Chapter 5

The first years had been sorted, their nervous energy still palpable as they took their seats at the long tables. The Slytherins were particularly stiff, their expressions a mix of awe and uncertainty, but Thaddeus barely spared them a glance. He was more focused on the ripples of magic that still hung in the air after the Sorting.

Professor McGonagall, leading the procession earlier, had been a striking figure, her strict demeanor cloaked in a shimmering haze of magic. Thaddeus couldn't help but feel mesmerized by the spectacle; such phenomena were rare outside Hogwarts, yet here, they seemed almost commonplace. The professors, each of them radiating an aura of magical power, gave off a sense of being inherently gifted by magic itself.

As his thoughts wandered, it struck him—these magical arrays that powered the school must be doing wonders. Even average wizards here appeared exceptional, surrounded by an almost palpable aura of strength. Thaddeus found himself surprised that he hadn't considered it before, but it made sense now. Hogwarts, in its very core, was a place of amplification—a school where the lines between potential and reality blurred.

His gaze shifted toward the professors' table, and he froze for a moment when he locked eyes with Dumbledore. The headmaster sat at the center of it all, surrounded by the air of magic itself. The pull of those twinkling blue eyes was undeniable, as though Dumbledore could see straight into his soul. Thaddeus quickly averted his eyes, feeling a subtle probing against his Occlumency shields. He cursed under his breath. His curiosity had exposed him.

He turned his focus back to the first years, watching them sit down in silence, still processing the overwhelming experience of the Sorting. They were probably relieved it was over. Thaddeus couldn't help but empathize with them for a moment—he had been in their shoes, once.

"D'Aubigny, Thaddeus."

The sharp sound of McGonagall's voice cut through his thoughts. His name echoed in the Great Hall, and all eyes turned toward him. For a moment, he hesitated, but only for a heartbeat. He stood and walked toward the front of the hall, feeling the weight of the many gazes on him. It was a feeling he had long since learned to ignore, but now, it felt... different. His steps were measured, his composure steady, though his thoughts were running wild.

He sat on the stool, the cold wood pressing against the back of his legs, and the Sorting Hat was placed upon his head. Its voice, ancient and knowing, filled his mind.

"Well, well. An older student. It's been some time since I've had one of those. Not quite as young as most, are you? Hmm, what an interesting life you've led already, my boy."

Thaddeus stiffened. The Hat was probing, but he had learned long ago to keep his thoughts guarded.

"You're quiet," the Hat remarked. "No matter, I'll continue. Let's take a look at your qualities, shall we?"

A silence stretched between them, as though the Hat were weighing something intangible. Then, it spoke again.

"Loyal to your family, fiercely so. Coming here on the command of your family's head says a great deal. A true Hufflepuff at heart, one might think. But no…" The Hat's voice grew thoughtful. "You're far too calculating, too deliberate in your decisions. That wouldn't allow you to thrive in their house. Perhaps Slytherin, then? You have ambition, a sharp mind, and an undeniable thirst for success. But wait—there's also your insatiable curiosity. A hunger for knowledge, one that could make you an excellent Ravenclaw."

The Hat paused, as though savoring the decision. "Hmm… yes. It's clear now. You'll do well in…"

"Slytherin!" the Hat declared, its voice firm.

An inaudible sigh escaped Thaddeus as he stood up, his mind already calculating the inevitable. He would have to fulfill his duty, whether he liked it or not. The Sorting Hat had teased him with labels like "badger" or "eagle," but in the end, he had to take his place where he was supposed to be.

Making his way toward the Slytherin table, he scanned for a spot near his cousin. No luck. The Slytherin hierarchy had already begun to show itself: the older students occupied the prime seats, leaving the less influential—the first-years and a few second-years, those without power or notable family ties—to fend for the leftover spaces. Annoyed but careful to keep his emotions concealed, Thaddeus seated himself among the younger students. Quietly, he began to eat, his thoughts simmering under his composed exterior. What a bore.

When dessert was cleared away, Dumbledore rose to give his usual start-of-term speech, though it was clear from the bored expressions of the older students that they were not looking forward to it.

"I welcome all new students to Hogwarts and bore the old ones with the same reminders as always," Dumbledore began, his voice playful. "The Forbidden Forest remains off-limits to all students. And no magic in the corridors between classes. Our esteemed caretaker has also requested a small change to our regulations this year."

He turned toward Mr. Smith, who had started to mutter something under his breath.

"Ah, yes," Dumbledore continued, glancing back at the caretaker with a grin. "Magical paint is now banned from the school. Isn't that right, Mr. Smith?"

Smith cleared his throat, standing a little straighter. "Yes, Headmaster. Magical paint has been causing disturbances in recent times, and I believe banning it will help maintain order."

Dumbledore nodded, though his expression suggested he wasn't entirely serious. "Quite right, Mr. Smith. To clarify: not all magical paints—just those employed for particularly... creative purposes." Laughter rippled through the hall as students exchanged amused looks.

"For those eager to learn the finer details," Dumbledore continued, his voice warm and teasing, "a parchment outlining the new regulations has been posted in the caretaker's office. Mr. Smith has been most thorough in ensuring everything is clearly explained. Feel free to consult it at your leisure."

As Dumbledore finished his speech, the chatter in the Great Hall swelled. Conversations buzzed with curiosity and amusement over the new rule, and the students began filing out toward their dormitories, their voices a blend of speculation and excitement.