The Sorting Hat: Azkaban!!!

The train jolted and slowed down.

Finally, with a loud "bang," it stopped.

Even though Ethan was wrapped in old clothes, he still stood out from the crowd with his upright posture.

not to mention.

After hearing about his "feat" on the train, the students all made way for him.

This treatment is even better than that of a savior.

Following behind Ethan, Harry and Ron were able to pass through the crowded passageway without any obstruction.

"That's great," Ron murmured enviously, watching Ethan's retreating figure. "He's even more impressive than Percy, who just became a prefect."

As he spoke, Ron clutched a patch on his robe tightly.

"You're not bad either, bro," Harry reassured him. "It's just that Ethan is too different."

Ron gave a bitter smile.

After getting off the bus.

Ethan thanked the prefect who opened the car door for them.

Soft-soled cloth shoes stepped onto the damp ground, stirring up the thin mist that flowed through the night.

The young wizards crowded around him, but there was always a vacuum around him.

"call--"

Ethan took a deep breath, gazing intently at the fresh air of the wilderness.

"First-year wizards! Come over here!"

A deep, gruff voice boomed above the young wizards' heads.

A towering figure, holding a lantern, stood at the end of the road, like a small mountain.

"I am Rubeus Hagrid, the Game Keeper and Key Keeper of Hogwarts! First-year student, follow me!"

The little ones struggled to push through the crowd and catch up with the enormous figure.

Ethan was among them, listening half-heartedly to Harry's excited introduction of Hagrid.

After walking along a narrow road, the view suddenly opened up before us.

The silver moon hangs high, its ivory-like light spilling across the shimmering lake surface.

On the opposite shore of the lake, a massive ancient castle perched atop a cliff casts a dark shadow.

But because each window emits a warm, hazy orange-yellow light, it doesn't feel gloomy at all; instead, it gives people a sense of home.

"Wow--"

The surrounding young wizards exclaimed in amazement.

Ethan also heard someone say, "This really isn't a prank!"

For the children in Muggle families, this whole thing probably felt like an overly beautiful dream.

Ethan himself was no exception.

He stared intently at the ancient castle, and the same feeling of being moved as at the train station resurfaced in his heart.

Boarding the swaying boat, there was also a boy named Michael Corner in the Ethan group.

He recounted the legend of the Black Lake at length, raising his voice a notch if there were girls on other boats that came by.

"Eye-catching bag".

Ron whispered to Ethan and Harry, winking playfully.

It seems Ron is very unhappy with everyone who flaunts their knowledge.

Or perhaps he's simply allergic to "knowledge".

Ethan smiled but did not respond.

Turning my head, I looked at the ever-growing, majestic castle.

After the ship docked.

After climbing the stone steps, they finally stood before the enormous oak door of Hogwarts.

"Knock knock".

Hagrid knocked on the door with an air of importance.

The door opened, and Professor McGonagall, who had been waiting, came out.

Her sharp gaze swept over the dirty thing on Ron's nose and lingered on Harry for two seconds.

Ultimately, it fell on Ethan.

When their eyes met, Ethan smiled and nodded politely to the professor.

"...Thank you, Hagrid. Leave the rest to me."

Professor McGonagall said.

Of course she knew Ethan Vincent.

His actions initially caused quite a stir within the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts.

He's a tricky kid.

Gifted with exceptional talent and possessing his own ideas.

Professor McGonagall shared the same opinion as Principal Dumbledore.

Although those paintings... are somewhat eerie.

But for a young wizard like Ethan, having a hobby that he enjoys and can stick to is truly commendable.

With proper guidance, Professor McGonagall believed that Ethan would grow into an outstanding wizard.

Harry Potter, Ethan Vincent...

This year is truly brimming with talent.

Professor McGonagall exclaimed that she was full of hope for the future of Hogwarts.

......

"Hannah Abbott!"

"Hufflepuff!"

The girl hurriedly took off her sorting hat, her face flushed, and ran towards the badgers clapping enthusiastically beside her.

"It was just going to put on a hat! Fred and George lied to me again!" Ron muttered angrily. "They told me we were going to fight a troll!"

Ethan thought to himself, "I think fighting trolls would be more interesting."

Ron: "..."

Ron consciously skipped the topic and asked curiously:

"Ethan, which house do you think you'll be assigned to?"

Ravenclaw or Gryffindor?

Hmm—as long as my good buddy doesn't go to Slytherin!

"Hmm..." Ethan thought for a moment, then said seriously, "It should be Hufflepuff."

"Oh, to Hufflepuff—Hufflepuff?!"

Ron's eyes widened instantly, as if he had seen a ghost.

Hufflepuff?

Are you going to go and eat those weak, pitiful, and helpless little badgers?

"Dude, are you sure you're not mistaken?"

Ron, thinking Ethan hadn't grasped the characteristics of the four houses, kindly explained:

"Hufflepuff's traits are kindness, loyalty, and enthusiasm."

Ethan tilted his head, puzzled. "I know. Am I not kind?"

"Didn't I help Neville find the toad on the train, make many good friends, and become close with Master Malfoy?"

"..."

An indescribable silence ensued.

Ron opened his mouth, but found that, damn it, he couldn't actually say anything in protest.

indeed.

Judging from the results alone, Ethan seems to be a really kind and warm-hearted wizard!

finally.

Looking at Ethan's innocent smiling face, Ron could only pat him on the shoulder and say earnestly:

"Ethan, no matter which college you go to, you should talk less."

I'm afraid you'll get beaten up.

Ethan: ?

He genuinely felt he might be assigned to Hufflepuff.

Moreover, he absolutely loves Hufflepuff.

I love being friends with loyal and honest people like this!

(* ^ ▽ ^ *)

One after another, small radish heads were placed on top.

All four houses received some people, with Hufflepuff receiving the most and Ravenclaw the least.

at last.

Ethan Vincent!

In the suddenly silent auditorium, Ethan walked with his head held high and leisurely steps toward the podium.

The great painter is about to descend upon his loyal Hufflepuff!

"Thanks."

Ethan sat down and gave Professor McGonagall, who was putting the Sorting Hat on him, a soft smile.

Professor McGonagall paused, her expression softening.

What a polite child.

She became even more convinced that Ethan was not a bad person at heart, he just needed some guidance.

With that thought in mind, Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on Ethan's head.

next second.

"Azkaban! Azkaban—!!!"

The Sorting Hat erupted with an unprecedented, piercing scream.