Audrey followed Dumbledore into the Great Hall.
The magical starry sky above felt like velvet, whispering of romance and wonder. Yet the countless floating candles made her uneasy—what if wax dripped into the feast below?
The upper-year students were already seated at the four long tables, while the first-years stood in front of the professors' table, facing their older classmates.
"Miss Astley, join the line!"
Professor McGonagall beckoned Audrey over, her stern expression softened by a glint of excitement. Audrey wasn't sure if she'd gained a new fan among the staff, but McGonagall's attitude was clearly favorable.
Still, at sixteen, Audrey towered over the eleven-year-old first-years, standing out like a swan among ducklings. Embarrassment washed over her… but it was short-lived.
The students below erupted into applause.
"Audrey!"
"Miss Astley!"
"…."
The sound grew so loud that McGonagall had to press her wand to her throat. "Silence!" she commanded. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin! No unnecessary noise!"
She waved her wand, setting a four-legged stool before the first-years and placing an old, tattered pointed hat atop it—the Sorting Hat.
To Audrey, the hat vibrated with ancient magic. Four layers of enchantments twisted over its fabric, remnants of the four founders' handiwork.
Audrey groaned as the hat opened its mouth to sing. She covered her eyes in mortification.
Oh no. This cursed hat… the words are the same as always, but the tune—it's my single from last year, "Cancer's Melancholy"!
Fans enjoying her music was one thing; a hat performing it was another. And if the hat butchered the melody, well… she was slightly irritated.
But then the first-years joined in, humming along as if they were performing for the Sorting Hat.
Hey! You don't even sing the school song this neatly!
This is ridiculous!
And of course, Audrey had to stand center stage, absorbing everyone's attention. Every student knew the Sorting Hat was performing her song.
Even worse, the hat gave her a little look, as if seeking praise. Family, who could understand this level of embarrassment?
The song finished to thunderous applause, whistles, and cheers. The hat, now silent, waited for the first-year to sit and be sorted.
"This is the most acclaimed performance from the Sorting Hat in recent years," Dumbledore remarked to Flitwick.
Flitwick nodded with a smile. "Yes, look at how delighted the children are!"
McGonagall stepped forward, holding a scroll of parchment.
"I will now call each name. When your name is called, sit on the stool, place the hat on your head, and await sorting."
"Hannah Abbott!"
"Hufflepuff!"
The fat Hufflepuff ghost waved to young Hannah, and cheers erupted at the Hufflepuff table.
"Audrey Astley!"
Her surname also began with A, so she followed right after Hannah. Audrey breathed a small sigh of relief—sorting early meant she could sit down quickly instead of standing awkwardly on stage.
The first-years fell silent, all eyes fixed on her. Audrey sat on the stool and casually placed the hat on her head, adjusting it slightly to look stylish.
"Oh, another descendant of Salazar!"
The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind.
Ambition… well, if getting by while waiting for opportunities counts as ambition, you have both the means and will to achieve it. By all measures, you are a true Slytherin from head to toe.
Audrey sensed a twist coming.
But Dumbledore wants you in Gryffindor. He even threatened me about it!
So, Audrey Astley, do you object to Gryffindor?
I don't care, Audrey thought. Put me wherever you like.
"Good… then Gry—"
The hat froze. An old, raspy voice filled her mind:
My descendant… my descendant who opened a second magical pathway! After all these years, I finally find you! You intend to send my heir to Gryffindor? The current headmaster is completely unreasonable!
The Sorting Hat's mechanical voice declared: "Slytherin!"
Dumbledore blinked in surprise. He had made arrangements with the hat!
The Slytherin table erupted in cheers. Dorcas Arksley jumped to her feet, clapping wildly, while Prefect Gemma Farley smiled and joined in.
The hat spoke again:
Child, accept my trial. Discover my hidden vault, and you shall inherit all my knowledge.
Audrey sighed quietly. That voice belonged to Salazar Slytherin himself. She wasn't interested in the hidden vault. Even if Voldemort had missed some secrets there, the thought of decades of snake remains and filth made her queasy.
She walked toward the Slytherin table. After the initial cheers, the small snakes welcomed her with polite applause. Most valued purebloods, yet here they were, showing unusual enthusiasm for a suspected Muggle-born.
It wasn't strange at all—no Slytherin could resist befriending someone who could elevate their prestige. Even if Audrey's bloodline were… questionable, they would flock to her.
Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor table, a collective sigh of disappointment arose. According to the twins, Audrey was brave, clever, and unconventional—perfect Gryffindor material! A sixteen-year-old pop star joining their ranks? They had high hopes.
"No!" Ron exclaimed in despair. "Harry, am I dreaming? Audrey should be in Gryffindor!"
Harry felt conflicted too. On the train, Ron's influence had left him wary of Slytherin. Now his idol was in Slytherin, and he wondered… maybe it wouldn't be so bad if he were sorted there too.
"Hermione Granger!"
The Sorting Hat hesitated. Hermione's mind was a tangle of traits: courage (recklessness), thirst for knowledge (curiosity), and ambition to achieve (pragmatism).
Luckily, the hat's gentle persuasion guided Hermione's intellect to override impulse. Knowing Slytherin was unwelcoming to Muggle-borns, she chose:
"Gryffindor!"
"Draco Malfoy!"
"Slytherin!"
The young Malfoy ran happily to the Slytherin table but sensed subtle hostility. His eyes met Audrey's, and a storm of conflicting emotions swirled inside him.
"…."
"Harry Potter!"
As Harry sat on the stool, he muttered, "Slytherin… I'll go Slytherin!"
The hat replied, A fine choice. Great achievements await you there.
"But…" The Sorting Hat hesitated, sensing Dumbledore's piercing gaze. Audrey Astley had been sent to Slytherin—if Harry followed, the headmaster might… retaliate. Not that the hat could feel pain, but its magical memory knew the sensation wouldn't be pleasant.
"Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table cheered uproariously. All disappointment from losing Audrey vanished with Harry's arrival.
We have Potter!
We have Potter!