chapter 38: Are You Really a Wizard?

"Hermione, do you know how they exactly sort us into the different houses?"

Once Professor McGonagall finished her instructions and left, Harry couldn't wait to ask.

He felt that he didn't have the self-study talent for Potions like Dudley, nor did he possess Hermione's ability to learn several spells on his own. Unlike Ron and Neville, who grew up in the wizarding world, he hadn't learned a single spell aside from reading a few books.

Unfortunately, Hermione, the know-it-all, disappointed him. She shook her head, saying somewhat begrudgingly, "I don't know. I've checked many books, and each one briefly mentions the Sorting Ceremony at Hogwarts, but none of them provide detailed records. It's all just glossed over."

Harry then turned to Neville and Ron.

"My uncle wouldn't tell me," Neville replied with a nervous expression. "I feel like I might not pass. A few years ago, everyone thought I might be a Squib."

"It's probably some sort of test," Ron chimed in. "Fred told me that one has to wrestle a troll to get sorted and it hurts a lot."

"Don't worry, Harry," Dudley reassured, patting his cousin on the shoulder. " If we can't pass, we will go to Smelting Middle School."

Hearing this, Harry's eyes lit up, and his initial nervousness eased. As long as he could study with Dudley, it didn't matter where they went.

During their conversation, a group of pale, semi-transparent figures emerged from the walls, scaring the young wizards standing in front.

They were ghosts.

Dudley was intrigued, and really wanted to study the composition and principles of ghosts, but it was clearly not the right time for such inquiries because Professor McGonagall returned.

"Now, line up in a single line and follow me."

It must be said that the grandeur of the Hogwarts dining hall was a small but impressive shock to Dudley, especially the thousands of floating candles and the ceiling that revealed the sky.

The candles were enchanted and hardly depleted, or else maintaining so many candles would be quite costly.

Dudley couldn't help but sigh, "Magic is truly convenient."

In the center of the hall was a four-legged stool, upon which rested a pointed wizard hat. It was a black, greasy hat with patches sewn onto it—a Sorting Hat.

The brim split open like a wide mouth, and it began to sing.

"Perhaps you belong in Gryffindor, where bravery is hidden deep inside. Their courage, spirit, and generosity make Gryffindors stand out.

Perhaps you belong in Hufflepuff, where people are honest and loyal. Hufflepuffs are hardworking and patient, unafraid of the toils of labor.

If you're clever, you may end up in wise Ravenclaw, where wise and knowledgeable individuals always find kindred spirits.

Or maybe you'll end up in Slytherin, where you may find true friends. However, be wary, as some may use any means to achieve their goals."

The first three houses received a plethora of positive attributes, especially Gryffindor, with more commendations than the combined praise for the remaining three houses. When it came to Slytherin, the Sorting Hat's words had a tint of mockery, Maybe it was Slytherin's own bad taste.

This bias was evident.

Dudley wasn't interested in why the Sorting Hat seemed to have a prejudice against Slytherin; perhaps it was just the hat's sadistic sense of humor.

What intrigued him more was which house he would be assigned to.

And whether the Sorting Hat would read his inner secrets.

Considering Dudley's magical talent, there was a high probability he would be sorted into Hufflepuff. However, given his academic prowess, there was also a chance he might end up in Ravenclaw.

"Ding."

At this moment, Dudley heard a pleasant notification sound in his ear.

"Join any Hogwarts house, reward depends on the specific house."

It seemed that each house had different rewards.

Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall pulled out a scroll and began reading the first name.

"Hannah Abbott."

That was a girl with two golden ponytails.

After about ten seconds, accompanied by the Sorting Hat's declaration of "Hufflepuff," the name of the house was finalized.

Soon after, names like Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and many others were called out by Professor McGonagall. Dudley only paid attention to the first few names, realizing that the order of the list was definitely not alphabetical. The Sorting Hat's decision-making process seemed quite arbitrary, with names sometimes starting with H, then A, P, and H again.

Ron and Neville smoothly ended up in Gryffindor, while Draco Malfoy predictably ended up in Slytherin.

"Where do you want to go, Hermione?" Dudley asked Hermione, who was standing beside him.

"Gryffindor or Ravenclaw," Hermione replied, looking conflicted. "I've been considering these two houses for a long time. Ravenclaw has its own independent library, and the learning atmosphere there is excellent. However, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall graduated from Gryffindor, and many famous wizards graduated from there too."

"What about you, Dudley?"

"Any house is fine."

Dudley was indifferent, almost certain that he would be sorted into Hufflepuff.

He even began to consider when to sneak out for a midnight snack since Hufflepuff's common room was closest to the kitchen.

When Hermione's turn came, she hurriedly ran up, and the Sorting Hat barely hesitated before announcing "Gryffindor."

The entire hall erupted in the loudest cheers and applause. Everyone in Gryffindor was ecstatic, and the other three houses visibly sank in disappointment. Dudley even saw Draco Malfoy grumbling angrily in the Slytherin section.

When it was Harry's turn, Dudley whispered to him, "Don't be nervous, Harry. No matter which house we're sorted into, we'll always be brothers."

Before leaving, Dudley quietly said this to Harry.

In a short while, the Sorting Hat's loud voice echoed, "Gryffindor!"

"We've got Potter!"

The loudest cheers and applause resounded throughout the hall. Everyone in Gryffindor was overjoyed, dancing and celebrating. In contrast, the other three houses, upon hearing this announcement, displayed noticeable disappointment. Dudley even observed Draco Malfoy in the Slytherin section muttering something in frustration.

As Dudley ascended the platform, everyone's attention was focused on Harry.

After Harry, Dudley was the second-to-last person to be sorted.

"Don't worry, Harry. No matter which house we're sorted into, we're always brothers."

With these parting words, Dudley stepped onto the stool, and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head.

Dudley felt a slight surprise above his head.

"Oh~"

A prolonged tone lingered for a long time.

"Are you really a wizard?"

It was an astonished voice.

(End of this chapter)

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