After this unexpected situation, the Sorting Hat became remarkably efficient, completing each sorting the moment it touched a student's hair.
Soon, only two new students remained.
"Kanna Prince!"
At the familiar name, Kyle and Cedric looked up simultaneously.
"That's the little girl from the train, isn't she?" Cedric asked curiously, "Think she'll be sorted into Slytherin?"
"Probably." Kyle said, absently scratching his back, "With those distinguished clothes, she's likely a pureblood, so Slytherin would make sense... huh?"
He suddenly paused. Was it his imagination, or had Snape — who'd maintained a stern, disinterested expression throughout the sorting — just leaned forward, his attention suddenly fixed on the Sorting Hat?
'They couldn't know each other, could they?' He thought.
Though Snape rarely participated in social activities due to his position, he was still a Head of House at Hogwarts and a renowned Potions Master. He must have connections throughout the wizarding world.
Kanna's family might be among those connections.
A chill ran down Kyle's spine as a troubling thought struck him. If Snape discovered that he had tricked Kanna, given the professor's personality, he'd likely face the protagonist's treatment ahead of schedule.
'It couldn't be such a coincidence...' Kyle's scalp tingled.
This was karma at work. He'd just mocked the Weasley twins about reaping what they'd sown, and now instant karma had struck.
He looked anxiously toward the platform.
For some reason, during Kanna's turn, the Sorting Hat reverted to its earlier, slower pace.
After a full minute of silence, the Hat finally announced:
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Huh??
The Hufflepuff table erupted in enthusiastic cheers, prefects rising once again to welcome their newest member.
Only Kyle watched Kanna walk past, his mind swimming with questions.
What's going on? Besides Scamander, are there really other pureblood families coming to Hufflepuff? This is quite rare.
It's not that there aren't any — all four houses have purebloods, though Hufflepuff has fewer.
As for whether Kanna followed him here... that's simply impossible. The sorting isn't a game; it can significantly impact a wizard's future path.
Even if she is young and doesn't know better, the Sorting Hat wouldn't just let her have her way. Her family certainly wouldn't allow it.
Kyle remembered Chris telling him about when Sirius Black was sorted into Gryffindor. Mrs. Black had caused such a scene at Hogwarts that, if not for Dumbledore's forceful intervention, she would have nearly burned the Sorting Hat with Fiendfyre.
The incident caused quite a stir. Though Dumbledore suppressed it at Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic held several meetings to discuss abandoning the Sorting Hat for other sorting methods.
The proposal gained considerable support, as most pureblood families — especially stubborn traditionalists — wanted their children only in Slytherin. Having a Gryffindor in the family was considered a disgrace.
Of course, the proposal didn't pass. Dumbledore twenty years ago wasn't as easy to deal with as he is now. Once he clearly expressed his opposition, those pureblood families didn't dare challenge his opinion.
The matter was settled.
Since then, members of those pureblood families who supported the proposal never went to other houses.
Kyle glanced at the staff table.
Confirming whether this sorting was normal was simple — just look at Snape's reaction. If Kanna's family truly had a good relationship with him, he wouldn't remain calm after her sorting into Hufflepuff...
Uh... Well, Kyle was wrong.
At the staff table, Snape's face had darkened ominously. He was speaking intently to Dumbledore, occasionally glancing at Hufflepuff.
Kyle quickly lowered his head, trying to make himself invisible.
Could it really be such a coincidence? Was the Sorting Hat truly this brave?
He felt uneasy.
Meanwhile, the last new student had finished sorting, joining the Gryffindor table.
Dumbledore immediately stood up, beaming at the students below with outstretched arms, "Welcome, welcome to Hogwarts. Another new school year, and nothing makes me happier than seeing all of you. What are you waiting for? Eat!"
The previously empty tables instantly filled with steaming food. Beef, roast chicken, pork chops, sausages, and steaks piled up like small mountains, looking absolutely appetizing.
For those who found the main dishes too greasy, there were fragrant boiled potatoes, pea shoots, and potato chips as lighter alternatives.
The entire hall was filled with delicious aromas.
Kyle shook his head, trying to clear his troubled thoughts. What's done is done — no use worrying now. Better to take things one step at a time.
At least he wouldn't be the first to face consequences — the Sorting Hat would serve as a buffer.
Besides, even if Snape decided to make things difficult, it wouldn't be for long. Kyle just needed to hold out until Harry Potter's arrival next year, when the moody professor would have bigger concerns.
Kyle collected himself and reached for a fried chicken leg.
The bumpy train ride earlier had killed his appetite, leaving him with only snacks. Now he was genuinely hungry.
The house-elves' cooking proved excellent. The chicken leg was perfectly crispy outside and tender within, releasing flavorful juices with each bite.
The roasted potatoes were equally impressive — cooked to perfection without unnecessary seasonings, preserving their natural flavor. For those wanting extra taste, ketchup and black pepper were available.
Kyle found this combination delightful and helped himself to another serving.
Just as he finished cutting his potato and reached for the black pepper, Cedric leaned over and whispered, "Have you noticed? She's been watching you."
"Who's watching me?" Kyle asked without looking up.
"Kanna Prince — the girl we met on the train." Cedric said with raised eyebrows and a teasing smile, "Look if you don't believe me. She's staring at you right now."
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