“What a difficult choice…
truly a difficult choice.” The Sorting Hat wore a conflicted expression.
“You possess courage, a gift for divination, an insatiable thirst for knowledge…
and some rather unusual ambitions.” “…A desire to take life easy?” “Don’t you want to prove yourself?” Not at all.
Living a peaceful, laid-back life is the true path to happiness.
The thought flashed through Wade’s mind.
The Sorting Hat caught it immediately.
Even its wide grin twitched.
“…Very well.” “If that’s truly what you want, then I know exactly where you belong.” “Slytherin!” Wade instinctively started to rise, fully expecting to walk toward the Hufflepuff table.
Then, a second later, his brain finally processed what he’d just heard.
Slytherin?
“Wait.” “Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?” He couldn’t help asking.
Wouldn’t Hufflepuff be the perfect place for someone who wanted a quiet, carefree life?
“Of course not.” “Slytherin will better help you achieve your ambitions.” “It’s the best choice for your future.” “Surely you understand which matters more—your present…
or your future.” You…
Wade complained inwardly.
“Hm?” “You seem to be thinking something rather unfriendly.” “…What?” “You want to throw me into the Black Lake for a bath?” “That’s outrageous.” “How can someone be so cruel?” Before the Sorting Hat could continue scolding him, Wade accepted his fate and walked toward the Slytherin table.
The decision had already been made.
1 Arguing with an old hat wasn’t going to change anything.
Although it wasn’t the outcome he’d hoped for…
At least he hadn’t been sorted into Gryffindor.
Considering everything, that was still a small blessing.
“I didn’t expect you’d end up in Slytherin.” Draco’s usual arrogance remained, though there was now a trace of surprise in his eyes.
Not disgust.
Just surprise.
“Neither did I.” Wade shrugged casually.
“I honestly thought I’d be sorted into Hufflepuff.” “Maybe I’ve got some hidden talent that earned me a place in the finest House—Slytherin.” Draco exchanged pleased smiles with Crabbe and Goyle.
“The finest House.” Now that was a proper opinion.
Only a handful of students remained.
Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson were sorted into Slytherin.
The Patil twins were separated, one to Gryffindor and the other to Ravenclaw.
Then, finally…
“Harry Potter.” The moment Professor McGonagall read the name, the Great Hall fell silent.
A heartbeat later, whispers spread throughout the room.
“Potter?” “The Harry Potter?” “Harry Potter’s here at Hogwarts?” “Do you think Professor Trelawney’s prophecy was about him?” Amid countless murmurs and hundreds of watching eyes, Harry sat down on the stool.
The Sorting Hat was lowered over his head, covering his vision.
“Hmm…” “This is difficult.” “Very difficult indeed.” “You’re certainly brave.” “Kind-hearted.” “Exceptionally talented.” “And eager to prove yourself.” “Where should I put you…” Not Slytherin.
Not Slytherin.
Harry closed his eyes and repeated the words over and over in his mind.
“Not Slytherin?” “Are you certain?” “You could become truly great.” “It’s written all over you.” “Slytherin would help you achieve greatness.” “There’s no doubt about that.” “…Still no?” “Very well.” “If you’ve made up your mind…” “Gryffindor!” A smile immediately spread across Harry’s face.
The Gryffindor table erupted into thunderous cheers.
Several older students even stood to welcome him.
Gryffindor Prefect Percy Weasley shook his hand warmly, while Fred and George excitedly shouted, “We’ve got Potter!” “We’ve got Potter!” The weight on Harry’s heart finally lifted.
Looking toward the staff table, he noticed that Hagrid had already returned from the Hospital Wing and was applauding proudly.
Headmaster Dumbledore even raised his goblet to him with a smile.
“I really don’t see what’s worth celebrating.” Draco looked thoroughly unimpressed.
“And Harry Potter…” “Choosing Gryffindor.” “I expected better.” “Maybe he isn’t particularly bright.” Wade sighed and shook his head.
“But then again, he is the Boy Who Lived.” “And besides…” “You don’t seriously believe that strange woman’s prophecy, do you?” Draco interrupted.
“We don’t even know whether it was real.” “And even if it was, she was talking about all the students.” “Why assume it has to be Harry Potter?” “Because he’s the most likely candidate.” “That’s what most people believe.” “They’ll eventually discover they’re wrong.” After Harry, the final two first-years were sorted into Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
Professor McGonagall rolled up the parchment, picked up the Sorting Hat, and the ceremony came to an end.
Dumbledore rose to his feet with his usual warm smile.
“Welcome.” “Welcome to another year at Hogwarts.” “Before we begin our feast, I have just a few words to say.” “Nitwit!” “Blubber!” “Oddment!” “Tweak!” “Thank you.” The moment he finished speaking, the previously empty tables were suddenly covered with food.
Roast beef.
Fried chicken legs.
Corn.
Potatoes.
Pork chops.
Lamb chops.
Fresh fruit.
Pumpkin juice and other drinks.
The feast had begun.
“Do those words mean something?” Wade asked while filling his plate with his favorite dishes.
“Some sort of spell?” “Who knows?” “My father says Dumbledore’s a bit mad.” Draco answered with a shrug.
“Don’t ask me.” “I have no idea.” Theodore Nott replied indifferently.
“We’re all first-years.” “If Nott doesn’t know, the rest of us certainly don’t.” Millicent Bulstrode, a large half-blood witch, said matter-of-factly.
While everyone ate, the ghosts of the four Houses drifted through the Great Hall.
The Fat Friar.
The Bloody Baron.
Peeves.
Nearly Headless Nick.
Their pale, translucent forms floated silently among the students.
Having become ghosts after death, they could no longer touch physical objects…
Which also meant they could no longer enjoy the feast.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, the dishes and leftover food vanished together.
Dumbledore stood once again.
This time, his expression turned serious as he looked over the students.
“There are a few important notices for the new school year.” “First-years should note that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits.” “And I would remind certain older students of that rule as well.” Wade nodded in agreement.
The Forbidden Forest might contain valuable magical ingredients…
But for someone at his current level, it was far too dangerous.
“Secondly, Quidditch team trials will be held during the second week of term.” “Any students wishing to try out for their House team should contact Madam Hooch.” “Excellent.” Draco looked excited.
“I’ve played Quidditch before.” “I’m definitely making the Slytherin team.” He turned to Wade.
“Do you know anything about Quidditch?” “I do.” “I also know first-years aren’t allowed to join the House teams.” “…Way to ruin the mood.” “And finally,” Dumbledore continued, “Our caretaker, Mr.
Filch, has asked me to remind you that anyone who does not wish to die a very painful death should avoid the corridor on the right-hand side of the fourth floor.” As if I’d ever go there.
Wade thought to himself.
Compared with the Forbidden Forest…
That corridor was probably even more dangerous.
After all, it concealed the Philosopher’s Stone, a treasure coveted by the story’s main antagonist.
Keeping as far away from it as possible was undoubtedly the wisest choice.
Protecting the Philosopher’s Stone was the Boy Who Lived’s job.
He had absolutely no intention of getting involved.
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