𝘖𝘩 𝘊𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢 [T.R]

3.

Cecilia was barely able to contain her excitement as she stepped onto the Hogwarts Express. The train was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clatter of students finding their seats. She gripped her Hogwarts letter tightly, her eyes wide with wonder.

Finding an empty compartment, Cecilia slid open the door and heaved her trunk inside. As she settled into her seat, the compartment door opened and a girl with dark, curly hair and glasses peeked in.

"Mind if I join you?" the girl asked.

"Not at all," Cecilia replied with a smile. "I'm Cecilia Hearst."

"Helen Greengrass," the girl introduced herself, taking a seat opposite Cecilia. They chatted easily, discovering a mutual love for reading and puzzles.

A few minutes later, the door slid open again. This time, it was a tall boy with tousled hair and a mischievous grin. "Hey, mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is full."

"Sure, come in," Cecilia said.

"Nicholas Nott," he said, plopping down beside Helen. "Nice to meet you both. Ready for Hogwarts?"

"I can't wait," Helen said, her eyes sparkling. "I've been reading all about it."

"Me too," Cecilia added. "It's like a dream come true."

Just as they were getting comfortable, another boy appeared at the door. He had a serious expression and a slightly awkward demeanor. "Is there room for one more?"

"Of course!" Cecilia said, scooting over to make space. "I'm Cecilia, this is Helen, and that's Nicholas."

"Magnus Selwyn," the boy introduced himself, sitting down with a nod. "Thanks for letting me join you."

As the train chugged along, the four of them chatted about their expectations for Hogwarts, their favorite spells, and the magical creatures they hoped to see. Cecilia felt a warmth spreading through her; it was incredible how quickly she felt connected to these new friends.

The landscape outside the window changed from bustling towns to rolling countryside. Soon, the sky darkened and the stars twinkled above. Excitement buzzed in the air as the train finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station.

They followed Hagrid, the giant groundskeeper, to the boats that would take them across the Black Lake to the castle. Cecilia's heart pounded in her chest as Hogwarts came into view, its windows glowing warmly in the night. The sight was more breathtaking than she had ever imagined.

Inside the castle, they were led to the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the starry sky outside, and floating candles cast a magical glow over the long house tables. Cecilia barely had time to take it all in before Professor McGonagall called for the Sorting Ceremony to begin.

One by one, the first years were called up to the front. Finally, it was Cecilia's turn. She stepped forward, her legs trembling slightly. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head, and she held her breath.

"Ah, another Hearst," the hat mused. "So much hidden potential. Strong-willed, a seeker of truth, but with shadows of the past lingering."

Cecilia's heart pounded louder. "Shadows? What do you mean?"

The hat chuckled softly. "All in good time, young one. Your path is not an easy one, but greatness seldom is. Courage, ambition, and a mind that yearns to understand. But where to place you...?"

Cecilia felt her palms grow sweaty. "Please, just tell me where I belong."

"Patience, my dear," the hat said. "Patience. You have the spirit of a lion, but the cunning of a serpent. A thirst for knowledge, yet a heart that feels deeply. Yes, you are a complex one. But there is one house that will nurture your strengths and guide you through the shadows. It can only be... SLYTHERIN!"