The entire Great Hall was silent.
The older students waited eagerly for the show, while the first-years nervously stared at the dirty, tattered hat as if a troll might leap out at any moment.
Then, the hat suddenly sprang to life, its tip swaying left and right while its brim bobbed up and down in an attempt at dancing.
But Kyle felt something wasn't quite right. The hat's movements reminded him of a flat fish trying to eat its neighbors — only stiffer and less graceful. And far uglier.
Perhaps sensing its dancing wasn't particularly impressive, the Sorting Hat quickly split open what looked like a mouth and began to sing.
"In centuries of sorting, I've never led astray,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat, and I know the way!
Though tattered and old, my wisdom runs deep,
A thousand years of memories I carefully keep.
So place me upon your wondering head,
And I'll tell you where you should be led.
Perhaps you belong in Gryffindor's pride,
Where courage and valor forever reside.
The bravest hearts make their home there,
With daring deeds and nerves to spare.
Or maybe in Slytherin you'll find your place,
Where cunning minds move with serpentine grace.
Those of ambition and clever design
Will with their fellow serpents align.
In Hufflepuff, the loyal dwell,
Where patience and hard work serve them well.
Just and true, these friends you'll find,
Always helpful, always kind.
If Ravenclaw calls to your mind,
There wit and learning are combined.
Where those of wisdom love to soar,
Learning secrets, seeking more.
So try me on, don't be afraid!
Your path will soon be clearly laid.
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat,
And I know just where you're at!"
When the song ended, thunderous applause filled the hall — the young wizards and witches were nothing if not polite.
The Sorting Hat bowed to each of the four house tables in turn before becoming still once more.
"…"
Though the Sorting Hat's singing wasn't particularly impressive, the first-years now understood their task: they simply had to put on the hat.
Many breathed quiet sighs of relief. Compared to the wild rumors they'd heard, wearing a hat seemed almost disappointingly easy.
So what if the hat was dirty, old, and ugly? They'd only have to wear it for a moment, not forever.
Minerva stepped forward, holding a piece of parchment.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted." She said, glancing at the parchment.
"Marcus Belby."
A blond boy walked up with his head held high, put on the hat, and after a moment...
"RAVENCLAW!" The Sorting Hat shouted.
The boy looked quite pleased, and after removing the hat, he hurried to the Ravenclaw table, where the applause was loudest.
"Marietta Edgecombe!"
A little girl ran up happily and put on the Sorting Hat.
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Oh... wonderful!"
With the first two students both sorted into Ravenclaw, the little eagles were overjoyed, their cheers threatening to lift the ceiling.
"Katie Bell!"
Another girl rushed up nervously and jammed the hat onto her head.
In her nervousness, she pushed too hard, causing her entire head to disappear into the hat, leaving only her neck visible.
"Hahaha!"
Laughter erupted throughout the hall.
Minerva sighed and quickly stepped forward to adjust it.
"Thank you, young McGonagall, I thought I was about to split apart." The Sorting Hat said with a nod, "Without a doubt — GRYFFINDOR!"
At the far left of the hall, the Gryffindor table burst into enthusiastic cheers!
Fred and George even stood on their benches, whistling excitedly — clearly, they approved of the little girl.
Katie ran off with a bright red face.
To prevent another mishap, Minerva decided to oversee the sorting herself. She stood behind the four-legged stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.
"Cho Chang!"
An Asian girl walked slowly to the stool and sat down. Minerva stood behind her and gently placed the hat on her head.
"RAVENCLAW!"
"OH!!"
As the Sorting Hat called out the same house for the third time, the little eagles went wild. Some stood on their benches, dancing awkwardly in front of the entire school, while others grabbed decorative flowers from the table and tossed them toward the ceiling.
They abandoned their usual composure and cheered with abandon.
"Three already, and the sorting's barely begun!"
"Ravenclaw will rise this year!"
The professors at the head table watched with amused smiles, only intervening when students began throwing plates — that's when Minerva stepped forward with a stern expression.
The effect was remarkable. Upon seeing her, the little eagles transformed from boisterous birds to meek quails, quietly returning to their seats.
Minerva's expression softened slightly as she looked back at the parchment.
"Omid Frohl!"
...
"SLYTHERIN!"
...
The line of first-years grew shorter and shorter.
Kyle stood in the crowd, patiently waiting for his name, when he felt a prickling sensation on his back, as if someone were repeatedly jabbing him with needles.
He instinctively turned around to find Kanna glaring at him, her face bright red — but unlike before, this time with anger.
The usually shy and timid girl now seemed transformed, grinding her little white teeth audibly as she glared at him — looking ready to pounce at any moment.
"Ahem... lovely weather we're having." Kyle gave a nervous laugh, pretending he hadn't noticed, and quickly turned away.
He carefully shifted his feet, trying to inch forward and put as much distance between himself and Kanna as possible.
Unfortunately, his plan failed. The space was too cramped, and with so few students remaining, there was nowhere to hide — no matter where he moved, he could still feel her piercing gaze like pins and needles in his back.
Then, like a gift from heaven, a voice called out.
"Kyle Chopper!"
For the first time, Minerva's voice sounded like celestial music — an angel offering salvation.
In that moment, Kyle decided that if they ever needed to elect a new headmaster, she'd definitely have his vote.
✭✭✭
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