14

Chapter 14: You're Making It Difficult for Me

Even young witches and wizards who are new to the magical world understand the significance of the surname Grindelwald.

The first proper Dark Lord of the 20th century!

The man who swept across Europe and nearly conquered the entire magical world!

More importantly, he is still alive!

Aside from a few individuals like Draco and Pansy who already knew, everyone regarded this blond-haired, blue-eyed boy with curiosity.

They could hardly believe that the polite boy they had met on the train and at the station was the son of the Dark Lord!

Augustus was unfazed by the curious glances and walked confidently to the Sorting Hat's platform.

Dumbledore seemed lost in deep thought, his gaze growing distant.

It was as if he was transported back to that valley, reliving those two months of confusion.

The name escaped his lips involuntarily.

"Gellert..."

Professor Minerva McGonagall looked regretful.

When Augustus first arrived at Hogwarts, he had left a perfect impression—humble, powerful, and courteous.

She had assumed he came from a prominent pure-blood family, perhaps with parents holding high positions in the Ministry of Magic or even in the Wizengamot or the International Confederation of Wizards.

What she had overlooked was that the adopted son of such a person was also admitted to Hogwarts.

"Please put on the Sorting Hat, Mr. Grindelwald."

Professor McGonagall handed the Sorting Hat to Augustus.

"Just call me Augustus, Professor McGonagall," he replied with a bow of gratitude before sitting on the stool under everyone's watchful eyes.

"Finally, I meet you, little golden-haired wizard."

"Can we discuss stopping your mind-blocking technique?"

"It's difficult for me to handle you like this!"

The Sorting Hat's voice sounded in Augustus's mind, tinged with a touch of frustration.

Augustus smiled internally.

It seemed his advanced mental shield technique was effective.

At least it kept his thoughts hidden from even Dumbledore!

Augustus narrowed the focus of his mental shield to protect only his most essential memories and thoughts.

A probing force gently penetrated his mind.

The Sorting Hat seemed relieved.

"This is the first time I've been addressed as 'sir' by a polite young wizard."

"I must say, your talent and manners are exceptional. Even Salazar and Godric were not as impressive at your age."

"Let me see which house suits you best."

After evaluating Augustus's experiences, the Sorting Hat continued to praise him.

"Brave, fearless, willing to challenge everything—much like Godric Gryffindor."

"Honest, unafraid of difficulties, with all the qualities of Helga Hufflepuff."

"Insightful, wise, studious, and visionary—similar to Rowena Ravenclaw."

"So, your house is…"

"Slytherin!"

As the Sorting Hat pronounced Slytherin, Draco and his friends, who had despaired of a different outcome, were stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

The Slytherin table erupted in unprecedented applause.

Draco, Pansy, and others glowed with excitement!

Augustus's lips twitched.

He had almost believed the Sorting Hat might place him in another house.

Revenge! Sweet revenge!

It seemed the Sorting Hat was retaliating against Hermione and the others for their attempts to influence its decision, leading to a deviation from its original plan!

"You're the only one who's seeking revenge?"

"Playing these petty tricks on me!"

Augustus refused to be intimidated. He stood, bowed to the assembly in thanks, and then turned to his wand, pointing it at the Sorting Hat on the chair.

"Scourgify!"

The entire hall fell into stunned silence!

"Mr. Sorting Hat, there's no need for thanks. It's the least I could do."

Augustus was determined not to be pushed around. If he didn't act now, who knew when he would get another chance!

Rather than internalize his frustration, it was better to let off steam and expend some energy!

If the Sorting Hat hadn't spoken, Harry might still be uncertain about his house!

[Congratulations to the host for completing the Sorting Ceremony and earning the achievement: Slytherin]

[Achievement Point Reward: 50]

"I've accumulated five consecutive draws. I'll have one when I return to my room!"

Upon reaching the Slytherin table, Augustus was immediately surrounded by several students.

"Winsel Rowe, pleased to meet you, Augustus!"

"Marcus Flint! One of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, from the Flint family!" A burly man who resembled a chimpanzee extended his hand to Augustus.

Before he could finish, several girls pushed him aside.

Their eyes sparkled with admiration!

Gellert Grindelwald had been a top figure in his youth, and Augustus was nearly his equal.

Which girl could resist?

A casual word from Augustus was enough to excite them for quite some time.

After an indeterminate period, the last student was sorted, and the ceremony concluded.

"Attention, please!"

Professor McGonagall gently tapped her glass with a golden spoon.

Dumbledore rose.

"The new school year has begun, and I have a few final words to share."

"That is… fool! Notwit! Oddment! Blubber !Twit!"

"The feast officially begins!"

As he spoke, an array of delicacies appeared on the banquet table.

The rich aroma wafted into the air!

Augustus had to admit that the food at Hogwarts was indeed impressive!

At least it was much better than Vita Rosier's cooking!

"Roar, roar, roar!"

A host of ghosts emerged from the walls and flitted about the hall, eliciting numerous gasps from the young wizards.

After a flurry of activity, the banquet came to an end.

Dumbledore waved his hand, and the food vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

The magical display, though familiar to Augustus from his years of magical study, was still novel for many of the first-year students seeing such magic for the first time.

"The feast is over. Now, please sing the school song loudly and in your best voices!"

Augustus noticed that Dumbledore's words caused some of the professors, especially Snape, to scowl.

Snape's already gloomy face darkened even further.

Dumbledore, in high spirits, waved his wand, causing musical notes to dance in the air like animated sprites.

His wand served as a conductor's baton, orchestrating everyone into a chorus!

There was quite a commotion, with the Weasley twins adding their own raucous tone!

Augustus carefully listened, trying to discern what pitch Professor Snape might use.

It turned out Snape merely opened his mouth without uttering a sound!

Instead, Professor Flitwick beside him was surprisingly vocal.

...

The banquet ended.

Under the guidance of each house's prefects, the students returned to their common rooms.

At the entrance to the Slytherin common room, the prefect spoke.

"I am your prefect, Amiri Carrow. Remember the password for our door."

"I will only say it once."

In front of a damp wall adorned with snake patterns, Amiri Carrow looked proud.

"Pure-blood glory!"

The wall slowly opened, revealing a luxurious hall decorated in green and silver.

The Slytherin banner hung high, and serpent motifs were everywhere, creating an air of mystery with the dark green background.

Through the glass windows, one could faintly see creatures wandering in the Black Lake.

Just as Augustus was about to enter to rest, Snape's figure appeared behind the group.

A strange voice reached Augustus's ears.

"Mr. Grindelwald, Professor Dumbledore requests your presence in the headmaster's office."