Chapter 14 "Pre-Sorting"

"You guys, is today really the first day you met each other?" Cassandra asked curiously.

After getting a positive answer from Wentworth, a mischievous smile crept onto the corner of Cassandra's mouth.

"May Merlin bless you, or bless me if Merlin can accept it." Cassandra said smugly.

Before Wentworth could react, Cassandra followed Hagrid's footsteps and walked forward, leaving Wentworth bewildered.

Soon, all the new students, led by Hagrid, arrived at a vast lake.

"Everyone, in front of you is the Black Lake. We will take small boats and row across the lake to Hogwarts Castle. Remember, four people per boat!"

Hearing Hagrid's words, Wentworth looked curiously into the lake.

"What are you looking at?" a freshman asked from behind Wentworth.

"I heard that there are water monsters in the Black Lake. Let's see if they welcome us!"

Wentworth's words made many young wizards around him take a step back unconsciously.

The freshmen who were still trying to be the first to board the boats now hesitated, staying away from the direction of the Black Lake.

"Pfft, a bunch of cowards. Make way for Miss Ben, and don't get in the way!" Cassandra strode towards the lake and headed straight for a boat docked by the water.

But after Cassandra got on the boat, no other freshmen were willing to follow.

It was either because Wentworth's words scared them or because Cassandra's aura was too strong, causing the other students to shy away.

Seeing this, Wentworth reluctantly stepped forward and sat beside Cassandra.

Eventually, two more freshmen, whose names were called by Hagrid, approached reluctantly.

Afterward, everyone boarded a boat and rowed across the lake to the other side.

When Hogwarts Castle first appeared in Wentworth's sight, he couldn't help but stand up in awe.

The star-studded Hogwarts was mysterious and magnificent.

Even though Wentworth had seen it countless times in books and movies, seeing it with his own eyes made him realize the insignificance of words.

It was impossible to fully describe the grandeur of this ancient castle.

As Wentworth and the others crossed the lake, Ilona was led by Professor McGonagall to the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, where Dumbledore was already waiting for her.

After Ilona was escorted, Professor McGonagall hurriedly left.

After all, compared to Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, had a lot on her plate.

Looking at the wizard she had imagined encountering countless times, Ilona showed a delicate smile.

"Hello, Headmaster Dumbledore. I'm Ilona. It's a pleasure to meet you. As the greatest white wizard of this era, I've often imagined this moment."

Dumbledore gazed at Ilona kindly, and after a moment, he replied, "Hello, Ms. Ilona. It has indeed been a long journey for you. The opening dinner won't start for a while. Would you like some candy first?"

Ilona politely declined, "Thank you for your offer, Headmaster Dumbledore, but I've already been treated to desserts by a generous student on the train."

Dumbledore nodded and didn't insist. He smiled and said, "Hogwarts students are all hospitable and good children. I believe you'll enjoy your time here, Professor Ilona."

Ilona smiled gracefully, adding a hint of surprise, "So, I have been hired, right, Headmaster Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore confirmed, "Of course, Professor Ilona. Not everyone can resist my Legilimency when looking into my eyes. I'm sure you'll make an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"It's just that, due to time constraints, we couldn't arrange for the students to buy the specific books you requested. You must continue using the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks. Is that all right?"

Ilona's smile grew brighter, and she responded, "Of course, Headmaster Dumbledore. I don't need many textbooks, actually."

"That's good, Professor Ilona." Professor Dumbledore replied.

"I advocate practical experience!" Professor Ilona said proudly.

Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall was already waiting for them as Wentworth and Cassandra arrived outside Hogwarts Castle by boat.

"Everyone, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! After we enter the castle, we will conduct the sorting ceremony." Professor McGonagall greeted them with a clear voice.

"As you already know, Hogwarts has four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, named after the four founders of Hogwarts." She explained.

Wentworth listened to Professor McGonagall's introduction to Hogwarts and couldn't help but mutter, "It's really an introduction without any highlights."

However, Wentworth seemed to forget that cat ears are very sensitive, and Professor McGonagall was an Animagus with the form of a cat.

"Mr. Wentworth, if I'm not mistaken, you must be Mr. Wentworth, right? It seems you have a better idea about my introduction?" Professor McGonagall turned her attention to Wentworth, now standing before everyone.

Wentworth was taken aback that Professor McGonagall overheard his casual remark.

He wanted to stand up and apologize but quickly remembered his original plan to avoid Gryffindor and Slytherin.

After all, the one in front of him was the head of Gryffindor.

While it might not be entirely correct to think this way, as long as Professor McGonagall didn't have a favorable impression of him, the Sorting Hat would not place him in Gryffindor.

So Wentworth stepped forward without hesitation, stood before all the freshmen, and said confidently, "Yes, Professor McGonagall, I do believe your introduction to the four Hogwarts houses is too simple."

"This introduction has probably been used for many years without any changes. The Muggle world is constantly evolving, and so should the wizarding world!" Wentworth said while staring into Professor McGonagall's eyes.

As he spoke eloquently, Professor McGonagall recognized the traces of the Grindelwald's bloodline in Wentworth.

Professor McGonagall thought to herself, "Dumbledore, this child is indeed Grindelwald's descendant, destined to bring about changes in the magical world, just like his grandfather."

Despite these thoughts, Professor McGonagall didn't silence Wentworth.

Although known for her strictness, she was not a professor who discouraged students from speaking up.

"It seems that you, Mr. Wentworth, know a lot about the four Hogwarts houses. If it were you, how would you introduce them?" Professor McGonagall inquired, inviting Wentworth to share his knowledge.