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 ter seat. His silver-white hair and beard were meticulously groomed, and his eyes, framed by half-moon gsses, sparkled warmly as they sed 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 Ravencw, chimed ie 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 udeer the Great Hall, her smile brimming with anticipation.

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

  Minerva Magall, the Head of House fryffindor, was the most serious among the professors. Her tightly pursed lips and stern demeanave her an air of authority remi of a strict headmistress.

  Yet, those who truly knew her uood that beh that stererior y a delicate ale heart. Her reputation among the students far surpassed that of Severus She current Head of House for Slytherin.

  "Line up in the middle," Snape anded, 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 instrus and moved to the designated spot.

  "Professor Shank you for stepping in," Magall said, waiting for him to take his seat at the teacher's table before she approached the S 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 o cat Occamy," Another chimed in.

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

  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 fmes of the dles flickered fiercely beh the ented ceiling.

  Aurora kept gng up at the ceiling, her nerves seemingly easing after catg sight of the S Hat.

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

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

  "Maybe when they cast the spell, they fot to add some realistic effects," Ian suggested, surprised that the dles above never seemed to ge.

  "That makes sense," Aurora nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

  Oh, gather 'round, young witches and wizards,In the a halls of Hogwarts, I sing!A neter begins, so listen closely,As wisdom and ce here shall iwine.

  Every heart, every soul, shall find its pce,A future dire, a destined space.Oh, yous, so full of dreams untold,Which house will cim you? Let the story unfold!

  Is it Gryffindor's fme, burning bold and bright,With bravery and hope, a bea of light?Or Slytherin's depths, where ambition resides,With ing and glory, where power abides?

  Perhaps Hufflepuff's warmth, loyal and true,A heart like the sun, shining just for you.Or Ravencw'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 S Hat, and I know you all!o fear, o despair,For I’ll find your pce, your home, right there.

  If justice burns bright, and hardships you face,Gryffindor’s fme shall be your embrace.If your mind is sharp, and the truth you pursue,Ravencw’s skies will wele you.

  If love is yuide, and friendship your treasure,Hufflepuff’s fields will bring you pleasure.If ambition stirs, and power you seek,Slytherin’s waters refleystique.

  No matter the path, no matter the way,Yous, don’t falter, don’t dey!Let me guide you, your fate I shall weave,For the S Hat never is deceived!

  So step right up, and try me on,Your journey begins from dusk till dawn.In Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravencw,Your destiny awaits—let the S begin now!

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

  "Cp cp cp!" Many students in the audience appuded, their excitement palpable.

  As the appuse faded, Professonagall, holding a roll of part, stood beside the S Hat, ready to call the names.

  "Grace Allison!" She announced.

  Ian turo look. A girl with freckles appeared bewildered. After beily nudged by her peers, she panicked and rushed torofessonagall.

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

  "Just sit oool," Magall replied gently before putting the hat on her head.

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

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

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

  Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

  "Aurora... Grindelwald!"

  When Professonagall called this he 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 particurly 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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