A Late Sorting!

At the front of the Great Hall.

The professors sat upright and composed at the staff table.

Dumbledore, dressed in purple robes, sat in the center. His silver hair and beard were meticulously groomed, and his eyes, hidden behind half-moon spectacles, gazed gently at the students.

Their eyes met.

Ian saw Dumbledore wink at him.

"This is my favorite time of year."

Filius Flitwick, who was as short as a dwarf, was the current Head of Ravenclaw House. His small stature did not hinder his magical prowess, which far exceeded that of most others.

"Such vibrant children. I wonder how many will join our house."

Pomona Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff House, looked like a typical housewife. She watched the incoming first-years with a beaming, expectant smile.

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

As for Minerva McGonagall, the Head of Gryffindor House, she was the most serious of all the professors. Her perpetually pursed lips carried the sternness of a headmistress.

Of course.

Only those who truly knew her understood that behind her stern exterior lay a delicate and gentle heart. Her reputation among the students far exceeded that of the Slytherin Head of House who was leading the group at the moment.

Severus Snape.

"Line up in the center."

He pointed to the empty space in the middle. The command seemed squeezed out of his mouth, leaving a lasting impression of overbearing intensity on many of the students.

Everyone obeyed and moved to the spot.

"Professor Snape, thank you for your assistance."

Professor McGonagall waited for Snape to take his seat at the staff table before standing up and approaching the tattered Sorting Hat. Almost every student was watching her with bated breath.

"Will we have to fight a troll?"

"I heard we have to catch an Occamy."

"Nonsense, my father told me the school test involves being locked in a room with a Veela."

Without Snape's restraint.

The young wizards began to whisper among themselves.

In the magnificent hall.

The four long tables representing the different houses were filled with older students, while the magical flames of the candles floating beneath the ceiling burned brightly.

Aurora kept looking up at the ceiling.

She seemed far less nervous than she had been before seeing the Sorting Hat.

"What are you looking at?"

Ian felt a surge of excitement himself.

"Why isn't any wax dripping down?"

The German girl asked in a voice tinged with slight disappointment.

"Perhaps they forgot to add some realistic effects when they cast the spells." Ian was also struck by how the candles above seemed to remain unchanged forever.

"That makes sense."

Aurora nodded.

"It's fine. Once I master alchemy, I'll help them fix that little flaw." Ian spoke with eager anticipation; his trunk still contained the new assignment from Mara.

"Were you this mischievous from a young age?"

Aurora's tone held a hint of surprise.

"That's a good question."

Ian actually seemed to start reflecting on it, which made Aurora widen her eyes, looking at him with utter disbelief.

"Silence!"

Just then.

Professor McGonagall's booming voice rang out.

The Sorting Hat, placed upon the four-legged stool, twisted at the right moment, revealing a slit-like mouth and eyes. Amidst the gasps of the young wizards, it began to showcase its singing voice, which likely originated from Gryffindor.

In the ancient halls of Hogwarts, I shall hum a new song.

Where wisdom and courage shall meet, Every soul shall find the path to its future.

Oh, young hearts, filled with boundless imagination, Are you the flame of Gryffindor, burning with courage and hope, Or the depth of Slytherin, hiding cunning and brilliance?

Or perhaps the loyalty of Hufflepuff, warm as the sun, Soaring with wisdom under the eagle wings of Ravenclaw?

Hear my words, feel my tremors, for I am the Sorting Hat, and I never make a mistake!

If your heart holds justice and you fear no hardship, The fire of Gryffindor shall blaze for you;

If your mind is sharp and you pursue the light of truth, The starry sky of Ravenclaw awaits your boundless exploration.

Possessing a longing for love and treasuring friendship like gold, The fields of Hufflepuff will surely satisfy your imagination.

If you keep your secrets hidden and seek the ambition in your heart, The lake of Slytherin shall surely reflect your glory.

Wherever you choose, young hearts, do not hesitate or wander, Let me lead you toward your destined path!

The singing was very loud.

Hmm.

And that was all it was—loud.

Ian believed that the Sorting Hat's singing, to some extent, reflected the artistic sensibilities of Godric Gryffindor himself; heaven knows why Dumbledore could listen with such a look of intoxication on his face.

"Clap, clap, clap, clap!"

There were still many students applauding in the hall.

And as the applause faded.

Professor McGonagall held a roll of parchment, standing beside the Sorting Hat, preparing to call the roll.

"Grace Allison!"

The first name was read aloud by Professor McGonagall.

Ian looked over.

He saw.

A girl with a few freckles on her face looked completely bewildered, and only after being nudged by the young wizard next to her did she scramble toward Professor McGonagall in a panic.

"What do I do?"

The girl seemed at a loss.

"Just sit on the stool."

Professor McGonagall explained in a gentle tone.

"Hufflepuff!"

When the Sorting Hat was placed on the girl's head, a moment later, accompanied by the Sorting Hat's loud shout, everyone understood what the Sorting ceremony was all about.

Many young wizards breathed a sigh of relief.

There were also a few who seemed somewhat unhappy.

Among them.

The young wizard who had previously clamored about staying in the same room as a Veela looked the most disappointed.

"Mien Agofus!"

Another young wizard ran onto the stage.

A moment later.

This boy was sorted into Gryffindor House. One by one, the young wizards were called, and then, amidst the loud shouts of the Sorting Hat, they walked toward their respective houses.

"Aurora... Grindelwald!"

When Professor McGonagall called out this name.

Suddenly.

The Great Hall, which had been somewhat noisy with various cheers and celebrations, fell silent at once—some were shocked, others wore expressions of disbelief.

Those young wizards who were somewhat confused whispered to the people beside them, and a moment later, their faces turned pale and terrified.

"What!?"

Daphne, who had been chatting with an acquaintance, was likely the palest among the young wizards at that moment; her eyes filled with terror as she watched the Germanic girl beside Ian walk up with calm composure.

At this moment.

No other sounds from the surroundings could reach Daphne's ears; she could only feel her brain buzzing chaotically, and the once crystal-clear world before her eyes seemed to be blurring.

I'm finished!

Recalling the sneers and taunts she had directed at him back on the small boat, Daphne found that despite feeling dizzy and lightheaded, her thoughts had actually become remarkably clear.

My whole family is finished!

Yes.

Her thoughts were truly very clear.