Harry Potter and The Dark Emissary Book 1 (Male Reader)

The Sorting Hat

Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling and Pokemon is owned by Nintendo

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Harry's POV

The boats glided silently across the Great Lake, carrying the first-years closer and closer to Hogwarts Castle. Harry's heart raced as he looked up at the towering structure before him, its turrets and spires silhouetted against the starry sky. Hogwarts looked ancient, powerful, and full of secrets, each corner and corridor waiting to be explored.

As they drew closer, Hagrid's booming voice broke the silence. "Heads down! We're about to go under the castle!" The boats slipped smoothly under a rocky outcrop, leading them through a dark, echoing tunnel.

Harry couldn't help but hold his breath as they emerged on the other side, where stone steps led up to the castle. The sight of Hogwarts, up close, was even more breathtaking. It was as if he were standing on the threshold of something extraordinary.

The boats bumped gently against the shore, and Hagrid helped each student out one by one. Harry clutched Hedwig's cage tightly, his nerves thrumming with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. He glanced around at the other first-years, noting the similar expressions of awe and wonder on their faces.

Y/N's presence was close, though he was hidden within the shadows cast by the castle's towering entrance. Harry sensed that Y/N was watching closely, as if assessing the path Harry was about to take.

"Everyone here?" Hagrid called, doing a quick headcount before leading them up the stone steps. They huddled together, the whispers of anxious conversation filling the air as they climbed up to the massive wooden doors.

Hagrid raised a fist and knocked, the sound echoing through the night. After a few moments, the doors opened, revealing a tall, stern-looking witch with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense expression.

"Professor McGonagall!" Hagrid greeted her with a nod.

"Thank you, Hagrid," she replied, her voice calm but firm. She turned her attention to the first-years, her gaze sweeping over them.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall began, her tone both kind and authoritative. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be like your family. You will have classes with your housemates, sleep in your house dormitories, and spend free time in your house common room."

Harry listened closely, feeling the weight of her words. He had never had a family that felt like a home, and the idea of having one here filled him with a strange sense of hope.

"The four houses," McGonagall continued, "are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are here, your triumphs will earn you points, while any rule-breaking will lose you points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor."

She paused, her gaze scanning the nervous faces before her. "I suggest you try your best to uphold the honor of your house. The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. Please wait here until I return."

With a final nod, she turned and disappeared through a door on the other side of the hall, leaving the first-years to talk amongst themselves. The room fell into hushed murmurs as everyone exchanged anxious glances, each wondering what would happen next.