C20 Sorting Hat

A raspy voice echoed in his mind, followed by an odd exclamation.

"Unable to read your thoughts? Have you used some kind of Magic Spell or potion? Well then, I respect your choice. You're quite the cautious one, aren't you?"

"Can I speak with you?"

Liang Mu attempted to initiate a conversation.

"Of course, I'm a magical Sorting Hat. But now's not the time for chit-chat. The fifth academy, Azkaban! You've got some intriguing ideas. It seems you've come prepared," the Sorting Hat remarked, pausing briefly.

"Speak up, Little Wizard. Where would you like to go? No academy would turn away a Little Wizard eager to join. That's the very purpose of the Sorting Hat. It's here to aid those who are undecided. Clearly, you're not one of them."

"Hmm, indeed. That Malfoy's hair is far too greasy; it would soil me. Snape, on the other hand, had rather clean hair in his first year."

After a moment, the Sorting Hat's wrinkled creases betrayed a hint of alarm before it bellowed,

"Slytherin!"

Simultaneously, a notification popped up before Liang Mu:

[Alert: You have joined Slytherin House. Your affiliation is now fixed and cannot be changed. House missions will commence after the sorting ceremony.]

Slytherin House had noticeably fewer members compared to the other three houses and seemed somewhat aloof. Only Malfoy, who had already taken his seat, leapt up in sheer delight.

Malfoy had been quite anxious when he noticed Liang Mu's prolonged silence after donning the hat.

Removing the hat, Liang Mu surveyed the room and made his way to the Slytherin dining table.

Dougherty had been sorted before him, and surprisingly, so had a member of Ravenclaw.

Considering she had previously been with Hermione, it was curious whether she had other intentions. Bi Su and the others were queued up behind him.

Liang Mu exchanged handshakes with the Slytherin Praepostors and other key figures, including Marcus, who unfortunately brought down the overall attractiveness of Slytherin.

Shortly after, Malfoy eagerly pulled him down to sit by his side.

Though the table was adorned with only a few small desserts, they still smelled quite tempting. Unlike the other houses that had already partaken in their meals, no one at the Slytherin table had touched the food, including the two notorious food lovers. It was worth noting that Harry had sneakily enjoyed a piece of candy just moments before.

All Slytherin students were intently watching the Sorting Ceremony, enveloped in a sense of reverence, despite the relatively small number of new recruits to their house.

It was clear that, contrary to their portrayal in films, the majority of Slytherins possessed a level of decorum that spoke to a higher standard than what their childhood education might suggest.

"Azkaban!"

The Sorting Hat's proclamation caused a ripple of shock, halting the impending applause. Even Prof. Mcgonagall's smile stiffened on her face.

The player donning the hat had turned a ghastly shade of white. Having spent enough time in this world, he was well aware of what Azkaban represented, and his status as a Player only intensified his dread.

Ding~

The clear sound pierced the silence. Dumbledore set down his spoon, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room as if he could see into the very souls of all present.

"Headmaster Dumbledore," Prof. Mcgonagall stepped forward, her voice laden with concern. The thought of a Little Wizard being condemned to Azkaban from such a young age was troubling, regardless of whether the Sorting Hat's declaration was intentional or not. The impact on an eleven-year-old could be profound.

Dumbledore gestured with a press of his finger, signaling Prof. Mcgonagall to ease her worry.

"I believe we should hear the Sorting Hat out. After all, I am not the headmaster of Azkaban."

The Sorting Hat, which had feigned inanimation, quivered slightly, its gaze seemingly fixating on Liang Mu for a brief moment—a detail that did not escape the notice of a few observant onlookers.

"Hahaha," the Sorting Hat chuckled awkwardly, "Just a bit of humor, child. No need for alarm. You've been sorted into Hufflepuff."

Yet, the player remained ashen-faced, unhearing.

Prof. Mcgonagall, perceiving his distress, stepped closer and gently lifted the Sorting Hat from his head, asking softly,

"Are you alright, child? Miss Sabrina, please assist her," Mcgonagall instructed one of the Hufflepuff Praepostors. "Later, take him to the infirmary so Madam Pomfrey can have a look. He seems to have been quite shaken up."

Sabrina promptly stood up, nodded, and supported the Player as they walked back.

This minor incident was quickly forgotten by the Little Wizards as the hall erupted in applause once again.

Despite the increase in first-year students by more than a quarter due to the Players' participation, the Sorting Hat ceremony proceeded smoothly.

Dumbledore rose to his feet, his face beaming as he welcomed the students with open arms, clearly delighted to see them all gathered together.

"Welcome!"

Dumbledore scanned the crowd once more.

"Welcome to Hogwarts to start the new academic year! Before we begin the feast, I'd like to say a few words: 'Fools! Crybabies! Scum! Twisters! Thank you all!'"

He sat down, and as he did, a spread of delicious food materialized on the tables, prompting a round of applause and cheers, though it was unclear for whom.

"Senior Mary Jian, do you understand what he meant by that?" Liang Mu inquired, addressing the beautiful Mary Jian across from him. Although he wasn't put off by her suggestive glances, he maintained a respectful distance, hoping to challenge her with this perplexing question.

From the first time Liang Mu saw Mary Jian, he knew she was a force to be reckoned with. In just the short time since the Sorting, she had already exchanged flirtatious looks with no fewer than three Slytherin students. Beside Liang Mu, Malfoy was blushing from the teasing.

Mary Jian, pleased to see Liang Mu engaging with her, simply smiled at his attempt to strike up a conversation with such a trivial topic. She found it endearing, interpreting his innocence as a sign that he would be easy to charm, adding an interesting dynamic to their interactions.

Liang Mu might not have been aware of Mary Jian's rapid thoughts, but with the wisdom gained from his experiences, he could sense that perhaps he shouldn't have spoken at all.

After swallowing her food, Mary Jian's gaze danced as she looked at Liang Mu. "You know, I've never really thought about that," she said thoughtfully. "But Dumbledore often speaks in Latin or some ancient magical language. Anyway, I can take you to the library to look it up."

As she spoke, Mary Jian extended her bright red tongue, lightly licking away a smudge of sauce from the corner of her mouth. Though only a third-year, her early development, striking looks, and meticulous makeup, coupled with her well-moisturized skin, drew the attention of at least eight onlookers to Mary Jian.

Puff—

A sound like steam being released echoed in Liang Mu's ear.

He turned to see Malfoy beside him.