The first-years stood clustered in the cavernous entrance hall, cold stone floors beneath them, flickering torches casting dancing shadows on the high walls. The echo of distant footsteps and voices drifted down the corridors, as if the very air whispered of ancient magic.
Hadrian stood between Iris and Dora, their hands nearly brushing. Ahead of them, Professor McGonagall addressed the group.
"You will now follow me into the Great Hall to be sorted. The house you are sorted into will be like your family while you are here at Hogwarts. Please conduct yourselves with dignity."
They followed her down a wide corridor and through massive double doors.
Gasps echoed from many of the students as they entered the Great Hall—a vast chamber lit with floating candles and four long tables filled with older students, all watching the newcomers with curious interest. The ceiling stretched above like open night sky, enchanted to reflect the weather outside.
"Wicked," Dora whispered.
At the front of the hall stood a lone stool—and atop it, a very old, very patched Sorting Hat.
"Here we go," Hadrian murmured.
The Hat's Choice
Professor McGonagall began calling names.
One by one, students sat on the stool, the hat was placed on their head, and after a moment of silence or debate, a house was declared.
"Bones, Susan!"
"Hufflepuff!"
"Boot, Terry!"
"Ravenclaw!"
"Doyle, Jonathan!"
Hadrian stepped forward as the name from the orphanage echoed in the hall. McGonagall's gaze briefly lingered on him—knowing his real name, but not announcing it. He appreciated that.
He sat calmly, hands resting on his knees, and the hat was placed over his head.
Ah… interesting, the Sorting Hat murmured inside his mind. You are not quite what you seem, are you? Layers upon layers… cunning… intelligence… loyalty… a yearning for peace. But you have already decided, haven't you?
Yes, Hadrian thought firmly. I want Hufflepuff.
The hat chuckled.
Normally, I'd argue. But it seems there's a new rule activated in my brim…
It paused.
Well. Aren't you clever. HUFFLEPUFF!
The table on the far right erupted in applause. Hadrian grinned as he removed the hat and made his way to his new housemates, heart pounding with quiet joy.
He turned just in time to see Dora swagger up to the stool.
"Tonks, Nymphadora!"
"Just Dora, thanks," she muttered as the hat was dropped on her head.
A pause. Then—
"Another one who knows what she wants! HUFFLEPUFF!"
She sprang down from the stool, sticking her tongue out playfully at the laughing students. Sliding onto the bench beside Hadrian, she whispered, "I think the hat called me bossy."
"Did it lie?" Hadrian replied with a smirk.
"Evans, Iris!" Once more a name covering what is true was announced.
Iris walked with small but steady steps to the stool. McGonagall placed the hat gently.
Hmmm, the Sorting Hat mused. You could do well in Gryffindor… brave, stubborn, a touch of mischief. But… you're thinking of others. Longing for warmth. And you wish for Hufflepuff, too.
I want to be with them, Iris thought, her voice small but sure.
Then with them you shall be. HUFFLEPUFF!
Dora clapped the loudest as Iris rushed to sit beside them, cheeks flushed, eyes shining.
All three were now together, seated beneath golden banners with black badgers, their housemates already patting their backs and offering introductions.
Hadrian glanced up toward the staff table.
Hagrid gave him a grin and a discreet thumbs-up.
McGonagall's lips twitched at the corners.
And Dumbledore, watching quietly, raised his goblet just slightly.
After the Feast
The Sorting completed, the food appeared—lavish and impossibly magical. Platters of roast chicken, piles of roast potatoes, pitchers of pumpkin juice.
Between bites, the three new Hufflepuffs shared quick impressions:
"Best ceiling ever," Dora said around a bite of treacle tart.
"I'm going to try every dessert," Iris whispered as she sneaked a third sugared plum.
Hadrian just leaned back, listening to the chatter, watching candles hover above them like stars.