𝙀𝙈𝙋𝙏𝙔 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙈𝙄𝙎𝙀𝙎; 𝙃𝙋 & 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙂𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙎

10

Estrella, with a calculating mind, determined it wise to keep the twins' existence a closely guarded secret, understanding the potential threat they posed to her reign if exploited. Meanwhile, the eagerly anticipated sorting ceremony for Hope Mikaelson unfolded the following day amidst a backdrop of resplendent decorations adorning the halls of Hogwarts. Every student was impeccably attired, but none more regally than the queen herself, adorned in a crimson gown that mirrored her sovereignty, her tiara gleaming with authority.

As the headmaster commenced his oration, the air crackled with anticipation. "Students, esteemed faculty, it is our profound privilege to extend a warm Hogwarts welcome to our newest student and her esteemed family," he proclaimed. A wave of applause rippled through the assembled students, but notably, Estrella remained seated, a queen apart from the crowd.

With a flourish, the Great Hall doors swung open, revealing the Mikaelson family, their presence commanding attention as they took their places at the teachers' table. Meanwhile, Hope, the centre of attention, approached the sorting hat with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. With practised precision, Professor McGonagall placed the ancient artefact upon her head, setting into motion the pivotal moment of her Hogwarts journey.

As Hope Mikaelson stepped forward, the Great Hall fell silent, all eyes fixed upon her. The Sorting Hat, weathered and wise, rested upon the pedestal, ready to unravel the mysteries of her soul.

The hat, sensing the weight of her lineage and the strength within her, began its deliberation:

"Ah, a Mikaelson indeed, with courage burning bright, But within your heart, a fierce and noble fight. Gryffindor calls to those brave and bold, Yet in your blood, a story untold."

Hope's mind raced with anticipation as the hat continued its assessment:

"Valour and bravery, traits you possess, But within your soul, a different quest. To stand with lions, or forge your way, In your heart lies the answer this day."

Hope, her resolve unwavering, silently urged the hat to make its decision. With a final moment of contemplation, the Sorting Hat declared:

"Gryffindor, where courage and heart combine, For Hope Mikaelson, this house is thine!"

A roar of applause erupted from the Gryffindor table as Hope, her heart filled with pride, joined her new housemates, ready to embark on her Hogwarts journey with courage as her guiding light.

The Mikaelsons wore proud expressions on their faces as they joined the applause. Rising from her seat, Estrella made her way to the podium, commanding the attention of the entire hall.

"I must also issue a warning," she began, her voice carrying a sense of gravity. "Dementors will be patrolling the grounds this year. We are currently in great danger from them. Therefore, I must ask each and every one of you to be cautious, to be vigilant, and to be prepared to defend yourselves, especially first and second years."

As murmurs spread throughout the hall, Estrella's gaze swept across the assembled students, her words ringing with authority. "Best of luck to the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor Quidditch teams. I wish you a safe and successful match, and as always, may the best team win." As Estrella stepped away from the podium, the occupants erupted in applause, the sound echoing throughout the hall.

The students and teachers began to break their fast and the Great Hall buzzed with chatter and laughter. On the Slytherin table, Mattheo Riddle sat, his gaze fixed mesmerizingly on Estrella, the Queen of Hogwarts. Beside him, his brother Tom observed with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

"Isn't she the most elegant?" Mattheo remarked, his voice filled with admiration.

"Get away from me, you lovesick fool!" Tom retorted, brushing his brother away in disgust. Mattheo sighed dreamily, still unable to tear his eyes away from Estrella.

"Get over it! She doesn't even like you," Tom added, rolling his eyes at his brother's infatuation. Unfortunately for Tom, the Lestrange heir wasn't present during breakfast to divert his attention.

At her lonesome throne sat Estrella, lost in her thoughts. Despite her sorting, which would undoubtedly be recorded in history, Estrella couldn't help but feel insecure due to the absence of any of her biological relatives to witness the moment like her dear sister had. She discreetly wiped tears that burned in the corner of her eyes however that gesture didn't go unnoticed by the youngest Riddle.

Later in the day, Estrella decided to take a stroll across the courtyard. The beauty of nature never failed to surprise her, and as she stopped to smell the roses, a light-tipped smile graced her face. However, her smile threatened to fade as she overheard laughter and the words that followed it. She coldly opened her piercing eyes.

"I mean, since when was Hogwarts a monarchy?" The unmistakable voice of Hermione Granger mused. Laughter reached her ears, and she turned around only to be faced with the infamous golden trio and....Hope."Who does this Queen think she is?" Her twin questioned.

"Hogwarts has always remained a monarchy, Granger. It was your infiltrating kind that killed our traditions. Bringing about modern views on customs is not intelligent; it makes you look like an idiot." The trio jumped as Hermione Granger failed to hide her embarrassment.

Estrella now stared at her twin, challenging her silently.

"The four founders of Hogwarts were the great monarchs of their time. Merlin was the greatest wizard to walk this soil. Gellert Grindelwald, the most powerful Dark Wizard in history. The blood in my veins lays claim to that glory, to that very throne. That is my heritage, that is who I know I am."

She held her stare, and as Hope diverted her gaze, Estrella spoke to the three of them, excluding Granger.

"All three of you are from respectable families that follow tradition. Do not mix with those who threaten to ruin your status." Estrella glared and swiftly left stunning the courtyard to a silence.

On her way back from the kitchens, Estrella carefully concealed the brownies, as per Astrophel and Orion's request. With the sweet treats safely tucked away in her dress pocket, she walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, her mind lost in thoughts of the day's events.

Suddenly, a figure loomed ahead, threatening to collide with her. Reacting swiftly, Estrella sidestepped the potential collision, averting disaster. To her surprise, the figure turned out to be Kol Mikaelson.

"Oh, terribly sorry about that," Kol apologised, his tone genuine yet tinged with unfamiliarity with the Hogwarts layout. "I'm just learning my way around here. Would you happen to know where the duelling club is?" He said unsure.

Estrella regarded him with a polite smile, recognizing the uncertainty of a newcomer in the vast castle. "It's no problem," she reassured him, her voice gentle. "Turn left at the end of this hallway, and it's the room on your right."

Expressing his gratitude, Kol addressed her with formal respect and bowed "Your Highness." Estrella felt a flicker of something, perhaps surprise or amusement, at the formal address.

"You are permitted to call me Estrella you know?" she interjected with a warm smile, her tone inviting. Kol nodded in acknowledgement however he refrained from speaking further. "Good day," he bid hastily, then rushed off down the hallway. Estrella sighed in defeat, feeling a twinge of disappointment at the brief encounter. Nonetheless, she gathered her composure and continued on her way.