A low buzz of conversation drifted from behind a door to the right. Yet Professor McGonagall did not lead them inside. Instead, she stopped and turned, her stern gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began. "The opening banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because while you are at Hogwarts, your house will be like your family within the school. You will have classes with your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend your free time in your house common room."
"The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each has its own noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards."
Professor McGonagall's gaze lingered on Malfoy. The spell had worn off, yet he looked far from well. His eyes were red and swollen, his robes disheveled, as if he had been mauled by a troll.
She paused, then fixed a stern glare on Warren.
"I am aware of an incident on the train today, a very unpleasant one. I trust it will be the last. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, whereas rule-breaking will lose points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup, which is a great honor. I hope you will each be a credit to whichever House becomes yours."
Warren met her glare with a look of total innocence, as if nothing had happened.
The Deputy Headmistress's eye twitched slightly. She continued addressing the first years, who were now thoroughly terrified. "The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. I suggest you tidy yourselves up while you wait. You will be on display."
With that, she turned and walked through the doors into the Great Hall.
The nervous crowd let out a collective breath.
Draco Malfoy frantically smoothed his hair and straightened his robes. Harry and Ron patted down each other's hair. Hermione pressed her lips together and gently touched her sleek hair. Everyone else hurriedly tried to make themselves presentable.
Moments later, someone gasped. Warren looked up. Two dozen ghosts, pearly white and semi-transparent, were gliding through the wall toward them.
They murmured amongst themselves, some looking kindly and others agitated, while a few attempted to speak with the first years. The first years held their breath once more. No one dared speak.
Warren found them fascinating. In his past life, while reading the books, he had always wondered about the true nature of ghosts. However, now was not the time for philosophical questions.
The ghosts drifted away when Professor McGonagall returned. She swept her gaze over the first years once more. "Everything is ready. Form a single file and follow me."
The first years hurried to obey, following her through the open doors into the Great Hall. They walked between the four long House tables, already filled with older students watching them with curiosity and scrutiny.
Warren spotted Percy, Fred, and George waving at him and Ron. Warren smiled back. Ron was too nervous to even notice them.
Warren knew the ceiling of the Great Hall mirrored the night sky, casting a soft, serene light over them.
At the front of the line, a rickety old stool stood holding a patched, frayed witch's hat. The hat began to sing.
Warren kept his expression neutral. He silently cast a spell to block his ears, holding the charm until the hat stopped writhing and Professor McGonagall stepped forward with her scroll. Then he lifted the spell.
"Hannah Abbott."
A familiar name.
One by one, the first years stepped forward, sat on the stool, and were sorted by the hat.
Hermione was among the first people Warren recognized. She trotted up to the stool, and the Hat was placed on her head. After a moment's thought, it shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Next came Harry. He was sorted into Gryffindor as well. The moment the Hat made the announcement, the entire Gryffindor table erupted. Everyone pounded the tables and cheered.
Warren cast a glance toward the staff table. Professor Snape's face, already severe, darkened further. Dumbledore, however, beamed behind his half-moon spectacles, his ancient face crinkling with genuine delight. Everything was proceeding according to plan. Warren smiled as well.
The legend of the Boy Who Lived was truly beginning. The most formidable forces in the magical world were about to launch their shadow war around him. Warren was content to watch and explore from nearby.
At last, they reached the Ws.
Ron was called early because of his initials. With all eyes fixed on him, he seemed to forget how to walk, nearly tripping over his own feet on his way to the stool. The moment the hat touched his head, it screamed, "GRYFFINDOR."
Applause erupted from the Gryffindor table. Percy was loudly proclaiming to anyone who would listen, "That's my brother!" while Fred and George jumped up and down, whistling in delight.
When Professor McGonagall called out "Warren Weasley," they slammed the table with even greater force.
"Warren, Warren!"
"Gryffindor, Gryffindor!"
The other lions, swept up in the twins' enthusiasm, joined in the cheering.
Amidst the applause, Warren walked toward the stool, his Occlumency shields raised. He gave a silent sigh. Sorry, Fred and George.
Over the years, he had come to understand his nature quite well. His thirst for knowledge, pursuit of power, and ambition were undeniable. He knew he stood no chance of being sorted into Gryffindor.
The moment the hat touched his head, a small voice whispered in his ear.
Hmm. Excellent, truly excellent Occlumency. You can't fool me, you know. I hold the collective knowledge and wisdom of the four Founders. Those who master Occlumency usually have hidden depths and great secrets.
A cunning child. Two houses are clearly not for you. I shall put you in.
SLYTHERIN!
When the hat shouted its decision, the festive atmosphere at the Gryffindor table came to an abrupt halt. Percy, leaning forward, froze mid-motion. Fred and George tumbled off the bench they had been bouncing on. Hermione gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Harry and Ron stared wide-eyed.
Even Professor McGonagall, who knew Warren by reputation, couldn't help but turn to look at Dumbledore.
The greatest wizard of the age gazed steadily at Warren's back, his expression thoughtful.
For a moment the entire Great Hall was silent.
Then Dumbledore cleared his throat softly, signaling Professor McGonagall to continue.
Looking slightly flustered, she helped Warren remove the hat.
The other students gradually recovered from their shock. They stared at Warren's unmistakable Weasley red hair and whispered among themselves, the murmur growing into a loud buzz.
Warren ignored it all. He focused on the System panel before him.
[Main Quest 1: Enter Hogwarts (Completed)]
[Reward: 1 Affinity Point, 50 Mana Level]
[Claim Reward?]
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