Chapter 12: 'Sorting Ceremony”

Chapter 12: “Sorting Ceremony”

Hermione tried to offer a handshake to the new boy, but he simply stared at it and looked away again.

Matthew looking at it, feels second-hand embarrassment He tried to look at the boy again, but the boy seemed to be tranced by the moons reflection on the lake.

He was silent all the time.

..

Eleven boats pierced the calm lake. Among them, Professor Kettleburn was sitting in a boat alone in front, leading the other boats.

The boats are driven by magic, so without anyone paddling them, the boat would still make its way through the lake.

The children cant help but awe at the colossal castle towering above the cliff.

Thousand years ago, the four founders of Hogwarts came to Hogwarts by rowing a small boat together at this lake. So, following the tradition, every Hogwarts first-year must do the same before stepping foot into Hogwarts.

The whole journey took about fifteen minutes.

When they land, they step on the cobblestone path, and then Professor Kettleburn guides them with his light coming from his prosthetic limbs through the steep trail. Till finally, they reached flat land filled with grass.

They could finally see the castle from up close, then everyone gathered around to climb up a step waiting in front of a massive oak door.

Is everyone still here? Professor Kettleburn counted the students, Very good.

He then knocked on the door with his prosthetic hand.

They didnt wait long before the door was opened; a witch with a black robe and a black pointed hat appeared.

She had a severe look on her face, making people uncomfortable when looking at her.

The freshmen, Professor Rosier. Professor Kettleburn said while pointing at the students.

Okay, thank you, Silvanus; leave the rest to me. The Professor replied.

She waved her hand gently, and the door opened by itself. The students suddenly formed a line of two under the influence of a magical power.

Matthew and Neville were in a row; behind them were Hermione and the quiet kid with glasses.

Follow me, kids! The Professor said with a stern expression on her face.

She walked in front of the kids elegantly, leading the way for the students. The students can simply feel in awe, looking at her elegance.

Is she the Vice Principal? Hermione asked while lowering her voice, Gosh, she looks really young. She cant be more than thirty years old.

Neville turned his head and whispered, Dont be deceived by her appearance. Professor Rosier is older than my grandmother!

What kind of magic she uses Amazing Hermione said in awe.

Stop whispering! Principal Rosier said with a firm voice; she glared at Neville and Hermione, locking eyes with them for a moment.

Susan Bones! She read the name loudly.

A little brunette girl with some baby fat on her cheek stumbled out of the queue; she put the hat on, then sat on the stool.

Hufflepuff! The hat shouted.

The people at the far-right table applauded and cheered on Susan, welcoming her to their table.

Terry Bout! She reads again.

Ravenclaw! The hat shouted.

Terry quickly ran to the second long table on the left. All the Ravenclaw students were applauding, and when Terry joined them, several seniors shook hands with him.

Millison Bulstrode became the first Slytherin freshman.

Gryffindors first freshman was Harry Evans.

The kid with glasses from the boat with them.

The sorting ceremony continued, and Matthew realized that some specific students participating in this ceremony had changed.

For example, the well-known Miss Hannah Abbot, who ranked first, was nowhere to be seen.

There are also new faces, such as the boy from earlier, Harry Evans.

Hermione Grange! Principal Rosier shouted.

Hermione hurriedly to the stool and buckled the hat on her head.

Silent for a few moments for the Sorting Hat, after waiting for around three minutes, the hat shouted, Ravenclaw!

Daphne Greengrass! Principal Rosier shouted.

It was the girl beside the rude girl from earlier

She walked to the stool, picked up the hat, and as soon as it touched her hair, the hat already shouted, Slytherin!

Agnes Lestrange! Principal Rosier shouted.

The girl who was rude to Neville goes to the hat, and as soon as the hat touches her hair, the hat shouts, Slytherin!

Immediately after, Nevilles name got called.

Neville stepped forward nervously; he put on the hat and sat on the stool. It took the hat some seconds before it finally shouted, Gryffindor!

A smile could be seen on Nevilles face.

The Sorting Ceremony continues with the other students names Matthew could recognize, such as Malfoy and Weasley.

There were few students left; Matthew looked left and right. Finally, his name got called.

Matthew took a deep breath and walked over to the stool; he picked up the hat and put it on his head.