“Actually, the Sorting isn't that complicated; it's just a grand dinner party,” Shar Ryderos said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. “Every first-year will be invited to dance with a House ghost. Based on your dance steps and sense of rhythm, the ghosts will lead you to your House table. So, instead of practicing dueling or catching the Golden Snitch, you should practice your waltz!”
This statement elicited varied reactions from the young Wizards present: some widened their eyes, clearly shocked by this novel idea; others couldn't help but chuckle, thinking Shar was joking; and a few visibly relaxed, seemingly reassured by this “unconventional” explanation.
“Shar, you're not messing with us, are you?” Noelle asked, carefully putting away his Alchemy tools, his eyes flickering with suspicion.
“Trust me, it's a time-honored tradition.”
Shar put on a serious expression, though the amusement in his eyes was almost overflowing. “Of course, if you want to make a lasting impression on the dance floor, perhaps my Transfiguration can help you conjure a pair of glass slippers?”
“Thanks, I'm not Cinderella,” Noelle said, rolling his eyes in exasperation.
Harry's tense expression gradually relaxed, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up: “If that's the case, it sounds quite interesting.”
“Ghost dance partners? That's so cool!” a voice excitedly interjected, and other children began to chatter, instantly transforming the previously tense atmosphere into one of relaxed cheer.
Hermione, however, was somewhat shocked by Shar's earlier mention of conjuring glass slippers. Was his Transfiguration really that powerful?
“First-years, please follow me,” Professor McGonagall said, returning at the opportune moment. She was slightly surprised by the scene, as this year's first-years seemed more excited than nervous, but she didn't delve deeper. Perhaps it was because this year's parents had given their children more positive encouragement.
The group exited the hut, passed through the magnificent antechamber, went through a pair of double doors, and finally stepped into the opulent Great Hall.
Inside the Great Hall, students from other years were already seated around four long tables, and thousands of candles floating in mid-air illuminated the entire space, making the Great Hall glow brilliantly.
Shining golden plates and stemmed goblets were set on the tables, while at the front of the Great Hall, on a raised dais, was a long table reserved for the teachers.
Seated in the center was Dumbledore, dressed in a magnificent, deep blue robe, his long silver-white hair flowing freely, complemented by his carefully trimmed long beard. His most striking feature was his distinctly curved hooked nose, which seemed to carry several untold stories.
To Dumbledore's side, a prominent empty seat was deliberately left, clearly reserved for Professor McGonagall.
Next to this empty seat sat Professor Snape, a man with greasy hair plastered to his scalp, also possessing a distinctive hooked nose, and a sallow, haggard complexion.
Additionally, a Professor with a clean-shaven head and a robust physique caught Shar's attention.
After some careful recollection, he realized this Professor bore a striking resemblance to the Professor Quirrell he remembered, the only difference being that Lord Voldemort's soul was not residing on the back of this Professor's head.
It seemed that his existence as a “butterfly” might have inadvertently altered certain historical trajectories.
Professor McGonagall led the first-years to the center of the Great Hall, where they lined up facing all the older students, with the teachers standing behind them.
Candlelight cast soft shadows on the ceiling, where countless stars twinkled in the deep night sky, like a true celestial dome.
Shar vaguely heard Hermione whisper beside him, “The ceiling here is enchanted to mimic the night sky outside. I read about it in ‘Hogwarts: A History’.”
Most of the young Wizards began to look at the ghosts floating above the four long tables, seemingly choosing their dance partners.
Then, Professor McGonagall gently placed a four-legged stool in front of the line of first-years, and then set a pointed Wizard's hat on the stool. The hat was covered in patches, looking old and tattered, and stained.
Suddenly, the hat moved, and a wide slit opened at its brim. Then, the hat began to sing... After the Sorting Hat finished its song, Professor McGonagall moved to the side of the stool, holding a stack of parchment scrolls in her hand.
“Now, I will call out your names one by one. Those whose names are called, please step forward, sit on the stool, and put on the Sorting Hat, ready to be sorted.”
The young Wizards' reactions varied: some sighed in relief; others sighed in disappointment.
Professor McGonagall's gaze swept across the room, and the first-years immediately fell silent.
She adjusted her glasses slightly, then clearly read out the first name.
“Hannah Abbott.”
A rosy-cheeked girl with two blonde pigtails stumbled out of the line, put on the hat, which just covered her eyes.
She sat down, and after a brief pause—
“Hufflepuff!”
The people at the table on the right applauded and cheered for Hannah, welcoming her to their table.
“Susan Bones!” “Hufflepuff!”
“Terry Boot!” “Ravenclaw!”
...“Hermione Granger!”
Encouraged by Noelle, Hermione nervously put on the Sorting Hat. After a long wait, the Sorting Hat finally announced loudly: “Ravenclaw!”
Cheers and applause erupted from the Ravenclaw long table, as students welcomed their new member with the utmost enthusiasm.
Hermione's face broke into a surprised smile, and he walked with a hint of shyness towards his House seat.
“Noelle Lederos!”
Noelle playfully raised his eyebrows at Shar beside him, then nimbly ran to the stool, put on the hat, and sat down.
The Sorting Hat seemed to have a special affinity for Noelle, and joyful laughter occasionally emanated from between the hat and him, until a slight hint from Principal Dumbledore reminded the Sorting Hat of its duty, and it finally announced: “Gryffindor!”
Noelle took off the hat, evidently very pleased with this Sorting result.
The surging fire element within him converged into a shining rune. With a gentle wave of his hands, a dazzling firework lion's head bloomed above the Gryffindor long table, drawing deafening cheers and applause from the Gryffindor students. The Weasley twins even whistled excitedly in celebration.
Even the usually stern Professor McGonagall couldn't hide a smile, exchanging a subtle glance with Dumbledore, clearly quite pleased with the scene.
Noelle enjoyed the enthusiastic welcoming ceremony, joining the ranks of Gryffindor with great delight.
“Shar Ryderos!”
When Shar's name was called, the Great Hall instantly fell silent. The identity of a Child of Nature could not be concealed in a close-knit community like the Wizarding World.
Shar slowly approached the Sorting Hat, gazing at its dark body, a hint of hesitation flashing across his face.
“Mr. Sorting Hat, I hope you don't mind if I give you a clean?”
“Oh? You're an interesting little Wizard. Let me think, when was the last time I had a bath... Never mind, it's too long ago, I can't remember. Come on, if you can, don't forget to add some fragrance for me.”
“As you wish.”
Shar gently lifted his fingertips, and a stream of clear spring water flowed out like silk, gently coiling around the Sorting Hat. As the water passed, the dust accumulated over the years receded, revealing the ancient leather underneath.
At the same time, delicate vines unfurled from his feet, blossoming into star-like freesias. The crisp floral fragrance gently wafted with the water, subtly permeating every crease of the hat's body.
When the murky water gathered into a pearl-like sphere, a few sparks suddenly leaped into it, instantly turning into a mist that dispersed into the air.
A breeze swept by at just the right moment, carrying away the last trace of moisture, and flames elegantly danced among the brim of the hat, a perfectly balanced warmth restoring the hat's fluffiness.
When the steam dissipated, the Sorting Hat was completely revitalized, faintly carrying the fresh scent of petals.
The Great Hall instantly erupted, with thunderous applause. The first-years were already grateful for the protection Shar had given them on their journey, so their applause was particularly loud.
Noelle proudly introduced to the surrounding students: “This is my brother!” His words barely concealed his pride, drawing envious glances from all around.
“Bravo! That was absolutely brilliant!” Professor Flitwick was so excited he practically jumped up, cheering loudly from his chair.
Professor Quirrell applauded with the crowd, but a subtle, hard-to-detect gloom flickered in the depths of his eyes.
Severus Snape maintained his usual sternness, clapping his hands twice with an expressionless face.
Headmaster Dumbledore smiled kindly, and as he applauded, his deep blue eyes sparkled with admiration, fixed on Shar, who was examining the Sorting Hat.
So alike.
“Ah~~ That was truly refreshing. Thank you very much for your thoughtful care, Shar. Now, let's get down to business and begin the Sorting Ceremony.”
The Sorting Hat seemed to stretch itself out as if enjoying the moment, inviting Shar to put it on.
Shar examined the brand-new Sorting Hat, then put it on his head with satisfaction.
However, after a long wait, the Sorting Hat made no further movement. Shar looked at Professor McGonagall with slight confusion, only to find her equally bewildered, as if she too was waiting for something.
Finally, the Sorting Hat's voice drifted from above Shar's head, with a hint of helplessness: “I cannot sense your thoughts, a perfect Occlumency. However, that is not important.”
“Shar, you embody all the qualities of the four Houses. From the memory fragments of the young Wizards just now, I found that you are eager to help, sheltering your classmates from the wind and rain, which demonstrates Gryffindor's courage and Slytherin's leadership; the superb magic skills you displayed are undoubtedly a manifestation of Ravenclaw's wisdom; and everyone's trust in you is a reflection of Hufflepuff's loyalty.”
“You perfectly fit the characteristics of all four Houses, so this time, the choice is yours. Shar, which House do you wish to join?”
The Sorting Hat's words were frank and direct, echoing throughout the Great Hall, drawing the focused gazes of students from all four Houses onto Shar.
His eyes swept over the expectant faces: Hermione nervously clutched the hem of his robe at the Ravenclaw long table; Noelle wildly winked at him from Gryffindor; Draco Malfoy leaned slightly forward with an inexplicable anticipation.
Finally, his gaze fell on Ravenclaw's blue and silver banner, and he smiled faintly.
“Ravenclaw.”
The next second, the sky-blue long table erupted in thunderous cheers, several older students even stood up, and their prefect directly extended his hand to Shar, as if welcoming the arrival of some honor.