Chapter 18: Heavenly Melody
Chapter 18: Heavenly Melody
The entire Great Hall fell silent.
While the older students eagerly awaited the show, the newcomers anxiously fixed their eyes on the old and tattered Sorting Hat, as if expecting a monster to jump out of it at any second.
Suddenly, the hat began to wriggle, its tip swaying from side to side while the brim undulated up and down, as if it were dancing.
But the more Kyle watched, the more something felt off.
It was hard to put into words, but the dance moves—whoever had choreographed them—somehow resembled those of a Flounder fish with a penchant for devouring its colleagues, albeit a bit stiffly and without the same silky smoothness.
And, well, it was a tad uglier too.
Perhaps realizing that dancing wasn't its forte, the Sorting Hat soon split open, revealing a mouth-like slit, and it began to hum.
"I am but a humble hat,
Don't underestimate my form.
For I was born a thousand years ago,
Witnessing the world's transformation.
I've traversed wild marshes,
And wandered by rivers in the woods.
So, come and wear me,
And find your true house.
If power is what you crave,
Then Gryffindor is your brave,
Where courage and valor reign,
Unleashing the hero within your heart.
Or perhaps, Slytherin's your den,
Where strength and calm elegance blend,
Ambition and desire for might,
Find their kin in green and silver's light.
Hufflepuff's loyalty shines true,
With honesty and hard work, their virtue,
Find trustworthy friends, a family so true,
Their yellow and black, a symbol of loyalty anew.
And Ravenclaw, oh so wise,
A haven for those with sharp minds,
If knowledge and wit are your tools,
The eagle's house will welcome you.
So, come and wear me,
Fear not, for I'll guide you,
To the house that your heart desires,
I'll reveal your true aspirations."
As the song ended, enthusiastic applause filled the hall, and it was clear that the young witches and wizards of the magical world had impeccable manners.
The Sorting Hat bowed respectfully to each of the four tables before becoming still.
...
While the Sorting Hat's performance and song were somewhat peculiar, the newcomers had more or less understood that the 'sorting' process involved simply wearing the hat.
This realization brought relief to many anxious faces.
Compared to the rumors they had heard beforehand, the act of donning a hat seemed almost too easy.
So what if the hat was a bit dirty, old, and ugly? It would only be for a moment, and they didn't have to wear it all the time.
Professor McGonagall strode forward, a scroll of parchment in hand.
"When I call your name, please come forward, put on the hat, and sit on the stool to be sorted," she instructed.
She glanced at the parchment.
"Thomas Orbritt."
A boy with blond hair held his head high as he walked forward confidently and placed the hat on his head.
A moment later...
"RAVENCLAW!" the Sorting Hat shouted.
The boy seemed pleased as he removed the hat and eagerly made his way to the Ravenclaw table, where the loudest cheers in the Great Hall were currently erupting.
"Marietta Eckert!"
A young girl happily ran up and put on the Sorting Hat.
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Oh... wonderful!"
The sorting of the first two students into Ravenclaw excited the little eagles, and their enthusiastic cheers seemed determined to lift the ceiling of the Great Hall.
"Katie Bell!"
This time, another girl rushed forward, looking flustered, and quickly pulled the Sorting Hat over her head.
Perhaps due to her nervousness, she put on the hat with a bit too much force, causing her entire head to sink into the hat, leaving only her neck visible.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I thought I was going to split in two," the Sorting Hat said.
It then nodded to Professor McGonagall, "Without a doubt, Gryffindor!"
At the far left of the hall, the Gryffindor table erupted in enthusiastic cheers! Fred and George stood on their chairs, whistling excitedly, clearly very fond of the young girl.
Katie Bell's face turned bright red as she ran down to join the Gryffindor table.
The sorting continued, but to prevent a repeat of the previous incident, Professor McGonagall decided to take charge and did not step aside as before. Instead, she stood behind the stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.
"Cho Chang!"
An Asian girl slowly made her way to the stool and sat down. Professor McGonagall stood behind her and gently placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Ohh!!"
With the Sorting Hat's third call of the same house, the Ravenclaws went wild. Some stood on their chairs, performing an eccentric dance in front of the entire school. Others threw the table decorations excitedly towards the ceiling.
They cast aside their usual calm and composed demeanor, cheering with abandon.
"Three new students sorted already, and we've just begun!"
"Ravenclaw will rise this year, mark my words!"
...
The professors on the platform simply watched with amused smiles, doing nothing to stop the commotion until plates started flying. Only then did Professor McGonagall step forward with a stern look on her face.
The effect was immediate.
The Ravenclaws were like excited eagles that had suddenly been doused with cold water, transforming into meek quails. They quickly returned to their seats, their previous exuberance now a distant memory.
Only then did the stern expression on Professor McGonagall's face soften, and she turned back to the parchment.
"Omid Frohr!"
...
"SLYTHERIN!"
...
The line of newcomers was dwindling.
Kyle stood among them, patiently waiting for his name to be called, but for some reason, he felt a constant prickling sensation on his back, as if someone was prodding him with needles.
Kyle turned his head instinctively and came face to face with a flushed and furious-looking Connor.
But this time, it was out of anger.
The once shy and timid girl seemed like a completely different person. Her teeth were clenched, and she looked as if she might pounce on him at any moment.
"Ahem... What lovely weather we're having," Kyle said with an awkward laugh, pretending he hadn't noticed and turning his head back as if nothing was amiss.
He then subtly shifted his position, quietly moving forward in the line to put a little more distance between them.
Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain. There wasn't much space to begin with, and with the small number of people present, there was nowhere to hide. Wherever he went, Connor's eyes followed.
That uncomfortable feeling on his back refused to go away.
Thankfully, a voice suddenly called out.
"Kyle Joba!"
For the first time, Kyle found Professor McGonagall's voice to be truly beautiful, like a heavenly melody, or an angel bestowing salvation upon the weary.
Honestly, if he could choose a new Headmaster, it would be Professor McGonagall without a doubt.
(End of Chapter)
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