The great hall of Hogwarts was flooded with the warm light of hundreds of candles. They floated under the enchanted ceiling, reflecting the early autumn sky—a deep, dark blue, as if rain was about to fall. Four long tables were already beaming with the colors of the faculties, and the freshmen stood at the entrance, clutching the edges of their robes, trying not to look too obviously around.
An old Sorting hat was lying on a stool by the professor's desk. The hat seemed especially worn this year, its folds were deeper than usual, and the brim trembled slightly, as if the hat was breathing.
Professor Francois mentioned the first name.
Taiju Oki He took a step forward, almost tripping over his own feet. When the hat came down on his head, it immediately started talking—loudly, without a doubt.
«Wow... so much power. And not a bit of hesitation. You'll rush forward even if you don't know what's there.»
The pause lasted only a second.
— GRYFFINDOR!
The scarlet table burst into applause. Taiju blushed and waved happily at everyone.
Yuzuriha Ogava
She walked more quietly, carefully, as if she was afraid to disturb the air. The hat lingered.
«You create, not destroy. You fix what others break... brave, but in your own way..»
— GRYFFINDOR.
Yuzuriha smiled and sat down next to Taiju.
Chrome
He sat down, gripping the edge of the stool with his fingers.
«Curiosity... thirst for knowledge... and the joy of discovery!»
—RAVENCLAW!
Chrome shone like he'd won a cup.
Asagiri Gen
He put on his hat theatrically, with a slight bow.
«Ah, you're... lying even when you're silent. You can feel the people. You can drive.»
Gen smiled to himself.
«And you don't mind getting your hands dirty for the sake of the result.»
— SLYTHERIN.
The green table greeted him with restraint. Gen winked at the audience.
Ryusui Nanami
The hat didn't even hesitate.
«Ambition. The desire for more. The world is your ocean.»
— SLYTHERIN!
Ryusui sat down with the air of a man who is already planning for the future.
Tsukasa Shishio
When the hat touched his head, the audience began to breathe heavily.
«Strength... but not for myself. You're protecting me. You're holding out.» «But your path is dangerous.» A long pause.
— HUFFLEPUFF.
There was a surprised noise in the hall. Tsukasa nodded calmly and took his seat.
Ginro
«Cunning... fear... but you survive. Always.»
— HUFFLEPUFF!
Ginro breathed a sigh of relief.
Suika
Hat had almost slipped over her eyes.
«Small... but attentive. You see what's hidden.»
— HUFFLEPUFF.
Suika happily waved to everyone.
Kohaku
She sat down confidently.
«Bravery. Speed. You're going where others are afraid to go.»
—GRYFFINDOR!
Hyoga
The silence became tense.
«A cold mind. Control. Selection of the strongest.»
— SLYTHERIN.
Hyoga didn't even smile.
And then..
Senku Ishigami
The room became noticeably quieter.
Senku put on hat without a trace of excitement, crossing his arms over his chest. Five seconds have passed. Ten.
The hat was silent.
«It's strange... you don't believe in magic. But you understand it. You are not seeing a miracle, but a mechanism.» «You will break the boundaries. You'll ask the questions they're afraid of.»
Senku chuckled.
"Come on, old stuff. Tell me already."
Another pause, the longest of the evening.
«If that's the case... you need a mind that can handle the truth.»
— RAVENCLAW!
A murmur rippled through the hall. Senku, without looking around, went to the blue table.
Professor Xeno squinted slightly from his seat.
When the last student sat down at the table, the hat whispered softly, so that no one could hear.:
"This year will be different."
And Hogwarts, deep under the rocks, responded with resonance.
The school year has begun.