Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 10: Sorting Ceremony

Lyanna and the other first-year students stepped into the grand entryway of Hogwarts, lit by flickering torches that cast warm, dancing shadows on the stone walls. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and wonder.

Standing before a pair of towering doors was Professor McGonagall, a rather severe-looking witch clad in an emerald cloak. Her sharp eyes surveyed the new students with a mixture of sternness and expectation.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall began, her voice commanding and clear. "In a moment, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates, but before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your Houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."

Lyanna felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She knew the importance of the Sorting Ceremony and what it meant for her future at Hogwarts.

"While here, your House is, in many ways, your family," McGonagall continued. "Your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule-breaking will lose points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you—"

She was suddenly interrupted by a small commotion. Neville Longbottom, who had been nervously fidgeting, let out a blissfully relieved sigh as he scooped up his toad, Trevor, who had been hopping near the hem of Professor McGonagall's robes. The students around him chuckled softly.

Professor McGonagall cast a slightly disapproving glance at Neville before continuing, "...will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily."

The towering doors behind her opened with a slow, echoing creak, revealing the Great Hall beyond. The first years gasped in unison at the sight of the enchanted ceiling, which mirrored the night sky outside, complete with twinkling stars.

"Form a line and follow me," McGonagall instructed.

As they moved forward, Lyanna's heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She glanced at Harry and Ron, who both seemed equally awestruck. The Great Hall was filled with students from all the Houses, sitting at long tables and whispering excitedly about the new arrivals.

At the front of the Hall, a stool stood with the Sorting Hat resting on it. Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a long roll of parchment.

"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she explained. "Abbott, Hannah!"

A girl with pigtails stepped forward, trembling slightly. She sat on the stool, and McGonagall placed the hat on her head. After a moment's pause, the hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers as Hannah joined them, looking relieved.

"Bones, Susan!" McGonagall called next.

One by one, students were called and sorted into their Houses. Lyanna's anticipation grew with each name.

"Granger, Hermione!" McGonagall announced.

Hermione, who had been nervously muttering spells under her breath, walked briskly to the stool. The hat barely touched her head before it declared, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Lyanna watched as Hermione joined the Gryffindor table, her face glowing with pride.

"Malfoy, Draco!"

Draco strutted confidently to the stool, and the hat shouted "SLYTHERIN!" almost immediately. The Slytherin table clapped and cheered as Draco took his place among them.

"Malfoy, Lyanna!"

Lyanna took a deep breath and walked to the stool, feeling the weight of hundreds of eyes on her. She sat down, and Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. It slid down over her eyes, and everything went dark.

"Hmm," said a small voice in her ear. "Difficult, very difficult. You have bravery, yes, but also a thirst for knowledge. A strong sense of loyalty, yet cunning as well. Where to put you?"

Lyanna's heart pounded as the hat deliberated. She thought of Draco in Slytherin and the new friends she had made.

"Better be...RAVENCLAW!" the hat finally shouted.

Lyanna felt a rush of relief and excitement as she removed the hat and walked to the Ravenclaw table, where students were cheering and welcoming her warmly. She saw Draco give her a small, approving nod from the Slytherin table.

As she took her seat, Lyanna knew that her journey at Hogwarts was just beginning, and she was ready to embrace whatever came her way. United with her new family in Ravenclaw, she felt a sense of belonging and purpose. The adventure had truly begun.