Chapter 16: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them

Kyle had always been curious about how the boats transporting first-year students across the Black Lake actually worked. He had assumed it was magic, but now he wasn't so sure. Despite observing the boats closely for a long time, he hadn't detected any obvious magical traces.

What puzzled him even more was Hagrid's boat. Despite the half-giant's massive size, his boat floated just as effortlessly as the ones carrying four much lighter first-years. That was clearly abnormal.

Maybe there's more advanced or concealed magic at play, Kyle thought, or perhaps these boats are alchemical objects. But deep down, he was beginning to suspect that something might be supporting the boats from beneath the surface of the lake.

Could it be that giant squid? Kyle wondered, leaning over the side of the boat to peer into the water. Unfortunately, the visibility was too poor in the dark, moonlit lake to see anything below the surface. All he could make out was his own reflection.

...

Soon, the boat exited the tunnel and docked at what appeared to be an underground pier. One by one, the students disembarked and followed Hagrid up a cobblestone path. They eventually arrived at a flat, damp meadow beneath the looming silhouette of Hogwarts Castle. From there, they made their way up a flight of stone steps to a massive oak door.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Hagrid said, before pounding on the door with his huge fist.

The door creaked open to reveal a tall, stern-looking witch in a green robe, her black hair pulled back in a tight bun. Professor McGonagall had an air about her that immediately commanded respect, much like a strict homeroom teacher suddenly appearing in the back of the classroom. The chatter among the first-year students fell into an instant hush.

Even Hagrid straightened up a bit as he spoke. "The first-year students have arrived, Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here," she replied curtly, glancing over the group of new students before leading them into the castle.

As they stepped inside, the warmth of the torches lining the stone walls enveloped them, melting away the cold they'd felt outside. The flickering light cast long shadows, adding to the castle's sense of grandeur. To their right, Kyle could hear the low hum of voices coming from behind a closed door, clearly the sound of the older students waiting in the Great Hall.

However, Professor McGonagall didn't lead them into the Great Hall just yet. Instead, she guided the group into an empty chamber at the other end of the hall.

"First, welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her voice precise and commanding. As the first-year students gazed around in awe, Professor McGonagall delivered her well-practiced speech. "The feast will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, we must first determine which House you will join. House divisions are an important ritual, as your House will serve as your family here at Hogwarts for the duration of your stay..."

Even though Kyle already knew everything she was about to say, he listened attentively. After all, he was standing in the front row, right under Professor McGonagall's watchful eye. Daydreaming now could mean trouble later, and Kyle had no intention of making his Hogwarts experience difficult. Plus, this was a famous moment in wizarding life, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Kyle didn't want to miss a single detail.

Professor McGonagall moved on to explain the House Cup and then introduced the four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Or, as Kyle humorously thought of them, the brave, the hearty, the brainy, and the purebloods.

Around him, the other first-year students listened eagerly, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Some even sneaked glances toward the direction of the Great Hall, clearly itching to rush inside and experience the Sorting for themselves. It was obvious that this was the moment they had all been waiting for, the one that would define their next seven years at Hogwarts.

...

"In a few minutes, the ceremony will begin in front of the entire school. I suggest you tidy yourselves up while you wait so that you look presentable," Professor McGonagall advised, giving the group of first-years a final glance. "Please be quiet while you wait."

The moment Professor McGonagall left the room, however, it was as though her words had flipped a switch. The silence was quickly replaced by a buzz of chatter as the students huddled together, all eager to speculate on what the Sorting Ceremony would involve.

"How are we going to be sorted? Do we get to choose our own house?" a young witch asked nervously, voicing the question on everyone's mind.

"I bet it's some kind of test," a Muggle-born girl chimed in confidently. "I almost got into a Middle School when I received my Hogwarts letter, but I decided to come here instead… I mean, Professor McGonagall convinced my mum that Hogwarts was better."

She was clearly trying to impress, but her story didn't have the intended effect. Most of the students were too focused on the impending Sorting Ceremony to care about her mention of "Middle School," which left a few of them puzzled.

"I think the heads of the houses choose us," said another student with conviction. "At Ilvermorny, they use statues to pick students. My father is friends with someone in the Department of International Magical Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, and he told me all about it."

This Bragger Dad's story was much more convincing, and he immediately attracted a crowd of followers and basked in their attention. He continued to brag about his father as if he were the Minister of Magic himself.

Kyle, standing off to the side, suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to find Kanna looking up at him, her face filled with worry.

"Kyle, is it really the headmaster who chooses?" Kanna asked anxiously, her voice trembling. "What if no house wants me? Will I be expelled?"

Kyle smiled, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, there's no way that'll happen. Think about it—Hogwarts and Ilvermorny are completely different schools. They wouldn't use the same sorting method. That'd be way too boring."

Kanna exhaled a sigh of relief, but she still looked a little unsure. "So… do you know how we're sorted?"

Kyle hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Well… the professor hits each student with an Avada Kedavra spell. The ones who survive get to enroll. Don't worry—you'll be fine."

Kanna's eyes widened in horror, but before she could react, a ghost drifted through the room, floating eerily past them.

Kyle, acting as if everything was perfectly normal, waved casually. "Hello there, senior! We're about to be sorted. Wish us luck!"

The ghost, though clearly baffled by Kyle's greeting, gave a nod before continuing to glide away.

Seeing the ghost respond so casually, the light drained from Kanna's eyes, and she stood frozen, looking utterly defeated.