As the students filed into the Great Hall for the start-of-term feast, anticipation crackled in the air like electricity. Excited chatter filled the hall as they took their seats at the long tables, eager to hear the announcements and see the Sorting Hat in action once more.
Draco and Y/N walked side by side, their steps synchronized as they made their way to the hufflepuff and Slytherin tables respectively. Despite the buzz of excitement around them, they exchanged quiet smiles, their eyes filled with a shared sense of anticipation for the year ahead.
As they settled into their seats, the enchanted ceiling above them shimmered with stars, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the proceedings below. The Great Hall was alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation, a vibrant tapestry of colors and movement that filled the air with magic.
And then, with a resounding clap, the doors of the Great Hall swung open, and the faculty entered in procession, led by Professor McGonagall. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards the front of the hall, anticipation building with each passing moment.
With a flourish of her wand, Professor McGonagall conjured a stool and placed the Sorting Hat upon it, its brim twitching with anticipation. The Sorting Ceremony had begun, signaling the start of another year at Hogwarts.
Draco and Y/N watched with bated breath as the first years were called forward, their hearts racing with excitement. They listened intently as the Sorting Hat deliberated, its voice echoing through the hall as it placed each student into their respective houses.
And as the last student was sorted and the feast began in earnest, Draco and Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation for the year ahead. For in that moment, surrounded by the warmth and camaraderie of their friends and classmates, they knew that anything was possible.
