Hogwarts Great Hall — The Sorting Ceremony Begins
The first-years stepped through the grand doors into the Great Hall, flames flickering on enchanted candles, the ceiling mirroring the night sky.
Students organized themselves in rows as instructed:
Front row: Hermione, Helena
Second row: Daphne, Cassandra
Third row: Keith, Rias
Fourth row: Susan, a random girl
Last row (far away due to smell): Draco and Ron
Both still pale, shaking, and reeking, causing students to keep a wide circle around them.
Whispers spread everywhere:
"What happened to those two?"
"Why do they smell like that?"
"Did something scare them?"
Ron and Draco only trembled harder.
Hermione Granger
Professor McGonagall unrolled her scroll.
"Hermione Granger!"
Hermione stiffened, hands trembling.
Just before stepping forward, she heard a voice inside her mind—calm, warm, reassuring.
Keith: "Good luck. Everything will be alright."
Hermione's shoulders relaxed.
She breathed deeply, stepped forward with more confidence.
The hat barely touched her head.
"RAVENCLAW!"
The table erupted in applause.
Hermione beamed—Keith's encouragement made the difference.
Daphne Greengrass & Cassandra Vole
One after another:
"Daphne Greengrass!" → SLYTHERIN!"
"Cassandra Vole!" → "SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin table welcomed the elegant duo with satisfied nods.
Both glanced back at Keith, cheeks slightly pink.
Susan Bones
"Susan Bones!"
The hat didn't hesitate.
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Aunt Amelia cheered loudly from the staff section, causing Susan to flush red.
The Hall Falls Silent
McGonagall looked at the next name.
Her eyes widened.
She froze.
The hall noticed instantly.
She glanced at Dumbledore, who only smiled knowingly.
Whispers spread like wildfire—
"Why is Professor McGonagall shocked?"
"Who's next?"
"Must be someone important…"
Finally, with great formality, McGonagall called out:
"Keith Argus Runcandel."
The hall went dead silent.
Gasps.
Whispers.
Disbelieving stares.
"Runcandel?"
"THE Runcandel family?"
"The strongest sword family in magical history?"
"Cedric Runcandel's descendant?"
Keith stepped forward calmly, Rias following him with her proud crimson gaze.
Every girl in the hall stared—some blushing, some starstruck.
Every boy stared too—half intimidated, half desperate to befriend him.
Even the Slytherins sat straighter.
The Sorting Hat & Keith
The hat was placed on Keith's head.
But instead of shouting a house…
It stayed silent.
1 minute
2 minutes
5 minutes
10 whole minutes.
The hall buzzed in confusion.
Keith finally whispered mentally:
"Sorting Hat… are you alright?"
The hat sighed like it had aged a century.
Sorting Hat:
"A Runcandel… again. But you… boy, you are extremely difficult.
You qualify for every house equally.
Bravery, cunning, intellect, loyalty—you exceed all limits."
The entire staff table stared.
Students were stunned.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with excitement.
Professor Sprout held her breath.
Keith Chooses His House
Keith spoke in his mind:
"I choose Hufflepuff. Sort me there."
The hat almost laughed.
Sorting Hat:
"Just like Cedric Runcandel. Determined. Steadfast. Loyal…"
Then, loudly:
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
Explosive Reaction
The Hufflepuff table erupted so loudly the hall shook.
"WE GOT A RUNCANDEL!"
"WE GOT A RUNCANDEL!"
"CEDRIC'S DESCENDANT IS WITH US AGAIN!"
Even the portraits on the walls stirred in excitement.
Cedric Runcandel's portrait somewhere in the castle cheered with pride.
Susan Bones nearly cried in happiness.
Dumbledore clapped warmly.
Rias smiled, proud and radiant.
Keith walked to the Hufflepuff table—students parted as if welcoming a king.
The legend of the Runcandel name had returned to Hogwarts.