The stone hut's fireplace burned steadily. Ever since Sean arrived, the abandoned hearth had miraculously kept burning—he hadn't even seen any firewood inside.
In other words, this was magical flame, seemingly drawn from the runic symbols carved into the walls.
"My dear Mr. Hermes, Professor Tayra—come with me."
Headmistress Herrera swept her hand. Professor Tayra's absorbed expression stalled for a beat, as if reluctant to leave the runes behind, before she turned toward Herrera.
Sean also lifted his gaze toward the distance.
Mist—rose.
A colossal presence abruptly appeared before Sean's eyes.
It was wrapped in the grey-white evening fog rising from Mount Greylock, breathing in and out of it like a living thing.
Its silhouette was profound—within the clouds it looked like a vast phantom not yet fully revealed, or a mysterious island drifting in a sea of vapor.
The heavy walls were a deep, dampened tone somewhere between cold grey and dark blue-green, soaked with mist and solemn to the point of austerity. The tall, narrow stained-glass windows were only dim, blurred specks of color now—like a giant's eyelids closed in sleep.
"Then—welcome to Ilvermorny!"
Headmistress Herrera proclaimed in a stirring, rousing voice.
In the end, she did take Sean's hand.
The young wizard looked at her with a hint of confusion, then glanced back at his own teacher.
"Go on, my student. Herrera will take you straight into Ilvermorny's hall."
Professor Tayra let out a soft laugh.
"As for me, I clearly don't need Sorting again—but I'll be watching you from the circular terrace."
Her words were both explanation and warning.
"We'll be Apparating, my dear Mr. Hermes. I hear you've prepared for it?"
Herrera kept that warm, kindly tone.
"Yes, Headmistress Herrera."
Sean took out a bottle of potion.
In truth, he had Apparated many times and had never once felt dizziness.
When traveling, Professor Tayra had always chosen the Floo Network, even if it meant taking a longer route.
Herrera snapped her fingers, and Sean's entire view jerked—
They were already standing in an entrance hall.
It was as vast as Gringotts. Torches blazed along the stone walls, and the ceiling rose so high it was almost impossible to make out. Straight ahead, a magnificent marble staircase climbed up to the next level.
"The hut's fire has been lit for you, Mr. Green—if you'll allow me to address you that way.
Consider it a small gift. You'll have plenty of time to uncover its secrets."
Herrera laughed brightly. Her eyes flicked from Sean to the marble stairs, the meaning obvious.
"The four statues are still awake… One small question: which House were you in at Hogwarts?"
She looked positively delighted to ask; even the lines at the corners of her eyes softened.
"Ravenclaw," Sean replied.
"Lady Isolt loved the color blue—because as a child she once dreamed of being a Ravenclaw student at Hogwarts."
Herrera smiled. Only then did Sean understand part of why the headmistress wore cranberry-red and blue robes.
"Now—walk to the Sorting Hall. Ilvermorny—democracy and equality are just ahead—"
With Herrera's spirited voice ringing behind him, a gust of cold air slid past Sean's ears as he made his way toward the Sorting Hall.
It was a circular chamber. The floor's center bore the pattern of the Gordian Knot. Around the walls stood the magical creature statues representing the four Houses.
"Horned Serpent: chosen by founder Isolt Sayre; it represents a witch's or wizard's mind, and favors scholars.
Wampus Cat: chosen by Webster Boot; it represents the body, and favors warriors.
Thunderbird: chosen by Chadwick Boot; it represents the soul, and favors adventurers.
Pukwudgie: chosen by James Stewart; it represents the heart, and favors healers…"
Someone was introducing the Houses to Sean. He looked up.
Beside him stood a younger witch.
From the nameplate on her robes, Sean recognized her—Egilbert Fontaine, the Transfiguration professor.
And later, the headmistress.
Sean thought.
And why is it that Transfiguration professors always end up becoming headmasters?
Behind Professor Fontaine were Professor Tayra and Headmistress Herrera…
…and a ring of excited students in blue-and-cranberry uniforms, chattering animatedly.
"A transfer student! Merlin—Ilvermorny takes transfers? I never heard that!"
"His eyes are so pretty…"
"Lyra, enough—though you're right. But I heard the statues aren't happy… like we woke them up…"
Sean could hear every fragment. He was surprised—he'd thought it was late, and there wouldn't be so many onlookers.
But in reality, there were at least several hundred people standing on the circular terrace.
Amid the noise, the young witch spoke clearly:
"When I call your name, step forward and be Sorted."
She paused.
Sean froze.
…Were there other people?
And that opening line felt far too familiar—exactly like what Professor McGonagall said at Hogwarts' Sorting.
It seemed Ilvermorny's founder, Isolt Sayre, really did love Hogwarts.
"Sean Green!"
The room fell quiet.
Sean stepped into the center. He'd barely taken one step when the crystal set in the Horned Serpent statue's forehead flared bright.
At the same time, both Professor Fontaine and Headmistress Herrera lit up.
Behind them, students wearing the Horned Serpent crest broke into cheers.
"Welcome to Horned Serpent! Horned Serpent represents the wisdom of witches and wizards—we welcome the wise!"
A composed older student's voice cut through the crowd.
As Horned Serpent's prefect, she naturally knew a bit of the inside story.
This was… the legendary Mr. Hermes! The future greatest wizard her headmistress—Herrera—had waited for.
"Herrera," Tayra murmured with a small laugh, "as a Horned Serpent yourself, you're celebrating too early."
And as if to prove her point, the Wampus Cat statue immediately let out a roar.
Students wearing the Wampus crest erupted into cheers.
"Fantastic! Welcome to Wampus—home of warriors!"
Wampus's broad-shouldered prefect pumped a fist.
"I'm curious what choice Mr. Green will make," Headmistress Herrera said with a hint of anticipation, smiling toward Tayra.
"Make a choice? Now?" Professor Tayra gave a soft snort.
And at that very moment, the Thunderbird statue suddenly beat its wings and flew—landing directly in front of Sean.
The Pukwudgie statue was no less eager, raising its bow high.