Hogwarts Raven

At the front of the Great Hall, the professors at the teacher's table sat upright, their expressions a mix of anticipation and authority. 

Dumbledore, dressed in his signature purple robes, occupied the center seat. His silver-white hair and beard were meticulously groomed, and his eyes, framed by half-moon glasses, sparkled warmly as they scanned the sea of students.

Their eyes met, and Ian caught Dumbledore winking at him.

"This is my favorite time of the year," Filius Flitwick, the Head of House for Ravenclaw, chimed in. Despite his short stature, he radiated a magical prowess that far surpassed most.

"What lively children! I wonder how many will join our house," He mused, his excitement palpable.

Pomona Sprout, the Head of House for Hufflepuff, resembled a cheerful housewife as she watched the new students enter the Great Hall, her smile brimming with anticipation. 

"The Sorting Hat will make the choice for them," She added, her voice warm and inviting.

Minerva McGonagall, the Head of House for Gryffindor, was the most serious among the professors. Her tightly pursed lips and stern demeanor gave her an air of authority reminiscent of a strict headmistress. 

Yet, those who truly knew her understood that beneath that stern exterior lay a delicate and gentle heart. Her reputation among the students far surpassed that of Severus Snape, the current Head of House for Slytherin.

"Line up in the middle," Snape commanded, pointing to the empty space before him. His voice carried a weight that left a strong impression on many of the students.

Everyone obediently followed his instructions and moved to the designated spot.

"Professor Snape, thank you for stepping in," McGonagall said, waiting for him to take his seat at the teacher's table before she approached the Sorting Hat, which sat in a rather unceremonious heap on a stool. At that moment, nearly all the students were nervously staring at her.

"Will we fight a troll?" One whispered.

"I heard we need to catch an Occamy," Another chimed in.

"Nonsense! My dad told me the school's test is to stay in a room with a Veela!" 

Without Snape's usual restraint, the kids began to chatter among themselves.

In the grand hall, the four long tables representing the different houses were filled with older students. The magical flames of the candles flickered fiercely beneath the enchanted ceiling.

Aurora kept glancing up at the ceiling, her nerves seemingly easing after catching sight of the Sorting Hat.

"What are you looking at?" Ian asked, his own excitement bubbling over.

"Why isn't there any wax dripping down?" She replied, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"Maybe when they cast the spell, they forgot to add some realistic effects," Ian suggested, surprised that the candles above never seemed to change.

"That makes sense," Aurora nodded.

"It's fine. Once I learn alchemy, I'll help them fix this little flaw," Ian said eagerly, recalling Professor Mara's new assignment tucked away in his suitcase.

"Have you always been this mischievous?" Aurora asked with a hint of surprise in her tone.

"That's a good question," Ian replied, his expression thoughtful as he began to reminisce, causing Aurora's eyes to widen in disbelief.

"Silence!" Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, cutting through the chatter.

At that moment, the Sorting Hat on the stool began to twist, revealing a mouth and eyes. Amid the gasps of the kids, it began to sing its soulful song, likely composed by Gryffindor himself.

Oh, gather 'round, young witches and wizards,

In the ancient halls of Hogwarts, I sing!

A new chapter begins, so listen closely,

As wisdom and courage here shall intertwine.

Every heart, every soul, shall find its place,

A future direction, a destined space.

Oh, young hearts, so full of dreams untold,

Which house will claim you? Let the story unfold!

Is it Gryffindor's flame, burning bold and bright,

With bravery and hope, a beacon of light?

Or Slytherin's depths, where ambition resides,

With cunning and glory, where power abides?

Perhaps Hufflepuff's warmth, loyal and true,

A heart like the sun, shining just for you.

Or Ravenclaw's wings, where wisdom takes flight,

In a starry expanse of knowledge and light.

Oh, listen to me, feel my quiver, my call,

I am the Sorting Hat, and I know you all!

No need to fear, no need to despair,

For I'll find your place, your home, right there.

If justice burns bright, and hardships you face,

Gryffindor's flame shall be your embrace.

If your mind is sharp, and the truth you pursue,

Ravenclaw's skies will welcome you.

If love is your guide, and friendship your treasure,

Hufflepuff's fields will bring you pleasure.

If ambition stirs, and power you seek,

Slytherin's waters reflect your mystique.

No matter the path, no matter the way,

Young hearts, don't falter, don't delay!

Let me guide you, your fate I shall weave,

For the Sorting Hat never is deceived!

So step right up, and try me on,

Your journey begins from dusk till dawn.

In Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw,

Your destiny awaits—let the Sorting begin now!

The song echoed loudly throughout the hall. Ian couldn't help but think that the Sorting Hat's melody reflected Gryffindor's own artistic flair. He wondered how Dumbledore could listen with such rapture.

"Clap clap clap!" Many students in the audience applauded, their excitement palpable.

As the applause faded, Professor McGonagall, holding a roll of parchment, stood beside the Sorting Hat, ready to call the names.

"Grace Allison!" She announced.

Ian turned to look. A girl with freckles appeared bewildered. After being gently nudged by her peers, she panicked and rushed toward Professor McGonagall.

"What should I do?" She asked, her voice trembling.

"Just sit on the stool," McGonagall replied gently before putting the hat on her head.

"Hufflepuff!" The Sorting Hat shouted, and the girl breathed a sigh of relief as she joined her new housemates.

One by one, the little kids were called, and amidst the Sorting Hat's shouts, they walked to their respective houses. 

"Mien Argus!" Another boy ran onto the stage, and moments later, he was sorted into Gryffindor. 

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. 

"Aurora... Grindelwald!" 

When Professor McGonagall called this name, the previously lively Great Hall fell into an eerie silence. Some students looked dismayed, while others wore incredulous expressions. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and soon, many faces turned pale with fear.

"What!?" Daphne, who had been chatting with friends, looked particularly pale. She was terrified as the German girl beside Ian calmly walked up to the stool.

At that moment, the surrounding noise faded away for Daphne. All she could hear was the buzzing in her head, and the once-clear surroundings began to blur.

"I'm done for!" she thought, recalling her earlier sarcastic remarks on the boat. Despite feeling dizzy, her thoughts sharpened.

"Our whole family is done for!" 

Yes, her thoughts were indeed very clear.

(End of chapter)

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