The Marauders: A Hogwarts Tale

Chapter 7: A Tale of Visionaries

As the Sorting Ceremony concluded, Headmaster Windsor rose gracefully from his seat, his flowing robes catching the flickering light of the enchanted chandeliers above. His voice, though calm, carried effortlessly across the Great Hall.

"Now that the Sorting is complete," he began, a hint of anticipation in his tone, "let the feast... begin!"

With a theatrical wave of his hand, the long wooden tables instantly filled with an abundance of food. Golden-roasted meats, freshly baked bread, wheels of cheese, steaming bowls of soup, and vibrant platters of fruit appeared, their scents mingling into an irresistible aroma. Laughter and chatter filled the hall as students began to eat, the tension of the ceremony melting into the comfort of camaraderie.

Godric, still standing near the Ignis table, felt a warmth ripple through him. His plain robes shimmered, shifting seamlessly into the vibrant scarlet and gold of House Ignis, the sigil of a roaring flame emblazoned proudly on his chest. He glanced down at himself, his grin growing wider.

Before he could take in more, Helga appeared at his side, nearly bouncing with excitement. Her arms were comically overloaded with dishes—bread rolls piled precariously on one arm and a turkey leg clutched in the other hand. She barely managed to speak through a mouth full of food.

"Godric!" she exclaimed, swallowing hastily. "You're positively glowing! Or is it just the Ignis colors?"

"Helga, manners," Rowena chided gently as she approached, carrying only a modest plate of food. She nodded at Godric with a small smile. "Congratulations, Godric. Ignis suits you well. Though, I admit, I had hoped you might join us in Ventus."

Godric chuckled, feeling the warmth of their friendship even more than the Ignis robes. "Thanks, both of you. Honestly, I'm just happy to be here. Whatever house I'm in, I'm ready to make the most of it."

His smile faltered slightly as his gaze drifted across the hall to the Aecor table. Nerida sat with her entourage; their sharp gazes locked on him. Their sneers were palpable, and Godric felt an icy prick of disdain in the back of his mind.

Rowena followed his line of sight, her sharp eyes noticing the exchange. She placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Ignore them," she said softly. "Some people find it easier to sneer than to smile."

"And some find it easier to hiss," Salazar's voice interjected smoothly as he joined the group, his presence calm but commanding. His attention flicked briefly to Nerida and her companions. "The Vulchanova viper and her brood. Careful, Godric—they've got venom, though their bite rarely breaks skin."

Godric let out a small laugh, albeit tinged with unease. "I'll keep that in mind, Salazar."

Distracted from Nerida, Godric's attention wandered to the massive hourglasses mounted along the stone walls behind the teacher's table. They were grand, nearly five feet tall, each representing one of the five houses. Inside, shimmering crystals in the respective house colors glinted and shifted with magical precision.

"What are those?" Godric asked, pointing. "They're beautiful."

Rowena perked up, ever eager to explain. "Those are the house point counters," she said. "You see, points are awarded for academic excellence, and other meritorious deeds. Of course, they can also be deducted for misbehavior. At the end of the year, the house with the most points wins the Avalon Cup."

Helga sighed wistfully; her turkey leg momentarily forgotten. "Terra was so close last year. We lost by just a handful of points!"

Salazar's expression soured slightly as he glanced at the blue-tinted hourglass of Aecor, its crystals shimmering like ocean waves. "Yes, and to the ever-victorious Aecor. Ten years now, if I'm not mistaken. One might almost suspect..." He trailed off. "Well, never mind."