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"Hermione, do you know how they decide which house we go to?"
As soon as Professor McGonagall finished her instructions and left, Harry asked eagerly.
He felt he didn't have Dudley's talent for studying potions on his own, nor Hermione's ability to learn spells independently. He also wasn't like Ron and Neville, who had grown up in the wizarding world.
Aside from reading a few books, he hadn't even learned a single spell.
Unfortunately, the "know-it-all" Hermione let him down.
She shook her head, a hint of frustration on her face.
"I don't know. I checked a lot of books, but they all just briefly mention that Hogwarts has a Sorting Ceremony. None of them explain how it actually works."
Harry turned to Neville and Ron.
"My uncle wouldn't say."
Neville looked even more nervous than Harry, his face on the verge of tears.
"I… I don't think I'll pass… a few years ago, everyone thought I might be a Squib…"
"It's probably some kind of test. Fred said it's really dangerous, but I think he was joking."
Ron tried to sound calm, but he was just as nervous as Neville.
"Relax, Harry."
Dudley patted his cousin's shoulder.
"If we don't pass, we can just go study at Smeltings."
Harry's eyes lit up.
His tension instantly eased.
As long as he could study with Dudley, it didn't matter where they went.
While they were talking, a group of pale, translucent figures suddenly passed through the wall, startling the younger students in front, who screamed in shock.
They were ghosts.
Dudley was actually quite interested in studying their structure and underlying principles…
But clearly, this wasn't the time.
Because Professor McGonagall had returned.
"Now, form a single line and follow me."
The Great Hall of Hogwarts was nothing short of breathtaking.
Even Dudley was momentarily taken aback by its grandeur.
Especially the thousands of floating candles and the enchanted ceiling that reflected the sky above.
The candles had clearly been enchanted and wouldn't burn out anytime soon.
Otherwise, maintaining so many of them would be incredibly expensive.
Dudley couldn't help but think—
Magic really was convenient.
At the center of the hall stood a small four-legged stool.
On top of it sat a pointed wizard's hat—old, black, patched, and slightly greasy-looking.
The Sorting Hat.
Suddenly, a wide slit opened near its brim like a mouth, and it began to sing:
"You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
Or perhaps in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient, hardworking students
Unafraid of honest toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning
Will always find their kind;
Or maybe in Slytherin,
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends."
The first three verses were filled with praise.
Especially Gryffindor, which received multiple positive traits—more than the other houses combined.
But when it came to Slytherin…
The first line was barely neutral.
The second was practically a direct jab.
The bias was obvious.
Dudley had no interest in figuring out why the Hat seemed to target Slytherin.
Maybe it was just Slytherin's own twisted sense of humor.
What he cared about more was—
Which house he would be sorted into.
And more importantly…
Whether the Hat could read his thoughts.
Based on his "magical talent," he would most likely end up in Hufflepuff.
After all, in the wizarding world, that house was widely associated with mediocrity.
On the other hand, considering his academic ability, Ravenclaw was also a possibility.
"Ding."
At that moment, a pleasant system notification sounded in Dudley's ear.
"Join any Hogwarts house. Reward varies depending on the house."
It seemed each house offered a different reward.
At the same time, Professor McGonagall unrolled a scroll and called the first name:
"Hannah Abbott."
A blonde girl with pigtails stepped forward.
A few seconds later—
"Hufflepuff!"
Just like that, the title of "fixed hat queen" was decided.
Then came Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley…
One name after another was called.
Dudley only listened to the first few before realizing—
There was no way it was in alphabetical order.
After an A came an H, then back to A, then P, then H again…
It didn't make any sense.
Ron and Neville were sorted into Gryffindor without any issues.
Malfoy, as expected, went to Slytherin.
"Which house do you want, Hermione?"
Dudley asked.
"Gryffindor or Ravenclaw."
Hermione replied, visibly conflicted.
"I've been going back and forth between those two. Ravenclaw has its own library, and the study environment is amazing… but Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall both came from Gryffindor, and so did many famous wizards."
"What about you, Dudley?"
"Any house is fine."
Dudley answered casually.
Deep down, he was almost certain he'd end up in Hufflepuff.
He was already thinking about when he could sneak out at night for something to eat.
After all, Hufflepuff's common room was closest to the kitchens.
When Hermione's name was called, she hurried forward.
The Hat barely hesitated.
"Gryffindor!"
Despite her academic brilliance, Hermione was, at heart, a true Gryffindor.
Intelligence alone didn't define Ravenclaw.
Soon, only two remained:
Harry.
And Dudley.
Harry was second to last.
"Don't be nervous, Harry. No matter which house we end up in… we're still family."
Dudley said quietly before he stepped forward.
Moments later—
"Gryffindor!"
"We've got Potter!"
The loudest cheer of the night erupted throughout the hall.
The Gryffindor table burst into celebration.
In contrast, the other three houses looked noticeably disappointed.
Dudley even saw Malfoy muttering angrily at the Slytherin table.
Because of that, when Dudley stepped onto the stage—
Almost no one paid attention to him.
Except Harry and Hermione.
Everyone else was focused on Harry.
After all—
He was the Boy Who Lived.
The Sorting Hat was gently placed on Dudley's head.
Then—
A slightly surprised voice echoed in his mind.
"Ooooh~~~~"
The sound lingered for quite a while.
Until finally—
"Are you… really a wizard?"
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