The Great Hall was ridiculous.
That was the first thought that hit Alexander Chen as he stepped inside.
Four long tables stretched across the room, already filled with students whispering excitedly. Above them, thousands of candles floated in midair, flickering softly beneath a ceiling that looked exactly like the night sky—stars, clouds, and all. High stone walls rose around them, decorated with banners of red, blue, yellow, and green.
Alexander tilted his head back.
"…Okay," he muttered. "This is definitely awesome."
Cho stood beside him, eyes wide. "I feel like I'm in a painting."
At the far end of the hall sat a long table where the professors watched them closely. Alexander immediately recognized a few faces—stern-looking witches and wizards, some kind, some terrifying, and one very old man with a long silver beard who looked way too amused.
Then a tall woman in emerald-green robes stepped forward.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said crisply. "I am Professor Minerva McGonagall—Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor House, and your professor for Transfiguration."
Her sharp gaze swept over the first-years.
"Before you take your seats," she continued, "you will be sorted into your houses. When your name is called, you will come forward, sit on the stool, and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will determine which house you belong to."
A ripple of whispers broke out instantly.
"Where are the dragons?" someone hissed.
"I heard we had to duel," another said.
"My cousin said there was a maze," a third whispered nervously.
Alexander sighed, "See told you, just a hat."
Cho leaned closer. "That does seem… underwhelming."
Professor McGonagall's eyes snapped toward the crowd.
"Silence."
The hall went dead quiet.
She picked up a long parchment. "When I call your name, step forward."
One by one, students were sorted. Cheers erupted from different tables as houses claimed their new members. Alexander barely paid attention—he was too busy waiting.
Then—
"Alexander Chen."
He grinned and leaned toward Cho. "Ravenclaw," he whispered confidently. "Because the Sorting Hat is racist."
Cho tried—and failed—not to laugh.
Alexander walked up, sat on the stool, and felt the ancient hat drop over his eyes.
Hmmmm, a voice murmured inside his head. Interesting. Very interesting.
Alexander crossed his arms. Let me guess. Ravenclaw.
You are intelligent, the hat said thoughtfully. Full of wit, creativity, curiosity—
"Nope," Alexander interrupted. "Wrong kid. I'm dumb as a horse."
Excuse me?
"I want Gryffindor. I'm brave. Fearless. Full of courage. I charge into things without thinking. I am way too stupid to survive Ravenclaw."
The hat paused.
…You know, it admitted, Gryffindor would indeed suit you quite well. You'd benefit greatly from—
Alexander smirked.