The Great Hall of Hogwarts was illuminated by thousands of floating candles, their golden light dancing above the long tables. Starlight streamed through the enchanted ceiling, weaving with the candlelight to form a brilliant, shifting galaxy overhead.
Kevin stood among the first-year students, his eyes slightly narrowed as he took in the breathtaking sight.
In his special vision, the magical flow of the entire Great Hall resembled a magnificent aurora, threads of energy weaving and swirling in the air, pulsing with ancient power.
"Is this the magical foundation of a thousand-year-old magic castle?" Kevin wondered as he observed the flowing magical traces, marveling at the intricate web of enchantments.
The young wizards in the line were all captivated by the sight of the Great Hall, chattering excitedly, their voices a soft murmur that filled the vast space.
Professor McGonagall stood at the front, her sharp gaze sweeping over the new students, the parchment in her hand gently swaying.
"Quiet," her voice was not loud, but it brought all the whispers to an abrupt halt.
Kevin Hawthorne's gaze fell on the tattered Sorting Hat resting on the four-legged stool.
In his unique vision, this hat was not an ordinary magical item, but was woven from countless intricate runes, and golden magic flowed within its folds, like liquid wisdom.
Suddenly, the hat's folds twisted, and a slit opened, like a mouth—
"Oh, you may think I'm not pretty enough, but never judge a book by its cover…"
The song sung by the hat recounted the disagreements and ideals of the four founders, its voice echoing through the hushed hall.
Kevin listened attentively, while also observing the hat's magical flow, fascinated by the complexity of its enchantments.
When the song ended, the Great Hall erupted in warm applause.
Professor McGonagall unrolled the parchment and began calling names.
"Saler Alonso!"
A blonde boy stumbled forward, and the hat was placed on his head.
Soon, it shouted: "Hufflepuff!"
Immediately, enthusiastic applause erupted from the Hufflepuff table.
"Rom Britton!"
"Gryffindor!"
…
Kevin Hawthorne waited patiently, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the teachers' table.
Dumbledore sat in the center, his blue eyes behind his half-moon spectacles gleaming with wisdom.
Snape's face was gloomy, as if he was ready to deduct points at any moment.
And at the very edge of the teachers' table sat an unfamiliar young professor—long golden hair tied back, a pale and sharp face, a black eye patch over his left eye, watching him thoughtfully.
"Kevin Hawthorne!"
Kevin took a deep breath, walked forward, and sat down.
The Sorting Hat was placed on his head.
"Hmm… very interesting," the hat's voice sounded in his ear, unlike when it sang, this voice became unusually faint.
"Can you see my thoughts?" Kevin asked in his mind.
"I can only see what you are thinking right now," the hat chuckled, "For example, you are currently contemplating whether Ravenclaw or Slytherin is more suitable for you…"
Kevin's heart tightened, but he remained calm on the surface.
"Ravenclaw values wisdom, Slytherin pursues power, and you seem to want both," the hat mused, "But your thoughts tell me that what you desire more is to understand the essence of Magic, rather than mere power."
Kevin did not refute; the hat was right, he did lean more towards Ravenclaw.
"Then, since your thirst for knowledge is so strong…" The hat took a deep breath (if a hat could breathe), and announced loudly:
"Ravenclaw!"
The Ravenclaw table applauded, but the applause was somewhat restrained compared to Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.
Kevin took off the hat and walked towards the long table decorated with blue and bronze.
As he passed the Gryffindor table, he caught a glimpse of a pair of red-haired twins making exaggerated heartbroken expressions.
"Welcome to Ravenclaw!" A girl with long, curly golden hair shook his hand, "I'm Penelope Clearwater, a fourth-year student. If you need any help, you can find me."
As soon as Kevin sat down, he noticed the sharp gaze from the teachers' table; the unfamiliar professor with the golden hair was staring at him.
The feast began, and the long tables were instantly piled high with delicacies—roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, treacle tart…
Just as Kevin picked up a pumpkin pasty, a pearl-white figure slowly rose from the center of the dining table.
This was a female ghost; her face was beautiful but sorrowful, and her silver-white robe floated like mist.
"New Ravenclaw," her voice was ethereal and cold, "Your Eye is 'very special'."
Kevin looked up and met her gaze.
Around her spiritual body, the Eye of Truth could see ancient magical runes, older than the Castle itself.
"Thank you, Lady," he responded cautiously.
The Grey Lady leaned slightly, whispering: "Be careful of that new professor… 'He carries the aura of death'."
With that, she floated away, leaving a chill in the air.
Kevin frowned, looking back at the teachers' table, at the professor who had just been watching him.
"Who is he?" Kevin whispered to Penelope beside him.
"Oh, that's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Penelope lowered her voice, "Victor Eisenberg, invited personally by Dumbledore."
Kevin narrowed his eyes.
In his Eye of Truth, the magical flow around this professor was unusually complex, mixed with many ominous black threads, different from the tar-like black light he had seen before; it seemed to be something else entirely.
As the feast neared its end, Dumbledore stood up, and the Great Hall immediately fell silent.
"Before everyone returns to their dormitories, please allow me to introduce this year's new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—Mr. Victor Eisenberg."
The applause was sparse, and many exchanged confused glances.
It seemed no one had heard of this person, and the professor's demeanor was too sharp, clashing with the gentle atmosphere of Hogwarts.
Professor Victor stood up, his movements elegant and dangerous, like a drawn sword.
"Thank you, Principal," his voice was low and clear, with a hint of cold arrogance, "I know some people may feel… uncomfortable with my teaching methods."
He surveyed the Great Hall, his gaze finally resting on Kevin, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is not just about casting spells," he said slowly, "It is about 'understanding the nature of darkness', about 'choices and consequences'."
Snape's frown deepened, while Professor Flitwick tilted his head curiously.
"This year, I will lead you to face the essence of Defense Against the Dark Arts class," his tone was almost provocative, "Of course, everything will be within the scope permitted by school rules."
Dumbledore cleared his throat softly, as if reminding him to stop.
Professor Victor smiled slightly, placed a hand over his chest, and bowed elegantly: "I look forward to seeing you all in class."
With that, he sat back down, his gaze still fixed on Kevin, as if silently conveying some message.
This time, Kevin carefully observed the professor.
Aside from the black eye patch over his left eye, his golden long hair was tied in a low ponytail, his left hand wore a black glove, and his right hand wore many rings that emitted different colored lights.
He was dressed in a black asymmetrical stand-collar robe, seemingly with a dark red high-neck shirt underneath, and some gem ornaments hung from his waist, with a belt featuring a golden pocket watch chain.
Professor Victor noticed Kevin's observation, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his lips.