Chapter 43

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As the young wizards came on stage one after another, the clever ones were assigned to Ravenclaw, while those full of courage and optimism were assigned to Gryffindor. Those who didn't seem fond of laughing were sent to Slytherin. The ones who didn't seem to fit the other three houses were sent to Hufflepuff for retirement. The sorting ceremony went smoothly, and Dumbledore looked kindly at the young wizards, as if seeing the future of the wizarding world. Snape, sitting at the professor's table, was chatting with Professor Freevey but kept his eyes fixed on Harry in the crowd. His gaze hid turbulent emotions beneath its calm exterior.

Harry felt the unsettling gaze of the professor in the seat, who exuded a gloomy aura. When Professor McGonagall read out "Harry Potter," the entire auditorium buzzed with excitement. Many had heard of Harry, the savior, but this was their first time seeing him in person. The Hufflepuff students, who were usually indifferent, hoped Harry might join their house. The Slytherin students scrutinized him, assessing if he was suitable for Slytherin, while the Gryffindors were confident he belonged with them, given his parents' ties to the house.

Harry, feeling the pressure of being watched, walked onto the stage and sat down. The Sorting Hat spoke directly to him, recognizing his magical talent and ambition. The mention of ambition made Harry uneasy, as he recalled Ronald's warning that Slytherins were dark wizards and remembered that his parents died at the hands of mysterious people associated with Slytherin. He just wanted to achieve something in the wizarding world, but didn't consider it true ambition.

Silently, he wished to be placed in Gryffindor, repeating the house's name under his breath. The Sorting Hat questioned his certainty, suggesting he might fit well in Slytherin. Ignoring the hat, Harry steadfastly believed he belonged in Gryffindor. The Sorting Hat took its time, drawing everyone's attention, but nobody expected any embarrassment for Harry Potter. Finally, it acquiesced, "As you wish, I hope you won't regret it." Declaring "Gryffindor," the Gryffindors erupted with cheers, welcoming Harry enthusiastically.

Harry smiled and joined the Gryffindor table, where Hermione and Ronald congratulated him, having already become friends on the train. Dumbledore smiled with satisfaction, as he too was a Gryffindor. Only Snape's expression remained unchanged, though his gloomy aura seemed to intensify. Malfoy, sitting at the Slytherin table, grumbled, feeling that Potter, a pure-blood, should rightfully have belonged to Slytherin.

Now that he was staying with those pure-blood traitors, Potter would regret it one day. "Martin Blake." Martin walked onto the stage with firm steps. Many people in the audience recognized him. Only the first-year mixed-race wizards did not know the name of the Black family. The remaining young wizards, regardless of their grade, had all heard of the Black family. After all, they would be part of the wizarding world in the future. 

The wizards in Slytherin were even more excited. Compared to Harry, a savior they had never seen before, Martin was a genius wizard known to them since childhood. If Martin could get into Slytherin, it wouldn't matter whether Harry Potter came or not. The sincere smile on Martin's face made many professors like him at first sight. Martin didn't do anything wrong. Even with the Sorting Hat's dirt, he accepted it calmly.

"Wow, it's my first time seeing a wizard with such extraordinary talent. His magic power is outstanding at such a young age." "You're just a little snake with a dark mind. Stop laughing. I can see the malice hidden deep in your heart." "Slytherin." It didn't take long to determine Martin's placement. Martin walked off the stage gracefully, taking a deep look at the Sorting Hat. The smile on his face remained. 

The little snakes applauded and watched Martin Blake, and those next to Draco quickly gave up their seats. "Jerome Black" "Slytherin." "Ben Black." "Slytherin." "Darlene Black." "Slytherin." "Alice Black." "Slytherin." Five Blacks entered Slytherin consecutively, pushing the sorting ceremony to its climax. Even the typically composed little snakes celebrated excitedly. 

The other first-year wizards didn't yet grasp the significance of all five Black children entering Slytherin. They just marveled at the sheer number of people in the Black family! The Slytherin snakes sensed a rare opportunity to connect with the Black family. Chief Dumbledore received Snape's glance, aware of Martin's children attending school that year. He debated whether to place them in Gryffindor but abandoned the idea after receiving a letter from Cole. 

Only a few knew of Dumbledore's plan, and even they were not fully informed. Only Cole could guess his intentions. Dumbledore was perplexed. Cole's strength was intimidating, and his intelligence left Dumbledore unsure of his next move. For the first time in years, Dumbledore felt exposed, a feeling he hadn't experienced since Grindelwald, although Grindelwald did see his underwear then. This led Dumbledore to decide against interfering with the Black family's children, especially since Cole expressed no interest in Harry. Sirius was Harry's godfather, not Cole. However, Sirius had no place in the current Black family.

Snape didn't receive any response from the principal's look and suppressed his questions. Snape also knew of several of Cole's children, acknowledging their remarkable talent compared to their peers. The sorting ceremony concluded. After Dumbledore posed a riddle, he waved his hand, and food appeared on the long table. The little wizards, already hungry, dug into the sumptuous dinner. Finally, during the Hogwarts school song, the prefects of each house led the students back.