Chapter 16: If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them

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Kyle had always been curious about what propelled the small boats for the first-year students at Hogwarts. He had previously thought it was magic, but now he was beginning to have doubts.

Despite observing for quite some time, Kyle had yet to find any traces of magic on the boats.

Then there was Hagrid, a half-giant nearly four meters tall. He clearly weighed much more than four first-year wizards combined, yet his boat's draft was identical to that of the other small boats—this was obviously unusual.

Of course, it was also possible that the boats were enchanted with more advanced and subtle magic, or perhaps they were some kind of alchemical item. Still, Kyle preferred to believe that something beneath the lake was supporting the boats.

"Is it that giant squid?" he wondered.

He leaned over to take a look beneath the surface, but unfortunately, the visibility of the Black Lake at night was too poor; he could see nothing but his own reflection.

…

Soon, the boat emerged from the tunnel and docked at a spot resembling an underground port.

Everyone disembarked and followed Hagrid up a path paved with cobblestones, eventually arriving at a flat, damp patch of grass next to Hogwarts Castle.

They then descended the stone steps to stand before a massive oak door.

"Welcome to Hogwarts."

After Hagrid spoke, he turned and raised his enormous fist, knocking three times on the castle's front door.

The door opened in response.

Standing at the entrance was an older witch in a flowing emerald green robe… ahem, with black hair.

It was undeniable that some people carried an air of authority with them, just like a headmaster appearing at the back window of a classroom—anyone who saw them instinctively fell silent.

Professor McGonagall was no exception.

As soon as she appeared, the noisy chatter around them ceased abruptly.

Even Hagrid seemed to become more reserved, seriously stating, "First-year students have arrived, Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you, Hagrid; I'll take it from here," she replied.

Professor McGonagall scanned the group and then opened the door wide, ushering everyone into the castle.

The stone walls surrounding the castle were lined with blazing torches, and a wave of warmth greeted them, dispelling the chill outside and providing much comfort to the many shivering young witches and wizards.

To their right stood a large, closed door, through which Kyle could clearly hear a buzzing conversation.

However, Professor McGonagall did not pause there; instead, she led them to an empty room at the other end of the hall.

"First of all, welcome to Hogwarts."

As everyone took in their surroundings, Professor McGonagall skillfully recited her annual opening remarks.

"The feast is about to begin, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, we need to determine which house you will each join. The Sorting ceremony is a very important ritual because during your time at school, the house will be like your home here at Hogwarts…"

Despite being well-versed in this information, Kyle listened intently.

He had to pay attention; after all, he was standing in the front row, right under Professor McGonagall's gaze. If he let his mind wander now, his days at Hogwarts could become quite difficult.

Besides, this was a unique moment, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that Kyle certainly didn't want to miss.

At this point, Professor McGonagall had finished explaining the House Cup and began to introduce the four houses.

They were Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Or to simplify, the Brash, the Glutton, the Scholar, and the Pureblood.

As she spoke, the surrounding young witches and wizards listened attentively, their eyes filled with longing, glancing toward the Great Hall from time to time, eager to rush in at any moment.

It was clear that this was what they were most looking forward to.

…

"In a few minutes, the Sorting ceremony will take place before the entire school. I suggest you take a moment to tidy yourselves up while you wait to look your best," Professor McGonagall said.

"When everything is ready, I will come to fetch you." She cast one last glance at everyone, adding, "Please remain quiet while you wait."

It must be said that Professor McGonagall's final instruction was somewhat unnecessary; as soon as she left the room, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

A group of young witches and wizards huddled together, excitedly discussing what might happen next.

"How are we sorted? Do we get to choose?" a nervous young witch asked.

This was indeed the most pressing concern for everyone.

"There's probably some kind of test, just like at Smelting School," a Muggle-born wizard turned to his companion and said loudly. "When I received the letter from Hogwarts, I had already been accepted to Smelting, but I chose to come here… I mean, Professor McGonagall convinced my mom; she insisted I go to Smelting."

This was a bit of name-dropping, but unfortunately, it didn't have much effect.

After all, everyone was focused on the Sorting; who cared about Smelting? Some of them didn't even know what Smelting School was.

"I think the heads of houses pick their own students," someone declared confidently. "That's how it works at Ilvermorny, but they use a statue. My dad is friends with the director of the International Magical Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Magic, and he told me."

That was a boastful claim.

However, compared to the previous test idea, this one was clearly more persuasive, and it quickly garnered a large number of supporters.

This made him incredibly proud; he held his head high and told everyone how great his dad was.

If someone didn't know better, they might think his father was the Minister of Magic.

At that moment, Kyle suddenly felt someone tugging at his robe sleeve. He turned to find Connap looking at him, her face filled with anxiety.

"Kyle, is it really the heads who choose?" Connap asked nervously. "What if no house wants me? Will I be expelled?"

"Don't worry; that definitely won't happen," Kyle replied with a smile. "Just think about it: Ilvermorny and Hogwarts are two different schools. They couldn't possibly have the same Sorting method; that would lack style."

"Oh, I see…"

Connap let out a sigh of relief and continued, "Do you know how we are sorted?"

"Well… sort of."

Kyle thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth. He leaned in closer to Connap and whispered, "It's not much; each person just gets hit by the Killing Curse from the professors, and whoever survives gets to enroll. You can relax; you definitely won't be expelled."

…

As luck would have it, a ghost happened to float by just then.

Kyle turned his head and casually waved, saying, "Hello, upperclassman! We'll be sorted soon too; wish us luck!"

Although the ghost couldn't understand what the young wizard was saying, he instinctively nodded in response to the greeting.

Seeing this, the light in Connap's eyes instantly faded; she stood there, utterly dazed, as if her soul had left her body.

(End of Chapter)