The Sorting and a New Beginning

The Great Hall was as magnificent as ever, its enchanted ceiling reflecting the clear night sky. Candles floated midair, casting a warm glow over the long tables where students sat in anticipation.

Ezekiel took his seat at the Ravenclaw table, his gaze momentarily drifting toward the sorting ceremony.

Among the nervous first-years, two familiar figures stood near the front.

Alys and Daphne.

Daphne was composed, standing with quiet dignity, her pureblood upbringing evident in the way she carried herself. Alys, on the other hand, was bouncing on her heels, eyes wide as she took in the grandness of the Great Hall.

Ezekiel smirked. It was rare to see his sister so overwhelmed.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, parchment in hand. The Sorting Hat, worn and patched, rested on a stool at the center of the hall.

One by one, names were called.

---

"Greengrass, Daphne."

Daphne walked forward gracefully, took her seat, and placed the Sorting Hat on her head.

The Hat barely hesitated.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table erupted into applause as Daphne made her way over, offering a polite nod to her new housemates.

Ezekiel wasn't surprised. Daphne was always meant for Slytherin.

Then came the moment he had been waiting for.

"Malverne, Alys."

Alys took a deep breath before walking forward.

As soon as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head, she froze.

The Sorting Hat chuckled. "Ah, another Malverne. But you're different from your brother, aren't you?"

Alys frowned slightly. "I suppose…"

"Intelligent, quick-witted… but with a sharp sense of ambition. And a fierce protectiveness over those you care about."

Alys clenched her fists in her lap.

The Hat hummed. "You'd do well in either Ravenclaw or Slytherin… but I think you already know where you belong."

Alys took a deep breath. She had known for a while now.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table clapped as Alys joined them, sliding into the seat next to Daphne.

Ezekiel's lips curled into a small smile. Slytherin, huh?

It wasn't unexpected. Their family had strong Slytherin ties, and while he had ended up in Ravenclaw, Alys had always been more ambitious than him in certain ways.

Their father would be proud.

---

As the sorting ended and Professor Dumbledore gave his usual speech, the feast officially began.

Elena, sitting next to Ezekiel, nudged him. "Your sister looked relieved."

Ezekiel chuckled. "She was more nervous than she let on."

Adrian smirked. "And now she's in Slytherin. Think that'll cause any family drama?"

Ezekiel shook his head. "Not at all. Our father was Slytherin, after all. He'll be pleased."

Elena raised an eyebrow. "And Daphne? Think she'll have an easier time now that she's got Alys with her?"

Ezekiel glanced toward the Slytherin table, where Daphne and Alys sat together, engaged in quiet conversation.

He smirked. "I think Slytherin just got two dangerous new additions."

---

As the feast continued, Ezekiel's gaze drifted down the table, finally resting on another new student.

A messy-haired boy with glasses.

Harry Potter.

Seated at the Gryffindor table, Harry was surrounded by his new friends—Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

Ezekiel studied him for a moment.

The Boy-Who-Lived had finally arrived at Hogwarts.

Things were about to change.

And Ezekiel intended to be ready for whatever came next.

---