Happy House- Theodore Nott Fanfic

Arrival at Hogwarts

The rhythmic chugging of the Hogwarts Express began to slow, signaling the approach to Hogsmeade Station. Outside the windows, the towering spires of Hogwarts Castle came into view, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Excited chatter filled the compartments as the students gathered their belongings, anticipation building with each passing moment.

Alessia and her friends emerged from their compartment, joining the throng of students making their way off the train. The platform was a sea of excitement and energy, with friends reuniting and first-year students wide-eyed with wonder.

''Can you believe we're back?'' Pansy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked around. ''Another year at Hogwarts!''

Blaise chuckled, slinging an arm around Enzo's shoulders. ''I hear the house elves have been busy over the summer.'' he said, his voice filled with anticipation. ''I can't wait to see what's on the menu for the feast.''

Mattheo smirked, his eyes fixated on Alessia. ''I'm more interested in the new additions to the curriculum.'' He said, his voice low and teasing. ''I've heard there are some intriguing electives available this year.''

Alessia rolled her eyes, playfully swatting Mattheo's arm. ''Always the scholar, aren't you? 'she teased, her voice light and playful.

As they made their way down the familiar path to the castle, the conversation shifted to the upcoming school year and the challenges that lay ahead. Theodore, ever the pragmatist, voiced concerns about the increasing tension in the wizarding world, while Draco speculated about the implications for the education. Enzo, always the optimist, tried to steer the conversation towards more lighthearted topics, recounting tales of their summer adventures and speculating about the upcoming Quidditch season.  As they approached the entrance to the castle, Alessia felt a sense of anticipation building within her. The start of a new school year always brought a sense of excitement, but this year felt different. There was a palpable energy in the air, a sense that the coming months would be filled with challenges and opportunities unlike any they had faced before. As they crossed the threshold into the castle, the familiar sights and sounds of Hogwarts enveloped them, welcoming them home. The Great Hall awaited, filled with the promise of the Sorting Ceremony and the start of another year of magical education. As Alessia and her friends entered the Great Hall, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The long tables  were adorned with golden plates and goblets, and the enchanted ceiling above them shimmered with the night sky. Making their way to the Slytherin table, they took their seats, the green and silver banners draped around them casting a soft glow. The group engaged in lively conversation, discussing their summer adventures and speculating about the challenges and opportunities the new school year would bring. As the minutes ticked by, the anticipation in the Great Hall grew, and the conversation at the Slytherin table became more subdued.

Finally, the door at the end of the Great Hall swung open, and Professor McGonagall led the first-year students into the room. The Sorting Hat was placed on its stool, and the ceremony began.

One by one, the first-year students were sorted into their respective houses, the Great Hall erupting into cheers and applause with each announcement. As the ceremony progressed, Alessia felt a growing sense of unease, her eyes darting anxiously at the remaining students yet to be sorted, her younger sister being a part of them.

Then, it happened.

''Armania Rivero,'' Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the Great Hall.

A hush fell over the Slytherin table as Armania approached the stool, her eyes meeting Alessia's for a fleeting moment before the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. The seconds felt like an eternity as the Sorting Hat deliberated, its muffled voice barely audible as it whispers its decision.

''Gryffindor!'' The Sorting hat announced, breaking the stunned silence that had enveloped the Great Hall.

Panic surged through Alessia as she locked eyes with her sister, disbelief and confusion etched on both their faces. The Slytherin table erupted into whispers and murmurs, the news of a Rivero in Gryffindor sending shockwaves through the assembled students and faculty. As Armania made her way to the Gryffindor table, Alessia felt a sense of isolation and uncertainty. The Rivero legacy had been built on centuries or Slytherin pride and ambition, and Armania's sorting into Gryffindor threatened to unravel everything they had worked so hard to achieve.

As the murmurs and whispers continued to ripple through the Great Hall following the Sorting Ceremony, Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his seat at the staff table, his presence commanding the attention of all present. His eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses as he cleared his throat, preparing to address the gathered students.

''Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts.'' Dumbledore began, his voice resonating throughout the Great Hall. ''Before we begin our feast, allow me to introduce our new staff members.''

The Headmaster gestured towards the staff table, where several new faces could be seen among the familiar ones.

''Firstly, I'd like to welcome Professor Silas Thorne, our new Potions Master.'' Dumbledore said, nodding towards a tall, dark-haired wizard who offered a polite wave to the students.

''Next, we have Professor Septima Vector, who will be taking over as the new Arithmancy instructor.'' He continued, gesturing towards a stern-looking witch with sharp features.

''And finally, I'd like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge.'' Dumbledore announced, his tone slightly more reserved as he introduced the short, pink-clad witch who offered a saccharine smile to the students. 

Alessia exchanged a puzzled glance with her friends, the presence of Professor Umbridge casting a shadow of uncertainty over the start of the school year. The new teacher's appearance and demeanor seemed at odds with the gravity of the position she had assumed, and whispers of curiosity and concern filled the air.  As Dumbledore concluded his introduction and the feast began in earnest, the tables were suddenly laden with a sumptuous spread of delicious dishes. Platters of roast meat, bowls of savory vegetables, and trays of delectable desserts appeared before the hungry students, their appetites whetted by the evening's events. Alessia and her friends eagerly began filling their plates, the familiar comfort of the Hogwarts feast offering a welcome distraction from the uncertainty of the evening. As they ate, the conversation gradually shifted from the unexpected sorting to the new Professor. As the last remnants of the feast were cleared away, Alesia and her friends began to make their way towards the Slytherin common room, the excitement of the evening still lingering in the air. The path to the dungeons was familiar, yet filled with an undercurrent of tension, the events of the evening weighing heavily on Alessia's mind. Upon reaching the entrance to the Slytherin common room, Alessia was about to utter the password when the door swung open, revealing Jade, her eldest sister, her face flushed with panic.

''Alessia! There you are!'' Jade exclaimed, rushing forward and pulling her younger sister into a tight embrace.

Caught off guard by Jade's sudden appearance and and the urgency in her voice, Alessia struggled to find her words. ''Jade, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost.''

Jade pulled back, her eyes searching Alessia's. ''It's Armania.'' She said, her voice trembling. ''She's been sorted into Gryffindor, Alessia. Gryffindor!''

Alessia's heart sank as she processed Jade's words, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The Rivero legacy, built on centuries of Slytherin pride and ambition, was now in jeopardy, and the implications were far-reaching.

''We need to talk to her, find out what happened.'' Jade continued, her voice rising with each word. ''This isn't just about her, Alessia. It's about our family, our legacy.''

Alessia nodded, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of the situation. ''I know, Jade. I know.'' She said, her voice firm with determination. ''We'll figure this out, together.''