoy said nothing. With a dark expression, he went over and sat beside Crabbe and Goyle. Rather than making anyone concerned for him, his unpleasant expression caused several people who had been about to approach and speak with him to frown in unison and quietly withdraw the hands they had been preparing to extend.

Luke had even less intention of paying Malfoy any attention. Frowning, he felt that what the Sorting Hat had said earlier about him resembling a Gryffindor was somewhat suspicious. But he did not dwell on it, because the system's voice sounded in his ear.

[Ding dong!]

[Side Quest 1: "Sorting Ceremony" completed. Obtained Spell: Disillusionment Charm.]

[Series Side Quest "Secrets of Hogwarts" unlocked.]

Luke carefully examined this series of side quests. It was a collection of quests containing numerous entries, but most of them were named only "???".

Only a handful had been unlocked. Among those unlocked quests, Luke saw "Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets" and "Gryffindor's Legacy."

He had some idea how to approach "Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets," or rather, he was basically certain he could complete it. But what was "Gryffindor's Legacy"? Could the giant squid in the Black Lake really have been transformed from Gryffindor?

With a touch of mischievous curiosity, Luke opened the detailed description of the quest.

[Side Quest: Gryffindor's Legacy]

[Description: The legendary Four Founders left behind certain things unique to themselves at Hogwarts. You have already obtained some qualifications/clues. Begin your search.]

[Quest Reward: Unknown]

[Hint: "Godric Gryffindor! Restrain yourself! Stop making me angry!" —Salazar Slytherin]

Luke forcibly controlled his expression, preventing his confusion from showing on his face. The cost was that his expression now looked a little stiff.

After calming down somewhat, he let out a soft breath and gave a helpless, bitter smile.

"This kind of quest really gives you neither beginning nor end."

He muttered softly.

"Harry Potter!"

Under everyone's gazes and amid the buzzing whispers, Harry walked over to the stool. At first, he had envied the way Luke had drawn the attention of the entire hall, but when his own name was called, he suddenly realized that he seemed to attract even more attention than Luke.

Amid everyone's stares and expectations, he put on the hat.

"Difficult, very difficult. I can see you have courage, and your heart is not bad. Talent too—oh, my, yes. You have a strong desire to prove yourself. Very interesting... where should I put you?"

The Sorting Hat's voice sounded in Harry's ear. Instinctively, Harry wanted to reject Slytherin, but he seemed to fall into confusion.

"I can sense your uncertainty, child. Slytherin can help you achieve great things and lead you toward glory."

But at that moment, Malfoy's arrogant face, Hagrid's warning, Ron's remarks, and so much more all surged into Harry's mind.

No! Not Slytherin!

He shouted in his heart.

"Not Slytherin? Very well, then—Gryffindor!"

As the final word left its mouth, cheers and applause erupted from the Gryffindor table. The same cheers rang out from all corners of the Great Hall.

Even the Little Snakes applauded Harry. The sight reassured Luke somewhat. As long as Slytherin House was not beyond saving, he felt that he could still reform everything.

At the same time, Luke seemed to see Dumbledore show a trace of relief.

But he clearly had no expression at all.

The last student, Blaise Zabini, was sorted into Slytherin. Professor McGonagall carried away the stool and the hat.

Dumbledore then stood and said with a smile, "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. They are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

"Thank you, everyone!"