The Sorting Ceremony continued in an orderly fashion. As expected, the twin brothers had both been sorted into Gryffindor. They now sat at the table, blatantly ignoring Percy's lectures, while throwing encouraging looks toward Allen. It was clear they hoped he'd join them in Gryffindor as well.
But Allen could only return a silent, apologetic smile.
Join Gryffindor? Don't be ridiculous. He already knew most of the upperclassn there, sneaking over to visit wouldn't be a problem. He'd finally made it to Hogwarts; why not explore sothing new?
Honestly, if house selection wasn't tied to bloodline, he would've chosen Slytherin in a heartbeat. The idea of beating down Voldemort alongside the children of Death Eaters? Now that was a challenge worthy of a high-difficulty quest.
But alas, due to his background, Slytherin was out of reach. That left him with three houses. Gryffindor ca with constant harassnt from Snape and two years of losing streaks. Without Harry's protagonist buff, Allen doubted he could score enough points, even with the twins' help, to actually win the House Cup.
Not that he personally cared much about the House Cup. But the mood of the head of house tended to rise and fall with it. And when you lose, everyone around you mopes for days, what, you're still cheerful? Do you want to be ostracized?
Alright, let's be honest: even without all that, Allen would still choose Hufflepuff.
You foolish mortals, do you even realize what your smug little choices an?
Hufflepuff House was founded by a master of magical cooking!
Think about it. Where is Hufflepuff's common room located? That's right, right next to the kitchen.
While students in other houses are debating whether to go hungry or make do with so biscuits, you're just a few steps away from Hogwarts' kitchen! And once you state your request, the warm-hearted house-elves will bring you steaming, delicious food at record speed!
This was a luxury treatnt! And that's not even ntioning the magical recipes possibly passed down within the house, an absolute paradise for food lovers!
What? Voldemort?
Allen had the System. You think he was worried?
Hufflepuff alumni were just as capable in battle as those from other houses. Besides, the only reason Gryffindor even stood a chance against Voldemort was because of Harry's protagonist aura...
Now that Allen had the System, he had no intention of following Dumbledore's narrative. He hadn't even t Harry yet. He got along great with the twins, and there was no way he'd let either of those delightful idiots die.
He wasn't so wise old ntor, he was the main character now!
Just as Allen solidified his decision, Professor McGonagall called his na.
And so, the newly-determined protagonist was forced to don the tattered Sorting Hat, a hat that hadn't been washed since the year 993.
The interaction was surprisingly fresh. The mont he put it on, a small, whispery voice spoke inside his head:
"Well now, a rather impolite student... but courageous! How about Gryffindor?"
Allen firmly projected his desire to go to Hufflepuff, and the Hat quickly relented. That quiet voice suddenly bood out loud:
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Allen removed the hat and respectfully placed it back with both hands. Filthy though it may be, there was no doubt the Sorting Hat represented Hogwarts even more than the castle itself. The castle was just a building, the Hat was the living embodint of the school's founding vision.
After bowing politely to the professors, Allen flashed the shocked Weasley brothers a reassuring look, then walked with a smile toward the Hufflepuff table, where a round of applause had just ended. Clearly, the other students were happy to welco him.
Soon after Allen sat down, the Sorting Ceremony concluded. Notably, Angelina Johnson, the shy girl from earlier, was now seated beside Fred.
Allen smirked. "Good luck, buddy. I'll be watching your love-hate saga with popcorn and soda."
After returning the Sorting Hat, Professor McGonagall resud her seat, and Dumbledore rose from the golden chair at the center of the faculty table.
With a warm, grandfatherly smile, he opened his arms and addressed the students:
"Welco, everyone!
Another school year begins. Though we say farewell to so, we are thrilled to see so many new faces. There's nothing more delightful.
Now then, let us feast!"
With those words, the empty plates on the tables were suddenly filled with a dazzling variety of food. The sight made Allen a little nervous. The house-elves were too good. He could already tell he'd be sneaking into the kitchen often. His future weight control was going to be a serious challenge.
Still, if he could get a house-elf to try making dishes like steak, lobsters,…
Would they say yes?
Of course they would.
A fun thought, but perhaps not one to dwell on at the table. After all, Hogwarts students from seven different years had gone hungry the entire train ride. The clatter of silverware moved at lightning speed under the effect of their hunger buffs.
Once the students were mostly full, all the food vanished from the tables just as suddenly as it had appeared. In its place ca an array of desserts: all kinds of ice cream, apple pies, treacle tarts, chocolate puddings, jelly rolls, jam-filled doughnuts, sherry trifles, strawberries, gelatin, rice pudding…
Allen felt like he was at a buffet.
Thanks to the food, the new students ward up to each other quickly, and the atmosphere remained cheerful until the desserts, too, vanished in an instant.
As the last dish disappeared, so did the tableware, leaving the tables spotless once more.
At that mont, Dumbledore's voice filled the hall:
"Now that everyone is well-fed and refreshed, I have a few announcents to make.
First, a reminder to first-years: the forest on the school grounds is strictly forbidden to all students.
Second, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked to remind you not to use magic in the hallways between classes.
Third, Quidditch tryouts for house teams will be held in the second week of the term. Those interested should speak to Madam Hooch.
Lastly, Mr. Filch has added a few new items to the list of banned objects. Those curious may consult the noticeboard."
He paused to let everyone absorb the announcents, then declared:
"Now then, before we all head off to bed, let us sing the school song!"
Guided by Dumbledore's enchanted floating lyrics, the entire school belted out the notoriously embarrassing anthem.
And with that, the Hogwarts Welco Feast ca to a close.
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