Passing through the large double doors at the end of the corridor, the first-years finally entered the Great Hall.
Including Harry, almost none of the new students had imagined that such a magnificent, magical, and breathtaking place could exist.
Four long tables, one for each of the four Houses, were neatly arranged across the hall.
Every student except the first-years was already seated.
The gleaming white marble tabletops held crystal goblets and golden plates.
Polished to a mirror-like shine, the tables reflected the brilliant lights above, each beam intertwining to form a dazzling display.
But if one looked upward…
The view was even more astonishing.
Instead of a ceiling, there was an endless night sky.
Like black velvet stretching infinitely overhead, it was tranquil yet profound, scattered with distant, mysterious stars.
For a fleeting moment, the entire hall felt like an open-air terrace floating in a sea of stars.
At that moment, Hermione quietly explained to everyone nearby that it was actually a magically enchanted ceiling.
Adrian Ambrosius, meanwhile, observed the enchanted sky with great interest.
“Now that’s fascinating.”
“It’s definitely not just a simple Transfiguration Charm.”
“If I remember correctly, this ceiling accurately reflects the weather and sky outside, essentially making solid stone function like transparent glass.”
“So there must be some sort of environmental synchronization enchantment.”
“The real question is…
is it merely a projection?
Or a full magical holographic simulation?”
“Maybe I should try reproducing something similar at Star Castle later.”
As these thoughts ran through his mind, Adrian Ambrosius followed the other first-years to the area before the faculty table, where they lined up to await the Sorting Ceremony.
Before the ceremony had even begun…
Adrian Ambrosius had already become the center of attention.
He had attracted even more discussion than Harry, the legendary Boy Who Lived.
Setting aside his immense wealth…
Or his astonishing talent…
His appearance alone was enough to command attention.
At only eleven years old, he already stood around four feet seven inches tall, towering over many of the other children, who were still in the midst of their growth spurts.
The calm elegance and quiet nobility he naturally radiated seemed to draw people’s eyes like a magnet.
Combined with his long golden hair, handsome face, and fair complexion…
He resembled the sun god of ancient Greek mythology itself—
Radiant.
Magnificent.
Impossible to ignore.
The professors and older students couldn’t help whispering among themselves.
Several older girls even stared at him with sparkling eyes, clearly entertaining thoughts of their own.
Adrian Ambrosius, meanwhile, remained perfectly composed.
I’ll just quietly continue being a handsome young man.
Heh.
I’ve seen far bigger scenes than this.
My face is at least as thick as the walls of Azkaban.
Go ahead.
Talk all you like.
Stare as much as you want.
If you can actually make me blush…
you win.
Nor was he standing there idly.
Even now, his mind was occupied with unfinished theoretical research.
Once this ridiculously drawn-out ceremony ends…
I’m going straight to squeeze every bit of knowledge I can out of Professor Snape.
“Ah!”
A sudden voice rang throughout the hall, instantly silencing the chatter.
The old Sorting Hat, resting atop its stool, began its performance.
The wide crease along its brim opened like a mouth as it launched into its familiar song.
The first-years froze in astonishment.
The hat…
Could actually talk?
Even Adrian Ambrosius’s attention was immediately captured.
His eyes lit up.
Then—
An almost unbearable itch spread through his heart.
Yes.
An irresistible itch.
“Damn it!”
“I almost forgot about this treasure!”
“The Sorting Hat—a magical artifact that’s survived for over a thousand years!”
Instantly, countless notes began flashing through his mind.
It possesses independent thought.
Intelligence.
Judgment.
Storage capabilities!
Its construction is incredibly economical—it’s basically just an old leather hat!
Most importantly…
After a thousand years…
It still works perfectly!
“This has to be an advanced application of intelligent alchemy.”
“An absolute masterpiece.”
“I really want to take it apart and study how it works…”
Adrian Ambrosius stared at the Sorting Hat with burning eyes.
In his imagination…
He had already dismantled the poor hat a hundred times over.
The Sorting Hat suddenly felt an inexplicable chill run through its well-worn fabric.
“Strange…”
“I’m just a hat.”
“Why do I suddenly feel…
cold?”
“Must be my imagination.”
“Right.”
“Better keep singing.”
You may not think I’m very handsome,
But don’t judge by what you see.
If you can find a finer hat than me,
I’ll gladly eat myself, you’ll see!
Your top hats may be sleek and shiny,
Your bowlers polished to perfection,
But I am Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat—
Far beyond comparison.
Every thought that’s hidden in your mind
Is plain for me to see.
Just put me on upon your head,
And I’ll tell you where you ought to be.
Perhaps you’ll belong in Gryffindor, This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Where dwell the brave at heart;
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Will help you play your part.
Or maybe Hufflepuff is right for you,
Where loyalty runs deep;
Their patience, honesty, and hard work
Are promises they keep.
If you’ve a ready mind, perhaps
You’ll find Ravenclaw your home;
For those of wit and learning
Will never stand alone.
Or maybe you’ll make real friends
Among the cunning Slytherins;
They’ll use whatever means they must
To achieve their destined ends.
So come and place me on your head!
There’s truly nothing to fear!
Though I don’t even have two hands,
You’ll always be quite safe with me—
For I’m a Thinking Hat!
Bravery.
Wisdom.
Kindness.
Ambition.
Those were the qualities celebrated by the Sorting Hat’s song, and the standards it claimed to use when evaluating each student.
Having finished its performance, the Sorting Hat gave a satisfied little bow to the audience.
It was surprisingly expressive.
Unfortunately…
Only the first-years looked genuinely impressed.
Everyone else applauded with completely fake enthusiasm.
Not a shred of sincerity.
How tragic.
Professor McGonagall stood nearby with a distinctly displeased expression.
She had never cared for the Sorting Hat’s unnecessarily lengthy opening act.
Five whole minutes.
That was how long its song had taken.
For someone as punctual as McGonagall, that bordered on intolerable.
The instant the song ended, she stepped forward, unrolled a parchment, and announced,
“When I call your name, you will come forward, place the Sorting Hat upon your head, sit on the stool…
and be Sorted.”
Under the gaze of hundreds of students, the first-years immediately grew nervous.
Many had grown up in magical families.
No one wanted to end up in a different House from the rest of their relatives and return home only to face their parents’ disappointment.
The Sorting Ceremony proceeded in an orderly fashion.
Some students were Sorted almost instantly.
Others required much longer deliberation.
Draco Malfoy, for example, barely had the hat touch his hair before it shouted his House.
The strength of his pure-blood upbringing couldn’t have been more obvious.
Then Professor McGonagall paused briefly.
She looked down at the list before clearly announcing the next name.
” Adrian Ambrosius Ambrosius.”