Bab 38: Gryffindor? No, I Belong to Everyone
Following Hagrid's lead, the first-year students walked down a steep path that brought them to the edge of a vast, black lake. Dozens of small boats floated serenely on the water, awaiting their passengers.
"Four to a boat, alright?" Hagrid called out, his voice booming across the lake. Then, turning toward David Scamander, he asked, "David, do you want to sit with me?"
It was clear Hagrid hadn't given up on his curiosity about Newt Scamander's dragon. David shook his head politely and stepped into a boat where Hermione Granger had already taken a seat.
A nervous-looking girl sat beside Hermione, clutching the hem of her school uniform as if it were a lifeline. There was still room for one more passenger when David heard a familiar voice calling out to him.
"David!"
He turned to see Neville Longbottom hurrying toward them, his robes askew and his collar half tucked into his shirt.
"I couldn't find my compartment until the very end," Neville explained breathlessly as he climbed into the boat. "By the time I got changed, everyone was already heading out. I had to run to catch up!"
David chuckled and helped straighten Neville's collar before settling into his seat. The boats began to glide across the water as if by magic.
"Hello, my name is Hermione Granger," Hermione said warmly to the nervous girl beside her, trying to make conversation.
"I'm Kelly Lopez," the girl replied softly before falling silent again, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her robes.
Hermione asked a few more questions, but Kelly remained quiet. Turning her attention to David, Hermione noticed he was peering intently over the side of the boat.
"What are you looking at?" she asked, curious.
"My grandpa said there are fish and Grindylows in the lake," David replied. "I wanted to see if I could spot them."
Hermione nudged him, gesturing subtly toward Kelly, who looked even more anxious now. Realizing his mistake, David quickly added, "But I didn't see anything—looks like they're avoiding the castle area. Nothing to worry about!"
The reassurance seemed to help little, but thankfully, the boats soon reached the shore. The students followed Hagrid through a dark tunnel, up a flight of stone steps, and to an enormous wooden door. Hagrid knocked three times, and the door creaked open to reveal a stern-looking witch in emerald-green robes: Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall led the first-years to a smaller chamber and began explaining the Sorting Ceremony. The students exchanged nervous glances, with whispers of "tests" and "challenges" floating through the air.
David was about to reassure Hermione when Professor McGonagall's sharp voice cut through the murmurs. "Will you all listen to me now?" she said sternly.
The room fell silent, and soon after, the students were ushered into the grand hall. The sight was breathtaking: the ceiling shimmered like the night sky, enchanted to mirror the heavens. Hermione, ever the scholar, began whispering an explanation to David about the magical charm responsible.
At the front of the hall stood a stool, upon which rested an old, frayed wizard's hat. To everyone's astonishment, the hat began to sing—though David privately thought it sounded more like reciting poetry than actual singing.
When the Sorting Hat finished its song, the Sorting Ceremony began.
"David Scamander," Professor McGonagall called out.
As David approached the stool, he caught a faint smile from Professor McGonagall. Picking up the Sorting Hat, he hesitated briefly—its worn and dusty appearance wasn't exactly inviting—but placed it on his head.
"Oh, another Scamander," said the Sorting Hat in a low, thoughtful voice. Then, almost conspiratorially, it added, "Your grandfather was quite the character. I hope you won't get expelled like he did."
David's eyes widened. Grandpa was expelled?!
The Sorting Hat chuckled. "Didn't he tell you? It's quite the heroic tale—"
Professor McGonagall coughed pointedly, cutting the hat off.
"Right, back to business," the Sorting Hat muttered. "Where shall we put you? Any preferences?"
David hesitated. Could he really choose?
"Normally, no," the hat replied. "But I'm feeling generous. Where do you want to go?"
Ravenclaw, David thought confidently. That's where scholars belong.
"Ah, an excellent choice! But… I'm afraid I can't send you there."
Why not?
"Someone has pre-allocated you to Gryffindor," the hat whispered.
Dumbledore?
"Shhh," the hat said conspiratorially. "He wouldn't want me telling you that."
David sighed. Alright, but can you do me a favor? Announce all four houses before placing me in Gryffindor.
The Sorting Hat, amused, agreed. Clearing its throat, it bellowed:
"The house for David Scamander is… Hufflepuff!"
Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table. But before they could celebrate further, the hat called out:
"Ravenclaw!"
The hall fell silent, confusion rippling through the crowd.
"Slytherin!"
Now, everyone was staring, wondering if the Sorting Hat had lost its magic. Finally, with a dramatic flourish, it declared:
"None of the above! David Scamander belongs to… Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table erupted into wild applause, their cheers nearly shaking the rafters.
As David took his seat, he caught Dumbledore's eye. The headmaster raised his goblet in a silent toast, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
David grinned. This was going to be an interesting year.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone