The Sorting Under Dragonfire
The Great Hall buzzed with energy the moment the doors opened.
Candles floated.
The enchanted ceiling mirrored a twilight sky.
And for once—
No one was looking at the ceiling.
All eyes were on Daphne Greengrass and Susan Bones.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"So beautiful…"
"Was she always like that?"
"Is that really Susan Bones?"
Then—
A ripple of awe swept the hall.
A first-year girl, silver-haired and elegant beyond her age, stepped inside.
Astoria Greengrass.
Even Daphne and Susan noticed the stares.
Hermione and Penelope exchanged looks from the Ravenclaw table.
Katie and Angelina leaned together at Gryffindor.
Helena sat calmly at Hufflepuff, eyes thoughtful.
And Ginny Weasley—
Standing with the first-years—watched Keith with determination burning behind her eyes.
I'll make him fall for me.
Keith, Unaware and Guilty
At the center of it all, Keith Argus Runcandel laughed easily, chatting with Cedric Diggory.
Rias sat beside him, smiling fondly.
Cedric shook his head.
"You're going to be responsible for half the broken hearts in Hogwarts."
Keith sighed. "I didn't ask for this."
Rias snorted. "You absolutely did."
Keith glanced toward the professor's table—
Empty.
Except for Gilderoy Lockhart, who was admiring his reflection in a spoon.
"…Where is everyone?" Keith muttered.
A flash of crimson light fluttered down.
Fawkes.
A letter dropped neatly into Keith's hand.
Keith,
Do the Sorting Ceremony.
Afterwards, come to the Whomping Willow.
— A.P.W.B.D.
Keith stared.
"…Of course."
He rubbed his temples.
The Sorting Ceremony
Keith rose and walked to the dais.
The hall quieted instantly.
He produced the admission scroll and the Sorting Hat, freshly delivered by Fawkes.
The Weasley twins wolf-whistled.
"Nice hat, Professor Runcandel!"
"Ten points if it sings!"
Keith ignored them.
"Let's begin."
Names were called.
Applause echoed.
Then—
"Ginny Weasley."
The redhead marched forward proudly.
"Gryffindor!"
Cheers erupted.
Moments later—
"Luna Lovegood."
Luna floated forward dreamily.
"…Interesting mind…" the hat mused.
"Ravenclaw."
Luna beamed and waved at Keith.
He waved back.
Then—
Keith's voice softened.
"Astoria Greengrass."
A hush fell.
Astoria stepped forward, cheerful and composed.
Keith smiled and gently patted her head.
"Good luck."
She blushed.
The hat barely touched her hair.
"Slytherin."
Applause thundered.
Daphne smiled proudly.
Dinner Begins
With the last name called, Keith lifted the hat.
"Sorting complete. Dinner may begin."
Golden plates filled instantly.
Before leaving, Keith carefully placed the Sorting Hat on the Hufflepuff table.
He leaned down.
"Cedric, Susan, Rias, Helena—keep an eye on it."
Cedric saluted jokingly.
Susan nodded enthusiastically.
Helena smiled softly.
Keith turned and left the Great Hall.
Stories of Old
At the Hufflepuff table, curious students leaned in.
"Mr. Hat," one asked,
"Did you really belong to the founders?"
The Sorting Hat chuckled.
"Oh yes! Salazar was grumpy, Helga baked, Rowena argued, and Godric never shut up!"
Laughter filled the table.
Stories flowed.
Legends returned to life.
And outside—
Keith walked alone into the night, toward the Whomping Willow, unaware that fate, secrets, and ancient magic were about to collide.