𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐄 ☆ Sirius Black ✔️ *slowly editing*

t h i r t y

"Hufflepuff," Sirius notes as a short, blonde kid steps up to the podium and sits down.

I shake my head. "Not a chance — he's Ravenclaw-material."

"I'll bet you a kiss he's Hufflepuff." Sirius leans in and whispers.

"Why not put money where your mouth is?" I retort with a smirk. "I'll bet you a galleon he's Ravenclaw."

"Deal."

We shake hands and turn our attention to the front of the room, just as the Sorting Hat yells out, "Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindor table erupts into cheers as the first year walks down to join his new house.

"We are really bad at this; that's the fifth wrong in a row," I grin at him.

I feel a small nudge and turn to see Lily motion to the table, where Sirius and my hands are still intertwined. For a moment, I'm conflicted between liking how his hand feels against mine and not wanting anyone to see us holding hands. But the voice at the back of my mind wins — again.

Pretending to be thirsty, I slip my hand away to grab my cup of water.

Luckily, Sirius doesn't seem to notice. He leans in once again, so no one around us can hear him, "Don't worry; I might still give you that kiss."

I hate the way his voice makes my stomach flutter, especially when it whispers promises of an intimate moment with him later. To my luck, the Sorting Ceremony is ending, and Professor Dumbledore is making his way to the front to give his annual speech, which gives me the perfect opportunity to turn away, so he can't see the effect he has on me.

"Welcome students, teachers, and staff to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

As we gather here tonight, we celebrate the new students embarking on their journey of wisdom and magical discovery. But the new school year also means that another class is taking on their final year and will soon join the world beyond these hallowed walls.

We face a great challenge. A war has cast its shadow over the wizarding world, reverberating through every corner. And I can only hope that we have fully prepared you all for what is to come.

The dark times we confront demand not only our vigilance but also our unity. For it is unity that has always been the strength of Hogwarts, a strength that withstands the tests of time. Our diverse houses, each with its unique qualities, are bound by the common threads of courage, loyalty, intelligence, and ambition. In the face of adversity, we find strength in our shared purpose.

You, dear students, are the future. The torchbearers of hope and change. It's you that hold the power to change the course of history and to stand up for what is right.

Alas, the world may look grim, but we have hope.

Oh! Our caretaker Mr. Filch would — as always — like to inform you all that any student roaming around after curfew will face the consequences.

So, with no further ado, let the feast begin, and let us welcome another year with two simple words, 'dig in'."

There is a deafening silence as everyone tries to take in what the headmaster has just said. His speech is usually short and cheerful. One year, his speech was just 'eat'. But that was the year the sorting ceremony took two hours because the hat couldn't decide if Gladys Willow belonged in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. She was eventually sorted into Hufflepuff as a compromise.

"Well, that was —" Lily begins, shifting uncomfortably in her seat next to me.

"Dark? Ominous?" Marlene adds.