"That woman?" Lilian's crimson eyes glimmered with a touch of mockery. "Umbridge—Fudge's assistant. Back in the Department of Mysteries, she was one of my father's subordinates."
Augustus stroked his chin thoughtfully and nodded. "Yes, I recall her. I think I saw her at the annual gala. If she's working at the Ministry of Magic, what could she possibly be doing here?"
Loki's lips curled in a faint sneer. "Ever since you brought back news of the Dark Lord's resurrection, Fudge and Dumbledore have gone their separate ways. How could Fudge allow Britain's largest source of magical talent to be outside his control? Even without Umbridge, Fudge's spies would infiltrate Hogwarts one way or another."
Augustus chuckled softly. Politics was always the most volatile of elements. Yesterday's allies could become today's bitter enemies over a simple clash of interests. There were no eternal friends—only absolute self-interest.
As the first-year students marched into the castle in a long line, Professor McGonagall held a small stool with an ancient, patchwork-covered wizard's hat perched atop it. Its frayed brim bore a wide tear resembling a mouth. The flickering candlelight illuminated the pale faces of the nervous first-years, one boy in the middle of the group trembling visibly.
The entire hall fell silent, everyone holding their breath in anticipation. Then, the tear in the Sorting Hat opened like a mouth, and it began to sing:
Long ago, I was a brand-new hat,
When Hogwarts' foundations were barely set.
Four noble founders, their goal aligned,
Building a school to share their brilliant minds.
"Together we'll teach, and together we'll guide,"
The four friends vowed, side by side.
Yet they never dreamed a future so grim,
When unity faltered and loyalties dimmed.
"Students of purest blood," said Slytherin with pride.
"The cleverest minds," was Ravenclaw's guide.
"The bravest of hearts," Gryffindor declared.
"I'll teach them all, treating each one fair," Hufflepuff shared.
Quarrels arose, friendships were broken,
Bitter words and harsh deeds left unspoken.
One dawn, Slytherin departed, forlorn,
His dream and his hopes forever torn.
From four proud founders, three remained,
But the harmony they sought could not be sustained.
Now here I stand, to sort you anew,
Yet I warn you—heed what I tell you is true.
Though my role splits you into four,
Division itself may lead to much more.
Danger looms, within and without,
Heed the lessons history shouts.
Hogwarts is threatened, enemies near,
United we stand, divided we fear.
So listen well, take my advice—
Strive for unity before we pay the price.
Now let the Sorting begin.
"This year's Sorting Hat song feels unusually long," Malfoy muttered, glancing around with confusion. "I don't recall it ever being this verbose before."
Augustus' silver eyes reflected a hint of contemplation. "The Dark Lord's greatest weapon is sowing discord and exploiting divisions. In such a backdrop, fragmentation is the most effective way to dismantle an opponent. The Ministry and Hogwarts, Fudge and Dumbledore—they are already at odds. If the school becomes polarized as well, the dangers and warnings from the Sorting Hat may come true all too soon."
Loki nodded in agreement. "The greatest crisis in Hogwarts' history is approaching. The current peace in the wizarding world is merely the last glimmer of twilight before the storm. Darkness and chaos will soon descend."
Thor's deep blue eyes reflected a faint but somber light. "For many, darkness and storms are harbingers of danger. But for us, the purebloods, they might also be opportunities. The world the Dark Lord seeks to create—its rules and interests—do not conflict with ours. In some respects, it may even grant us greater rights and conveniences. Has no one else considered this?"
A faint trace of disdain flickered in Loki's amber eyes before his expression grew serious. "Shared interests do not equate to shared paths. For me, if this world needs a true leader, the only one I would follow is Augustus. If you have ambitions with the Dark Lord, Thor, then leave. Given our years of camaraderie, no one will betray you."
"You—!" A faint flush of anger appeared on Thor's handsome face. "I was merely offering a feasible suggestion to Augustus. To me, Augustus is not just a guide on the magical path, but also the most important mentor in the realm of ideals. Your accusations are deeply unwarranted."
Augustus raised a hand, smiling faintly. "Thor's words were only meant to remind us that we have no absolute conflict of interest with the Dark Lord. While this might be significant, it is not paramount. For a wizard, interests can be a reason, but never the sole one. In the many choices you will face in the future, remember this: the paths are infinite, but the road lies beneath your feet."
Night fell over Hogwarts, and the sky glittered with countless stars. Beneath the vast and tranquil celestial expanse, the universe seemed indifferent and lifeless, a silent witness to the world below.
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