Chapter 2
The Sorting Ceremony
As they followed Professor Granger down the aisle, all eyes in the hall turned toward them. Qing Yi felt a flutter of nerves but kept his head held high. He was ready—more than ready—to find out where he belonged.
Wei Wuxian, unable to contain his excitement, bounced on his feet and nudged Jiang Cheng with a wide grin. "I can't wait to see where we all end up! Gryffindor sounds exciting, don't you think, Jiang Cheng?"
Jiang Cheng, attempting to maintain a composed exterior, glanced around nervously. "Yeah, as long as you're not planning to drag me into trouble."
Wei Wuxian's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Trouble? Me? Never!" He winked playfully, causing Jiang Cheng to roll his eyes, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
Lan Wangji stood quietly beside them, his posture straight and hands clasped. His expression was calm and serious, his eyes focused on the Sorting Hat. He appeared ready to accept whatever house he was placed in, showing no signs of nerves.
Nearby, Qing Yi and Jing Xiang clung to each other, their hands tightly clasped. Qing Yi's brow furrowed slightly as he glanced around, taking in the grandeur of the hall. "I'm a bit nervous... I wonder where we'll end up," he whispered to Jing Xiang.
Jing Xiang nodded, biting her lip. Her eyes darted between the older students and the Sorting Hat. "Me too. But whatever happens, we'll make the best of it."
Qing Yi's gaze shifted towards the Slytherin table, where the students sat with a certain air of pride. He remembered Jing Shi's words about the houses, particularly her caution towards Slytherin. Turning to Jiang Cheng, who stood nearby, Qing Yi asked, "Why is everyone so cautious about Slytherin?"
Jiang Cheng crossed his arms, looking thoughtful. "Slytherin has a reputation for producing dark wizards. They're known for their cunning, ambition, and often their ruthlessness. But it's not all bad. Some of the greatest wizards came from Slytherin."
Qing Yi nodded slowly, his curiosity piqued. "I see," he murmured, his eyes briefly meeting the confident gaze of Ming Zhe, the Slytherin Prefect. Ming Zhe offered a sly grin, which made Qing Yi feel a flicker of discomfort. Unsettled by the exchange, he quickly shifted his focus away from Ming Zhe.
As his gaze wandered around the Great Hall, it landed on the table adorned with gold and black banners. A wave of familiarity and comfort washed over him as he recognized the Hufflepuff table—the house of his older sister, Jing Shi. The sight of her smiling face brought a sense of reassurance, easing the tension that had briefly gripped him.
Spotting her among the students, Qing Yi felt a wave of comfort as Jing Shi caught his eye. She smiled brightly at him, her hand lifting in a gentle wave. Qing Yi returned the gesture, his own nerves calming slightly at the sight of his sister’s reassuring presence. With a deep breath, he turned his attention back to Professor Granger, ready to face whatever came next.
The students reached the front of the hall, where a three-legged stool stood, and on it, a tattered old hat. Professor Granger turned to face them once more.
"When I call your name, please step forward and sit on the stool. The Sorting Hat will do the rest," she said.
Professor Granger then unrolled a parchment scroll and, with a clear voice that carried across the hall, began reading the names.
"Wei Wuxian!"
Wei Wuxian confidently stepped up to the stool, a broad grin on his face. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and after a moment's pause, it spoke loudly for all to hear.
"Ah, I see a bright mind here, full of wit and creativity. You have a thirst for adventure and a courageous heart. But wait... there's also a bit of cunning, a willingness to bend the rules when it suits your purposes. Hmm... you could do well in Slytherin with that ambition, but your bravery... Yes, it must be... GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in applause as Wei Wuxian jumped up, beaming with excitement. He waved enthusiastically to Jiang Cheng and hurried towards the Gryffindor table, where Nie Mingjue greeted him warmly.
Nie Mingjue, Gryffindor second year Prefect, clapped him on the back, his expression one of approval. "Welcome to Gryffindor, Wei Wuxian! We're thrilled to have you with us."
Wei Wuxian's grin widened as he nodded eagerly. "Thanks, Senior Nie! Can't wait for the adventures to begin!" He glanced back at his friends, giving them a thumbs up.
Jiang Cheng felt a mix of pride and nervousness. "Great, now he's going to be even more insufferable," he muttered, though a small smile betrayed his true feelings of happiness for his friend.
Next, Professor Grangercalled out, "Lan Wangji!"
Lan Wangji approached the stool with a calm and composed demeanor. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and after a brief pause, it spoke.
"Lan Wangji, another scion of the Lan family. Your mind is orderly, disciplined, filled with knowledge. You value rules and propriety, yet there's a depth of feeling here too. Hufflepuff could nurture that loyalty, and your sense of justice might find a home in Gryffindor . But no, above all, your thirst for learning and wisdom is clear. It must be RAVENCLAW!"
Lan Wangji's expression remained stoic, though a subtle nod showed his acceptance. He made his way to the Ravenclaw table, where Lan Xichen, his older brother and also the Ravenclaw Prefect, welcomed him with a warm smile.
Lan Xichen placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice gentle. "Welcome to Ravenclaw, Wangji. It's good to have you here."
Wei Wuxian, from the Gryffindor table, called out with a playful grin, "Good luck, Lan Zhan! Ravenclaw suits you!"
Lan Wangji gave a small, appreciative smile and nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes meeting Wei Wuxian's briefly before returning to Lan Xichen.
As the Sorting continued, the room's atmosphere became more charged with anticipation. Professor Grangerthen announced, "Nie Huaisang!"
Nie Huaisang approached the stool with a mix of nervousness and curiosity. The Sorting Hat took a moment before making its decision.
"Nie Huaisang, brother of the Gryffindor head boy! But you're cut from a different cloth, aren't you? There's cunning here, and a preference for avoiding conflict. You're more clever than you let on. Ravenclaw could sharpen that mind, but I think you'll find your true potential in SLYTHERIN!"
Nie Huaisang's eyes widened in surprise, and he hesitated briefly before walking towards the Slytherin table. His steps were slow, and he glanced back at Nie Mingjue, who looked shocked and slightly angry.
Nie Mingjue, unable to contain his shock, stood up."Slytherin? That can't be right! There must be a mistake!" he questioned loudly, causing a stir among the students.
The Sorting Hat, still perched on the stool, responded calmly, "The Sorting Hat never lies, Mr. Nie. Your brother has potential that aligns with Slytherin's values."
Nie Huaisang, looking slightly scared and unsure, quickly joined Ming Zhe, The Slytherin Prefect at the Slytherin table, avoiding eye contact with his brother. Ming Zhe gave him a knowing smile, "Welcome to Slytherin, Nie Huaisang."
Nie Huaisang sighed, more relieved than anything. "Well, at least I'm not with him," he muttered, glancing back at his still-stunned brother.
Professor Granger’s voice rang out again, "Wen Ning!"
A shy-looking boy with soft features and an air of quiet kindness stepped forward. His eyes were wide with a mix of nerves and curiosity as he approached the Sorting Hat. The hat was placed on his head, slipping slightly over his eyes due to its large size.
"Ah, I see courage in you... quiet, yet unwavering. Gryffindor could sharpen that bravery," the hat mused. "But there's also a profound kindness, a deep well of loyalty. You may not yet see your own strength, but it's there, waiting to be nurtured. Your path is clear... HUFFLEPUFF!"
A wave of applause erupted from the Hufflepuff table as Wen Ning, now visibly relieved, made his way to join his new housemates. His gentle smile grew as he glanced over at the Ravenclaw table, where his sister, Wen Qing, a second-year student, was seated. She gave him an encouraging nod, her own smile warm with pride, showing her support from across the hall.
Next, Professor Grangercalled out, "Huang Kai Ze!"
Kai Ze stepped forward with a composed and calm demeanor. The Sorting Hat took only a moment before speaking.
"Kai Ze, I see bravery and a desire to prove yourself. You're not afraid of hard work, and you have a strong sense of justice. Your brother may be in Slytherin, but your path lies elsewhere. There's loyalty here, worthy of Hufflepuff , but your courage shines brightest. It shall be GRYFFINDOR!"
Kai Ze smiled warmly, feeling a sense of relief as he walked confidently to the Gryffindor table. He was greeted with cheers and applause from his new housemates. Wei Wuxian waved him over, and Nie Mingjue gave him a welcoming nod. "Good choice, Kai Ze. Welcome to Gryffindor."
Kai Ze's smile broadened, and he waved to the other students waiting to be sorted, feeling a sense of belonging.
Professor Granger continued, "Jiang Cheng!"
Jiang Cheng approached the stool with a determined look, his jaw set firmly. The Sorting Hat considered briefly before making its decision.
"Strong-willed and determined, with a fiery spirit. You possess courage and leadership qualities, though your sense of duty is paramount... GRYFFINDOR!"
Jiang Cheng's expression remained serious, but a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face as he joined the Gryffindor table. He glanced over at Wei Wuxian, who grinned at him.
Nie Mingjue greeted him with a nod of approval. "Welcome to Gryffindor, Jiang Cheng. You'll fit right in."
Wei Wuxian leaned over with a playful smirk. "Looks like we're together, Jiang Cheng!"
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Just don't get us into too much trouble, Wei Wuxian."
Next up was Jing Xiang. Professor Grangercalled her name, and she nervously approached the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head, and after a moment, it spoke.
“Kind, patient, and with a heart full of compassion... Your loyalty to those you care about and your willingness to work hard to achieve your goals make this an easy choice. There's no doubt where you belong... HUFFLEPUFF!“
Jing Xiang's face lit up with a radiant smile as she hurried over to the Hufflepuff table. Her heart swelled with happiness at the sight of her sister, Jing Shi, already standing there, her violet eyes sparkling with pride. The moment they reached each other, the two sisters embraced tightly, their joy practically radiating through the Great Hall.
"We’re together!" Jing Shi exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she pulled back to look at her younger sister. The warmth in her gaze reflected just how much this moment meant to her.
Jing Xiang nodded eagerly, her silver hair shimmering under the enchanted ceiling. "Yes! I’m so glad we’re in the same house!" she said, her voice tinged with relief and happiness. But then her eyes flickered back to the front of the hall, where the Sorting Hat still sat on the stool. "Now, let’s see where Qing Yi goes," she added, her tone filled with anticipation.
Then, it was Qing Yi’s turn. Professor Granger's voice rang out clearly across the Great Hall, "Koh Qing Yi!"
With a deep breath, Qing Yi walked toward the stool, feeling the weight of anticipation in the air. He quickly glanced at the Hufflepuff table where Jing Shi and Jing Xiang watched him, their smiles encouraging.
As he sat down,The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and it took its time, considering carefully.
"Hmm, interesting... very interesting. I see ambition, oh yes, and a sharp mind too. There's courage here, and loyalty... but such cunning! You've faced hardships, haven't you? And you've learned to survive, to adapt. Slytherin could help you on the path to greatness, no doubt about that. But there's something else... a fire inside. Gryffindor could nurture that bravery."
Qing Yi remained silent, not showing any preference, waiting for the Hat's final decision.
Sorting Hat: "Not going to argue, eh? Interesting... Most interesting. You'd do well in either, you know. Slytherin could hone that clever mind of yours, teach you to use that ambition. But Gryffindor... Gryffindor could bring out the hero in you. It's all here in your head. So where shall I put you?"
Qing Yi, calm and composed, thought for a moment before answering in a quiet voice, "Wherever you think I can excel best."
Sorting Hat: "Hmm…Well then, if that’s the case... better be SLYTHERIN!"
At the Hufflepuff table, Jing Shi and Jing Xiang exchanged surprised glances. While they had considered the possibility of being sorted into different houses, seeing Qing Yi placed in Slytherin was still unexpected. Jing Shi’s expression tightened slightly, a hint of concern in her eyes as she worried about her brother being in a different house.
Jing Shi murmured, "Slytherin..." Her voice held mild surprise as she processed the result. She had always assumed they would end up in the same house, making it easier to keep an eye on him. However, she reminded herself that their mother had also been in Slytherin, which offered a small measure of reassurance.
Jing Xiang, though taken aback, nodded slowly. "I guess the Hat saw something unique in him," she said, her tone thoughtful as she tried to process the Sorting Hat's decision.
Jing Shi sighed softly, offering a reassuring smile to her sister. "It’s different, but maybe it’s where he’s meant to be. He’ll be fine—he’s strong."
From the Ravenclaw table, Lan Xichen observed the scene with a raised eyebrow. Jing Shi was one of his close friends at Hogwarts, and he had often heard her speak with excitement about her younger siblings joining her at the school this year. However, seeing the concern etched on her face as one of her twin siblings, Qing Yi, was placed in Slytherin, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity. What had caused her to worry so much about this unexpected sorting?
Meanwhile, Qing Yi maintained a composed demeanor as he walked steadily toward the Slytherin table, a small, confident smile tugging at the corners of his lips. As he took his seat among his new Slytherin housemates, he glanced back at the Hufflepuff table and noticed the worried expression on Jing Shi's face. Her eyes, usually bright with excitement, now reflected concern for her younger brother.
Finally, Professor Granger called, "Jin Zixuan!"
Jin Zixuan approached the stool with an air of confidence and determination. The Sorting Hat took a moment before making its decision.
"A strong sense of pride and honor, with a desire to uphold your family's legacy. You have courage and a sense of responsibility... GRYFFINDOR!"
Jin Zixuan smiled slightly, joining the Gryffindor table. Nie Mingjue welcomed him with a firm handshake. "Welcome to Gryffindor, Jin Zixuan."
Jin Zixuan nodded, "Thank you, I'm looking forward to it."
Once all the first-year students had been sorted into their respective houses, the Sorting Hat was carefully placed back on its stool. The excitement in the Great Hall simmered down as the last student took their seat, the anticipation of what was to come hanging in the air. Professor Granger stepped back, allowing the students a moment to settle before Headmistress McGonagall rose from her seat at the center of the staff table.
Dressed in her traditional emerald robes, with her pointed hat perched firmly on her head, Headmistress McGonagall surveyed the sea of eager young faces with a proud, yet stern, expression. She commanded attention with her mere presence, and the hall fell into an expectant silence.
“Welcome, students, to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,” McGonagall began, her voice clear and authoritative. “To our returning students, I trust that you will continue to uphold the values of your houses and set a fine example for the new arrivals. To our first years, I extend my warmest welcome. You are now part of a long and storied tradition, one that values courage, intelligence, loyalty, and ambition.”
Her gaze swept over the room, lingering for a moment on the first-year students who had just been sorted. “Each of you has been placed in the house that will help you grow, challenge you, and bring out the best in you. Embrace it. Learn from it. And remember, your house is your family here at Hogwarts.”
A small, approving smile touched her lips before she continued. “Now, before we all starve, let the feast begin!”
With a wave of her hand, the empty golden plates in front of the students suddenly filled with an array of the most delicious food imaginable. Roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and heaps of mashed potatoes appeared, alongside platters of pies, puddings, and other sweets. The Great Hall, which had been filled with whispers and quiet conversations, erupted into a joyful clamor as students dug into the feast.
Qing Yi glanced around the Great Hall, the noise and laughter surrounding him contrasting sharply with the awkwardness he felt inside. He noticed his sisters, Jing Shi and Jing Xiang, seated together at the Hufflepuff table, laughing and talking with their housemates. A sense of discomfort gnawed at him, seeing them so close yet feeling worlds apart. His eyes then shifted to the Gryffindor table, where Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were already halfway through their first plates, chatting animatedly with their new housemates.
Qing Yi sighed softly and gazed at the Slytherin table, feeling a bit out of place among the unfamiliar faces. The clatter of cutlery and hum of conversation surrounded him when Ming Zhe, the Slytherin prefect, slid into the seat across from him, his expression both welcoming and slightly amused.
"Well, did you expect to find yourself in Slytherin?" Ming Zhe asked casually, his tone friendly yet carrying a hint of the confident smugness that seemed to come naturally to him.
Qing Yi, taken slightly aback, found himself under the scrutiny of Ming Zhe. The Slytherin prefect cut an imposing figure - tall, with dark hair framing a sharply defined jawline. His amber eyes, reminiscent of sun-baked desert sands, held an intensity that Qing Yi found both intimidating and intriguing. Despite his initial discomfort, Qing Yi couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about this older Slytherin who carried himself with such confidence and authority.
Qing Yi smirked back, not wanting to appear intimidated. "I didn’t expect anything. That way, I’m not disappointed," he replied, his tone confident, laced with a hint of sharp wit, but still respectful.
Ming Zhe’s grin widened, clearly pleased with the response. "Well said. And you won’t be disappointed being in Slytherin. There are many unexpected wonders here—you won’t know how to expect them."
Qing Yi met Ming Zhe’s gaze, noticing a subtle shift in his expression. The grin that spread across Ming Zhe’s face was different from what Qing Yi had expected. There was a warmth to it, a friendly acknowledgment that caught Qing Yi slightly off guard. It was a gesture that felt like acceptance, easing some of the tension that had been building inside him. Qing Yi returned the look with a small, respectful nod and allowed a faint smile to form on his lips, feeling a bit more at ease.
“Koh Qing Yi, right?” Ming Zhe asked, his tone now carrying a warmer edge.
Qing Yi nodded in confirmation. Ming Zhe continued, “I’m Huang Ming Zhe. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Qing Yi smiled and nodded, “Thank you, Senior Huang.”
Just as Qing Yi was settling into his newfound comfort, another figure approached the table. Jin Guangyao, a slender second-year student, took a seat across from Qing Yi. His long hair was partially tied back neatly, framing a face that seemed carved from porcelain. His amber eyes, sharp and intelligent, glimmered with an inner fire as they took in his surroundings. The green and silver Slytherin tie stood out against his black robes, accentuating his refined demeanor.
Jin Guangyao's lips curved into a subtle smile as he addressed Qing Yi. "First year, I presume? Welcome to Slytherin," he said, his voice smooth and articulate. "I'm Jin Guangyao, second year. If you need any assistance or have questions, feel free to ask."
Qing Yi nodded, feeling more at ease with the older student's welcoming demeanor. "Thank you," he replied, returning a small smile. "I'm Qing Yi."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Qing Yi," Jin Guangyao responded, his amber eyes glinting with interest. "I still vividly recall my first year. I'm looking forward to seeing how you'll make your mark in our house."
Just then, Nie Huaisang quietly took a seat beside Qing Yi. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his tone uncertain...
Just then, Nie Huaisang quietly took a seat beside him. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his tone uncertain. He glanced over his shoulder toward the Gryffindor table before adding in a low voice, "This spot kind of blocks my brother’s angry gaze... I think I’ll stay here for now."
Qing Yi, now feeling more comfortable, nodded. "Of course not."
Nie Huaisang smiled in relief. "Thanks. I’m Nie Huaisang, by the way."
"Qing Yi," he replied, offering a small smile in return.
With the introductions made, the two settled into a more relaxed conversation, soon joined by a few other first-year Slytherins. Before long, the group was chatting and laughing together, the tension that had been weighing on Qing Yi gradually melting away.
As the feast continued, the first-year students began to settle in, the initial awkwardness giving way to a growing sense of comfort. The warmth of the food, the lively chatter, and the vibrant energy of the Great Hall made it easier for them to feel at home. Qing Yi, like the others, found himself relaxing more with each passing moment. He glanced over at his sisters one more time and saw Jing Shi looking back at him, a reassuring smile on her face. He smiled back, nodding slightly, before turning his attention back to the lively conversation with his new friends.
The night continued, filled with laughter, stories, and the promise of new friendships. Though Qing Yi knew the road ahead might not be easy, especially in Slytherin, he felt a little more confident that he could find his place in this ancient, magical school.
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