The entire auditorium fell silent. Students from various grades waited to watch the show, while the freshmen stared nervously at the dirty, torn hat, as if expecting a monster to leap out at any moment.
Suddenly, the hat began to move. The tip swayed from side to side, and the brims lifted and fell, as if it were dancing. But the longer Kyle watched, the more he felt something was off. It looked like some kind of flat fish that devours its own kind, but its movements were stiff, lacking smoothness. It wasn't particularly graceful either.
Recognizing that dancing wasn't its strength, the Sorting Hat soon stopped and began to sing.
"I'm a hat.
But don't be fooled by my appearance.
I was born thousands of years ago.
I've watched the world change.
I've crossed the wilderness swamps.
I've walked along forest rivers.
Come, wear me.
Let me find the best house for you.
If you desire strength, go to Gryffindor, where the brave, just, and courageous can discover the hidden courage within.
Or perhaps you'll join Slytherin, where strength, composure, elegance, and ambition are embraced.
Hufflepuff is where honesty, loyalty, and resilience reside, where you'll find trustworthy companions.
And Ravenclaw, where wisdom and sharp minds gather—if that's where you belong, don't hesitate.
Come, wear me.
Don't worry or fear.
I will reveal your true path."
As the song ended, the auditorium filled with thunderous applause. It was clear that the young wizards of the magical world were quite polite.
The Sorting Hat bowed to each of the four tables before becoming still once more.
...
Despite the odd nature of the Sorting Hat's song, the freshmen understood the process. The sorting merely involved wearing the hat, which relieved many of them. Compared to the frightening rumors they'd heard, wearing a hat seemed simple. Even though it was old, dirty, and somewhat unattractive, it would only be worn for a short time.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a parchment in hand. "When I call your name, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and wait for the sorting."
She glanced down at the list. "Thomas Albright."
A blonde boy stepped forward, placed the hat on his head, and after a moment, the hat shouted, "Ravenclaw!" The boy, looking pleased, removed the hat and hurried over to the Ravenclaw table, which erupted in applause.
"Marietta Ikemo!"
A little girl bounded up and placed the hat on her head. "Ravenclaw!" the hat announced again.
"That's fantastic!"
The first two freshmen were sorted into Ravenclaw, igniting the enthusiasm of the Eagles, who cheered so loudly it seemed they might raise the roof.
"Katie Bell!"
A nervous little girl dashed up and put the hat on, but she pushed too hard, causing the hat to cover her entire head, leaving only her neck visible.
Laughter filled the auditorium.
Professor McGonagall sighed and hurried to adjust the hat.
"Thank you, my dear, I almost thought I would burst," the hat said to Professor McGonagall. "Gryffindor, without a doubt!"
The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers, with Fred and George standing on their stools, whistling in excitement, clearly delighted with the new addition. Katie Bell ran back to her seat, her face flushed with embarrassment.
The sorting continued, but to avoid any more mishaps, Professor McGonagall decided to remain by the stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.
"Cho Chang!"
An Asian girl walked to the stool and sat down as Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head.
"Ravenclaw!" it announced.
"Yes!"
With the hat sorting a third student into their house, the Ravenclaw students went wild with celebration, some even dancing on their stools and tossing flowers into the air. Their typical composure was forgotten in their excitement.
"Three new students already! Ravenclaw is going to shine this year!"
...
The professors on stage watched the chaos with amused smiles. They allowed the celebration until the students began throwing plates, prompting Professor McGonagall to intervene with a stern look.
Her presence had an immediate effect. The Ravenclaw students quickly settled down, their enthusiasm cooled by her stern gaze, and they returned to their seats.
Professor McGonagall glanced back at the parchment. "Omid Flor!"
...
"Slytherin!"
...
The number of waiting freshmen gradually dwindled.
Kyle stood among the crowd, waiting patiently for his name to be called. Yet, he couldn't shake the prickling sensation on his back, like he was being constantly poked by a needle.
He turned to see Kanna, her face flushed, glaring intensely at him. But this time, her anger was unmistakable. The usually shy girl appeared transformed, grinding her teeth as though she might pounce on him at any moment.
Kyle chuckled nervously, trying to act nonchalant. "Ahem... Oh, the weather is nice."
Feigning calm, he shifted his position, attempting to distance himself from Kanna. But the space was limited, and no matter where he moved, Kanna's eyes followed him. The feeling of unease lingered.
Thankfully, at that moment, Professor McGonagall's voice rang out.
"Kyle Chopper!"
For the first time, Kyle thought her voice sounded like music, a savior's call. If he had the chance to vote for a headmaster, he would have chosen Professor McGonagall without hesitation.
---
**(End of this chapter)**