As the train shuddered, it began to slow down.
At last, with a final clatter, it came to a stop.
Even wrapped in a set of old clothes, Ethan stood tall and straight, standing out in the crowd.
What was more,
after hearing about his "feat" on the train, the students all stepped aside to make way for him.
He was being treated even better than the Chosen One.
Following behind Ethan, Harry and Ron made their way through the crowded aisle without a hitch.
"Must be nice," Ron murmured enviously, gazing at Ethan's back. "He's even more impressive than Percy was right after becoming Prefect."
As he spoke, Ron clutched a patch on his robe tightly.
"You're not so bad yourself, mate," Harry reassured him. "Ethan's just too extraordinary."
Ron gave a bleak smile.
After getting off the train,
Ethan thanked the Prefect who had opened the carriage door for them.
His soft-soled cloth shoes touched the damp ground, stirring the thin mist drifting through the night.
The young wizards crowded around one another, but there was always an empty ring around him.
"Whew—"
Ethan drew a deep breath, inhaling the fresh country air with rapt attention.
"First-years! Over here!"
A low, gruff voice boomed above the young wizards.
At the end of the road stood an enormous figure, lantern in hand, as imposing as a mountain.
"I'm Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts! First-years, follow me!"
One by one, the little first-years struggled through the crowd to follow the towering figure.
Ethan was among them, listening half-heartedly as Harry excitedly told him about Hagrid.
After they walked along a narrow path, the view suddenly opened up.
The silver moon hung high overhead, ivory light spilling across the shimmering lake.
On the opposite shore, a massive old castle stood atop a cliff, casting a dark shadow.
But warm, hazy orange light spilled from window after window, so it didn't look eerie. Instead, it gave off a feeling of home.
"Wow—"
The young wizards around him let out cries of amazement.
Ethan even heard someone say, "This can't really be a prank!"
For children from Muggle families, this whole thing must have felt like an impossibly wonderful dream from beginning to end.
Ethan was no exception.
He gazed fixedly at the castle, and the same stirring feeling he'd experienced at the station welled up again.
They boarded the swaying little boats. In Ethan's group was a boy named Michael Corner.
He went on and on about the legends of the Black Lake, and whenever there were girls in the other boats drawing near, his voice rose a notch.
"What a show-off."
Ron whispered to Ethan and Harry, winking teasingly.
It seemed Ron had a problem with anyone who flaunted their knowledge.
Or maybe he was just allergic to "knowledge."
Ethan smiled but said nothing.
He turned to watch the towering castle grow larger and larger.
After the boats reached shore,
they climbed the stone steps and finally stood before Hogwarts' huge oak door.
"Knock, knock."
Hagrid knocked on the door with great ceremony.
The door swung open, and Professor McGonagall, who had been waiting, stepped out.
Her sharp gaze passed over the dirty smudge on Ron's nose, then lingered on Harry for two seconds.
At last, it settled on Ethan.
When their eyes met, Ethan's lips curved into a smile, and he politely nodded to the professor.
"...Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here."
Professor McGonagall said.
Of course, she knew Ethan Vincent.
His case had caused quite a stir between the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts.
He was a difficult child.
Exceptionally talented, with a mind of his own.
Professor McGonagall shared Headmaster Dumbledore's opinion.
Although those paintings... were a little strange.
Still, for a young wizard Ethan's age, having a hobby he liked and could stick with was rare and precious.
With the right guidance, Professor McGonagall believed Ethan would grow into an outstanding wizard.
Harry Potter, Ethan Vincent...
This year was truly full of talent.
Professor McGonagall marveled, filled with hope for Hogwarts' future.
"Hannah Abbott!"
"Hufflepuff!"
The girl hurriedly took off the Sorting Hat, blushing as she ran over to the Hufflepuffs applauding beside her.
"So all you do is put on a hat! Fred and George tricked me again!" Ron whispered furiously. "They told me I'd have to fight a Troll!"
Ethan mused, "I think fighting a Troll would be more interesting."
Ron: "..."
Ron decided to drop the subject and asked curiously,
"Ethan, which house do you think you'll be sorted into?"
Ravenclaw or Gryffindor?
Phew—just as long as his mate didn't end up in Slytherin!
"Hmm..." Ethan thought for a moment, then answered seriously, "Probably Hufflepuff."
"Oh, Hufflepuff—Hufflepuff?!"
Ron's eyes widened, and he looked as if he'd seen a ghost.
Hufflepuff?
Were you going to go over there and eat the poor, helpless little badgers?
"Mate, are you sure you've got that right?"
Thinking Ethan didn't understand the traits of the four houses, Ron helpfully explained,
"Hufflepuff values kindness, loyalty, and hard work."
Ethan tilted his head, puzzled. "I know. Am I not kind?"
"Didn't I help Neville find his toad on the train, make lots of friends, and get along famously with young Master Malfoy?"
"..."
An indescribable silence fell.
Ron opened his mouth, only to realize that, damn it, he really couldn't think of anything to argue.
It was true.
Judging by the results alone, Ethan really did seem like a kind and friendly wizard!
In the end,
gazing at Ethan's innocent smile, Ron could only pat him on the shoulder and say earnestly,
"Ethan, whichever house you end up in, just try to talk less."
I'm afraid someone'll hit you.
Ethan: ?
He genuinely thought he might be sorted into Hufflepuff.
Besides, he really liked Hufflepuff.
He especially liked making friends with loyal, down-to-earth people like them~
(*^▽^*)
One little first-year after another went up.
All four houses got their share of students. Hufflepuff had the most, and Ravenclaw the fewest.
At last,
"Ethan Vincent!"
In the Great Hall, which had suddenly fallen silent, Ethan held his head high and walked toward the platform with unhurried steps.
The great painter was about to arrive among his loyal Hufflepuffs!
"Thank you."
Ethan sat down and gave Professor McGonagall, who had placed the Sorting Hat on his head, a soft, warm smile.
Professor McGonagall paused, her expression softening.
What a polite child.
She was even more certain that Ethan wasn't bad at heart; he just needed a little guidance.
With that thought, Professor McGonagall lowered the Sorting Hat onto Ethan's head.
The next second,
"AZKABAN! AZKABAN—!!!"
The Sorting Hat let out a shriek more piercing than any it had ever made before.
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