The Great Hall buzzes with excitement, the air thick with whispers and glances. You stand at the edge of the Slytherin table, your heart pounding in your chest. The Sorting Hat's decision still echoes in your ears—Slytherin. You, a Potter, in Slytherin. It's unheard of, unprecedented. And yet, here you are.

Your eyes flicker across the hall, landing on Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the Gryffindor table. Harry's brow furrows in confusion, Ron's face a mix of surprise and concern, and Hermione's expression is unreadable. You can feel their gazes on you, but you don't dare meet them. Not yet.

The Slytherins around you murmur in approval, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and perhaps a hint of amusement. They welcome you with open arms, eager to see how the infamous Potter will fare in their house.

You take a deep breath and step forward, making your way to the empty seat at the Slytherin table. As you walk, the whispers grow louder, the weight of their expectations pressing down on you. You can feel the eyes of the entire hall on your back.

Just as you sit, a familiar voice cuts through the chatter.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't another Potter."

You turn to find Draco Malfoy, his smirk as sharp as ever. His pale blonde hair falls perfectly into place, and his grey eyes gleam with mischief.

"Didn't think we'd be graced with your presence in Slytherin," he continues, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, do you plan to bring your Gryffindor tendencies here, or will you finally learn how to be a proper witch?"

You meet his gaze, your calm composure unwavering. "I assure you, Malfoy, I have no intention of living up to any expectations. I am here to make my own path."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A Potter with ambition. How... unexpected."

Before you can respond, he leans in closer, lowering his voice. "But don't think for a second that your last name will shield you. In Slytherin, we value strength and cunning. Prove you're more than just a name, and perhaps you'll earn our respect."

You nod slightly, acknowledging his challenge. "I'll do more than that, Malfoy. I'll redefine what it means to be a Potter."

He chuckles softly, stepping back. "We'll see about that."

As he walks away, you can't help but feel a surge of determination. This is your chance to carve out your own identity, to show the world that being a Potter doesn't define you. You are more than your name, and you're ready to prove it.