HP: The Wizard Who Paints with Magic

With a jolt, the train slowed, finally coming to a stop with a metallic clang.

Even dressed in his worn, thin clothes, Ethan's posture remained ramrod straight, making him stand out in the crowd of students. After hearing about his "feat" on the train, the other students instinctively made way for him, a treatment even more deferential than the one given to the Savior. Following in his wake, Harry and Ron were able to pass through the crowded aisle unhindered.

"That's amazing," Ron muttered enviously, watching Ethan's back. "He's even more impressive than Percy was when he first became a Prefect." As he spoke, Ron clutched tightly at a patched section of his robe.

"You're alright too, mate," Harry comforted him. "It's just that Ethan is… unique."

Ron gave a wry smile.

After getting off the train, Ethan politely thanked the prefect who held the door for them. His soft-soled shoes stepped onto the damp ground, disturbing the thin mist that flowed through the night air. Young wizards bustled about, but a clear circle of space always remained around him.

Ethan took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, wild air with fascination.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" a deep, rough voice boomed over the students' heads. A towering figure holding a lantern stood like a small mountain at the end of the path.

"I am Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts! Firs'-year students, follow me!"

One by one, the new students squeezed through the crowd, following the massive figure. Ethan fell in among them, listening idly as Harry excitedly explained who Hagrid was.

After walking down a narrow path, the scene before them suddenly opened up. A silver moon hung high in the sky, its ivory light spilling onto a vast, shimmering black lake. On the opposite bank, a huge, ancient castle stood on a cliff, casting a dark shadow. But warm, hazy light emanated from its many windows, making it feel less like an eerie fortress and more like a home.

"Wow…" the surrounding students gasped in admiration.

Ethan even heard someone whisper, "This really isn't a prank!"

For the children from Muggle families, the whole experience was like a dream too beautiful to be true. Ethan himself was no exception. He gazed steadily at the ancient castle, the same profound sense of emotion he'd felt on the platform resurfacing in his heart.

Boarding the swaying boat, Ethan's group was joined by a boy named Michael Corner. He talked endlessly about the legends of the Black Lake, his voice rising a notch whenever a boat carrying girls drifted closer.

"Show-off," Ron whispered to Ethan and Harry with a playful wink. It seemed Ron was displeased with anyone who flaunted their knowledge. Or perhaps, he was simply allergic to knowledge itself.

Ethan just smiled, not replying, as he turned his head to look at the constantly enlarging, majestic castle.

After the boat docked, they climbed a set of stone steps and finally stood before Hogwarts' massive oak doors.

Knock, knock.

Hagrid knocked with great solemnity. The doors swung open to reveal Professor McGonagall, who had been waiting for them. Her sharp gaze swept over the dirt on Ron's nose, lingered on Harry for two seconds, and finally settled on Ethan.

When their eyes met, Ethan curved his lips into a smile, nodding politely to the professor in greeting.

"…Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here," Professor McGonagall said.

She certainly knew of Ethan Vincent. His case had caused quite a stir at both the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. He was a tricky child—gifted and with his own definite ideas. Professor McGonagall shared Headmaster Dumbledore's opinion on the matter. Although his paintings were… peculiar, for a wizard Ethan's age to have a hobby he was so passionate about was a rare and valuable thing. With proper guidance, she believed he would grow into an outstanding wizard.

Harry Potter, Ethan Vincent… This year is truly full of talent, Professor McGonagall sighed, filled with hope for Hogwarts' future.

"Hannah Abbott!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The girl hastily took off the Sorting Hat, blushing as she ran toward the Hufflepuff table, which was clapping enthusiastically.

"So it's just putting on a hat! Fred and George lied to me again!" Ron whispered angrily. "They told me I had to fight a troll!"

Ethan mused, "I think fighting a troll would be more interesting."

Ron wisely chose to skip that topic. "Ethan, which house do you think you'll be sorted into?" he asked curiously. Ravenclaw or Gryffindor? Please, as long as my new friend doesn't go to Slytherin!

"Hmm…" Ethan thought for a moment, then said seriously, "It should be Hufflepuff."

"Oh, going to Hufflepuff—Hufflepuff?!" Ron's eyes widened instantly, his expression that of someone who had just seen a ghost. Hufflepuff? Are you going there to devour the weak, pitiful, and helpless little badgers?

"Dude, did you get something wrong?" Ron asked, kindly explaining, "Hufflepuff's traits are kindness, loyalty, and helpfulness."

Ethan tilted his head, a puzzled look on his face. "I know. Am I not kind? Didn't I help Neville find his toad on the train, make many good friends, and get along so well with Young Master Malfoy?"

An unspeakable silence fell. Ron opened his mouth but found that he couldn't say a single thing to object. Judging solely by the results, Ethan really did seem to be a kind and enthusiastic wizard.

Finally, looking at Ethan's innocent, smiling face, Ron could only pat him on the shoulder and say earnestly, "Ethan, no matter which house you go to… talk less." I'm afraid you'll get beaten up.

Ethan: ?

He truly believed he might be sorted into Hufflepuff. And he absolutely adored Hufflepuff. He loved making friends with loyal and simple people like them the most~ (^▽^)

One by one, the new students went up. All four houses gained new members, with Hufflepuff receiving the most and Ravenclaw the fewest.

Finally, it was his turn.

"Ethan Vincent!"

In the suddenly silent Great Hall, Ethan held his head high, walking with a leisurely pace toward the three-legged stool. The great artist was about to descend upon his loyal Hufflepuff!

"Thank you," he said, offering a soft smile to Professor McGonagall as she prepared to place the Sorting Hat on his head.

Professor McGonagall's expression softened. What a polite child, she thought, her conviction growing stronger. Ethan was not bad at heart; he just needed a little guidance.

Thinking this, Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on Ethan's head.

The next second—

"AZKABAN! AZKABAN—!!!"

The Sorting Hat let out a shriek more piercing than any it had ever produced.

(End of Chapter)

***

[Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All

Of My Fanfics!!] [www. [email protected]/meowthtl]

[+300 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]

[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[Thank You For Your Support!]