Chapter 19: Hufflepuff

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*****

Kyle didn't hesitate and took a few quick steps onto the stage. Relieved to have survived the ordeal, he patted his chest and sincerely looked at Professor McGonagall, saying, "Thank you, Professor."

Perhaps not expecting to find such a polite child at Hogwarts, Kyle's sudden gesture caught Professor McGonagall off guard. It took her a couple of seconds to respond as she shook her head and replied, "This is my duty."

Though she said that, the originally stern expression on Professor McGonagall's face softened considerably. Before placing the Sorting Hat on Kyle's head, she even took the time to brush off some dust.

"What a polite child. It would be wonderful if he could be sorted into Gryffindor," she thought to herself, feeling hopeful. Gryffindor was in dire need of exemplary students.

Last year, she had dreamt of bringing Cedric into her house, but unfortunately, Professor Sprout and Dumbledore had disagreed.

Let's see how this year turns out.

Professor McGonagall gazed intently at Kyle, silently praying that the Sorting Hat would be reliable this time.

…

"How strange, very strange."

As Kyle donned the Sorting Hat, he heard a faint voice whisper in his ear, "You're genuinely thanking me? That shouldn't be the case. Are you really that kind of good child?"

"Of course I am!" Kyle replied earnestly. "You can certainly ask around. The Weasley family and Mr. Scamander have both said I'm the most polite child they've ever met.

So please don't slander me, or I'll file a complaint against you, even if you are just a hat."

"…"

The Sorting Hat fell unusually silent, its tip swaying back and forth as if it were at a loss for words or struggling with something.

After a long pause, it continued, "Your shamelessness reminds me of a time over a thousand years ago. Back then, I was just an ordinary hat, resting on Godric's head.

So, how about Gryffindor? I feel like that place would—never mind, it's not suitable for you."

"I think…"

"Let me think." Just as Kyle was about to speak, the Sorting Hat interrupted him again. "Slytherin might be better. There, you will surely walk a path to greatness; there's no doubt about that."

"Um…"

"Wait, wait."

This was the second time the Sorting Hat had cut him off. "No, that won't work either. If you go to Slytherin, Snape will definitely pour some strange potions on me. Let me think some more…

Dumbledore has certainly given me a tough problem… If only Azkaban belonged to Hogwarts, or even Numinor would be acceptable."

…

The Sorting Hat's tone sounded like it was joking, but Kyle couldn't find anything amusing about it… What was going on? He didn't think he had done anything wrong; he had merely startled Connap a little earlier. Was he really being considered for Numinor because of that?

What kind of logic was this!

Besides, everyone in the magical world acted like that, and there were plenty who were even more exaggerated than him. Why weren't they being punished?

There shouldn't be such double standards!

Kyle felt he needed to do something. If the Sorting Hat called out a name, it would be a disaster.

Azkaban was one thing; it was under the control of the Ministry of Magic, and it wasn't as simple as just going there.

But Numinor was different. Dumbledore had connections there, and sending someone over would be a piece of cake.

Although Kyle knew deep down that the Sorting Hat was probably just being petty because he had mentioned complaining about it earlier, seeking a little revenge, there was still a chance it might actually name that place.

After all, it was a hat with over a thousand years of history and an independent consciousness; no one could know what it was thinking. What if it decided to shout out something for fun?

Anything was possible.

"Um…" Kyle forced a harmless smile and said, "I really liked that song you just sang, especially the first few lines. The lyrics were simple, and the melody was upbeat—much better than the tired clichés from those weird sisters."

The Sorting Hat perked up at this. "You thought it sounded good too, right? I knew it! I spent a whole year coming up with that; how could it not be good? Only Dumbledore lacks appreciation and even suggested I sing the school song. That old bee!"

Uh…

Kyle had no intention of badmouthing the headmaster right under his nose; that would be suicidal, even if Dumbledore couldn't hear him.

After clearing his throat awkwardly, Kyle continued, "If I may ask, your song sounded a bit familiar. Is it in a rap style?"

"Rap style…" The Sorting Hat replied curiously, "What does that mean?"

"You don't know! That's impressive; it seems you're a natural." Kyle feigned shock before explaining, "Rap is a very popular Muggle music style."

"Muggle music…" The Sorting Hat became even more intrigued.

"Yes! I think you should give it a try; it would suit you perfectly." Kyle spoke sincerely. "If you need it, I can send you a gift related to that for Christmas."

"Alright… No, what I mean is we should sort you first; it's been a long time, and you must be hungry. Delaying the feast wouldn't be good." The Sorting Hat cleared its throat. "Now, where were we?"

Kyle smiled. "You mentioned I'm a polite good child, but you feel that Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw aren't suitable for me."

"Hmm? Did I mention Ravenclaw? Oh, I almost forgot; you're absolutely right.

In that case, the outcome is quite clear…"

"Hufflepuff!"

As Kyle's sorting result was announced, thunderous applause erupted throughout the Great Hall, including from the staff table.

This was the longest sorting ceremony in Hogwarts history, lasting a full twenty minutes, and it finally came to an end.

Everyone was truly hungry; after all, by this time in previous years, the feast had already begun.

The Hufflepuff table was especially lively. Cedric didn't care about Quidditch team matters anymore and enthusiastically came over to give Kyle a hug.

"That's awesome, Kyle! I knew you'd end up in Hufflepuff!"

Kyle smiled back, "You have better insight than the Sorting Hat."

"Hmm?" Cedric paused for a moment, slightly confused by this remark.

But Kyle simply smiled and didn't elaborate.

Just then, a few upperclassmen approached to shake his hand. From their badges, they appeared to be Hufflepuff prefects.

This was a customary practice in every house, serving both to welcome newcomers and help them become familiar with older students.

Kyle greeted them with a smile and then took a seat next to Cedric.

The spot had been occupied by a prefect, but upon realizing that Kyle and Cedric knew each other, he willingly vacated the seat.

After Kyle settled down, he, like the others, turned his attention to the Sorting Hat.

Choosing Hufflepuff had been his plan all along, considering that Newt was a Hufflepuff and his father, Chris, had graduated from there. As a fellow wizard who loved magical creatures, it made sense for him to experience life in this house.

Moreover, Kyle didn't want to think about Voldemort or the Dark Lord; he just wanted to fully immerse himself in the wonders of magic and enjoy his school life at Hogwarts. The enthusiastic and loyal Hufflepuffs were undoubtedly the best choice.

After all, the Hufflepuff dormitory was right next to the kitchens, and that was important.

…

(End of Chapter)