...
Even the youngest wizard, new to the magical world, recognizes the name Grindelwald!
The first Dark Lord!
The man who shook Europe and nearly conquered the entire European wizarding world!
Most shocking of all, he's still alive!
Except for Draco, Pansy, and a few others who were already aware, everyone looked at the blond-haired, blue-eyed boy with astonishment.
They could hardly believe that the courteous boy they'd met on the train and at the station was the son of the Dark Lord!
Dyroth ignored the curious stares and walked up to the high platform with graceful steps.
Dumbledore fell into deep thought, his eyes growing distant as memories from the past two months flooded back.
He murmured the name involuntarily.
"Gellert…"
Professor McGonagall looked at Dyroth with a mix of regret and surprise.
When Dyroth first arrived at Hogwarts, he had made a perfect impression—humble, strong, and polite.
She had assumed he came from a prominent pure-blood family, perhaps with high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Magic or members of the Wizengamot or the International Confederation of Wizards.
What she had forgotten was that she had also sent an admission notice to that person's adopted son!
"Please put on the Sorting Hat, Mr. Grindelwald," Professor McGonagall instructed.
"Just call me Dyroth, Professor McGonagall," Dyroth replied politely as he bowed and took his seat on the stool under the gaze of everyone present.
"Finally, I meet you, the little blond wizard," the Sorting Hat's voice echoed in his mind.
"Can we discuss stopping your Occlumency?" the Sorting Hat asked with a touch of frustration. "It's difficult for me to handle you like this!"
Dyroth smirked inwardly. His seventh-level Occlumency was evidently effective. Even Dumbledore wouldn't be able to discern his thoughts without it.
He allowed only his core memories and thoughts to remain protected by narrowing the scope of his Occlumency.
A sharp, probing sensation entered his mind.
The Sorting Hat seemed relieved.
"This is the first time I've been addressed so politely," the Sorting Hat commented. "Your talent and manners are exceptional. Even Salazar and Godric would be envious at your age."
"Let me see which house suits you."
After reviewing Dyroth's experiences, the Sorting Hat continued to praise him.
"Brave, fearless, and willing to challenge everything, much like Godric Gryffindor."
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"Honest, resilient, and unafraid of difficulties, possessing all the traits of Helga Hufflepuff."
"Wise, scholarly, passionate about research, and far-sighted, similar to Rowena Ravenclaw."
"So, your house is…"
"Slytherin!"
When the Sorting Hat first began speaking, Draco and the others were already in despair. But then, they were taken by surprise!
The Slytherin table erupted in unprecedented applause.
Draco and Pansy's eyes sparkled with excitement!
Dyroth's lips twitched. For a moment, he almost believed the Sorting Hat would place him elsewhere.
Revenge! Direct revenge!
The Sorting Hat seemed to be exacting revenge for the influence Dyroth had exerted on Hermione and the others, causing them to diverge from the Sorting Hat's expectations!
"Is this how you play your little games?" Dyroth thought. "Well, let's see how you handle this!"
He stood up and bowed graciously to everyone. Then, he drew his wand and pointed it at the Sorting Hat on the chair.
"Cleaned up!"
The audience gasped in shock!
"Mr. Sorting Hat, you don't need to thank me. It's the least I could do," Dyroth said with a smirk. If he didn't act now, who knew when he might get another chance?
Better to take decisive action than to stew internally!
If the Sorting Hat hadn't spoken, Harry would still be uncertain about his house!
[Congratulations to the host for completing the sorting ceremony and earning the achievement: Slytherin]
[Achievement point reward: 50]
"I've got enough for five consecutive rounds. Let's make use of them when we get back to the room!"
Arriving at the Slytherin table, several students immediately approached him.
"Wensey Rolle, nice to meet you, Dyroth!"
"Marcus Flint! From the twenty-eight sacred tribes, the Flint family!" A strong man who resembled a chimpanzee extended his hand towards Dyroth.
Before he could finish, several girls pushed him aside.
The eyes that looked at Dyroth were filled with admiration!
Gellert Grindelwald was a renowned figure, and Dyroth's resemblance was striking.
Which girl could resist?
A casual word from him was enough to excite them for a long time.
After an unknown amount of time, the last student completed the sorting, and the entire ceremony finally ended.
"Please pay attention, everyone!" Professor McGonagall announced, gently tapping her glass with a golden spoon.
Dumbledore stood up.
"As the new school year begins, I have some final words to share with you."
"That's… Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
"The banquet has officially begun!"
As soon as he finished speaking, all sorts of delicacies appeared on the banquet table.
The rich aroma filled the hall!
Dyroth had to admit that the food at Hogwarts was indeed impressive!
At least it was much better than Vinda's cooking!
"Ho ho ho ho!"
A multitude of ghosts emerged from the walls and floated around the hall, causing many first-years to shriek in surprise.
After a burst of noise, the banquet came to an end.
Dumbledore waved his hand, and the food on the table vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.
For Dyroth, who had studied magic for years, this was just a common sight. But for many freshmen experiencing magic for the first time, it was still quite remarkable.
"The dinner is over. Now, please sing our school song with your best voices!" Dumbledore instructed.
Dyroth observed that Dumbledore's words had caused several professors on the stage to change their expressions, particularly Professor Snape, whose already dark demeanor grew even gloomier.
Dumbledore, in high spirits, waved his wand like a conductor's baton, guiding everyone to join in the song.
The resulting cacophony included the Weasley twins causing mischief with their mournful tones.
Dyroth carefully listened, trying to discern the tone Professor Snape might say.
It turned out that Snape simply opened his mouth and said nothing!
Instead, it was Professor Flitwick, standing next to him, whose voice was surprisingly loud.
...
The banquet concluded.
Under the guidance of the prefects, students returned to their common rooms.
Arriving at the Slytherin common room, the prefect spoke to everyone.
"I am your prefect. Remember the password for our entrance."
"I'll only say it once."
Before a damp wall adorned with snake patterns, he looked proud.
"Pureblood Glory!"
The wall slowly opened, revealing a luxurious green and silver hall.
The Slytherin banner hung high.
Snake motifs adorned the common room, and the dark green décor gave the space a particularly mysterious feel.
Through the glass windows, one could vaguely see the creatures moving in the Black Lake.
Just as Dyroth was about to enter and rest, Snape's figure appeared behind them.
A cold voice reached Dyroth's ears.
"Mr. Grindelwald, Professor Dumbledore requests your presence in the headmaster's office."
.
.
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