The Untold Reborn

Chapter-9: Rebirth and Revelations

Professor McGonagall guided Harry and Aurelia up the winding staircase to the entrance of Dumbledore's office. Her face was serious, yet her eyes held a flicker of concern. She stopped before the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance, muttered the password—"Lemon Drop"—and the statue swung aside, revealing the spiral staircase.

"Wait here," McGonagall instructed briskly. "I will inform the Headmaster of your arrival."

As the door to Dumbledore's office closed behind McGonagall, Harry and Aurelia stood in the dimly lit corridor, their minds racing with questions and worries. The petrification of Justin Finch-Fletchley and the growing fear of the heir of Slytherin had left them both on edge.

"So, what do you think Dumbledore will say?" Harry asked, attempting to break the tense silence.

Aurelia shrugged, though her anxiousness was evident. "I don't know. But if anyone can make sense of all this, it's him."

Before Harry could respond, the door to Dumbledore's office creaked open. The Sorting Hat, placed on the desk, seemed to come alive as it greeted them.

"Welcome, students," it said with a warm, ancient voice. "Please, come in."

Harry and Aurelia entered the office, where they took in the array of magical artifacts and the portraits of former headmasters that adorned the walls. Dumbledore was not yet present, so the Sorting Hat was left to keep them company.

"I wonder if Dumbledore will bring up the Sorting Hat," Harry said, approaching the desk. "I've always wondered why it almost put me in Slytherin."

Aurelia joined him, her curiosity piqued. "Me too. The hat seemed so confident about Slytherin for me. I'm not sure if it was the right choice."

Harry placed the Sorting Hat on his head, closing his eyes as he engaged in the familiar exchange.

"Ah, Harry Potter," the Sorting Hat began. "You've grown much since our last meeting. Yes, Slytherin was a consideration. Your ambition and cunning were strong factors."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You really thought of putting me in Slytherin?"

"Indeed," the hat responded. "But your bravery and loyalty to your friends ultimately guided the choice. That's why you belong in Gryffindor."

Harry removed the hat and handed it to Aurelia, who took it with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. She placed the hat on her head, feeling its ancient presence settle over her.

"Hello, Miss Ignifer," the Sorting Hat began. "Your heritage is quite impressive. I sense great potential in you."

Aurelia's eyes widened in confusion. "Miss Ignifer? I'm Aurelia Potter."

The hat seemed to pause, then continued, its tone softer. "Ah, my apologies, Miss Potter. Let me recalibrate."

As Aurelia tried to process this error, the hat continued, "Yes, Aurelia Potter. You have the traits that align with Slytherin—ambition, resourcefulness. But remember, your house is not a cage. Your choices will define your path more than your sorting."

Aurelia took off the hat, her thoughts swirling with confusion and curiosity. She had always accepted Slytherin's traits as part of her, but now, with the hat's mix-up, she wondered if there was something more she should know.

Before she could ponder further, a burst of light from the corner of the room drew her attention. Fawkes, Dumbledore's majestic phoenix, suddenly burst into flames. Harry and Aurelia watched in stunned silence as the bird was enveloped in a blaze of golden and red.

"Is—Is that normal?" Harry asked, his voice a mix of awe and worry.

"It must be," Aurelia replied, though her voice trembled slightly. "I've never seen anything like it."