Slytherin

The train's departure on its extensive journey stirred a sensation within me, causing a momentary stumble as my shoulder collided with the wall. The floor trembled beneath my feet, mirroring the excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins. With each passing moment, I jumped onto the train. I glimpsed the familiar faces of my fellow passengers settled comfortably in the rear compartments.
My quest aboard the Hogwarts Express was to find an unoccupied compartment, amidst the bustling train filled with hundreds of diverse students, each carrying their own captivating stories and histories. As a seventh-year student, my arrival at Hogwarts marked a pivotal moment in my academic journey, having recently transferred from Beauxbatons. The days leading up to this transition were riddled with nervous anticipation, for embarking on a new school alongside a myriad of unfamiliar faces can be an overwhelming experience. The mere thought of not knowing a single soul nestled a knot deep within the pit of my stomach, constricting my nerves like a tightly woven rope. At Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat placed students into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Personally, I had a eye for Slytherin, enticed by its reputation as the most confident and rebellious house, the one that often intrigued and allured outsiders. Raised by Muggle parents, who had previously sent me to Beauxbatons in an attempt to shield me from boys, especially according to my father's wishes, the prospect of being sorted into Slytherin presented an opportunity for a more adventurous journey. Though it was widely known that Muggle-borns weren't really sorted into Slytherin, I clung to a flicker of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, my fate would defy the norm.
Navigating the train's corridors, I cautiously treaded forward, avoiding direct eye contact with my fellow passengers. The objective was to stay invisible... for now. However, in an unexpected turn of events, I found myself colliding with another person. In that fleeting moment, the air filled with the scent of mint and cologne, enveloping my senses entirely. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to meet a pair of piercing silver eyes tinged with a hint of blue. The stranger possessed a head of lustrous platinum-blond hair that gracefully framed his forehead, and an icy expression met my gaze as he peered down upon me, his lofty stature granting him an advantage. An instinctual curiosity compelled me to examine his face closely, and it seemed that he, too, was engaged in a surreptitious assessment of my features. We both swiftly snapped back to reality, acknowledging the suddenness of our collision.

"Watch where you're going, would you?" he scoffed, casting a look of disdain in my direction, his aristocratic nose slightly wrinkled.

"I beg your pardon for my lack of attentiveness," I replied with poise, attempting to maintain the tone he gave me.

"Well, I believe it's time you start paying attention," he said, with frustration, as he casually brushed off invisible lint from his immaculate black suit. The top button of his shirt was obviously undone, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his collarbone.

"There's truly no need to make such a fuss," I replied, matching his tone with unwavering resolve. I crossed my arms, standing my ground.

"Do you have any idea of who I am?" he inquired, taking a step closer towards me, his voice dripping with a mix of superiority and curiosity. "I believe it would be in your best interest to show some respect." as he smirked.

"I'm new this year..." I responded, my voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "..And judging by your slant, respect is not the first thing that comes to mind."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he regained his composure, his stormy eyes looking at my features, scanning me up and down. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his light pink lips.

"What might be your name?" he inquired smoothly, leaning casually against the window beside him. "Not that it matters," he added dismissively, averting his gaze momentarily.