[Revisions: Monday, July 15, 2024]

Professor McGonagall removed the Sorting Hat from Basil's head.

Basil stood up, looking around at the sea of conflicted faces.

"How?" a third-year student exclaimed, clearly shocked.

Basil's bright green eyes blinked as whispers spread through the Great Hall.

"The Sorting Hat must have made a mistake. A Potter in Slytherin? That's unheard of," a fourth-year girl murmured, concerned.

Basil frowned, noticing the absence of cheers that had greeted other first-years.

"Are you sure this Basil kid is the legendary Harry Potter?" the fifth-year boy repeated.

"Sir James and Lady Lily would be so dis-" another student's voice was cut off by a loud ringing.

Basil's eyes widened as bells echoed through the hall, drawing everyone's attention to the stained glass windows depicting the four Hogwarts founders.

"That sound," whispered Professor Pomona Sprout.

"Isn't that...?" Professor Filius Flitwick trailed off, looking at his colleagues.

"That sound is indeed coming from Hogwarts herself," Severus Snape confirmed, his cold black eyes fixed on Basil.

'Lily's son is a Slytherin,' Snape thought, surprised.

Basil glanced at the staff table, meeting Severus Snape's gaze. 'I know I failed you, Lily, but I will protect and guide your son,' Snape silently vowed.

Professor McGonagall looked bewildered. "What is going on?"

"Hogwarts has accepted Sir Basil Potter as her Champion," the Sorting Hat announced, shocking everyone, including Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

'This cannot be! Shouldn't Hogwarts bless Harry Potter instead?' Dumbledore questioned, troubled.

Basil's uniform transformed into Slytherin colors, and he smiled, pleased.

"Hello, My Champion," a feminine voice called out, capturing everyone's attention.Basil looked up to see five spirits floating around him. "Who are you?" he asked, astonished.

"My name is Helena Ravenclaw, the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw. I am also known as the Grey Lady," the female ghost introduced herself.

Basil blushed, finding Helena beautiful. "Nice to meet you."

"Well, hello there, Young Champion!" a kind, friendly ghost bowed, his head nearly falling off.

Basil paled at the sight. "My name is Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, but everyone calls me Nearly Headless Nick."

"Pleasure to meet you, Sir," Basil nodded.

"It's an honor to meet you, Young Champion. I am the Fat Friar. Let Hogwarts know if you ever need anything," another ghost smiled warmly.

"Thank you," Basil replied.

"I am the Bloody Baron, and this is Peeves the Poltergeist. If anyone gives you trouble, let us know," a stern ghost said while the fourth ghost looked at Basil with a crazed stare.

Basil nodded nervously.

Headmaster Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Sir Basil Potter, please join your table. The Sorting must continue."

"Y-Yes," Basil stammered, embarrassed.

Walking towards the Slytherin table, he briefly looked at his younger brother. Harry met his gaze, frowning.

"See, Malfoy has influenced your brother to be a Slytherin. Now Hogwarts and the ghosts are acting strange," Ron whispered to Harry.

Harry turned away from Basil, disappointment in his eyes.

Tears welled up in Basil's eyes as he saw his brother's reaction. He quickly wiped them away, which didn't go unnoticed by Severus and Draco.

'Who upset him?' both thought, watching Basil sit beside Gregory Goyle.

"Basil?" Draco called softly. "What's wrong?"

Basil opened his mouth but stopped as Professor McGonagall called the next name.

"Harry Potter!" she shouted, and the hall erupted in whispers and excitement.

Basil turned to see his brother.

Draco watched Basil with concern, sensing that Harry was the cause of his distress.

Severus observed Harry, noting his resemblance to James Potter. 'So the real Potter's spawn has arrived,' he thought, his mind on Basil's tears. 'That boy must have made Basil cry.'

Harry sat on the stool, and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. Basil watched, hopeful they would be in the same house.

After a few moments, the Sorting Hat announced, "Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. Harry beamed, proud to follow in his parents' footsteps.

Basil watched sadly as Harry's uniform changed to Gryffindor colors. Harry glanced at Basil, who smiled sadly before turning away.

Professor McGonagall continued the Sorting Ceremony, but Basil's mind was elsewhere, staring at his empty plate.

Ignoring the ceremony, Draco focused on Basil, disheartened by his friend's sadness.

A clinking sound drew everyone's attention to Dumbledore, who stood with a chalice.

"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our Start-of-Term feast, I want to say a few words: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Now, let us feast," Dumbledore announced, and food appeared on the tables.