The entire auditorium was silent.
The students from other grades were waiting to watch the spectacle, while the new students stared nervously at the dirty and tattered hat, as if a troll might jump out of it at any moment.
Then, the hat suddenly began to twist, its tip swaying from side to side, while the brim moved up and down as if it were dancing.
But Kael thought something was off the more he watched.
How should I put it, whoever designed these moves must have been inspired by some kind of flatfish that likes eating its colleagues, only its movements were a bit stiffer, lacking that smoothness.
And it was a bit ugly too.
The Sorting Hat, knowing that dancing wasn't its forte, soon split open a mouth-like slit and began to hum.
"I am a hat.
But don't underestimate my appearance.
I was born a thousand years ago.
I've witnessed the changes of the world.
I've crossed wild swamps.
I've walked by forest rivers.
Come, put me on.
Find the most suitable house.
If you crave power, then go to Gryffindor, where they are brave and fearless, righteous and daring, able to unearth the courage buried deep in your heart.
Perhaps you will enter Slytherin, where they are strong and calm, elegant and self-possessed; here you don't need to hide your ambition and desire for power, because here everyone is just like you.
Hufflepuff is just and loyal, tough and honest, come here and find the most trustworthy companions.
And Ravenclaw, if you possess extraordinary wisdom and keen intellect, then don't hesitate, for there you will find like-minded companions.
Come, put me on.
Don't worry or fear.
I will reveal the desire in your heart."
As the song ended, thunderous applause echoed around, showing that the young wizards of the Magic Realm were quite polite.
The Sorting Hat bowed to each of the four tables and then returned to stillness.
...
Although the Sorting Hat's singing was indeed a bit indescribable, the new students basically understood that the so-called sorting simply involved putting on this hat.
This made quite a few people secretly heave a sigh of relief.
Compared to the rumors they'd heard earlier, wearing a hat seemed too easy.
So what if the hat was a bit dirty, a bit old, and a bit ugly? It didn't matter. After all, it was just for a moment; they didn't have to wear it forever.
Professor McGonagall strode forward, holding a piece of parchment.
"When I call your name, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and await your sorting."
Professor McGonagall glanced at the parchment.
"Thomas O'Brady."
A blond boy held his head high, quickly walked over, and put on the hat. Moments later...
"Ravenclaw!" the Sorting Hat loudly announced.
The boy seemed quite pleased and eagerly headed to the Ravenclaw table, the most excited part of the auditorium at the moment.
"Marietta Edgecombe!"
A little girl ran up happily and picked up the Sorting Hat, placing it on her head.
"Ravenclaw!"
"Oh... wonderful!"
The first two new students were both Ravenclaws, making the little eagles extremely excited; their enthusiastic cheers seemed ready to lift the ceiling off the hall.
"Katie Bell!"
This time, it was also a little girl, who ran up anxiously and quickly put the Sorting Hat on her head.
Maybe she was too nervous, but she put the hat on a bit too forcefully, lodging her entire head inside, leaving only her neck visible.
"Hahaha!"
Soon, the auditorium was filled with laughter.
Professor McGonagall sighed at the sight, quickly stepping up to help adjust it.
"Thank you, little McGonagall, I almost thought I'd split open."
The Sorting Hat nodded to Professor McGonagall: "Without a doubt, Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table at the far left burst into a round of exuberant cheers!
Fred and George even stood on the benches, whistling excitedly, clearly very fond of this little girl.
Katie Bell ran back, her face red.
The sorting continued, but to prevent a repeat of what just happened, Professor McGonagall decided it was best to stay and preside, so she didn't step back like before but stood behind the four-legged stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.
"Cho Chang!"
An Asian girl slowly walked to the four-legged stool, then sat down. Professor McGonagall stood behind her, gently placing the Sorting Hat on her head.
"Ravenclaw!"
"Oh!!"
As the Sorting Hat called out the same house for the third time, the little eagles went wild; someone stood on a stool, dance-stepping in front of the entire school, while others grabbed decorative flowers from the table, excitedly throwing them towards the ceiling.
They cast aside their usual prized composure, cheering recklessly.
"Three, and the sorting is just beginning; we already have three new students!"
"Ravenclaw will rise this year!"
...
The professors on stage didn't intervene, just watched with smiles until they started throwing plates, at which point Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a stern face.
It was quite effective.
After seeing Professor McGonagall, the little eagles seemed like they'd been doused with cold water, instantly calming down, transforming from eagles into quails, sitting back at the table obediently.
Professor McGonagall's expression softened considerably as she returned her gaze to the parchment.
"Omid Frol!"
...
"Slytherin!"
...
The number of new students in line was dwindling.
Kael stood among the crowd, patiently waiting for his name, but for some reason, he felt a prickling sensation on his back, as if someone were continuously jabbing him with a needle.
Kael turned instinctively, only to meet a red-faced Conna, glaring at him fiercely.
But unlike before, this time she was angry.
The once shy and timid girl seemed transformed, grinding her little white teeth loudly, ready to pounce and bite him at any moment.
"Ahem... Oh my, what lovely weather we're having."
Kael chuckled awkwardly, pretending he hadn't seen anything, calmly turning his head back around.
He even subtly shifted his feet, trying to move further away from Conna.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned; the space was limited, and with not many people around, there was nowhere to hide, no matter where he moved, Conna could still see him.
The prickling sensation at his back didn't disappear either.
Fortunately, a voice suddenly called out at that moment.
"Kael Chopper!"
For the first time, Kael found Professor McGonagall's voice so melodious, like the sound of heaven, or an angel delivering salvation.
Honestly, if he could re-elect the headmaster, he would certainly choose Professor McGonagall.