Sorting Ceremony

The next day, Kaiser woke up early in the morning unable to hold his excitement. He was about to learn how to do magic. MAGIC! That's a dream come true for anyone. For him however, it's not only about being able to do magic. It's the endless possibilities it opens. The broom is the best way to demonstrate this. In order to fly using normal means, it requires an exceedingly complex craft, based on many branches of science. Yet the wizards can somehow make brooms fly. Or apparition and portkeys, the ability to travel long distances instantly, like a wormhole. And time turners! Time travel! Saying he was excited is actually an understatement.

He woke up at 5 AM and prepared himself for his reading session. He picked his first book [Magic explained for Dummies]. He wanted to get a general idea first before diving into more difficult subjects. After all, he was new to the concept. The book talked about magic in general, what was possible with it, how it was practiced… It also mentioned the [Magical Core], something we all possessed, and what apparently permits us of using magic.

Though he made sure to keep something in mind. Anything he read; he would not take as facts. That's a very dangerous thing to do. If a person considers something a fact, it might harm their potential in the future, when they reach a bottleneck in their studies or research, so they would never question what they 'consider' a fact.

It took him an hour to read the book, which now he knows by heart thanks to his eidetic memory. He could remember anything he reads as long as he is focused enough on the task, though it doesn't stop at anything he read. Anything he sees, hears, and feels he can remember. It's both a blessing and a curse. But later he would decide if he ever wanted to forget something, he'd simply store the memory like the headmaster did in the movies, then use a [Pensieve] to review it if he ever desired to.

He took fifteen minutes to review everything he read. When he was sure he didn't miss any detail, he moved on to the next book. After all, it's not only about remembering what you read, but understanding it. The next book was his first year's school book. This one was a bit more challenging, as it wasn't exactly a 'standalone' book, but only a complement to a teacher's lecture. It was too hard to understand.

But he didn't give up. He highlighted any part he did not understand and took some notes in his notebook. By the end of his reading session, he found himself with a ton of questions about the details of magic dynamics and an intense headache. He thought it would be a walk in the part but he was very wrong. Especially when wizards tended to never give concrete answer, or evidence for that matter. And sometimes, they feel the need to be unnecessarily cryptic and enigmatic.

It was time for breakfast and he needed to join the others.

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After finishing his breakfast, he needed to help with the dishes and clean the place with the other kids. It was a pain in the bottom, especially when he had to hear their idle chat. He really hoped the kids at Hogwarts would be a bit more mature, otherwise he would never be able to hold a conversation with them.

He got back to his room to continue his reading, writing more and more question as he went. It was when he reached a certain line that he stopped and frowned heavily.

'Magic is about imposing your will to the world around you, by manipulating the different elements, namely: Air, Fire, Earth, Wind…'

He took a long while thinking about what he just read. It was clear to him that whoever wrote this book was under the impression that the elements are what made our world. It was an ancient believe, that was squashed after the discovery of the atom. Yet wizards, or in this case the author, seemed to believe the same thing. That made the book a lot less trustworthy in his mind, so he decided to investigate this later.

He finished the book before going to lunch and taking a nap afterwards. He woke up and started on the next one, who targets the theory behind spells. It also made him pause at one particular sentence: 'A wizard requires a wand to perform spells.' Which he knew to be totally wrong. Wandless magic was quite possible, but he didn't know more details about the subject. In the books, he remembered reading that only powerful wizards can perform wandless spells. He didn't know If it was true or not. But he would investigate later.

He finished his book before having dinner. After the usual chores, he went back to his room. He decided to start on occlumency. He knew for a fact he would need it immensely to stay safe at Hogwarts. With the kind of information he had on him, and the fact that he was not exactly a native, as he either came from the future, from a different timeline or from a different universe altogether, he didn't know. What he did know, however, is that no one should be privy to that knowledge but him. He wasn't certain if this was a common occurrence, but he wasn't ready to try his luck.

'The Mind Arts are one of the most obscure fields of magic. Not much is known about the mind and its internal structure, and research on this field is still underway to this day. Mindscape can be considered a dimension of its own. It operates under different laws than what we are used to. But one thing a lot of practitioners agree on: We shape our own mindscape. Occlumency is branch of the Mind Arts specialized in fortifying the mind, detecting and expelling foreign intrusion through Legilimency, which, in turn, is specialized in infiltrating the minds of others. There have been some tests, trying to teach those methods to muggle and squibs. There has been no success on the muggle end, they are unable to practice occlumency, no matter how much instruction and time is given. Squibs, however, have had minor success in the art. But the most they could achieve is minor occlumency shields, irrelevant in front of a real master Legilimens. Which brings the conclusion that occlumency, or at least the access to our own mindscape in severely linked to our magic. Further proof is the significant improvement the practitioners of the art find in controlling their magic…'

Kaiser was very interested in this field. The more he read, the more he was hooked. The advantages are too enticing to give up. Better control over your thoughts, magic, and even emotions…

So, he started the very first exercise: Meditation. He needed to keep a steady breathing rhythm, steady posture, and clear his mind of all thoughts. Which is easier said than done. You find yourself in the paradox of: "I need to clear my mind of all thoughts, but I am thinking about clearing all thoughts.". which is the most difficult part of the exercise, not to mention how frustrating it is the more you try, which is why it is recommended to not practice more than half an hour in the beginning.

Needless to say, he won't be having much success in his first try, but he did his best not to feel frustrated, which, again, was unsuccessful.

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Kaiser woke up in the morning at his usual hour, and wanted to review everything he read the previous day. With his eidetic memory, it wasn't really a problem. 'Having an eidetic memory is really useful… Though having a physical copy still beats imagining the book…'

Then it happened. The book in question materialized right in front of him. he jumped in surprised. How that book appeared, he had no idea. He approached it warily, and poked it with his finger. 'It didn't move, good sign.'

He picked it up, and checked the cover. It was the exact replica of the magic theory book he read the previous day. 'Odd…'

He looked for the book he read, and he found it was still there, meaning it wasn't accidental magic, and he didn't summon it. He had two copies in front of him now. He didn't understand how this happened, so he tried to list the facts that he knew about the book in question. There wasn't much really. He read it yesterday, and was very interested in the content. He was reviewing the book in his memories this morning, then he thought how a physical copy would be better…

He tried to think about the same thing again, wanted a physical copy of the book [Magic explained for dummies]. The previous book suddenly disappeared and the desired book slowly materialized again. Kaiser was astounded. He tried again, this time, he willed for it to disappear, and disappear it did. He was ecstatic. He never read about any kind of abilities like this in the books before. (Harry Potter books)

He played around with his ability for a while, and tried to find its limitations, and found them easily. He concluded two rules to his ability.

1- He could only materialize books he already read. He tried with the transfiguration books he hasn't read yet, and it didn't have much success. He also tried with books he read in his previous life, and it succeeded.

2- If he read any books partially, it wouldn't materialize the missing parts, only to the place where he stopped reading.

Apart from those, he didn't find any others. But he was very happy with the ability nevertheless. It wasn't anything super powered, but very useful. It meant he could just try to memorize books, and materialize them later on. He found out, that all he needed was a fast reading with his eyes, and he could use the ability.

He used the next two days to memorize all the books he bought.

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That month has been a very busy one for Kaiser. When he wasn't eating and helping around the orphanage, he was either reading or practicing Occlumency. He focused more on the subjects he would be thought in his first year. Namely: Charms, Transfiguration, Magic Theory, Astronomy, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Potions. He didn't bother with History. He focused more on theory, since he couldn't practice at all, because he was underage. He needed to be at Hogwarts to do that. Needless to say, it was the most difficult thing he has ever done: Resisting the temptation. He was glad that his secret ability to materialize books didn't draw the ministry eyes. His theory that they tracked underage magic with wands seemed correct.

Thankfully, he could practice Occlumency, and he made significant progress there. He practiced it in several sessions during the day. He didn't have much success the first week. But the second one has been very smooth. He could maintain the meditative state for a few minutes, and it was rising with practice. By the end of the second, he could enter the meditative state under 30 minutes, and keep it for 8. It was significant progress. After a month, he could enter the meditative state under 5 minutes, and maintain it for half an hour.

He also made another trip to Diagon Alley, alone this time. He bought some new transfiguration, charms, and potion theory books. He had a better understanding of those subjects now. He also stocked normal paper and pens. While assignments needed to be written on parchment, it was expensive to use it for anything other than that. Which is why he bought 'muggle paper', for normal use.

Kaiser was also planning for this first year. How much he wanted to change. He knew that his mere presence means that the events will greatly change, butterfly effect and all that. Meaning that regardless of what he does, the events are bound to change in some way. He came to one conclusion: He needed to be as prepared as possible. He needed to prepare himself for what is to come. Kaiser would do his best to learn defensive and offensive spells. He already had quite the collection, all that's left to do is to practice.

Today, was the day he has been impatiently waiting for. The 1st of September. The day he would board the Hogwarts Express.

He woke up early, and packed everything for the trip. Hogwarts would be his new home for the next 10 months.

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Finding the entry point to platform 9 ¾ wasn't difficult. He went to the station, and waited. A while later, a couple in traditional robes was escorting their young child. All he had to do was watch and learn.

He arrived early, obviously, if the number of people on the platform was any indication. He entered the Express with his trunk that, thankfully, had the feather weight charm.

The first few compartments were full, some older years had monopolized them. He continued looking for an empty one, until he found a compartment, where two girls were sitting, and judging from their height, he was willing to wager they were first years as well. 'Time to make some friends!' he braced himself.

He knocked and opened the door, and smiled at them: "Hello, do you mind if I join you?"

They looked at him with astonishment. It's not every day you get to meet a red eyed, crimson haired boy. They gaped at him for a few seconds before he interrupted them. "um? Hello?"

The auburn redhaired girl was the first to come back to her senses. She answered incoherently: "Y-y-yes! S-sure!"

He entered and pretended he didn't notice anything and made himself comfortable opposite to them.

"I am Kaiser Lunar." He introduced himself with a smile, hopeful they'd stop staring at him like a new species has been discovered.

The blond girl was the one to answer this time: "I am Hannah Abbot, and this is Susan Bones, glad to make your acquaintance."

"Glad to make your acquaintance as well. Um, should I bow or something?" he titled his head and asked innocently. His companions, however, didn't understand.

"Why would you bow?" Susan asked with a mini frown on her forehead.

"Well, you are from the Ancient and Noble house Bones and Abbot. I wasn't raised in the wizarding world, so I don't know the customs." He explained, though the truth is, he knew he should have, as he was well aware of the customs, having read a basic book on the subject.

They both giggled at his cluelessness.

"You don't have to do such things, those are used in formal settings, here we are all students." Susan answered.

Kaiser still stood and did an exaggerated bow. "As you wish, my ladies." He grinned.

After their fits of laughter finished, Hannah asked him tentatively: "are you a Metamorphmagus?"

"Not to the best of my knowledge, no. Is my crimson hair and eyes that irregular?" He asked with a smile. He expected that kind of question, after all, it is the natural conclusion.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that, it's just... Uncommon. I never heard of anyone with those colors." Hannah apologized, though his smiling face told her he wasn't offended, so she felt a bit better at that.

"Well, we live in a world where flying brooms are a thing, I'm more concerned about my sanity, than my hair and eyes, to be honest."

"Too true." Susan laughed at his explanation.

"Say, you wouldn't know by any chance if performing magic in the train is safe?"

"Safe? Certainly not. But if you're referring to underage magic usage laws, you should be safe from those once the train departs. My auntie told me." Susan explained, with a hint of pride in her mention of her aunt.

"Her auntie is Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Her friend finished for her.

"Ah, yes, I read about your Aunt. She has distinguished herself as an Auror in the last war. She is said to be strict and fair. You must be proud of her." Kaiser knew she was her role model in her life, the closest thing she had for a mother.

"I am. Thank you." Susan blushed at him, and smiled. She liked it whenever someone complemented her auntie.

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Hannah and Susan were very friendly. They got along with Kaiser, and talked for a while, until the they heard the train depart.

Now, Kaiser's eyes were twinkling.

"Go ahead." The blonde and the redhead gave him a knowing smile.

He nodded excitedly and took out his wand. He breathed slowly, trying the calm himself.

He pointed his wand at the door. He didn't want to hurt his new friends in an accident.

He remembered all he learned from his studies, and all the conclusion he drew.

The most important aspect in magic are: intent and willpower.

The intent refers to your ability to visualize the end result, along with all the necessary steps to achieve it, as much as necessary.

Willpower is both the ability to will something into existence, and supply it with the energy necessary.

For his first spell, he wanted to keep it simple, so he settled on the [Wand Lighting Charm: Lumos].

He visualized a small ball of white light radiating from the tip of his wand. With a determined look, he said the incantation: "Lumos!"

He felt a rush of energy going through his arm towards his wand, and a tiny spark of light appeared if only for a fraction of a second, before disappearing. He knew why it didn't work. He didn't maintain his control over his magic, he wasn't supplying his wand with energy. He acted on instinct, but now, with his eidetic memory helping, he remembering the feeling he felt.

He tried again, this time focusing on maintaining the influx of magic he felt. And there it was, a stable, ethereal ball of white light, glowing at the tip of his wand. He smiled profoundly at his success.

He turned around a looked at his gob smacked friends.

"Are you sure this is the first time you're practicing that spell?" Hannah couldn't believe it. It looked far too easy when he used the Lumos Charm.

"Yes?" Kaiser tilted his head innocently. "Well, to be fair, I have been studying for the last month."

"Typical Ravenclaw." Susan and Hannah giggled.

"'Wit beyond measure is a man's greatest treasure'. I like that. Think I'd like to be sorted in Ravenclaw. What about you guys?"

"We don't know really; they're supposed to sort us once we arrive. I don't really mind any of the houses." Susan answered. She was worried about what house she would be sorted into.

It was then that he remembered a plan of his, related to what would happen in the future. A little change could be done here, that could do a lot of good in the long term. He knew what was going to happen in the future, if "Voldemort" came back.

His face darkened, and his forehead visibly frowned, eyes glowing crimson.

"I would advise you both to avoid Slytherin house at all cost. They can't sort you into a house you don't want to be in." He told them.

They both noticed the change in his demeanor, and gulped. It looked like a villain giving an ominous prediction.

"Why wouldn't we want to be sorted into Slytherin house? You don't believe that they are all dark, do you?" Hannah asked, displeased at his prejudice. If Susan's expression was any indication, she didn't agree either.

"No. I don't believe in Slytherin being dark. It's unrelated to that actually. It's more about what I overheard in Diagon Alley." He corrected. "Apparently, most of the older students there can perform memory charms. And seeing as for the last decade, all of You-Know-Who's supporters' children get sorted there, it's not farfetched. It's more you being girls that would make problems for you if anything. After all, you're both from 'Light' families, aren't you?"

Color drained from their faces instantly. They were smart enough to understand the implications. They heard of memory charms. Performing them was illegal. And they are generally performed to make someone forget about something illegal that has been already done. And being in a school full of hormonal teenagers, they understood the danger quickly.

"I need to warn the others." Hannah told her friend and frantically went for the door. Before Kaiser stopped her.

"Make sure you don't mention my name, appearance, or any hint about who I might be. I haven't even set foot at Hogwarts yet; I don't need the whole Slytherin house out for my blood." She nodded and went on her way.

Susan was frozen in place. She was afraid of what might happen to her in that school. She never considered Hogwarts as somewhere unsafe. She never had to deal with this kind of situation. She was always in a safe environment, protected and away from danger.

Kaiser noticed her distress. "Don't worry about it, Susan. They can't do anything in the open. Just make sure you're always with your friends. Don't wander in the empty corridors, that's a recipe for danger. The rules are there for a reason." He tried to sooth her. She gave him half a smile.

The silence pervaded the compartment for the next ten minutes, before Hannah came back.

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Kaiser has been experimenting during the train ride. He successfully cast the [Levitation] and the [Mending] charms. It took a few tries to get them both right, then cast them repeatedly, trying to get used to them.

'53 casts… All on simple spells that don't demand a lot of energy. Yet I'm already tired. This is bad. If I remember correctly, different people are born with different levels of magical reserves. Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom are such examples; they were born with huge magical reserves compared to their peers… There is also the fact that I still haven't matured enough… But this is worrying…' He stopped casting, frowning heavily.

"Tired?" Hannah asked.

"Yeah, I'm at my limit." He smiled.

"I must say, you are incredibly talented. It took me days to be able to perform those spells. I'm jealous." Susan encouraged him.

"Same here." Hannah echoed.

"Thanks."

It was at that moment that a bushy haired girl, with brown eyes, light skin and rather large front teeth, decided to open the compartment door uninvited. Her eyes darted around the room, looking for something, while the occupants were eying her warily. When she noticed their looks, she asked with a rather bossy voice: "Have any of you seen a toad? Neville lost his."

Hannah and Susan were visibly upset with her manners, so Kaiser decided to intervene. With a smile, he answered: "No, we have not, sorry. Good luck on your toad hunt."

She nodded at him and went for the other compartments.

'Zero social skills as always, I see.' Kaiser thought.

"She's rude." Hannah hmphed.

"She's probably just nervous." Kaiser said, trying to defuse the tension.

Susan just nodded.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. The three friends continued speaking about various subjects, classes they were looking forward to, quidditch… Until they arrived at Hogsmeade station, where they would disembark the train. They left their trunks behind, going towards the gentle giant calling "Firs' years over here'

"Hagrid!" a scrawny kid with black hair waved at him.

The giant beamed at him: "'ello there 'Arry."

He guided them towards the lake. When they arrived, he ushered them towards the boats, telling them "no more than four a boat".

Kaiser sat with his two new friends, joined by another boy who didn't bother to introduce himself, preferring to stare at Kaiser suspiciously the whole way. Kaiser was exasperated at his behavior, and had some fun giving him evil grimaces, while Susan and Hannah were laughing their asses off at his antics.

Shortly after, the majestic castle came into view on the huge rocks above the Black Lake. The black starry sky, along with the well-lit castle and their reflection on the lake, made sure this view was imprinted onto all who took a glimpse at it. The first years were entranced by its beauty, even those who lived in luxurious manors; none can compare to such an ancient building.

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The students soon found themselves in front of a black-haired witch in emerald green robes. She had a stern face, making the first thoughts of any who saw her that she must not be crossed.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid, I will take them from here." She nodded at him, and escorted them into the entrance hall.

The entrance hall was so big you could have fit the whole of the Dursleys' house in it. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.

They followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. Kaiser could hear the drone of hundreds of voices from a doorway to the right -the rest of the school must already be here -- but Professor McGonagall showed the first years into a small, empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."

Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose. Harry nervously tried to flatten his hair.

"I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."

Kaiser took time to notice all his new classmates. The most noticeable were the arrogant sneering Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, along with a few others, and the meek Harry Potter, with the overbearing 'Idiot' (his words, not mine) Ronald Weasley, telling them they'd have to fight a troll to be sorted. Neville Longbottom was visibly shivering with fear.

He approached Neville and told him with a whisper, that was suspiciously loud enough for everyone to hear: "Don't worry, we won't be fighting any trolls. It's a dark creature, even some accomplished wizards can't take it head on, let alone some first years who barely know anything about magic."

Neville relaxed at his words, and nodded. Though most were eying Kaiser suspiciously because of his hair and eyes. He could hear some of them talking about how "evil" they thought he were, but he didn't mind them.

Then there was the incident with Draco telling Harry that there are wizarding families better than others, and that he could help him there. Harry of course, was not about to let someone badmouth his first friend.

And, of course, Hermine Granger, telling anyone who would listen about all she read about magic.

It didn't take long for Professor McGonagall, to come back, and guide them towards the Great Hall.

It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candlelight. If you looked upward, you'd see a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars... It was hard to believe there was a ceiling there at all, and that the Great Hall didn't simply open on to the heaven.

"The ceiling is bewitched to look like the sky outside. I've read about it in-"

"Hogwarts A History" Kaiser finished with her in chorus with a smile, while Hermione Granger looked at him in surprise.

"It's a great book isn't it?" She asked him, excited to find someone who shared her enthusiasm about reading.

"All books are great, aren't they?" Kaiser merely smiled at her. While the rest of them watched the two weirdos, except Susan and Hannah, who already knew how brilliant he was, so they weren't that surprised.

They stopped in front of a stool, where a big hat was placed. The hat started singing…

Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your tops hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So, try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell brave of heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So, put me on! Don't be afraid!

And you won't get in a flap!

You're safe in my hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!!

They clapped at the marvelous hat, before McGonagall informed him of the proceedings. Each student would go sit on the stool, while she would place the hat on his head, and let it do its wonders.

Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones were both sorted in Hufflepuff. Draco Malfoy, along with his cronies were sorted into Slytherin without delay, though Kaiser didn't believe that's where they belonged. They didn't have a once of cunning.

Surprisingly, there were some changes. Daphne Greengrass, Travis Davey were both sorted into Ravenclaw this time, while in the original story, they were Slytherins. 'Looks like word reached them then…' Kaiser thought. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley were both sorted to Gryffindor, no surprise there.

"Kaiser Lunar" his name was called. There were a few murmurs about how he reeked of evil, and he'd be sorted to Slytherin in a heartbeat, though only some of the young populace were stupid enough to say such things.

'This is it…' Kaiser was certainly nervous. He was about to have his deepest secrets revealed, it was a gamble. It was also his first encounter with Legilimency. He decided he'd try to keep the hat out of his head, if at all possible. He took a few seconds to regulate his breathing, before advancing slowly towards the stool, clearing his head of all thoughts. He slowly sat down and closed his eyes. He felt professor McGonagall putting the hat on top of his head.

He was doing his best trying to feel the Legilimency probe, to combat it. But it never came. He waited… until he heard a voice inside his head.

'My, my… a transmigrator… aren't you the interesting one?'

He sighed in resignation.

'Tell me hat, even if I had the best occlumency shield, you'd still be able to bypass them, wouldn't you?'

'Ho, Ho… You are assuming I am using Legilimency to read your mind, young man… but you couldn't be more wrong.'

'You don't?'

'Nope.'

'Then how do can you read my mind then?'

'Aha! Wouldn't you like to know…? What I am using is called a [Silent Contract]. It is like the Unbreakable Vow; it's only used in artefacts like me. They are never harmful, and always for the benefit of the user. For example, mine states that I would be able to read the student's mind, for the sole purpose of sorting them into their houses, and having a little conversation like this one. But I can never divulge or use anything I learn. Another such example would be The Goblet of Fire. If I am reading your memories correctly, you appear to know what it is.'

'In that case… how was Harry contracted against his will to enter the tournament… I don't see how that's working for his sake, he could've lost his magic…���

'Well, you are wrong. If he didn't personally put his name in the goblet, with the very clear intention to participate, he couldn't have been contracted to do so. In the events you know about, the Goblet was confounded to only spit out his name. That doesn't mean he had to participate.'

'Then why didn't Dumbledore… oh wait, I get it. That's the same way the Room of Requirement work, right?'

'Yes. The Room of Requirement was the master piece of Rowena Ravenclaw, it will serve you well in your quest.'

'Can it produce books? And are there any limitations to the kind of books it could provide? Like those in the restricted section for example?'

'Yes, it can produce books. If it finds you worthy, it will even give you access to the restricted books, or even to Rowena's personal collection.'

They had a lengthy conversation, where they discussed his plans, with the sorting hat giving all sorts of advice. He learned a lot from it. Their conversation finished with it asking him to come back if he needs further guidance.

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It's been 10 minutes since Professor McGonagall put the hat on top of Kaiser's head. Since then, there was not a single word from it. The professors were worried, thinking that the hat malfunctioned.

The student body was letting their imagination loose, all sorts of rumors started flying around, from the hat couldn't access his mind to sort him, that apparently, he didn't belong to any house, or that he was a dark lord in disguise and they (the hat and Kaiser) were arguing whether Kaiser expelled or not, with Kaiser threatening the hat of course…

Dumbledore was watching the happenings calmly, trying to make sense of this anomaly.

"RAVENCLAW!" The hat announced, breaking the silence.

Kaiser walked happily towards the Ravenclaw table. They clapped politely for their new addition. Kaiser sat down next to his first-year housemates, and exchanged greetings.

The sorting ceremony continued, and, again, murmurs started when Harry Potter's name had been called.

'It's the boy who lived!'

'I heard he fought dragons!'

'He looks so small!'

'Well size doesn't matter! He uses magic!'

Kaiser merely shook his head at the absurdity of what he was hearing…

Harry was sorted to Gryffindor, as expected. The Gryffindor table burst into cheers when their house was announced. 'We've got Harry Potter!' they were celebrating, with the twin pranksters Fred and George giving him exaggerated bows 'Welcome my lord!'.

"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

'Thank you!" said Dumbledore, but the food appeared with a wave of his hands. People were too hungry or simply didn't care to notice that Dumbledore did nothing at all, that the house elves were the ones who made the food 'appear'. The muggle born students of course thought it was the great, powerful and wise Dumbledore. Which was the desired effect.

All the students were hungry from a long trip so they dug it happily, whilst chatting.

"Is the headmaster right in the head?" a first year asked.

"Many think he's going senile." Tracey Davis answered.

"That's what he wants some people to think. He isn't to be underestimated. Those who did suffered the consequences.

"Are you a Metamorphmagus?" one of the older students asked him.

"You are asking because of my appearance. A reasonable assumption. But no, I am not a metamorphmagus. And I have no idea why I have evil features."

"Perhaps it's a premonition." Another first year 'suggested'.

"Well, then, congratulations. You've just bought yourself a ticket to hell, if I ever become a Dark Lord." He smirked at him evilly.

The boy in question visibly shuddered, while the others sniggered at his misfortune. Kaiser shook his head at his idiocy.

The feast soon ended, and Dumbledore began his speech.

"I have a few start-of-term notices I would like to announce. The first years please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden for all students. The caretaker has asked me to remind you that there is a list of forbidden items at school, you will find the complete list with him. Also, this year the third-floor corridor, on the right side, is out of bounds, to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."

"Why does it seem like he wants us to go there?" Daphne Greengrass was the one who spoke this time, even though she was a person of a few words.

Kaiser looked at her a smiled. 'This one I'm definitely befriending.' He decided.

"Really? Telling a school full of curious children, that something is dangerous and challenging, is inviting them? I think not." He told her sarcastically.

Soon, they prefects guided the first years to the Ravenclaw tower.