Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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Kyle had always been curious about how the Hogwarts first year boats moved.
He had always assumed it was magic, but now he was a little skeptical.
After observing them for a long time, Kyle couldn't find any trace of magic on the boats.
And then there was Hagrid, a half-giant nearly four meters tall, who looked much heavier than the four first-year wizards, yet his boat had the same draft as the other boats—a clear sign of abnormality.
Of course, it was possible that these boats were enchanted with more advanced and hidden magic, or perhaps even some kind of alchemical artifact, but Kyle preferred to believe that something beneath the lake was holding the boats up.
"Is that a giant squid?"
He poked his head out to peer beneath the surface, but unfortunately, the visibility on the Black Lake at night was too low to see anything but his own reflection.
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Soon, the boats left the tunnel and docked at a place resembling an underground dock.
Everyone disembarked and followed Hagrid up a cobblestone path, eventually arriving at a flat, damp lawn beneath Hogwarts Castle.
They descended stone steps to a massive oak door.
"Welcome to Hogwarts,"
Hagrid declared, then turned, raised his massive fist, and knocked three times on the castle gate.
The gate swung open.
An elderly cat in emerald green robes... ahem, a dark-haired witch stood before it.
One has to admit, some people have an aura of silence the moment they appear, like the homeroom teacher appearing at the back window of a classroom, instantly shutting up.
Professor McGonagall was no different.
Her appearance silenced the clamor of discussion.
Even Hagrid grew more reserved, saying solemnly, "First-years, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll leave this to you,"
Professor McGonagall glanced at the group before opening the door and ushering them into the castle.
Blazing torches lined the stone walls surrounding the castle, sending a wave of heat blasting across their faces, dispelling the chill outside and bringing peace of mind to the shivering young wizards.
To their right was a tightly closed door, and Kyle could clearly hear a buzz of voices within.
Professor McGonagall, however, didn't linger there, instead leading them to an empty room at the other end of the hall.
"First of all, welcome to Hogwarts,"
Professor McGonagall expertly delivered her annual opening remarks as everyone took in their surroundings.
"The Start-of-Term Feast is about to begin, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, we must first determine which House you will be sorted into. Sorting is a crucial rite, as each House will be like your home at Hogwarts during your time there..."
Despite being well-informed about the details, Kyle listened intently.
He had no choice but to pay attention. He was standing in the front row, right under Professor McGonagall's nose. If he slacked off at this moment, his future at Hogwarts would be difficult.
Besides, this was a famous scene, and with only one chance, Kyle naturally didn't want to miss it.
By then, Professor McGonagall had finished explaining the House Cup and began introducing the four houses.
They were... Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Or to put it simply, the Reckless, the Foodie, the Academic, and the Pureblood.
At this point, the young wizards around listened attentively, their eyes filled with longing. From time to time, they would glance toward the auditorium, as if eager to rush in at the next moment.
It was clear that this was what they were most looking forward to.
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"In a few minutes, the Sorting Ceremony will be held in front of the entire school. I suggest you tidy up and look refreshed while you wait."
"I'll be here to pick you up once they're ready." Professor McGonagall gave the others a final glance. "Please remain silent while you wait."
Admittedly, Professor McGonagall's last words were a bit unnecessary. As soon as she left the room, the surrounding silence was instantly lifted.
A group of young wizards gathered together, excitedly discussing what might happen next.
"How will we be sorted? Will we choose our own houses?" a young witch asked nervously.
This was the question that most concerned everyone.
"Maybe there's some kind of test, like Smeltings," a young Muggle-born wizard turned to look at his companions and exclaimed, "I was already accepted into Smeltings when I received the letter from Hogwarts, but I chose this place anyway... I mean, Professor McGonagall convinced my mother; she had insisted I go to Smeltings."
It was a boastful attempt, but unfortunately it didn't quite pan out.
After all, everyone was preoccupied with the Sorting, so who would care about Smeltings? Besides, some people didn't even know what Smeltings was.
"I think the Heads of House choose their own students," someone said confidently. "That's how it's done at Ilvermorny, only they use statues. My dad's friends with the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, and he told me so."
It was a show of strength.
Compared to the previous boy, his words were clearly more persuasive, instantly gaining a large following.
This made him incredibly proud, and he held his head high, boasting about his father to everyone he met.
Someone who didn't know him might have mistaken him for the Minister of Magic.
At that moment, Kyle suddenly felt someone tugging at the sleeve of his robes. Turning around, he found Kanna staring at him nervously.
"Kyle, is this really how the house's selection goes?" Kanna asked anxiously, "What if no house wants me? Will I be expelled?"
"Don't worry, I won't be," Kyle said with a smile. "Think about it. Ilvermorny and Hogwarts are two different schools. How could they use the same sorting method? That would be too tasteless."
"Is that so..."
Kanna breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Then do you know how we're sorted?"
"Well... I know."
Kyle thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth. He whispered in Kanna's ear,
"It's nothing. It's just an Avada Kedavra curse cast by the professor. Those who survive will get in. Don't worry, you won't be expelled."
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As luck would have it, a ghost just floated past them at that moment.
Kyle turned around and waved naturally, saying, "Hello, senior. We're going to be sorted soon. Wish us success."
Ghost didn't understand what the young wizard was saying, but seeing someone greeting him, he subconsciously nodded in response.
Seeing this, the light in Kanna's eyes instantly disappeared. She stood there motionless, as if she had lost her soul.
[End of the chapter]