Chapter 31: The Sorting Hat's Fear

In the lounge beside the Great Hall, the first-years awaited Professor McGonagall’s return. Many had already resigned themselves to the prospect of an exam. After all, while an individual might fret before a test, when one realizes that the majority of their peers haven't studied either, giving up becomes a collective joy.

"How many times must I ask for silence today?" Professor McGonagall appeared at the doorway, her gaze sweeping over the students like a stern headmistress.

The ghost of past trauma surfaced, causing Chu Yang, usually calm and composed, to shudder violently.

"Line up now. We are heading to the Great Hall for your Sorting Ceremony."

Under McGonagall’s sharp stare, the first-years scrambled to their feet, quickly forming a line and following her obediently.

As they exited the side door and turned toward the main entrance, the grand doors swung open automatically. They stepped into the magnificent hall. Four long tables were occupied by the four houses, while a slightly smaller table sat at the front—the place for the teachers.

Thousands of candles floated in the air above the Great Hall, illuminating it like daylight. Along the walls stood statues and flaming braziers. The ceiling was enchanted to mirror the night sky, with stars occasionally twinkling, creating the illusion of dining in the open air.

At first glance, Chu Yang felt a sense of wonder, but other thoughts quickly took over.

"It would be better if they replaced these candles with adjustable-color-temperature LED lights. The candlelight is unstable and quite harsh on the eyes, and it really ruins the view of the ceiling."

Magical as it was, Chu Yang, who was becoming familiar with Hogwarts, felt that this place was drifting further away from the developments of the Muggle world. The wizarding world was like a stubborn old man—conservative, fearful of change, and decaying while standing still, whereas the Muggle world had already boarded the train of progress and was racing forward.

Chu Yang was well aware of the massive changes technology would bring to the world over the next twenty years. If this generation of young wizards didn't adapt, the balance of power between wizards and Muggles might shift entirely.

Lost in thought, Chu Yang suddenly felt someone watching him. He followed the gaze to the center of the teachers' table, where Dumbledore sat. The old wizard, known for his wisdom and standing as the most powerful figure in the magical world, was observing him with curious eyes. Not far from him, Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher, was waving at Chu Yang, repeatedly pointing at herself.

What did that mean? Was she telling him to choose Hufflepuff? Chu Yang blinked, looking bewildered.

Sprout was so anxious she nearly stood up to call out. "Ahem." Dumbledore coughed, signaling for her to maintain her composure. She had no choice but to subside and sit properly.

However, this small scene caught the attention of Professor Snape, who sat beside Dumbledore. His focus had previously been entirely on Harry Potter. Besides Snape, Quirinus Quirrell—possessed by Voldemort—was also observing Chu Yang. Or rather, it was the Voldemort within him that was stirring.

A four-legged stool sat before the teachers' table, topped with a tattered, pointed hat covered in patches. It was hard to believe this was the Sorting Hat, imbued with the intellect of the four founders of Hogwarts.

As McGonagall led the first-years to the hat, the Great Hall fell silent, everyone knowing what was to come.

"Before we begin, Headmaster Dumbledore has a few words for you."

As soon as McGonagall finished, the elderly Dumbledore rose to speak. His words were brief, primarily warning the students not to enter the Forbidden Forest or the corridor on the third floor to the right.

Chu Yang had little interest in the third-floor corridor; even without Dumbledore’s warning, he had no intention of going there. But the Forbidden Forest... that was a goldmine for making money. Not even Dumbledore, let alone anyone else, could stop him.

"When I call your name, you will step forward, and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head to determine your house," McGonagall announced, eyes fixed on her list.

"Is it that simple to be sorted?"
"What about the exam, Hermione?"
"Good heavens, as long as there’s no exam, I don't care how they sort us."

As the students whispered, McGonagall began calling names. The first was Hannah Abbott, future landlady of the Leaky Cauldron. As the saying went, protagonists come and go, but Hannah is eternal. Chu Yang recalled this long-circulated golden phrase when he heard her name.

"Hufflepuff!"

Chu Yang was still musing when he heard Professor McGonagall’s voice.

"Chu Yang!"

Chu Yang took a deep breath and stepped out from the crowd. As a transmigrator who didn't belong to this world, he felt immense pressure facing the Sorting Hat. He didn't know the extent of the hat's *Legilimency*. Could it only read superficial personality traits, or could it directly access his memories?

He had considered trying to avoid the sorting process, but upon noticing Dumbledore’s attention, he abandoned the thought. Playing tricks in front of the greatest wizard of the age was not a wise move.

As the hat settled on his head, Chu Yang steadied himself, praying that the hat’s power wasn't as great as he feared.

At that very moment, the instant the Sorting Hat landed on his head, it sensed nothing—as if it had been placed upon a rock. The hat was stunned. In a thousand years, this was the first time it had encountered such a situation. Was it broken? That was impossible; it was bound by a contract with Hogwarts itself. The Book of Admittance and the Quill of Acceptance, those two silent artifacts, hadn't failed, so how could it?

Just as the hat tried to exert its full power... it felt an ethereal palace. It was a structure more magnificent, grand, and majestic than Hogwarts itself! Then, things began to emerge—thrones! Countless thrones!

When it tried to grasp the situation, whether the thrones were tattered or whole, they erupted with an irresistible, immense force! Nearly a hundred figures condensed upon those thrones! They suddenly opened their eyes, staring coldly at the Sorting Hat.

In reality, the Sorting Hat let out a horrific shriek.