NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: 28. Branch
"Now, line up in a single file," Professor McGonagall instructed the first-year students with a firm but gentle tone. "Follow me."
The young wizards at the front began moving forward, forming a neat line. Ivan found himself standing directly behind Hermione, with Ron and Harry just ahead of her.
They walked through the entrance hall, where a grand double door opened to reveal the magnificent Great Hall. Inside, students from all other years were already seated around four long tables, each filled with familiar faces, laughter, and excited whispers. Hundreds of candles floated mid-air above the tables, casting a warm and magical glow throughout the hall.
The tables gleamed with glittering golden plates and tall, elegant goblets. At the far end of the hall was a fifth long table on a raised platform, set apart for the teachers. The sight of the impressive hall filled many of the first-years with awe, as they took in every detail with wide eyes.
Professor McGonagall led the first-year students to the front of the hall and asked them to line up, facing the older students. The flickering candlelight created a haunting yet beautiful effect, with the light casting soft glows on the hundreds of faces watching them intently. Ghosts floated here and there among the students, adding a silvery, otherworldly light to the scene.
Everyone's gaze shifted upwards to the ceiling, where they saw stars twinkling on the velvety black surface above.
"It's enchanted to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History," Hermione whispered to Ivan, leaning back slightly as she shared what she knew.
Professor McGonagall placed a four-legged stool in front of the group and set an old, patched, and worn-looking wizard's hat on it. The hat was full of patches, frayed threads, and even looked slightly dusty. But suddenly, it twisted and opened up a wide seam like a mouth—and began to sing:
"You may think I am not pretty,
But don't judge by looks alone.
If you find a hat finer,
I'd gladly eat my own.
So try me on and I will show
Where you belong and where you'll grow.
In Gryffindor, the brave reside,
Where courage rules and fears subside.
Or in Hufflepuff, where loyalty's strong,
With steady hearts, they do no wrong.
They work hard and stay grounded true,
With honesty in all they do.
Or if wisdom's your greatest prize,
Then perhaps in Ravenclaw lies
Your place among the wise and bright
Where clever minds reach every height.
Or maybe you'll be Slytherin,
Where ambition drives from deep within.
With cunning minds and loyal hearts,
In Slytherin, you'll learn the arts."
The hat's song ended, and the hall erupted into applause, the four tables clapping and cheering as the hat bowed to each one.
"So, we just put on a hat? That's it?" Hermione asked in disbelief, clearly a bit let down after all her studying and preparation. This drew eye rolls from Ron and Harry, who weren't thrilled about Hermione's intense preparation.
"But how does it know which House we belong to?" Hermione whispered, curious. Harry and Ron looked at Ivan, who always seemed to know the answer.
"The hat is enchanted with powerful magic," Ivan explained. "The founders put their ideals into it so that it can match students to the House best suited for them."
"You can think of it like the four founders—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—watching you as soon as you put it on. Slytherin, for example, wouldn't accept anyone he thought wasn't pure enough in blood. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw value courage and wisdom, so they'd look for that in you. And for everyone else, Hufflepuff would welcome them warmly."
Ivan continued, "Hufflepuff might not seem as flashy as the other Houses, but ambition, wisdom, and courage aren't the only qualities that matter. Hard work, loyalty, and staying grounded are just as important, and Hufflepuff gives students the space to feel at home while they grow in those areas."
"Where did you learn all this?" Hermione asked, genuinely intrigued.
Ivan smiled. "Let's call it a talent. I can 'see' the magic around the hat and 'hear' the voices left by the founders."
Harry and Ron looked at him, their eyes wide with amazement. Ivan shrugged modestly, "It's really nothing special, just think of it as me talking."
From the front of the line, Draco Malfoy shot Ivan a sneering look, jealousy clear on his face. "Oh, look at you, showing off again, Ivan," he said with a sour tone, which only made him sound a little desperate.
Harry and Ron frowned at Malfoy's rudeness. They admired Ivan, who was knowledgeable, calm, and kind, especially Harry, who had noticed how Ivan didn't hesitate to stand up to Malfoy when he had been rude. Harry decided then and there that he wouldn't let Malfoy talk badly about anyone he respected.
But Ivan just shrugged, unfazed by Malfoy's taunts. "You can think of it as a bit of nonsense if you want," he said, grinning, which made the other first-years admire him even more.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward again, holding a long roll of parchment. "When I call your name, put on the hat, sit on the stool, and wait for the Sorting," she instructed.
"Hannah Abbott!"
A nervous Hannah walked forward, stumbled a bit, but managed to place the hat on her head. A moment later, the hat called out, "Hufflepuff!" and the table on the right cheered, welcoming her.
Ivan had whispered "Hufflepuff" just before the hat announced it, and Hermione noticed.
"Did you see it again?" she asked quietly, her voice filled with curiosity that Harry and Ron couldn't quite understand. Ivan replied with a small smile, "Sometimes even I find it a little overwhelming."
"So, can you tell which House I'll be in?" Hermione asked eagerly.
"Where's the surprise if I tell you?" Ivan replied, giving her a playful wink. Hermione glared at him teasingly.
"What are you two whispering about?" asked Harry, clearly puzzled.
Professor McGonagall continued to call names. "Susan Bones!" "Hufflepuff!" "Terry Boot!" "Ravenclaw!" "Justin Finch-Fletchley!" "Hufflepuff!"
The line moved along, and soon it was Hermione's turn. She shot Ivan one last playful look, then dashed to the stool and confidently put the hat on her head.
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