Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 3 - The Sorting Hat's Decision

The Great Hall was everything I had imagined and more, its enchanted ceiling reflecting the starry night sky. Floating candles cast a warm glow over the sea of students, and the long house tables stretched out beneath us, laden with gleaming plates and goblets. My heart pounded as the Sorting Hat began its song, each verse sending my anxiety skyrocketing. The sense of expectation in the room was palpable, and I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my back.

"All first years, line up here!" called Professor McGonagall, her voice sharp and commanding. I took my place in the queue, my legs trembling so much I feared I might collapse. Sirius stood beside me, his hand a steadying presence on my shoulder.

"It'll be alright, Liz," he whispered, squeezing my shoulder. "We'll get through this together."

"Sirius Black!" Professor McGonagall called, her voice echoing through the hall.

Sirius gave me one last reassuring smile before striding confidently up to the stool. He sat down, and the hat barely touched his head before shouting, "Gryffindor!"

Relief washed over me, and I felt a small surge of pride as the Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. Sirius looked back at me, his face alight with triumph, and I managed a weak smile.

"Eliza Black!" came the next call, and my heart skipped a beat.

My legs felt like jelly as I approached the hat, every step an effort. My palms were clammy, and I wiped them on my robes before sitting on the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on my head, and I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for the same outcome as Sirius.

"Hmm, another Black," the hat murmured in my ear, its voice soft and contemplative. "But not quite like the others. Courage, yes, but also a deep loyalty... and a touch of anxiety, I see."

My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. "Please, not Slytherin," I thought desperately. "Anything but Slytherin."

"Not Slytherin, eh?" the hat mused. "Interesting... very interesting. You have the heart of a Gryffindor, I see. Better be... Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers again, and I hurried off the stool, my heart still racing. Sirius was waiting for me, his face glowing with pride.

"We did it, Liz!" he exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. "We're Gryffindors!"

I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. We made our way to the Gryffindor table and sat down, the cheers and claps from our new housemates ringing in my ears. I glanced back at the head table, where the professors were watching the sorting with interest. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he met my gaze, and I felt a flicker of hope.

As the sorting continued, I tried to calm my racing heart. Sirius leaned in close, his voice a comforting presence in the noisy hall. "See, Liz? We escaped. We're Gryffindors now. Mum and Dad can't touch us here."

I nodded, managing a shaky smile. "Yeah, you're right. We did it."

Dinner was a blur of introductions and chatter. The food appeared magically on the tables, and I marveled at the spread. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy—all my favorites, and more. Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter were already deep in conversation, planning their first prank at Hogwarts. I picked at my food, my mind still racing.

"Liz, you okay?" Remus asked quietly, noticing my unease.

I forced a smile. "Just... a lot to take in," I admitted.

He nodded understandingly. "It gets easier. And we'll be here to help."

James leaned over, a mischievous grin on his face. "Don't worry, Eliza. You're with us now. The Marauders always have each other's backs."

"The Marauders?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's us," Sirius explained, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "James, Remus, Peter, and me. And now you too."

I felt a warmth spread through me at their acceptance. Maybe, just maybe, things would be alright. As we headed up to the Gryffindor common room after dinner, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement amidst the anxiety. Hogwarts was a place of new beginnings, and with my brother and new friends by my side, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.