While Professor McGonagall led the new first-years away, Sullivan slipped into the Great Hall alone. He gave Dumbledore a quick nod and then plopped down right next to Snape.
"Whoa, hey there, Your Highness! When's the last time you washed that hair?" Sullivan teased right off the bat.
Snape shot him a venomous glare. "You bastard, how are you still alive? Don't ever mention that nickname again, or you might find some Dementor potion in your soup."
"Ooh, would you really? Come on, Snape—we used to be known as the Serpent-Eagle Duo! Have you forgotten the days we teamed up against that evil James Potter?" Sullivan went full drama mode, putting on his best pitiful face.
At the mention of "Serpent-Eagle Duo," Snape's face visibly twitched. He remembered that cringey nickname all too well—and the worst part was, he'd actually been proud of it back then.
Snape took a deep breath. "Let me say this one more time: we were just temporarily thrown together to deal with that insufferable James Potter. There was never any 'Serpent-Eagle Duo.' Stop saying that embarrassing rubbish."
Sullivan nodded like he was agreeing, then suddenly slung an arm around Snape's shoulders, pulling him closer and whispering, "Anyway… thanks for that tip you gave me back then. Without it, getting ambushed by all those Death Eaters would've been a real pain."
"Hmph. I have no idea what you're talking about," Snape huffed arrogantly, shrugging off Sullivan's arm and sitting up straight again.
"Not gonna admit it, huh? It's not a big deal—even without your warning, I would've gotten away," Sullivan said casually.
"Oh really? Then how come you didn't come back to Britain for all these years?" Snape sneered coldly.
"Hah! So it was you! I knew it—you still care about me!" Sullivan bumped Snape's shoulder again, just like old times.
Snape's reaction hadn't changed either—he dodged away with a look of total disgust. "Get to the point. And I'm warning you—don't touch me again."
Their weird back-and-forth quickly caught the eyes of a bunch of students down below. Whispers started flying: Who's this guy sitting next to Professor Snape?
He actually put an arm around Snape's shoulders, and Snape didn't blow up? That's insane!
Before the gossip could really take off, Professor McGonagall led the first-years in and the Sorting Ceremony began for the new school year.
Watching the little witches and wizards get sorted one by one, Sullivan glanced at his quest panel. He was just one step away—the Sorting Ceremony.
But how was a professor supposed to take part in the Sorting? Sullivan scratched his head. For that one skill point, he'd do it.
When the very last first-year was sorted and McGonagall started to put the Sorting Hat away, Sullivan shot up from his chair. "Professor McGonagall, wait a second!"
The Great Hall went dead quiet. Every pair of eyes turned to him, waiting to hear what he had to say.
"It's been years since I was last here, and I really miss the school. Any chance I could put on the Sorting Hat again and relive the ceremony?"
McGonagall looked totally baffled, her eyes practically screaming: Are you hearing yourself right now?
Of course, she didn't flat-out refuse. Instead, she glanced over at Dumbledore, who was seated at the head table.
Dumbledore stared deeply at Sullivan for a moment, as if his twinkling eyes could see straight into his soul. Three seconds later, he stood up and said,
"Let me introduce our two new professors to everyone. First, this is Sullivan. He graduated from Ravenclaw, and starting this term, he'll be teaching Muggle Studies."
As Dumbledore spoke, Sullivan gave the students a slight bow and a wave. Then Dumbledore continued, "And the other is someone you all already know—Professor Quirrell. This year, he'll be moving to the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
A little way down the table, the turban-wearing Quirrell stood up nervously, gave a shy smile, and bowed slightly to the hall.
Dumbledore didn't stop there. He smiled and went on, "Since Professor Sullivan would like to relive his Sorting Ceremony, why not let him give it another try?"
Sullivan's heart leaped. He bowed gratefully to Dumbledore, sat down on the stool, and McGonagall—looking thoroughly annoyed—placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
"You again," the Sorting Hat's voice echoed in his mind. "I remember you've already graduated."
"I'm back for some advanced studies!" Sullivan bullshitted smoothly.
"Let's see which house you belong in!" As the hat spoke, the gemstone pendant around Sullivan's neck grew hot.
Just as I thought—Legilimency. The hat reads every kid's mind.
The necklace was, naturally, one of his alchemical creations—designed to block Legilimency. It was while making this pendant that he'd met Moqiu (that little black bead from earlier).
When the Legilimency failed, the Sorting Hat seemed a bit thrown off, but it recovered quickly and shouted, "Same as last time—RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted in enthusiastic applause. Sure, the new professor wasn't actually joining their house, but he was one of theirs, so he'd probably be a little nicer to Ravenclaw students.
Quest complete—another skill point in the bag. Sullivan happily returned to his seat, feeling great.
Next came the feast. Once everyone was stuffed, Dumbledore stood up again.
"Now that we're all full, before the new school year officially begins, I have a few start-of-term notices."
"First-years should note that the forest on the grounds is strictly forbidden to all students. Some of our older students could use the reminder as well."
His twinkling eyes swept toward the Weasley twins.
"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has also asked me to remind everyone that magic is not allowed in the corridors between classes."
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch."
"And finally, I must tell you all that anyone who does not wish to suffer a most painful accident and death should avoid the corridor on the fourth floor, to the right."
As soon as Dumbledore finished, Sullivan's system started going nuts—flashing like crazy with a whole bunch of new quests.
Main Quest: The Headmaster's Secret
The headmaster seems to be hiding something in that fourth-floor corridor on the right. He specifically warned students away, which has piqued your interest. Investigate the secret. Reward: +1 General Skill Point.
Branch Quest 1: Transfiguration Novice
Perfectly perform a transfiguration in class and earn Professor McGonagall's approval. Reward: +1 Transfiguration Skill Point.
Branch Quest 2: Potions Novice
Brew a perfect potion in class and earn Professor Snape's approval. Reward: +1 Potions Skill Point.
Branch Quest 3: Charms Novice
Perfectly cast a charm in class and earn Professor Flitwick's approval. Reward: +1 Charms Skill Point.
…