The Sorting Ceremony (1)

Professor McGonagall reappeared at the doors, her stern yet welcoming presence immediately commanding the first years' attention.

Her sharp gaze swept across the group, ensuring all were accounted for. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to commence. Follow me, and do try to maintain some decorum."

The first years shuffled into a loose line, trailing behind her as she led them through the wide, echoing corridors of Hogwarts. The castle felt alive, its walls seeming to hum with centuries of magic. Nero's gaze darted around, taking in the portraits that whispered to one another and the ornate suits of armor that stood at attention.

Several ghosts floated into view, their translucent forms glowing faintly in the dim light. One of them, a stately figure with an air of quiet elegance, caught Nero's attention. She moved with a serene grace, her silver-blue robes flowing as if caught in an unseen breeze. Her gaze lingered on Nero, not with hostility but with a curious intensity, as though she were trying to read something hidden within him.

Nero tilted his head slightly, offering a faint smile, but the ghost simply floated past without a word, her expression unreadable. Despite her silence, there was a warmth to her presence, like a kind teacher observing her students from a distance.

The group continued down the corridor, the ghosts fading into the background as the Great Hall came into view.

The Great Hall was far more immense than he had ever imagined, even after reading countless descriptions and hearing tales. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, enchanted to mimic the night sky in vivid, almost tangible detail. The walls seemed to extend endlessly, lined with majestic banners representing the four houses. Rows upon rows of floating candles cast a warm, flickering glow across the gleaming wooden tables.

"This is... massive," Nero muttered, his eyes scanning the expanse. "Way bigger than I ever thought. How did they even make something like this?"

Ember grinned beside him, nudging his shoulder. "Magic, obviously."

"I mean, I know that," Nero replied, shaking his head. "But this... this is something else entirely."

His gaze lingered on the enchanted ceiling, marveling at the seamless blend of architecture and magic that seemed to transcend anything he had imagined. The Great Hall was more than just a dining area, it was a living testament to centuries of magical craftsmanship.

Rows of students seated at long tables turned to watch the newcomers, their expressions ranging from curious to welcoming. At the front of the hall, the Sorting Hat rested on a simple stool, waiting patiently for its next task.

Professor McGonagall turned to address the first years.

"I will call your names one by one. You will come forward, sit on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will determine the house to which you are best suited: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin."

She paused, her gaze softening. "Remember, the house you are sorted into will become your family here at Hogwarts."

The first name was called: "Abernathy, Fiona."

A small girl with curly hair stumbled forward nervously. The Sorting Hat barely touched her head before shouting, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table as Fiona scurried over to join them.

"Baxter, Samuel," McGonagall announced next.

A tall boy with freckles approached the stool, visibly trembling. After a brief pause, the hat declared, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table cheered in applause as Samuel took his seat, looking relieved.

The names continued, but Nero's focus sharpened when McGonagall called, "Gryffindor, Ember."

A hush fell over the Great Hall, followed by a ripple of astonished murmurs. The name echoed with a weight that made everyone sit up straighter. Ember froze, her usual confidence wavering under the weight of all the eyes turning toward her. She swallowed hard, straightened her shoulders, and strode toward the Sorting Hat, her movements almost defiant.

As the hat was placed on her head, the whispers grew louder.

"A Gryffindor descendant?"

"Do you think she'll end up in her ancestor's house?"

"She has to, right?"

Ember shot a quick glance back at their group before the Sorting Hat's brim moved, muttering something only she could hear. Moments later, it bellowed, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers, their applause almost deafening as Ember made her way to join them. Her usual confidence returned, she winked back at her friends before sitting down, as though she had expected nothing less.

Nero turned to Alaric and Lilith, both of whom looked equally stunned. Before either could speak, McGonagall called the next name: "Alaric Hufflepuff."

If the announcement of Gryffindor's descendant had caused a stir, this revelation was a full-blown shockwave. The students buzzed with excitement, heads turning toward the Hufflepuff table as Alaric made his way forward, his easy going demeanor now accompanied by a sheepish grin.

"A Hufflepuff descendant too?"

"They're all showing up this year!"

"What's going on?"

Alaric plopped the Sorting Hat on his head, and it barely took a moment before shouting, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

He walked toward the Hufflepuff table, beaming and giving Nero and Lilith a thumbs-up.

Nero leaned closer to Lilith, lowering his voice to avoid being overheard. "You wouldn't happen to be a Slytherin, would you?" he asked, a wry grin tugging at his lips.

Lilith arched a brow, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly. "And you wouldn't happen to be a Ravenclaw?" she countered.

Nero chuckled. "I guess we're about to find out." He paused, glancing toward the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables where Ember and Alaric were sitting. "Whatever magic brought us together on the train, it's definitively impressive."

Lilith's expression softened, and she nodded slightly, though she said nothing more.

McGonagall continued calling names, her firm, authoritative voice echoing through the hall as student after student was sorted into their houses. Nero watched as a boy named Rad went to Slytherin, followed by a girl named Railly who joined Hufflepuff.

The hall fell into a stunned silence as McGonagall announced, "Nero Ravenclaw."

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