SABAISM | H. POTTER

THREE. | THE SORTING

Gemini stepped off the train into the dark of night, gripping Harry Potter's robe for stability as they all stumbled onto the platform. Harry, in turn, held onto Ron Weasley, the three of them a trio of newfound friendships. Gemini's robes shimmered brilliantly, a stark contrast to Ron's slightly tattered hand-me-downs that seemed to be struggling to keep up with the momentous occasion. Yet for Gemini, they were grand not just in fabric but in significance, marking her first year at Hogwarts.

Once on the platform, they were met by the imposing figure of Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper. His booming voice rang out, "Right, then! First years! This way, please! Come on now, don't be shy! Hurry up!" While hesitant at first, Gemini felt Harry tug her along, much to her relief, as they approached the charismatic giant. "Hello, Harry!" Hagrid greeted warmly upon seeing them. "Hey, Hagrid," Harry replied casually. Gemini, curious and eager, stepped forward and introduced herself, "Hello, Hagrid! I'm Gemini Lupin-Black. It's lovely to meet you!" Hagrid's face lit up with recognition, and he welcomed her with a jovial smile. "Right then. Off to the boats! Follow me!"

The trio followed Hagrid down to a line of boats bobbing gently on the dark waters of the vast lake, the reflections of the brightly lit castle shimmering on its surface. "Wow," Ron breathed, staring wide-eyed. Gemini nodded in agreement, "Woah, indeed."

"Four to a boat! Get in, you lot!" Hagrid urged enthusiastically, and Gemini raced toward the boats with Harry right behind her.

As they were ushered inside the castle, they found themselves in a grand hall lit by hundreds of floating candles. It was breathtaking. There stood Professor McGonagall, clad in her signature jade robes, ready to address the anxious first years. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall. You will soon be sorted into your houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Your house will become your family while you're here. Triumphs will earn you points; rule-breaking will cost you. At year's end, the house with the most points wins the House Cup, a great honor. I hope you all become a credit to your house," she stated.

Gemini felt the weight of nerves settle in her stomach, knowing how significant this moment was in front of her peers. "That was inspirational, Grandma Minnie!" she called out as the professor turned to leave. Heads swiveled toward her, and Harry raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Is she your grandma?" he questioned. "Not by blood, but she did help raise me," Gemini clarified with a smile.

Just then, her cousin Draco Malfoy sauntered over, oozing arrogance. "So it's true. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," he declared, eyeing Harry's scar with disdain. "This is Crabbe and Goyle," he nodded at his hulking companions. "And I'm Draco Malfoy." Ron couldn't help but snicker, his laughter infectious to Gemini. "Think my name's funny, do you?" Draco spat, narrowing his eyes at Ron, before his gaze returned to Harry. "You'll soon find that some wizarding families are better than others. I can help you there."

Disgust began to bubble in Gemini's stomach as she watched Draco extend his hand to Harry, only to be met with a cold rejection. "I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks," Harry said, turning his back on Malfoy, whose face twisted with rage.

Gemini found herself stepping forward, grasping Draco's outstretched hand with a grin. "Hello, dear cousin. I'm Gemini Lupin-Black. If you'd lose that stick lodged up your arse and your freakish hair, I'd love to get to know you. Until then... how about you stop harassing Weasley? At least he doesn't look like a pasty ghoul. Did Mummy forget to put blusher on you before you departed?" More gasps erupted around her, and Draco furiously withdrew his hand, wiping it clean as if she carried a disease. "Blood traitor," he hissed, storming off with his lackeys.

The expressions on Harry and Ron's faces told her everything. "Blimey. That was awesome, Gemini!" Ron exclaimed. Harry's eyes sparkled with admiration, a deeper bond forming between them. Just then, McGonagall cleared her throat, reining in their attention. "We are ready for you now."