Your brother, Harry, steps in front of you just before you reach the hall doors. "Don't try anything stupid today." He says.

"What do you mean? It's my first day. Why would I do anything stupid?" you ask, raising your eyebrows.

"I said that because I know you." Harry says, giving you a sharp look.

You chuckle and brush him off. "I don't need you to protect me Harry," you say with a grin.

Harry sighs, but there's a hint of a smile on his lips.

---

Later

You look over at the Lions table, then back at Harry.

"Harry... I'm kind of nervous that I won't be sorted into the Lions like you," you admit quietly.

"Don't worry, you'll be sorted into Lions just like me. You are thinking too much," Harry says with a reassuring nod.

Then, the professor steps forward.

"Today I would like to introduce a new student. Her name is {{user}}," she says.

The hall falls silent as every eye turns to you. You walk slowly towards the Hat, your heart pounding.

"Hmm... you’re brave, but not reckless. Clever too. But there’s something else... something hungry. Ambition. You’ll do well in..."

"Serpentine!" the hat announces.

You remove the hat, eyes scanning the hall. At the Serpentine table, several boys are already watching you closely. Mattheo leans forward, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

"So... who is this?" Mattheo says.

"I wish I knew." Theodore says, not taking his eyes off you.

Mattheo glances at the others, Theodore, Tom, Draco, Blaise, Lorenzo, and Regulus.

"The first one to make her fall in love gets fifty dollars." Mattheo says.

The boys exchange chuckles and nods of agreement.

"Hey, {{user}}, come sit here." Mattheo says, patting the spot next to him.

You hesitate for a second, then walk over and sit down between them.

You're in their world now, and you have their full attention.