Chapter 3: Fractured Memories

A heart-wrenching blow? Or should it be a fiery death? Ivan shuddered at the thought of the possible tragic fate awaiting him and struggled to retrieve the memories of his previous life. He couldn't tell if it was the result of his crossing into another world, but the memories seemed scattered, buried deep within him. No matter how hard Ivan tried, he was unable to recall anything. 

"Damn it, if only I could remember more," Ivan muttered with a slight headache. It seemed that before the end of the term, he'd need to learn soul-siphoning and memory retrieval, and then maybe try using the meditation basin in the headmaster's office to sort through his memories. Otherwise, it was very likely he would be found out. Speaking of which, Ivan didn't even know where his home was. For someone who had crossed over, he was certainly in a sorry state. 

"Harry Potter!" 

Just as Ivan was deep in thought, contemplating how to sneak into the Restricted Section and study soul-siphoning, Professor McGonagall's commanding voice brought his attention back to the Sorting Ceremony. Not just Ivan, but all the young witches and wizards and professors in the hall turned their gaze to the stage. It was almost like when Ivan himself had stepped up earlier, though Harry Potter's special status and fame as the "Chosen One" naturally made him stand out more. 

As a young, somewhat shy wizard wearing glasses stepped up to the podium, the hall erupted into applause. Several second-year Gryffindors next to Ivan were clapping so hard that their hands were red, their eyes locked on the boy's forehead, partly obscured by his messy hair, as though they were hoping to see the lightning-shaped scar. 

"Harry Potter? Is she talking about *that* Harry Potter?" 

"My mum says he defeated the Dark Lord when he was just a baby!" 

"I really hope he gets sorted into Gryffindor!" 

Ivan joined in the applause, not wanting to stand out too much. Of course, he thought Harry deserved the attention. After all, Harry's tragic childhood had been a direct result of his parents' deaths. If it weren't for Lily Potter's self-sacrificial protection spell that weakened the Dark Lord, who knew how many more lives would have been lost in the wizarding world. 

When it was announced that Harry Potter would be sorted into Gryffindor, the whole hall erupted in excitement. The Weasley twins, Fred and George, were especially ecstatic, embracing each other and shouting, "Potter! We've got a Potter!" On the other hand, the applause from Slytherin was much quieter, especially from the Slytherin Head Boy, whose face tightened when the Sorting Hat revealed that Harry had rejected Slytherin. 

Ivan observed everything quietly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He knew it was because Harry still carried the aura of the "Chosen One." But in a few months, when everyone realized that apart from the fame, Harry was just another regular wizard, they would likely stop caring so much. 

Ivan rolled his eyes internally but then met Dumbledore's eyes, who was watching Harry with a smile. Suddenly, Ivan realized that the Slytherin Head Boy's concern might be justified. After all, with Dumbledore backing Harry, it would be hard for Slytherin to win the House Cup this year. 

As Harry stepped down from the stage, Percy Weasley, the Gryffindor Head Boy, immediately rushed forward to shake his hand. Most of the others quickly cleared space, eager to speak with the "Chosen One." Even George and Fred joined in, leaving Ivan with an empty spot beside him. 

Ivan had no interest in joining the commotion. He happily enjoyed his meal, despite the reputation of British cuisine as "black cooking." To his surprise, the food at Hogwarts was actually quite delicious. He figured it was probably due to the house-elves preparing the food rather than wizards. 

Vaguely, Ivan felt as though someone was watching him. Looking up, he met the gaze of Professor Dumbledore, whose silver-blue eyes were fixed on him. Ivan showed no signs of unease and, with a mischievous smile, waved at him before shoving a large piece of cake into his mouth. He quickly swallowed it, savoring the taste. 

Perhaps because Ivan exuded a strong "foodie" aura, or perhaps because Dumbledore was simply in a good mood, the headmaster returned his smile before turning his attention elsewhere. 

Once the Sorting Ceremony ended, the students were given plenty of time to eat. Ivan kept going until he couldn't eat another bite, only then did Dumbledore raise his wand to clear the remaining food. The feast disappeared as magically as it had appeared, and though the older students were already accustomed to this sort of magic, it was still a novel experience for Ivan. 

At this moment, Dumbledore slowly stood, and all eyes turned to him. 

"Well, since we're all well-fed and satisfied, I suppose I can say a few more words. I have some announcements to make." 

Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall as he scanned the first-year students standing before him and then looked toward the Weasley twins. 

"First years, please note: the forest near the Quidditch pitch is off-limits. I believe the upper years should also keep this in mind." 

"Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be used in the hallways during break." 

"The first Quidditch tryouts will be in the second week." 

After briefly reminding the students of the usual rules, Dumbledore paused and then raised his voice. 

"Lastly, I must warn you: anyone who values their life should stay away from the fourth-floor corridor on the right side this year!" 

Ivan couldn't help but roll his eyes at Dumbledore's dramatic warning. He spoke about danger but revealed nothing, leaving the mystery hanging in the air. Naturally, the curious first years couldn't resist, and several of them chuckled at the warning. The older students, however, wore more serious expressions. 

The serious faces didn't include the Weasley twins, who were quietly whispering to each other. Ivan guessed they were already planning to visit that deadly corridor. 

However, Ivan thought that before that happened, Dumbledore would likely have a word with them—or perhaps ask Filch to keep a close eye on them, to prevent any trouble from brewing.