But Karmit was not a boy easily shaken.
He was the current head of the Black family—the shadow ruler of Knockturn Alley. A child who had fought pure-blood families for power and won.
There was nothing simple about him.
Without the slightest change in expression, he walked forward into the Great Hall.
He ignored every gaze, each step steady and confident—like a leader marching toward a grand mission.
Seeing him act so composed, the other first-years quickly followed, and the awkwardness dissolved before it truly took shape.
Karmit quietly let out a sigh of relief. Ridiculous—he hadn't expected his harmless rumor to spiral into something that frightened the entire year.
He only wanted to give Draco and the others a little mental training… Not accidentally increase the difficulty for every first-year.
Professor McGonagall now stood upon a small platform. Atop it sat a chair beside a stand, upon which rested the Sorting Hat.
With its sharply defined features, the hat immediately piqued Karmit's curiosity.
How exactly had Godric Gryffindor created such an artifact?
One day, he intended to find out.
As if sensing Karmit's intent gaze, the Sorting Hat slowly opened its eyes.
It looked straight at him.
The voice echoed in his mind, 'Kid, what are you staring at?'
Karmit stiffened slightly in surprise.
Dumbledore cast a brief glance at the hat, then turned his attention to Karmit.
He paused… and smiled.
A chill ran down Karmit's spine.
For a moment, he felt as though the Headmaster had seen right through him.
His wariness surged.
The title of greatest white wizard in history was not undeserved. Karmit once believed his current power was already impressive…
But when Dumbledore's gaze met his—He couldn't even feel the urge to resist.
Too terrifying.
That level of strength was beyond outrageous.
.....
When all the students had gathered, McGonagall cleared her throat.
"Now then, we shall begin the Sorting Ceremony. When I call your name, step forward, sit, and place the Sorting Hat upon your head. It will determine the house best suited for you."
She unfurled the parchment.
Hermione whispered, "Just that hat? Isn't that a bit too casual?"
Harry stared with great curiosity.
Draco muttered, "It must have something special."
The other students murmured as well—many skeptical. To trust a hat with their future seemed absurd.
McGonagall read the first name:
"Hannah Abbott!"
Karmit nearly applauded and saluted—the legendary Hannah Abbott, the eternal first name of 1991 Hogwarts.
You might not know who Harry Potter is, but every crossover reader knows Hannah Abbott.
Well… joking aside.
Hannah, nervous but determined, stepped onto the platform.
McGonagall tried to sound gentle.
"Don't worry, dear. It will be over soon."
That only made Hannah's shoulders flinch.
McGonagall was not gifted in comforting children.
She lowered the hat onto Hannah's head. After a moment's thoughtful hum, the hat shouted:
"Hufflepuff!"
Hannah's fear melted into visible relief as applause rose from the Hufflepuff table.
McGonagall smiled. "You may take your seat."
With that, the others began to relax.
More names were called, and after two or three students—
"Karmit Black!"
The Great Hall fell silent at once.
"That's him… the head of the Black family!"
"He leads a pure-blood house at his age? Terrifying."
"I heard he united Knockturn Alley. His power is frightening."
His reputation preceded him.
Few in the wizarding world hadn't heard his name—except perhaps first-years from Muggle families.
High-year students from Muggle homes had long known who controlled the shops they shopped at: the Blacks.
From the staff table, Snape's cold, venomous gaze fixed on him.
Snape knew the Black family far too well. Bellatrix—his deranged former comrade. Sirius—one of his former tormentors.
The conclusion was simple: Severus Snape had zero affection for the Blacks.
.....
Karmit looked at the Sorting Hat, genuinely tempted to follow in the footsteps of other "protagonists" and give it a wash…
But it wasn't necessary.
Contrary to rumors, the hat wasn't dirty.
He even sensed traces of magic inscriptions—familiar ones.
Self-cleaning runes, the same type found in the Black family's secret chambers.
McGonagall noticed his pause.
"Is everything all right, Mr. Black?"
Karmit smiled. "My apologies, Professor. I was simply wondering—can the Sorting Hat ever be wrong?"
McGonagall blinked. "Do you have something to say?"
Karmit replied, "I only worry because the hat once misjudged a member of our family. A disgrace we have never forgotten.
I do hope it doesn't make such a mistake again."
Her expression froze. Out of the corner of his eye, Karmit glanced at Snape— and saw the change.
Snape's gaze softened. Barely, but undeniably.
Karmit's heart lit with triumph.
His guess had been correct.
One point of favorability… gained.
__________
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