The new term began, and the first-years started settling into life at Hogwarts.
In the Elemental Magic Hall, Katelyle also began testing this year's first-years for their magical elements.
"Aila Easton, dark elemental affinity! Good heavens, Slytherin finally has an incredibly rare elemental mage! No, this is the first dark elemental mage ever to appear at Hogwarts Academy!" Brighton, a sixth-year Slytherin student helping register students for Slytherin House, stared at the crystal ball glowing black beside him and shrieked with excitement.
At Brighton's words, the students all craned their necks to look.
Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout, and the others could not help gathering around as well, studying the little girl before them in surprise.
She had short silver hair, amber eyes, and a bright smile. She looked innocent and gentle, and seemed rather incredulous that she possessed a dark elemental affinity.
"What an adorable little girl. To think she has a dark elemental affinity. What a pity."
"Professor Snape, a little girl like her shouldn't be in Slytherin House. Why not let her join our Gryffindor instead? I'll guide her toward the light."
As Professor McGonagall spoke, she walked over to Aila Easton and made to lead her away.
Gilderoy Lockhart's eyes darted about as he watched Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. Seemingly struck by an idea, he stepped forward, reached out, and pulled Aila Easton free of Professor McGonagall's grasp and over to his side. "What an adorable child! How could we pass up such remarkable talent? Why don't you both do me a favor and let me, your new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, teach this child personally?"
Seeing Gilderoy Lockhart behave so shamelessly, Hagrid burst out laughing.
Hagrid's laughter was loud, drawing everyone's gaze. Looking at the enormous Hagrid, Gilderoy Lockhart instinctively