𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 | 𝐌.𝐑.

Somebody Looking At Me.

————
Ceci's POV
————

After the surprisingly short train ride, the group caught me up on everything I needed to know about Hogwarts—like which hallways this "Filch" person patrols most frequently, the best time to go to breakfast, and more. It was all incredibly helpful.

"Alright, Ceci," George says, pointing at the line of first years. "Make sure you don't get sorted into Slytherin, or we might have to kick you out," he adds with a grin. My smile fades. "He's just kidding. Right, George?" Ingrid says, shooting a glare at the redhead.

"Merlin, of course I'm joking, Ingri," George replies. "We could never kick out our new friend just for becoming a Slytherin." He pauses, then adds, "Unless you start hanging out with Riddle, that is."

"Riddle? Who's that?" I ask, but before the redhead can respond, I'm pushed into the crowd of first years.

"Ah! You must be Mrs. Smith, right?" A booming voice calls out from above me. I jump in surprise. "Um... yes," I respond, noticing a giant man towering over me.

"I'm Hagrid. Rubeus Hagrid,". "I'm the Care of Magical Creatures professor. You must be a transfer, eh?" He says, guiding me and the first years toward the boats.

"Yeah," I reply, tired of being called the 'new girl.' "I'm a transfer from Ilvermorny, in the States," I add, my tone flat.

But when I look up, the giant is gone. I shrug and head over to a boat with two tiny first years.

As I step into the boat, the two first years jump in surprise. I chuckle, "I don't bite." They look instantly relieved. "I'm Cecilia Smith, and you two are?"

"Lilac Shacklebolt," One of the first years squeaks out.

"I met your sister on the train, she's lovely," I say, sending her a reassuring glance, hoping to help her calm down. I understand what it's like to feel completely lost and overwhelmed.

I glance over at the boy sitting next to Lilac. "What's your name?" I ask, sending him a reassuring look as well.

"Dylan, Dylan Brown," he says, avoiding eye contact.

"Nice to meet you both," I say, shifting my focus to the castle approaching us.

————

Once we arrive at the castle, Hagrid leads us to a witch wearing a pointy hat and an icy expression.

She introduces herself as Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor House, and outlines the basic rules and expectations we need to follow while studying here. For me, it's not much of a change, as Ilvermorny had similar rules.

She leads us into the Great Hall, and since I'm the oldest—and the only transfer—I'm at the front. "Great," I mumble under my breath as I feel all the eyes on me.

"Smith, Cecilia," she calls out, pointing to a small, shabby stool in the center of the stage.

I take a deep breath and walk up to the stage. My legs feel like jelly, and the murmurs and intense gazes only heighten my growing nerves.

Once I sit down, I feel the Sorting Hat being placed on my head. I take a deep breath and wait.

"Ah, how peculiar, a transfer," a voice booms. I flinch slightly on the stool. "Who are you?" I wonder.

"The Sorting Hat, of course, dear child," the voice replies. "Can everyone hear you?" I wonder in my mind. "Of course not, Mrs. Smith. I'm only in your head. But now isn't the time for questions, is it?"

"Right," I reply, nervously biting my lip.

"Let's see—cunning, resourceful, and highly intelligent. Slytherin would be a great fit for you, Mrs. Smith," the Sorting Hat booms.

"Not Slytherin, please not Slytherin," I think, closing my eyes and silently praying.

"Not Slytherin, huh? Well, you're clearly courageous and charismatic... I know just the house for you."

I take a deep breath, expecting to hear Slytherin be called out.

"Gryffindor!" The hat announces. I gasp in surprise, a smile spreading across my face as I walk over to the Gryffindor table, where my friends are waving me over.

"I knew it!" Fred and George exclaim in unison, as Eloise pulls me into a hug. "This is amazing—now you'll be sharing a dorm with the three of us!"

After my friends finish congratulating me, the redhead sitting next to me taps me on the shoulder. "Hey, I'm Ginny Weasley, Fred and George's younger sister. Congratulations!" she says, giving me a high five.

"Thanks," I reply, turning to her. "You can call me Ceci," I say, a grin spreading across my face.

She gestures toward the girls sitting next to, and across from her. "This is Padma and Parvati. They're twins and in your year. I'm a year younger than you since you're in the same year as my other brother, Ron."

The twins wave and smile at me, but before I can respond, a name being called grabs my attention.

"Shacklebolt, Lilac," McGonagall announces.

I hear Ingrid squeal and whisper to Lee, "That's my sister!"

We all watch eagerly, excited to see which house Lilac will be sorted into.

"Better be... Hufflepuff!" The hat declares. I hear Ingrid exhale in relief, "I'm so glad she wasn't sorted into Slytherin. My father would have been so disappointed."

I give her a puzzled look before turning my attention back to the stage, where the Headmaster clears the table with a flick of his wand.

————

After Dumbledore finishes his speech, two sixth-years introduce themselves to me: Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Ginny had told me all about her brothers during Dumbledore's speech.

"Everyone, follow me and Ron, please!" Hermione says, as all the Gryffindors start to follow her.

"She's taking us to our dorm; it's amazing, you'll see," April tells me. "Just remember not to forget the password, or you'll end up sleeping outside!" Fred chimes in. Hermione elbows him. "Fred, don't scare her."

She approaches me and says, "I'm Hermione, the Gryffindor girl prefect. If you need anything, just come to me! And you-"

I can't catch what else she says, as my attention is drawn to a familiar face. Although I can't quite place it, I'm sure I couldn't have seen anyone from Hogwarts anywhere else—it just doesn't seem possible.

I study the green patch on his robes, the scar on his cheek, and the curly hair that I once—

Suddenly, everything falls into place.

Mattheo.

————
Hope you enjoyed!
————

WC: 1077