Chapter 18: The Heavenly Voice
Chapter 18: The Heavenly Voice
The entire Great Hall fell silent.
The upperclassmen were waiting for the show, while the first-year students anxiously stared at the dirty and worn-out hat, as if expecting a giant to jump out of it at any moment.
Suddenly, the hat began to twist and turn. The tip of the hat swayed from side to side, and the two sides of the brim undulated up and down as if it were dancing.
But the more Kyle watched, the more he felt something was amiss.
It was hard to describe, but the dance moves seemed to resemble a certain creature that enjoyed eating its colleagues, the Flobberworm. However, the movements were a bit stiff and not as smooth as the Flobberworm.
It also looked a bit ugly.
The Sorting Hat seemed to realize that dancing wasn't its forte, so it quickly split open a slit like a mouth and began to hum.
"I am a hat.
But don't underestimate my appearance.
I was born a thousand years ago.
I've witnessed the world's changes.
I've crossed wild bogs.
I've walked through forest rivers.
Come, put me on.
Find the most suitable house.
If you yearn for strength, then go to Gryffindor, where they are brave and fearless, just and courageous, and will uncover the courage hidden in your heart.
Or perhaps you'll join Slytherin, where they are strong and calm, elegant and self-possessed. Here, you need not hide your ambition and desire for power, for everyone here is like you.
Hufflepuff is honest and trustworthy, resilient and sincere. Here, you will find the most reliable companions.
And Ravenclaw, if you possess exceptional wisdom and a brilliant mind, then don't hesitate, for there are companions like you there.
Come, put me on.
Don't worry or be afraid.
I will tell you your heart's desire."
As the song ended, thunderous applause filled the hall, and it was evident that the young wizards of the British Wizarding World were very well-mannered.
The Sorting Hat bowed to each of the four tables in turn and then became motionless.
...
Although the Sorting Hat's song was a bit hard to describe, the first-year students generally understood that the sorting process involved putting on the hat.
This secretly relieved many of them.
Compared to the rumors they had heard, putting on a hat seemed like a breeze.
It was just a hat that was a bit dirty, old, and ugly; it didn't matter. After all, it would only be for a short while, and they didn't have to wear it all the time.
Professor McGonagall quickly walked forward, holding a piece of parchment in her hand.
"I will now call out the names of the students, and when your name is called, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and await your sorting."
Professor McGonagall glanced at the parchment.
"Thomas Orblyde."
A blond boy walked forward with his head held high, quickly put on the hat, and after a moment...
"RAVENCLAW!" the Sorting Hat shouted.
The boy seemed satisfied and, after removing the Sorting Hat, eagerly made his way to the Ravenclaw table, the loudest place in the Great Hall at that moment.
"Marietta Edgecombe!"
A little girl happily ran up and put on the Sorting Hat.
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Oh... Fantastic!"
The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw, exciting the young Ravenclaws, whose enthusiastic cheers seemed to lift the ceiling.
"Katy Bell!"
This time, another girl hurriedly ran up and quickly placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
Perhaps due to her nervousness, she put on the hat with a bit too much force, causing her entire head to be pushed into the hat, leaving only her neck visible.
"Hahaha!"
Laughter filled the Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall sighed and quickly stepped forward to help.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I almost thought I was going to split open," she said.
The Sorting Hat nodded to Professor McGonagall, "Without a doubt, Gryffindor!"
At the far left of the Great Hall, the Gryffindor table erupted in enthusiastic cheers. Fred and George stood on their stools, whistling excitedly, clearly delighted with the little girl.
Katy Bell's face turned red, and she ran down.
The Sorting continued, but to prevent a repeat of the previous incident, Professor McGonagall decided to take charge. Instead of stepping aside as before, she stood behind the Four-Cornered Stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.
"Cho Chang!"
An Asian girl slowly walked to the stool and sat down. Professor McGonagall stood behind her and gently placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
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"Ravenclaw!"
"Oh!!!"
With the Sorting Hat shouting the same House name for the third time, the Ravenclaws went wild. Some stood on their stools, dancing with their legs crossed in front of the entire school. Others picked up the decorative flowers from the table and excitedly threw them towards the ceiling.
They set aside their usual calm demeanor and cheered wildly.
"Three! We already have three new students, and the Sorting has just begun!"
"Ravenclaw will rise this year!"
...
The professors on the stage didn't stop them; they just smiled and watched until the students started throwing plates. Professor McGonagall then stepped forward with a stern face.
The effect was outstanding.
Seeing Professor McGonagall, the Ravenclaws were like being doused with a bucket of cold water, instantly becoming much calmer. They went from being eagles to quails, sitting properly at the table again.
Professor McGonagall's expression improved, and she looked back at the parchment.
"Omir DeFrol!"
...
"Slytherin!"
...
The line of new students grew shorter.
Kyle stood in the crowd, patiently waiting for his name, but he couldn't shake the feeling of something pricking his back, as if someone was constantly poking him with a needle.
Kyle turned around instinctively and was met with Conna's flushed face, staring at him with anger.
Unlike before, she was now furious.
The once shy and timid girl seemed like a completely different person, her teeth grinding audibly, as if she might pounce and bite at any moment.
"Cough, cough... Oh, what lovely weather we're having."
Kyle forced a laugh, acting as if he hadn't seen anything, and turned his head back as if nothing had happened.
He then quietly moved forward, trying to squeeze in and create some distance from Conna.
Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain. The area was small, and with few people, there was nowhere to hide. Wherever he went, Conna could still see him.
The prickly feeling on his back didn't go away.
Just then, a voice called out.
"Kyle Jopab!"
For the first time, Kyle found Professor McGonagall's voice so enchanting, like a heavenly melody, offering salvation to all.
Honestly, if he could choose a new Headmaster, he would definitely pick Professor McGonagall.
(End of Chapter)
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