The Great Hall buzzed with a palpable excitement—a symphony of whispers and curious glances that followed Ariel's every move. His entrance had been accompanied by awed gazes, a reaction fuelled by both his striking appearance and the whispers of his accomplishments that had precede him.
As he walked down the aisle, his footsteps echoing in the grand chamber, Ariel couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and a touch of unease. The weight of all those eyes upon him was tangible, like a cloak he had to navigate as he made his way to the front.
Minerva McGonagall, a pillar of strength and wisdom, presided over the scene. Her eyes held a mixture of pride and fondness as she looked upon Ariel McGonagall, her newest charge. Albus Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with a knowing amusement, sat nearby, his presence a source of comfort and reassurance.
The sorting started, and after a few other students, in a voice that carried both authority and warmth, Minerva called his full name, "Ariel McGonagall."
The air seemed to hold its breath, a hushed tension descending upon the hall as all eyes turned to him. Ariel's heart quickened, his steps steady as he moved to the front. His presence was a blend of confidence and intrigue, his very demeanour commanding the attention of those gathered.
Beside Minerva, Albus Dumbledore leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Ariel. He knew that this was a pivotal moment—a juncture where the threads of destiny were being woven. The headmaster's expression was a reflection of his belief in Ariel's potential, in the magic that slumbered within him.
With the grace of a seasoned duellist, Ariel approached the stool, his gaze meeting the Sorting Hat's gaze. He took his seat, his fingers tracing the rim of the hat as he waited, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and anticipation.
"Ah, a mind of clarity and power," the Sorting Hat's voice echoed within Ariel's thoughts, a tone that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom. "Ambitious, yet not in the conventional sense. A thirst for knowledge, a drive to excel. But also a heart that beats to the rhythm of loyalty and camaraderie."
Ariel's response was a quiet acknowledgment, his inner thoughts reaching out to the Sorting Hat's presence. "I seek challenge and growth," he thought, his voice resolute in his mind.
The Sorting Hat's chuckle resonated in his thoughts, an echo of amusement. "A warrior's spirit, tempered by the wisdom of ages. You would thrive in many houses, each one offering you a different path to greatness. But I sense a fire that burns brightest in..."
The Great Hall held its collective breath, the very air charged with anticipation. And then, in a voice that resonated not just within the hall, but within Ariel's heart itself, the Sorting Hat declared, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Cheers erupted, a chorus of approval that echoed through the hall. Ariel rose from the stool, the Sorting Hat removed, a smile tugging at his lips as he walked to the Gryffindor table. He felt a camaraderie among his new housemates, a sense of belonging that was both exhilarating and comforting.
As he took his seat amidst the sea of red and gold, Ariel's gaze found Minerva's, her eyes twinkling with pride. Albus Dumbledore's gentle nod from the head table conveyed a silent affirmation of Ariel's path.
The Great Hall was alive with conversation, the Sorting Ceremony now concluded. The other professors made their presence known—Professor Flitwick, a small figure with a twinkle in his eyes; Professor Snape, a figure of stern authority; and Professor Sprout, whose nurturing demeanour radiated warmth.
Student whispers meandered through the air, especially among the first-year Muggle-born students, uncertainty about Ariel's identity. Who was this young man, confident and suave, even bearing the name of McGonagall? The senior students answered with awe, whispers of his prowess, and his connection to Minerva, and his apprenticeship under Albus.
The awe of Ariel's welcome resonated among the senior Gryffindors. A sense of prelude hung in the air, an introduction of a force to be reckoned with. And then, the moment came, Ariel's boss walk towards the Gryffindor Table, a stride of determination and quiet power that sent ripples through the crowd.
He took his place at the Gryffindor table, and as he did, a hush fell over the house. The welcoming was not just of a new student but of a prince among them, someone whose journey was intertwined with destiny, magic, and a future yet to be written.
