Forbidden Love

The sorting hat's verdict

The Great Hall was filled with an expectant hush as Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat at the head table. His eyes twinkled with warmth as he addressed the room.

"Before we begin the Sorting Ceremony," Dumbledore said, his voice echoing through the hall, "I'd like to introduce you to a new member of our Hogwarts community. This is Abigail Black, and she will be joining us at Hogwarts this year."

He gestured toward Abigail, who stood nervously beside the hat-rack. The hall broke into polite applause. Abigail managed a small smile, her nerves momentarily eased by the welcoming gesture.

As Dumbledore returned to his seat, the Sorting Hat ceremony began. Students lined up one by one, and Abigail took her place at the front of the line. She approached the stool with a mix of excitement and apprehension, her heart racing. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head, and it seemed to ponder her for a moment.

"Ah, a Black," the hat murmured in her ear. "So much ambition, so much potential. But where to place you?"

Abigail held her breath, hoping for a house where she could belong and make a mark. The hat deliberated, then made its decision.

"Slytherin!" it announced to the hall.

The Slytherin table erupted in cheers and applause. Abigail's gaze found Charlotte, Pansy, Mattheo, and Theo, who greeted her with warm smiles and enthusiastic waves. Relief and a touch of pride washed over her as she walked toward them.

As she settled at the Slytherin table, she heard Harry's voice cutting through the celebratory noise. "Abby, what are you doing over there? Stay away from them!"

Abigail's heart sank, and she felt a sharp sting of embarrassment and anxiety. The tension in her shoulders tightened as she glanced at Hermione, who was already moving toward her with concern.

"Harry, stop it!" Hermione said firmly, placing a comforting hand on Abigail's arm. "She's just been sorted into Slytherin. It's not fair to make her feel like this."

Harry stood up, his face flushed with anger. "It's not about being fair. Slytherins have a reputation, and I don't want Abby getting involved in their schemes. You know what they're like."

Abigail's eyes widened, and she felt her cheeks burn with a mix of hurt and frustration. "I didn't come here to cause trouble. I just want to fit in and make the most of this."

Hermione turned to Harry, her expression stern. "Harry, this isn't helping. We all have to make our own choices. You need to calm down."

Harry glared at the Slytherin table, his gaze lingering on Mattheo and Theo. "Fine. But I'm watching. Don't let them get you into anything you'll regret."

Hermione took Harry by the arm, leading him away with a frustrated but determined expression. Abigail watched them go, her heart heavy with the weight of their expectations and her own doubts.

Charlotte, Pansy, and Mattheo immediately gathered around Abigail, their expressions filled with sympathy and support.

Charlotte spoke softly, "Don't let them get to you. You're here now, and that's what matters. We're glad to have you in Slytherin."

Pansy nodded in agreement. "Harry can be a bit over the top sometimes. He's protective, but he doesn't speak for everyone. You've got friends here."

Mattheo leaned closer, his voice reassuring. "Ignore the noise. You're one of us now, and we'll make sure you're welcomed properly. It's going to be okay."

Theo added with a friendly smile, "If you need anything or just want to talk, we're here for you. Let's make this year great."

The warmth and kindness from her new housemates began to ease Abigail's anxiety. She took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of hope and belonging.

As Hermione returned, she gave Abigail a reassuring nod. "Harry's calmed down a bit. He's just protective, but he'll get used to it. Let's focus on enjoying the feast and making the most of your first night here."

With that, the conversation shifted back to the excitement of the evening. The Great Hall buzzed with chatter and laughter as the students began to enjoy their first meal at Hogwarts. Despite the rocky start, Abigail found solace in the warm welcome from her Slytherin companions, determined to forge her own path amidst the complexities of her new world.