The Great Hall fell completely silent.
The older students waited to see what would happen, while the first-years stared nervously at the dirty, tattered hat, as if a Troll might jump out of it at any moment.
Then the hat suddenly began to twist and turn. Its tip swayed from side to side, while its brim rose and fell as though it were dancing.
But the more Kyle watched, the more something seemed off.
How to put it? Whoever had choreographed those moves must have been thinking of some kind of flat fish that liked eating its coworkers. The movements were just a little too stiff—not nearly as smooth as the real thing.
And it was a bit uglier, too.
The Sorting Hat probably knew dancing wasn't its strong suit. Before long, a mouthlike slit split open, and it began to sing.
"I am a hat.
But don't judge me by my looks.
I was born a thousand years ago.
I've watched the world change.
I've crossed wild moors and muddy marshes.
I've walked beside forests and rivers.
Come, put me on.
And find the house that suits you best.
If you yearn for power, then Gryffindor is where you belong. They are brave and fearless, just and bold, and can uncover the courage buried deep within your heart.
Perhaps you'll join Slytherin. They are strong and composed, elegant and self-possessed. Here, you needn't hide your ambition or your desire for power, for everyone here is just like you.
Hufflepuff is fair and loyal, steadfast and honest. Come, here you'll find the most trustworthy companions.
And then there's Ravenclaw. If you possess exceptional wisdom and a sharp mind, don't hesitate. There you'll find others who share your path.
Come, put me on.
Don't worry or be afraid.
I'll tell you what your heart desires."
When the song ended, thunderous applause filled the hall. It seemed that young witches and wizards in the Wizarding World were all very polite.
The Sorting Hat bowed to each of the four tables in turn, then went still.
Although the Sorting Hat's singing had been, to put it mildly, hard to listen to, the first-years had mostly figured out that being sorted simply meant putting on the hat.
Quite a few of them secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Compared with the rumors they'd heard before, putting on a hat was a piece of cake.
So what if it was a little dirty, a little old, and a little ugly? Who cared? They'd only have to wear it for a moment, not all the time.
Professor McGonagall strode forward, a piece of parchment in her hand.
"When I call your name, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and wait to be sorted."
Professor McGonagall glanced at the parchment.
"Thomas Albright."
A blond boy held his head high as he hurried forward and put on the hat. A moment later...
"Ravenclaw!" the Sorting Hat shouted.
The boy looked pleased, too. He took off the Sorting Hat and hurried over to the Ravenclaw table, where the applause was loudest in the Great Hall.
"Marietta Edgecombe!"
A little girl ran up happily and put on the Sorting Hat.
"Ravenclaw!"
"Oh... that's wonderful!"
The first two first-years were both Ravenclaws, and the young Eagles were thrilled. Their cheers seemed loud enough to bring down the ceiling.
"Katie Bell!"
This time, a little girl hurried forward in a panic and plunked the Sorting Hat onto her head.
Perhaps she was too nervous and had put it on too forcefully. Her entire head disappeared inside the hat, leaving only her neck sticking out.
"Hahahaha!"
Laughter immediately swept through the Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall sighed at the sight and hurried over to straighten things out.
"Thanks, little McGonagall. I thought I was going to split apart."
The Sorting Hat nodded to Professor McGonagall. "Without a doubt, Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table at the far left of the hall burst into cheers!
Fred and George even stood on their stools, whistling excitedly. It was clear they really liked the little girl.
Katie Bell ran back, her face bright red.
The sorting continued, but to prevent another mishap, Professor McGonagall decided it would be better to conduct the ceremony herself. Instead of stepping aside as she had before, she stood behind the four-legged stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.
"Cho Chang!"
An Asian girl slowly walked up to the stool and sat down. Standing behind her, Professor McGonagall gently placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
"Ravenclaw!"
"Oh!!"
When the Sorting Hat called out the same house for the third time, the young Eagles went wild. Some stood on their stools and danced an awkward jig in front of the entire school. Others grabbed the decorative flowers from the table and tossed them toward the ceiling, beaming with excitement.
They cast aside the composure they usually prided themselves on and cheered with abandon.
"Three! The sorting's only just begun, and we already have three new students!"
"Ravenclaw is destined to rise this year!"
The professors on the platform didn't stop them, simply watching with amused smiles—until the students started throwing plates. Only then did Professor McGonagall step forward with a stern expression.
It worked like a charm.
The moment the young Eagles saw Professor McGonagall, it was as if someone had doused them with cold water. They quieted down at once, turning from eagles into quails, and obediently sat back down at their table.
Professor McGonagall's expression improved, and she looked back at the parchment.
"Omid Flor!"
"Slytherin!"
The line of first-years grew shorter and shorter.
Kyle stood among the students, patiently waiting for his name. But for some reason, his back kept itching, as though someone were repeatedly poking him with a needle.
Kyle instinctively turned around—and came face-to-face with Kanna, her face flushed as she glared at him fiercely.
But unlike before, this time she was angry.
The shy, bashful girl seemed like a completely different person. She ground her little white teeth with a grinding sound, as if she might pounce on him and take a bite at any moment.
"Ahem... Ah, what lovely weather."
Kyle gave a dry laugh and turned back around as if he hadn't seen a thing, pretending to be perfectly calm.
Then he quietly shuffled forward, trying to put as much distance between himself and Kanna as possible.
Unfortunately, things didn't go his way. There wasn't much room, and there weren't many people, either. There was nowhere to hide. No matter where he went, Kanna could always see him.
That prickling sensation between his shoulder blades never went away.
Fortunately, just then, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Kyle Chopper!"
For the first time, Kyle thought Professor McGonagall's voice was so beautiful, like a song from heaven—or an angel offering salvation.
Honestly, if he could choose the headmaster again, he'd pick Professor McGonagall.
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