Chapter 2: The Sorting

The night had fallen, and the Hogwarts Express had delivered its cargo of young witches and wizards to the hidden platform. Arthur, Hermione, Neville, and their fellow first-years stepped onto the platform and looked around in awe. The silhouette of Hogwarts Castle stood tall against the starry sky, its many windows shimmering like a thousand diamonds.

As they gathered in front of the castle, Arthur felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside him. The Sorting Hat ceremony was about to begin, and the fate of each student rested in the old hat's hands.

Inside the Great Hall, the atmosphere was electric. The enchanted ceiling displayed a magnificent night sky, complete with twinkling stars. The long tables were set with golden plates and goblets, and the tantalizing aroma of the feast filled the air.

Professor McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress, stood at the front of the hall, her stern expression softened by a twinkle in her eye. She called out each first-year's name one by one, and they stepped forward to place the Sorting Hat on their heads.

Finally, it was his turn. Professor McGonagall called his name, and he approached the stool with the ancient hat. He placed it on his head, and the hat slipped over his eyes, engulfing him in darkness.

Inside his mind, he heard a voice, ancient and wise, as the Sorting Hat began to deliberate. "Curiosity and courage, cunning and ambition, young Arthur. You're adaptable, resourceful, and eager to learn. But where to place you?"

As the Sorting Hat pondered, Arthur's hair began to change color. It shifted from its natural black to a nervous shade of blue.

The minutes felt like hours as Arthur waited, his heart pounding in his chest. The hat continued, "You've faced challenges and emerged stronger. Bravery of a lion, shrewdness of a serpent, and the heart of a Gryffindor."

Finally, the hat declared, "SLYTHERIN!"

The Great Hall erupted in applause as Arthur joined his new housemates at the Slytherin table. He exchanged smiles and nods with fellow Slytherins

As the Sorting Hat ceremony concluded and the applause faded, Arthur found himself seated among his new housemates at the Slytherin table. Their welcoming cheers and camaraderie washed over him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his new house.

The Great Hall was a spectacle of magical wonder, with floating candles, the enchanted night sky above, and the tantalizing aroma of the feast. The Slytherin table was alive with conversation and laughter.

Arthur's hair, previously green with nervousness, had returned to its natural black color. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement as he began to dig into the delicious dishes laid before him. The magical flavors filled his senses, making him appreciate the unique experience of a Hogwarts feast.

Seated across from him was Draco Malfoy, a familiar face from their previous encounter. Draco gave him a nod of acknowledgment and a sly smile. "Arthur Reeves, we meet again. Slytherin suits you."

Arthur couldn't help but return the smile.

...

The Welcoming Feast had drawn to a close, and the Great Hall buzzed with chatter and laughter as the students began to rise from their seats. Arthur and Draco exchanged a nod, each heading off in same direction with their housemates.

Arthur walked alongside fellow Slytherins as they made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts. The castle was alive with the echoes of their footsteps, and the magic of the place seemed to seep through every stone and painting.

He overheard hushed conversations about upcoming classes, the secrets of the castle, and the ever-elusive ghosts that roamed the hallways. As they descended a flight of stairs, Arthur broke away from the main group and found a secluded corner, hidden from casual view.

This secluded spot provided a moment of solitude, away from the chatter and laughter of his housemates. The shadows danced on the walls as torches flickered, casting an enigmatic aura over the castle.

Arthur leaned against the stone wall, taking a deep breath and reflecting on the day's events. The mysteries of Hogwarts beckoned to him, and he was eager to explore not only the castle's physical secrets but also the hidden knowledge within its library.

As Arthur lingered in the secluded corner, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. He glanced up to see a figure emerging from the shadows. It was Professor Quirrell, wearing his distinctive turban.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, who appeared slightly flustered, stammered as he addressed Arthur, "Excuse me, young Slytherin, but I seem to have misplaced something important. Have you seen it?"

Arthur furrowed his brow, noticing the professor's peculiar demeanor and the faint twitch in his eye. "I'm sorry, sir, but I haven't seen it. May I ask what it is you're looking for?"

Professor Quirrell hesitated for a moment, as if considering his response. "It's a personal item of mine, and I value it greatly. I must find it as soon as possible."

Arthur couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the situation. "I'm sorry, but I haven't come across it."

Professor Quirrell nodded, still visibly anxious. "Very well. Do keep an eye out for me, would you? If you happen to find it, please return it to me immediately."

With that, Professor Quirrell hurried away, vanishing into the depths of the secluded area. Arthur watched him go, his curiosity piqued by the professor's odd behavior and the fact that he had no idea what he was supposed to be looking for.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, the familiar face of Draco Malfoy appeared in the dimly lit corridor. Draco had returned to the secluded spot, his trademark smirk still in place.

"Reeves, you're lingering in the shadows, I see. Finding the hidden secrets of Hogwarts already?" Draco teased, though there was a hint of genuine curiosity in his tone.

Arthur simply nodded, offering a faint smile but choosing not to disclose the specifics of his encounter with Professor Quirrell.

Draco raised an eyebrow, clearly interested but respecting Arthur's silence. "Well, whatever it is, Reeves, remember that secrets are the lifeblood of Slytherin. If you ever decide to share, I'm all ears."

With that, they both made their way back to the Slytherin common room. Draco bid Arthur farewell with a nod, and they went their separate ways to their respective dormitories. Arthur entered the Slytherin dormitory, where he found his four-poster bed, neatly draped with dark green hangings.

As he lay on his bed, his mind filled with thoughts of his Godfather, Remus Lupin. He wondered how Remus was faring without him and hoped he was safe and well.

Yet, another thought pierced through the concern for Remus. It was the flashing green light he had mentioned earlier. A shiver ran down Arthur's spine as he remembered that moment from his past, a moment that still haunted his dreams.

He knew that Hogwarts held its own mysteries, but it couldn't compare to the enigma of the green light. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, determined to uncover the secrets of both his new home and the lingering shadows of his past.