Chapter 9 : Sorting

WHOOSH

As the doors swung open, revealing the expansive hall filled with students seated at the four house tables, I couldn't help but be awed by the scene unfolding before me. The enchanted ceiling mimicked the night sky, its twinkling stars adding to the beauty.

Following the guidance of Professor McGonagall, I joined the line of students making their way towards another table where the teachers sat. Among them, I recognized the Severus Snape, the big Hagrid, the short Filius Flitwick, and several others.

Seeing them in person was interesting, having read about their exploits in the wizarding world through the papers I subscribed to. Each of them held a myriad of awards, accolades, and titles, solidifying their status as revered figures in the magical community. 

Snape's numerous potion patents particularly interested me. Because they are not just improvements but true inventions of potions.

He has a complicated past as a part-time racist, terrorist and then a spy. I forgot, he then reformed and became a double spy. Now, he is a professor. His life is messy as shit.

But he is one of the few pioneers capable of brewing Elixirs.

Though it may take years even with the aid of AI, the prospect of brewing such potions, filled me with excitement, especially with the possibility of transforming myself akin to a wizarding version of Captain America.

AI, Bring up the info on Potions.

[ Potions, a blend of magical ingredients akin to chemical reactions, hold immense potential in the wizarding world. While simpler potions can be crafted with relative ease, even by individuals with limited magical ability like squibs, the creation of more complex concoctions such as Polyjuice requires a deeper understanding of magical infusion and manipulation.

Permanent potions, often referred to as elixirs, demand a meticulous approach to preparation, even a small part ritualistic. Take, for example, the Animagus potion, which necessitates not only the gathering or hunting of specific ingredients but also adherence to stringent brewing requirements that need to be combined with the Animagus ritual .]

With the assistance of my AI, I find myself well-suited to the art of potion-making. Through precise calculations and guidance, I can determine the exact amounts of ingredients and the optimal timing for their addition, as well as the necessary infusion of magical energy with the wand. This allows me to craft potions of unparalleled potency and efficacy.

While my wand may indicate a natural talent for charms, the aid of AI made the art of potion-making, my best subject. So, I aim to surpass the proficiency of my potion's professor. 

YAWN

YAWN

The films surrounding Harry Potter fail to depict the duration of time it takes for seniors, particularly seventh years, to arrive. Thus, I choose to focus on my improvements in this month alone. 

 AI Profile.

[ AI Profile: Arjun Prasad 

Age: 11 years 

Wizard: Muggleborn 

Wand: Black Walnut, 12.5", Phoenix Feather, Rigid 

Physique: Under 12 karate champion, comparable to an 18-year-old

 Magic Skills:

Charms: First-year spells mastered, including Levitation, Fire-Making, Unlocking, and more

Defence Against the Dark Arts: Basic knowledge of first-year spells and theoretical understanding

Transfiguration: First-year level proficiency, with mastery of basic spells like Match to Needle

Potions: Proficient at a third-year level, capable of brewing complex potions like Confusing Concoction

Herbology: Proficient in first-year knowledge, additional knowledge stored in a database

Astronomy: Proficient in first-year studies, additional knowledge stored in a database

History of Magic: Proficient in first-year topics, additional Hogwarts syllabus stored in database

Skills: Advanced medical knowledge, programming skills, graduate-level understanding of social studies 

Magical Reserves: 45 L]

It seems my magical growth has been rapid this month, particularly in potions, where I could potentially pass third-year exams already. This progress is due to the wealth spent by my father on magical resources. A cost second only to books on magic, this month.

I must say that the convenience of owl deliveries has made acquiring resources as easy as ordering from Amazon.

Putting aside my newfound talent in potions, my attention turned to two figures revered and feared within the magical community.

Quirinus Quirrell, known for his cowardice and peculiar purple turban, is the vessel that the dark wizard Voldemort possesses. 

Then there's Albus Dumbledore, the eccentric headmaster of Hogwarts. He is rocking the long, silvery beard that shines like the ghosts we encountered on our journey here.

Dumbledore's appearance is as striking as his reputation. His half-moon glasses and twinkling eyes, while charming to some, hold an air of mystery and power that I find unsettling. 

Interestingly, I recall reading a fanfic that aptly described Dumbledore in this manner, and it took my AI four months to process this obscure memory. 

[ Author's note: Read it at the end of the chapter. Trust me, it is a cool description.]

During that time, I had to focus solely on practising the magic I already knew, which led to my mastery of Lumos variants.

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I was broken out of my thoughts as I heard, McGonagall shout out, "When I call your name, you will step forward and place the sorting hat upon your head. Once your house is announced, you will join them at their table." 

"Abbot, Hannah"

The pigtailed girl whose frequency in fanfics rivals Tracy, as a sidekick to her best friend Susan Bones walked forward and got swallowed by Hat.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

She quickly made her way to the rest of her house, who cheered wildly, they were happy to have the first student.

I looked like the sorting took place like what I knew until my name was called after the Patil twins, who are my fellow Indians.

"Prasad, Arjun."

I stood up straight, trying to exude confidence as I walked forward to the stool where the sorting hat awaited. 

I vividly recalled the meticulous rehearsals, guided by the AI corrections sourced from actor course books and online videos. Each subtle adjustment, each expression, was carefully honed to a satisfactory level.

With my Potion teacher being a spymaster, I thought it was best to learn such skills. But, if I were to be honest with myself, a significant part of my motivation stemmed from the simple desire to appear cool and handsome.

As the sorting hat began its deliberation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. Would the sorting hat see what I saw in myself? Would it recognize the qualities that I believed made me a perfect fit for my chosen house?

I sat on the stool as the hat was placed on me. Thinking of my numerous self-introspections it is obvious where I am going.

"SLYTHERIN"

--------Chapter end----------

{Albus Dumbledore- The most powerful wizard alive, the second coming of Merlin himself. The man who fell a dark lord, the man who knew spells so obscure they'd give Voldemort a boner. Master in so many branches of magic it would take me a while to mention all of them.

Albus Dumbledore was scary.

Not the same kind of scary as Voldemort. No, the latter was an uncontrolled malice. He'd do anything to obtain more power, no matter how low it is. 

Dumbledore could silence the voices of all the bigots and dark wizards in Britain, his mere existence forced them into hiding. He did not need to lift a wand or cast a spell to be effective. He did not need to harm anyone, not that the broken man would, to induce fear among them.

Voldemort was a missile, a warhead that could and would cause a horrifying amount of destruction.

Dumbledore was a nuke; he was only ever used once, and the wizarding world has never been the same since.}]