Chapter 7: Sorting into Slytherin, This Year's Dark Arts Professor

After the song ended, Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a long roll of parchment containing the names of the new first-years in her hand.

"When I call your name, you will come forward, sit on the stool, and I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head!" Professor McGonagall announced, her voice ringing through the hall. "Faye Aisha!"

A young girl hurried from the queue and sat obediently on the four-legged stool. 

Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head, and after a few moments, the Hat shouted, "RAVENCLAW!"

Faye Aisha nervously got down, receiving a warm applause from the Ravenclaw table as she made her way over.

With the ceremony proceeding smoothly, Professor McGonagall continued to call out the names of the new students one by one, sorting them into their respective houses.

Due to Lynn's last name, "Rowle," being towards the end of the alphabet, it took nearly twenty minutes before Professor McGonagall called his name.

"Lynn Rowle!" she finally announced loudly.

Lynn walked forward, took his place on the stool, and allowed the Sorting Hat to be placed on his head. 

Closing his eyes, Lynn listened to the small voice speaking in his ear.

"Hmm, difficult, very difficult! I can see that you possess great courage, surpassing even most Gryffindors, and you are incredibly talented..."

Hearing the Sorting Hat's assessment, Lynn wasn't surprised. After all, he had demonstrated bravery by sacrificing himself to save a child he didn't know. However, the Hat's inclination towards Gryffindor puzzled him.

"You also show loyalty, unwilling to betray your friends, and in matters of the heart, you seem steadfastly devoted..."

The Sorting Hat continued, now hinting at Hufflepuff traits. Lynn blushed slightly at the mention of love, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"I also sense a great deal of wisdom in you. Though not innate, your accumulated knowledge surpasses that of many Ravenclaws..."

This time, the Sorting Hat hinted at Ravenclaw characteristics. 

Lynn chuckled inwardly. After years of intensive study, his academic abilities were indeed advanced compared to British wizards with a more relaxed education. Yet, he doubted the Hat would place him in Ravenclaw.

"Yet above all, your ambition stands out most of all. You may eschew power for power's sake, but your desire to achieve your goals is unmatched among your peers. You are unyielding in your pursuit..."

The Sorting Hat's words made Lynn ponder. Indeed, his drive for success was undeniable. 

Born into poverty in his previous life, Lynn harbored a burning ambition to make a name for himself. He was willing to sacrifice everything for an opportunity, even resorting to violence if thwarted.

The Sorting Hat's final pronouncement struck a chord with Lynn. It seemed to understand him on a deeper level.

"Truly, you are the most enigmatic student I've encountered in many a year! Brave and kind, yet ruthless with an insatiable thirst to reach the heights. Loyal and wise, yet ambitious and cunning beyond your years. You embody the traits of all four houses, making you difficult to sort..."

The Sorting Hat hesitated, having never before encountered such a complex individual.

"Slytherin!" Lynn declared hoarsely, surprising both himself and the onlookers.

Each trait described by the Sorting Hat reflected aspects of his previous harsh life, encapsulating his experiences and driving desires. 

But amidst the Gryffindor courage, Hufflepuff loyalty, Ravenclaw wisdom, and Slytherin ambition, it was the latter that resonated most deeply—the all-consuming force fueling his actions.

"Slytherin? If you're sure, then very well! As one of the Rowle family, your ambition is clear indeed. Better be SLYTHERIN!"

Whether due to Lynn's own Slytherin leanings, his pure-blood heritage, or the Hat's genuine indecision, it ultimately honored his choice.

"SLYTHERIN!" the Sorting Hat proclaimed aloud.

Opening his eyes, Lynn was met with thunderous applause from the Slytherin table, along with surprised looks from his new peers.

As Lynn took a seat, a fellow Slytherin approached him eagerly. "Impressive sorting, Rowle! It's incredibly rare for the Hat to deliberate so long. I'm Irving Foley, by the way. Welcome to Slytherin!" 

Lynn nodded in acknowledgment. "Lynn Rowle, nice to meet you."

With that, Lynn turned his attention to the staff table. 

Among the familiar faculty faces, one stood out—Mr. Wallison Green, who seemed to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year.

At the same time, Lynn noticed the Weasley twins' surprise at Mr. Green's new appointment. There seemed to be an excited glint in their eyes.

(End of this chapter)