Simultaneous Transmigration: From Japanese Anime to American Comics

Chapter 30: The Sorting Ceremony

Upon hearing this, the other students immediately started voicing their opinions. Some claimed that there were water monsters in the lake, others speculated about vengeful spirits in the Black Lake, and some simply suggested that Malfoy and his friends couldn't swim, making up stories about monsters to cover their embarrassment.

Professor McGonagall, displeased by the chaos, sternly ordered, "Quiet!"

McGonagall's authority was unquestionable, and as soon as she raised her voice, all the first-year students fell silent almost simultaneously.

Clearing her throat, McGonagall asked, "Where's Hagrid?"

Harry, from within the crowd, shouted, "He's taken that boy to the hospital wing!"

"The hospital wing..." McGonagall's brow furrowed deeply. After some thought, she said, "I must go check on the student's condition. Wait here until I return."

As soon as McGonagall left, the group of new students became rowdy once again, sharing various rumors they had heard about the Sorting Ceremony.

First, Ron confidently stated, "I've got five brothers who've studied at Hogwarts, and they told me the Sorting Ceremony is really strict. If you don't pass, you might even get expelled on your first night!"

Some students gasped in shock. "But we've already been accepted into the school! How can we still get expelled? Wouldn't that mean all the supplies we bought were for nothing? That was a lot of money!"

Feeling awkward, Ron scratched his nose and said, "I heard it from Fred and George. They always like to prank me, so maybe they were just joking."

At this point, another student chimed in, "I don't think they were lying. I heard that the Sorting Ceremony involves battling a giant troll, and depending on how well you fight, you get sorted into your house. I've even heard that some students lose their lives every year because of it!"

There were more gasps from the crowd. "No wonder people say Hogwarts has a certain death quota every year!"

Some of the more timid girls, after hearing these discussions, began to huddle in the corners, trembling with fear.

Hermione, growing impatient with the boys' wild speculations, interrupted with a logical explanation. "How could the Sorting Ceremony be that barbaric? We're wizards, not warriors! It's ridiculous to think they'd make us fight a giant troll on our first day."

"A true wizard relies on intellect and knowledge! So, I believe the Sorting Ceremony is actually a test, and the houses are determined based on our exam scores!"

"Otherwise, why would the school send us a booklist a month in advance? Isn't it so we could start studying for the exam?"

Many students, hearing Hermione's explanation, nodded in agreement. It certainly seemed more reasonable than fighting a troll.

However, others were still worried, frowning and sighing. Some admitted that they hadn't even glanced at their textbooks, and others confessed they didn't even know what books they had bought.

"Oh no, I'm going to fail for sure!"

"I left my books on the train! Can I go back to get them?"

"It's too late. All the luggage has already been sent to the dormitories!"

Listening to the complaints from all around, Chu Yang could only shake his head in exasperation. These kids were really good at scaring themselves. Little did they know that all they had to do was put on the Sorting Hat to complete the ceremony.

Ron, still looking nervous, tugged on Harry's sleeve and asked, "Have you read any of the textbooks?"

Harry shook his head and replied, "My aunt and uncle didn't want me to attend Hogwarts. They tried everything to stop me from getting my acceptance letter. It wasn't until a few days ago, with Hagrid's help, that I finally got the chance to come. Do you think I've had time to read?"

"Well, that's a relief then. Looks like we'll be sorted into the same house," Ron sighed with relief and even had the mood to wink at Harry.

"You've got quite the optimistic attitude," Harry chuckled, then turned to look at Chu Yang, admiringly saying, "Chu Yang will definitely get the highest score."

"That's true," Ron smacked his lips, agreeing with Harry. "The only person who could keep up with Chu Yang is probably that girl."

Hermione, overhearing their conversation, looked at Chu Yang seriously. Although she didn't want to admit it, she resigned herself to the fact. "You'll probably get the top score this time, but it will be the only time. I guarantee that I'll score higher than you on every exam from now on!"

Even though Hermione had misunderstood the nature of the Sorting Ceremony, Chu Yang still felt a bit of a headache, as he couldn't back down on this issue.

Hogwarts clearly favored geniuses. Being a top student or having the reputation of being the best in one's year could grant certain privileges, such as access to books in the library that were off-limits to regular students.

Additionally, the professors were more inclined to give extra guidance to talented students, which would allow Chu Yang to learn far more.

Meanwhile, back at the hospital wing, Professor McGonagall hurried in just as Madam Pomfrey was treating Malfoy. Hagrid was standing nearby, looking worried.

"Hagrid!" McGonagall called softly as she entered.

"Oh, Professor McGonagall!" Hagrid jumped, looking a bit guilty and avoiding her gaze. After all, technically, this incident could be considered his mistake.

"Madam Pomfrey, how is the student doing?" McGonagall asked, her voice full of concern. "Do we need to send him to St. Mungo's for treatment?"

"Don't worry, Professor. It's not that serious," Madam Pomfrey reassured her with a smile. "This new student just swallowed some dirty water and caught a bit of a chill. He'll be fine after a couple of days' rest."

McGonagall sighed in relief, her worry easing. Then, she turned to Hagrid and asked, "Before I came, the students were telling all sorts of wild stories. Can you explain what really happened?"

Hagrid scratched his head and replied, "When I looked back, he had already fallen into the lake. I didn't see how it happened, but there was definitely something in the water!"

McGonagall confidently said, "We all know there are magical creatures in the Black Lake, but they wouldn't be in that area. There's a designated protected zone, and Hogwarts has a long-standing agreement with them. There's no way they'd attack a student under Dumbledore's watch."

"More likely, someone used magic. Attacking a fellow student with offensive magic is a very serious offense."

Hagrid immediately shook his head. "Professor McGonagall, I was nearby at the time, and I didn't sense any magical fluctuations. Besides, all the students left their wands on the train. You don't think any of them are powerful enough to perform wandless magic, do you?"

"Hagrid, not everyone follows the rules," McGonagall took a deep breath and said solemnly, "After the Sorting Ceremony, I will personally inspect each student to see if they're hiding a wand."