Capítulo 177: 12
Chapter 12: The Sorting
Even on the train, many first-years had noticed Augustus, a boy of impressive power and elegance.
They couldn't help but follow his instructions and quietly formed two lines.
Unsurprisingly, the pure-blood students led by Draco and Pansy, who had caused the most trouble in previous years, were now thoroughly impressed by Augustus. They not only refrained from causing trouble for Hagrid but also helped him maintain order.
"It would be wonderful if you could always help me gather the new students," Hagrid sighed.
He had performed this task for many years, but today was the first time he had managed to gather all the freshmen so smoothly.
And the lines were perfectly organized!
Such a situation had never occurred before. Usually, gathering the students was like herding sheep, and it was only completed when they reached Hogwarts Castle.
Under Hagrid's guidance, everyone boarded the boats to the castle.
Ripples disturbed the still lake, and the torchlight revealed strange creatures swimming beneath the surface.
Hermione, startled by the splashing water, asked, "Augustus, what is that?"
"That's the giant squid," Augustus replied. "It's mentioned in *Hogwarts: A History*. Don't be afraid."
"Hogwarts is more magnificent than I imagined! Augustus, look, is that a tower?"
Hermione's excitement was palpable as she pointed at various structures, constantly questioning Augustus.
Despite being the future Minister of Magic, she was just an eleven-year-old experiencing the magical world for the first time.
She subconsciously relied on the boy beside her.
Splash!
With the sound of water flowing, Augustus and the others disembarked, walked through the narrow passage, and entered the Hogwarts Hall.
[Congratulations to the host for entering Hogwarts School for the first time and receiving the achievement: Hogwarts Freshman]
[Achievement Point Reward: 50]
"Receiving reward points right upon arrival, that's fantastic!" Augustus thought, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
"The plot will officially begin. I hope I can keep this under control," he mused.
At the entrance of the hall, a woman in a dark green robe and a black wizard hat was waiting.
Her demeanor was reminiscent of Vita Rosier—elegant but more serious.
"Welcome to Hogwarts!" she announced.
"In a moment, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates."
"But before you take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses."
Professor McGonagall continued, "The four houses are Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
"While you're at school, your house will be your home. Good behavior will earn points for your house, while rule-breaking will lead to point deductions."
"At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the House Cup."
After explaining, Professor McGonagall muttered to herself, "This year's students are much better behaved compared to previous years."
"This time, Augustus helped me! Otherwise, managing so many students would have been impossible!"
Hagrid approached and patted Augustus on the shoulder, introducing him to Professor McGonagall.
"Thank you, Augustus. You've saved me a great deal of trouble." Professor McGonagall looked at Augustus with appreciation.
Augustus smiled modestly. "It's not just my doing; it's thanks to all the students working together."
"Humble as always. I do hope you're sorted into Gryffindor. With you around, they would be much quieter."
Professor McGonagall glanced at Augustus, noting his position among Draco, Pansy, Theodore, and others.
She sighed and shook her head. "But it seems... you're more likely to be sorted into Slytherin."
"Evil Slytherin!" Ron muttered, drawing numerous angry glares from others.
Professor McGonagall frowned slightly and announced loudly, "Everything is ready, follow me in!"
As the door slowly opened, a splendid Great Hall with British style emerged before everyone.
Long tables were filled with students from various houses.
The professors were seated at a distance, and Augustus immediately spotted the white-haired, white-bearded old man in the middle.
Dumbledore!
The very man responsible for imprisoning his father in Nurmengard.
"Augustus, look at the ceiling! It's magically transformed! I read about it in *Hogwarts: A History of the School*!" Hermione exclaimed in awe.
"Hermione, right now, you should focus on which house you'll be sorted into."
"There will be plenty of time to admire the ceiling later!" Augustus replied calmly, his mind preoccupied with earlier conversations on the train.
From his talk with Harry, he was confident that Hermione would not end up in Gryffindor as in the original story.
Given his understanding of Neville, it seemed unlikely that he would choose Gryffindor either.
The key concern was Harry!
Dumbledore's early actions had left a strong impression on Harry, and Augustus couldn't guarantee that Harry would refuse Gryffindor outright.
"Please wait here for a moment. Before the ceremony begins, Professor Dumbledore wants to say a few words," Professor McGonagall said, stepping aside to reveal Dumbledore.
Augustus's eyes were locked on him, his Level 7 Occlumency working subconsciously.
Dumbledore noticed him as well when Augustus entered.
When Augustus's name appeared on the admission list, Dumbledore had hesitated before deciding to send the owl.
He had expected Augustus to choose Durmstrang.
He never anticipated...
The same blonde hair, the same blue eyes, the same support—reminded him of an old friend.
"Professor Dumbledore, Professor Dumbledore?" McGonagall gently reminded him, noticing his distraction.
"I apologize, young wizards. Please forgive an old man's lapse in attention."
"I have a few announcements before we begin."
Dumbledore stood and shifted his gaze from Augustus.
"First-year students, please note that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits. Additionally, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the corridor on the third floor and the right-hand corridor are also forbidden."
"Should you wish to avoid severe consequences, stay away."
"Thank you!"
"Students whose names are called, please come forward!"
Professor McGonagall took out a piece of parchment, stood behind the Sorting Hat, and read the first name.
"Hannah Abbott!"
Augustus watched intently as a blonde girl approached the stool and placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
"Hufflepuff!" the Sorting Hat announced, and the Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers.
A system prompt appeared in Augustus's mind:
[Congratulations to the host for witnessing the first sorting and hearing the Sorting Hat's song]
[Achievement Point Reward: 50]
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder