Chapter 17: The Sorting Ceremony (1)
Professor McGonagall reappeared at the doors, her stern yet welcoming presence immediately commanding the first years' attention.
Her sharp gaze swept across the group, ensuring all were accounted for. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to commence. Follow me, and do try to maintain some decorum."
The first years shuffled into a loose line, trailing behind her as she led them through the wide, echoing corridors of Hogwarts. The castle felt alive, its walls seeming to hum with centuries of magic. Nero's gaze darted around, taking in the portraits that whispered to one another and the ornate suits of armor that stood at attention.
Several ghosts floated into view, their translucent forms glowing faintly in the dim light. One of them, a stately figure with an air of quiet elegance, caught Nero's attention. She moved with a serene grace, her silver-blue robes flowing as if caught in an unseen breeze. Her gaze lingered on Nero, not with hostility but with a curious intensity, as though she were trying to read something hidden within him.
Nero tilted his head slightly, offering a faint smile, but the ghost simply floated past without a word, her expression unreadable. Despite her silence, there was a warmth to her presence, like a kind teacher observing her students from a distance.
The group continued down the corridor, the ghosts fading into the background as the Great Hall came into view.
The Great Hall was far more immense than he had ever imagined, even after reading countless descriptions and hearing tales. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, enchanted to mimic the night sky in vivid, almost tangible detail. The walls seemed to extend endlessly, lined with majestic banners representing the four houses. Rows upon rows of floating candles cast a warm, flickering glow across the gleaming wooden tables.
"This is... massive," Nero muttered, his eyes scanning the expanse. "Way bigger than I ever thought. How did they even make something like this?"
Ember grinned beside him, nudging his shoulder. "Magic, obviously."