Casanova (Male Oc Insert)

The Sorting

Sirius and I had been deep in conversation with James and Peter for the entire train ride to Hogwarts, while Remus sat quietly, observing. It was clear that he wasn't much for chatter, but I figured he would warm up to us eventually. As the train pulled into the station, my breath was taken away by the sight of Hogwarts. Bella and Cissa had told us stories about its grandeur, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience. The castle loomed majestically against the twilight sky, feature after feature coming into focus as we took the boats across the shimmering lake.

Entering the castle, we stepped into the entrance hall, its tall ceilings and flickering torches casting an enchanting glow. When we filed into the Great Hall, the atmosphere buzzed with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. As we settled at the long tables, James, eager to impart his knowledge, started explaining the differences between the four houses. While I understood the importance of the houses, my mind was already made up; I was certain that both Sirius and I would be sorted into Slytherin, like generations before us.

Sirius was the first of my friends to face the Sorting Hat. As he walked up and took his place on the stool, I felt a knot of anticipation tighten in my stomach. McGonagall placed the hat on his head, and within a matter of fewer than thirty seconds, it called out, "GRYFFINDOR!" The look on Sirius's face was one of pure shock, and I couldn't help but think I must have mirrored his expression.

Next, it was my turn, and a wave of trepidation washed over me. I feared that I might be destined for the same fate as Sirius. As the hat was placed on my head, I heard a voice echo in my mind, "Hmm, brave like a lion but scared of mommy. I think I shall put you in GRYFFINDOR!" My heart sank as I stumbled over to the Gryffindor table, joining Sirius.

After me, Remus stepped up to face the hat. He sat on the stool for what felt like an eternity—at least thirty seconds, maybe more—before the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" A slight relief washed over me, knowing that I had someone familiar besides Sirius in this new environment. Next up was Peter, and after a prolonged deliberation, the hat finally declared, "GRYFFINDOR!" Finally, it was James’s turn, and it took hardly any time at all for the hat to call out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Sirius groaned into his arms on the table, clearly overwhelmed. "Speak for yourself," he muffled, "Our father’s going to kill us." I couldn’t help but groan in agreement. “I bet Bella has already sent him an owl,” I said, still in disbelief.

Peter, wide-eyed and anxious despite getting his desired outcome, kept wringing his hands and shooting glances around as if expecting someone to come and ask him to switch houses.

Amidst this, a girl named Hannah Selwyn was also sorted into Gryffindor. Once the feast began, McGonagall approached Remus, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Mr. Lupin,” she said softly but loud enough for us to overhear, “If you could please come to my office after dinner? It’s next to the Gryffindor common room. One of the prefects can show you the way.” Remus nodded silently, and she walked away, leaving a wave of curiosity behind her.

“What was that about?” James asked, raising an eyebrow. “McGonagall wants to see you already?” Remus shrugged, looking slightly perplexed, but the arrival of the food momentarily distracted us. As I piled my plate high with roast, mashed potatoes, and an array of delectable treats, the chatter resumed.

Once dinner concluded, we found our way to the Gryffindor common room. While walking, I noticed a door that I presumed was McGonagall's office. I spotted Remus lingering outside for a moment, sharing a look with James before we approached him. “Want us to wait for you, mate?” I offered.

“Why?” Remus asked, eyeing us with mild suspicion.

James shrugged casually, “So you don’t end up on your own.” Remus shook his head, replying firmly, “No, I’m fine.” He then knocked on the door, pausing before entering.

After a moment's silence, I turned to James. “I’m still going to wait for him. What about you?”

“I’ll wait with you. I don’t want to leave my new mate out here by himself,” he grinned, causing a smile to form on my lips.

Eventually, Remus emerged from the office. “Told you I’d be okay,” he said with mild annoyance, a hint of relief evident in his voice.

James just smiled at him. “Yeah, well, you missed Longbottom telling us the password. Didn’t want you stuck out here all night. Come on!” Together, we sauntered down the corridor to the portrait of the Fat Lady. In unison, we chimed, “Widdershins,” and the portrait swung open, granting us entry.

Inside our shared room, the boys were already settling in. Peter was digging through his belongings in a frantic mess, clothes, and books strewn everywhere. “I can’t find my wand!” he wailed. “Mum made me pack it so I wouldn’t lose it on the train, but it’s not here!”

James chuckled, “Pete, your mum asked me to look after it, remember?”

Sirius, who had flopped down on his bed, muttered, “Cheer up, mate. You didn’t want to be in Slytherin anyway, did you?”

“Five hundred years,” Sirius replied stonily, “Every Black at Hogwarts has been sorted into Slytherin for five hundred years.”

James clapped him on the back, laughter bubbling out of him. “Well, it’s about time someone tried to be different, eh?”

Sirius had finally started to unpack, books tumbling out of his trunk, most of them muggle titles. “I know,” he replied with a smirk, “but these are mostly muggle books. My Uncle Alphard left them to me, and Mum would set them all on fire if I left them at home.”

Remus and Sirius then dove into a passionate discussion about muggle music, fascinating yet frustrating until Remus finally, thoroughly annoyed, decided to call it a night and headed to bed.

James, Sirius, and I fell into an animated debate about Quidditch, our voices rising and falling with the excitement of new friendships and possibilities. Peter leaned closer, whispering loudly, “You’d think he’d try harder to make friends,” a hint of bewilderment in his tone as he cast a glance toward Remus's empty spot. The night was young, and we were just getting started. “Are you sure the hat wasn’t supposed to put you in Slytherin?” Sirius drawled. Peter was quiet after that. I eventually lay down and drifted off to bed.