13

Chapter 13: The Sorting Ceremony

For Harry Potter fans, the protagonist and heroine may change, but one thing remains constant: the Sorting Hat!

"If I remember correctly, Hannah Abbott should end up marrying Neville Longbottom," Augustus mused.

"If Neville is sorted into Hufflepuff, I wonder if their relationship will develop faster."

As Augustus pondered, Professor McGonagall called out Neville's name.

"Neville Longbottom!"

Neville approached the stool hesitantly, clearly uncomfortable with the attention of so many eyes.

Unlike the previous students, the Sorting Hat seemed to deliberate deeply with him.

"Are you certain about your choice?"

"I... I'm sure!"

"Very well! Hufflepuff!"

The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers, while Dumbledore, observing from his seat, wore a puzzled expression.

"If I remember correctly, both of Mr. Longbottom's parents graduated from Gryffindor. I didn't expect him to be placed in Hufflepuff."

Professor Sprout, a kindly, silver-haired lady, beamed as she watched her new students join her house.

"Next, Hermione Granger!"

Upon hearing her name, Hermione took a deep breath and stood up.

"Hermione, don't be nervous! Believe in yourself!" she whispered to herself, glancing back at Augustus before sitting on the stool and donning the Sorting Hat.

"She seems a bit peculiar," Ron remarked quietly, recalling how Hermione had whispered harsh comments about him and Harry while being sorted.

He expected Harry to agree, but Harry merely gave Ron a disapproving look.

Augustus shot Ron a cold glance.

Feeling the weight of Augustus's gaze, Ron, already insecure, avoided meeting anyone's eyes and huddled behind Harry, resembling a turtle.

"Mr. Weasley, it's not polite to speak ill of others behind their backs," Professor McGonagall admonished, having overheard the remark. Her stern warning drew many curious gazes.

The Sorting Hat's voice then filled the hall, tinged with a note of exasperation.

"Ah, it seems this year's first-years all have strong opinions."

"So…"

"Ravenclaw!"

Hermione beamed and gave Augustus a triumphant glance before skipping over to the Ravenclaw table.

She immediately began chatting with the student next to her.

Several students cast curious glances at Augustus.

"Without Hermione, how could Harry and Ron—who seem to lack any sense—possibly stand against Voldemort?"

Thus far, Augustus was pleased with his progress. He had established a strong initial presence at Hogwarts and made a favorable impression on the professors.

By separating Hermione and Neville from Harry, he had set the stage for future competition with Dumbledore.

Now, the only question was whether he could guide Harry into Slytherin.

If he succeeded, it would certainly amuse Dumbledore!

As Draco, Pansy, Ron, and others finished the sorting, the climax of Augustus's contest with Dumbledore was approaching.

"Harry Potter!"

Professor McGonagall's announcement caused an immediate stir in the hall.

Even Dumbledore stood up, watching intently.

"This is tricky. It's a real challenge."

"I can see that you're brave, kind-hearted, and talented. Well, that's right."

Harry took his seat on the stool, and the Sorting Hat's voice echoed in his mind.

"Hello Harry, do you have a particular house you prefer?"

"Another boy?" The Sorting Hat seemed surprised.

"Another?" Harry caught the hint in the Sorting Hat's words.

"Yes, the boy with the blonde hair and blue eyes."

"Before you, many relied on his guidance, and he was correct. There is no best house, only the one that fits you best."

"I'm curious where he'll end up."

"Have you decided? Which house do you prefer?"

"Slytherin? Or Gryffindor?"

Harry hesitated, lost in thought.

Time passed, and the initially quiet hall grew restless. The sorting process had taken five minutes, far longer than usual.

Some wondered if the Sorting Hat might need a tune-up or replacement.

Dumbledore's expression grew more serious.

As headmaster, he was familiar with the Sorting Hat's procedures.

The prolonged sorting meant Harry was struggling with his decision!

Dumbledore had carefully orchestrated Harry's arrival to ensure he met the Weasley family and subtly conveyed that Gryffindor was the best house.

Yet, Harry remained indecisive...

Dumbledore noticed Harry's gaze shifting towards Augustus in the crowd.

"Is it because of you, Augustus?"

Who else could have had such a significant influence on Harry so quickly?

"Haven't you made a decision yet, Harry?"

"Very well, I'll help you!"

The Sorting Hat's final words echoed in Harry's mind before it declared to everyone:

"Harry Potter's house is…"

"Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindor table erupted into jubilant cheers.

"We have Harry Potter!"

"Harry Potter is one of us in Gryffindor!"

Dumbledore's tense posture relaxed, and he sighed with relief.

Augustus shook his head in mild disappointment.

So close!

He noticed, however, that Harry's reaction seemed a bit off.

Seated at the Gryffindor table, Harry's smile was there but lacked the enthusiasm seen in the original story.

"Dumbledore, what's the deal with pushing Harry into Gryffindor?"

"He doesn't seem to truly belong there."

"I lost this round, but you didn't win either!"

The hall buzzed with excitement before gradually settling down.

Professor McGonagall, glancing at the parchment, prepared to call the next name. When she saw the next entry, her expression became thoughtful.

Turning to Dumbledore with a look of hesitation, she finally spoke.

Her eyes were fixed on Augustus.

"Augustus Grindelwald!"

The entire hall fell into a stunned silence.