章 28: 28: The Great Hall and The Hat
Many Thanks to elmeri kunnas, Jan, Imran Ahmed, and Devon Stamper for joining my P@treon!♥♥
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"Now, line up in a single file," Professor McGonagall instructed the first-year students. "Follow me."
The young wizards at the front began to move forward, with Ivan standing behind Hermione, and in front of her were Ron and Harry.
The first-years walked out of the room, through the entrance hall, and passed through a set of double doors into the magnificent Great Hall.
Inside, students from the other years were already seated at four long tables, and thousands of floating candles illuminated the room from above.
The four tables were set with gleaming golden plates and tall goblets, while another long table at the front of the hall was reserved for the teachers.
Professor McGonagall led the first-year students to the front, asking them to line up facing the older students.
The candlelight flickered, casting shadows over the hundreds of faces watching them like pale lanterns. Even the ghosts among the students glowed dimly with a silvery light.
Everyone looked up, and above them, stars twinkled on the velvety black ceiling.
"This place has been enchanted to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History," Hermione whispered to Ivan, leaning back slightly.
Professor McGonagall gently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first-years, then set a pointed wizard's hat on top of it.
The hat was patched, worn, and incredibly dirty.
Suddenly, the hat twisted and split open a wide seam, like a mouth, and began to sing:
♪"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends..."♫
When the hat finished its song, the entire hall erupted in applause.
Clap Clap Clap~~
The hat bowed to each of the four tables in turn, then became still.
"So the Sorting Ceremony is just about putting on a hat!"
Hermione said indignantly, clearly disappointed after all the preparation she'd done for the ceremony.
This sparked discontent from Harry and Ron.
Especially Ron, who was particularly annoyed with Hermione—who, as clearly noticeable as a studious student, didn't seem to understand the worries of the rest.
"But how does it determine which house we belong to?"
Hermione asked curiously. Both Harry and Ron turned to Ivan, the knowledgeable and calm one in their group. Ivan explained, "The hat is enchanted with powerful magic. The four founders of Hogwarts imbued it with their will so that it can sort students based on the qualities they valued."
"Imagine that the moment you put on the hat, the four founders are gathered around you, discussing where you should go."
For those whose blood isn't pure enough, Slytherin would express disdain.
Next would be Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, who value the courage and wisdom of the young wizard, respectively.
And for those who don't fit the other houses, the kind and accepting Hufflepuff will always open its arms to them.
Of course, this doesn't mean Hufflepuff is inferior to the other three.
Ivan believed that ambition, wisdom, and courage are all positive traits that can guide wizards toward greatness.
For children who want to "grow," Hufflepuff won't stand in the way of their aspirations.
But if you desire stability, are willing to work hard, and face life steadily, Hufflepuff will give you a warm home.
"Where did you learn all this, Ivan?"
Hermione asked. "I've never read anything like it in any of the books."
The little witch didn't doubt Ivan's words at all. After spending half a month with him, Hermione had developed a hierarchy in her mind: Ivan > professor > book > others.
"This is more like a talent," Ivan replied with a smile. "I can 'see' the magic on the hat and 'hear' the voices left behind by the four founders."
"....."
Harry and Ron both widened their eyes, clearly not expecting Ivan to possess such a skill.
"It's not that amazing. You can just think of it as me rambling."
"Tsk."
Malfoy sneered disdainfully from the front of the line.
He glanced back at the four of them with a look of jealousy. "I've never heard of such an ability. You really love showing off, don't you, Ivan Ambrosius?"
His pretentious and slightly sour tone fit the expression, 'the sky is clear, the rain has stopped, and Malfoy feels like he's superior again.'
Harry and Ron stared at Malfoy with dissatisfaction.
Both of them had a high opinion of Ivan—he was humble, knowledgeable, gentle, and steady, especially in Harry's eyes.
Ivan had stood up for him and dealt with Malfoy and his gang when they'd spoken rudely, and Harry wasn't going to let Malfoy insult someone who had been good to him!
"It's really ridiculous."
Ivan didn't care about Malfoy's sarcasm. He shrugged and said with a smile, "Then just treat it as one of my jokes. Don't worry about it."
Unlike the arrogant, peacock-like Malfoy, the other young wizards clearly admired Ivan more and were willing to believe in his words and his unique talent.
"Whoever's name I call now, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and wait for your sorting."
At that moment, Professor McGonagall stepped forward a few paces, holding a roll of parchment in her hand, and called out, "Hannah Abbott!"
"Hannah's always strong..." Ivan muttered quietly.
Even though she was at the back, Hannah was the first to be sorted.
The nervous little witch walked out of the group, nearly stumbling as she stepped forward, and sat on the stool, placing the hat on her head under the watchful eyes of everyone.
"Hufflepuff."
Ivan whispered softly, only Hermione hearing him.
"Hufflepuff!!" the hat declared loudly.
Sure enough, the people at the table to the right burst into applause and cheers for Hannah, welcoming her to join them at their table.
"Did you see that again?" Hermione asked, saying something that Ron and Harry couldn't quite understand. Ivan smiled helplessly. "You know, Hermione, sometimes even I get a little overwhelmed by it."
"What about me? Did you see which house I'll be sorted into?"
"If I told you, there'd be no surprise, right?"
Ivan didn't answer, but just blinked at Hermione, and the little witch rolled her eyes at him in anger.
"What are you talking about?"
Harry was puzzled, and Ronald was even more stupid, not knowing whether to watch the sorting ceremony or listen to Ivan and Hermione's whispers.
"Susan Bones!"
"Hufflepuff!"
"Terry Boot!"
"Ravenclaw!"
"Justin Finch-Fletchley!"
"Hufflepuff!"
"....."
The sorting ceremony continued, and soon it was Hermione's turn.
The little witch gave Ivan a cute glare, then quickly ran to the stool and put the hat on her head.
_______
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