As the train came to a halt, Y/N slowly roused from her slumber, her senses awakening to the jarring sound of the horn blare. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, and let out an irritated grunt as she sat up, attempting to tame her disheveled hair. The two boys, Ron and Harry, were still drowsy, trying to push Y/N away as she playfully punched them to rouse them fully.

"Come on, wake up, you two," Y/N mumbled, her voice becoming more insistent. Harry and Ron finally stirred, their yawns echoing through the compartment. As they sat up and fixed their robes, Y/N gathered her belongings and opened the compartment door.

Stepping out onto the platform, they were met with the brisk chill of the night air, causing Y/N to stretch her limbs to dispel the drowsiness. She looked around, taking in her surroundings, while a large man holding a lamp approached them.

"Right, then! First years, this way, please!" the man boomed with warmth and enthusiasm. "Don't be shy now, come along!" he encouraged the young students to follow him. Y/N and Ron exchanged wide-eyed glances as they looked up at the towering figure before them.

"Hello, Harry," the man greeted Harry with a friendly smile.

"Hey, Hagrid," Harry replied, his face brightening up with recognition.

"Woah," Y/N and Ron whispered in amazement, both taken aback by the giant's size. Hagrid, as they learned his name to be, was an impressive sight, a mix of imposing and gentle.

Together with the other first-years, Y/N, Harry, and Ron followed Hagrid as he led them across the platform and towards a fleet of boats, waiting to ferry them across the dark waters of the Black Lake. The moonlight cast shimmering reflections on the lake's surface, giving it an ethereal glow.

As the boat glided across the serene waters of the Black Lake, Y/N, Ron, and Harry marveled at the breathtaking view above them. The starry night sky stretched out like a canvas, dotted with constellations that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. The three young witches and wizards were left in awe as they beheld the magical scene above.

"Look at that!" Ron whispered, his eyes filled with wonder, his mouth slightly agape. The sight of the enchanting castle, Hogwarts, looming before them was a dream come true for the young trio. Its towering turrets and majestic spires reached up towards the heavens, appearing almost surreal in the moonlight.

Y/N couldn't help but be captivated by the sight. She propped her chin on her palm, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she soaked in the beauty of the castle and the surrounding landscape. The boat's gentle gliding and the rhythmic ripples of water beneath added to the enchanting atmosphere.

As they reached the shore, Y/N stepped out of the boat, her feet pressing against the slightly creaky wooden floor. She felt the thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins as she realized she was about to embark on a life-changing journey. Ron and Harry followed suit, their eyes still wide with awe.

"Can you believe it?" Harry exclaimed, a mixture of excitement and disbelief in his voice.

"This place is incredible!" Ron agreed, nodding enthusiastically.

Y/N grinned at her newfound friends, her heart filling with camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Together, they ventured towards the awe-inspiring castle, its grandiosity becoming more apparent with every step they took.

✴✴✴✴✴

The first-years stood in awe as they took in the grandeur of Hogwarts Castle. The majestic structure loomed above them, its towers stretching towards the sky, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Their footsteps echoed through the cavernous halls as they ascended the grand staircase, excitement and nervousness building within them.

At the top of the stairs, an imposing yet kind figure awaited them. It was Professor Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress and the Transfiguration professor. Her stern expression softened as she addressed the young witches and wizards before her.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said with a dignified nod. Her voice carried authority and warmth, instantly commanding the attention of the first-years. "In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses."

Her words held a sense of mystery, piquing the curiosity of the newcomers. The four house names—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—resonated with an air of tradition and prestige.

"As you enter your respective houses," she continued, "you will find a home away from home. Your housemates will become like your family, supporting and encouraging you throughout your journey at Hogwarts."

The first-years listened intently, their eyes wide with anticipation. The prospect of being sorted and finding their place in the magical world filled them with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Professor McGonagall's voice grew more serious as she explained the importance of earning house points and the consequences of breaking rules. The idea of earning points for their house's triumphs and potentially losing them for rule-breaking actions added a sense of responsibility to their magical education.

"Trevor!" a boy called out from behind, and the rest of the first-years turned to see Neville Longbottom, looking anxious, running up to a toad sitting beside Professor McGonagall's foot. Trevor was Neville's pet toad, and he seemed to have wandered off during the excitement.

Professor McGonagall glanced down at the toad with a bemused expression before refocusing on the first-years. "The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily," she stated matter-of-factly, dismissing the momentary distraction.

"It's true then, what they're saying on the train." A voice rang out from behind, the three turning around to see a platinum-haired boy walking up to them. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," he declared, his voice carrying an air of arrogance that drew whispers and murmurs from the onlookers.

"And Y/N Crimson..." he paused, turning to face the girl. "Has come back." he announced, his words stirring curiosity and intrigue among the crowd.

"This is Crabbe," he introduced, gesturing to one of his hulking companions. "and Goyle." he added, indicating the other. "And I'm Malfoy," he spat, his tone dripping with disdain as he loomed over the two newcomers. "Draco Malfoy," he clarified, as if expecting them to be familiar with his name.

Y/N and Harry looked up at him, unimpressed by his haughty attitude. Ron couldn't help but snicker at the sight of Draco trying to assert his importance.

"Think my name's funny, do you?" Draco sneered, his eyes narrowing at Ron. "I've no need to ask yours," he said, brushing off Ron's existence as if it were insignificant. "Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe?" he taunted, directing his condescending remarks at Ron. "You must be a Weasley," he sniggered.

"We'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter," Draco continued, his gaze flickering towards Y/N. He extended his arm towards her, seemingly trying to impress her with his so-called knowledge of their family histories. 

"Our families have been known to be acquaintances since our ancestry, Crimson," he revealed, attempting to establish a connection.

Y/N looked at him with her mouth slightly parted, not expecting such a revelation. She hesitated for a moment before shaking Draco's outstretched hand, but her expression remained unreadable.

"Pleasure," she said flatly, not showing any enthusiasm for Draco's attempt at camaraderie.

"Good," Draco said with a self-satisfied smile, shaking her hand with a smirk. He then turned his attention towards Harry, who was clearly unimpressed by the whole encounter.

"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks," Harry spat, his tone indicating that he was not amused by Draco's insinuations. He glanced at Y/N with a slight frown, silently questioning why she had shaken Draco's hand. 

"I fear I can't say the same for you," he added, slightly taken aback by Y/N's disloyalty.

"I guess you fear right," Y/N retorted, her expression turning stern as she glared at Harry. She didn't appreciate his judgmental tone and was determined to assert herself. 

Without another word, she turned away from Harry and walked up to stand beside Crabbe and Goyle, seemingly unbothered by the confrontation.

Draco smirked at Harry's reaction, taking pleasure in the tension between them. He followed Y/N, clearly intrigued by the intriguing newcomer. His interest in Y/N and his growing rivalry with Harry had set the stage for a dynamic that would shape their years at Hogwarts.

✴✴✴✴✴

The first-years walked inside the Great Hall, their footsteps echoing in the majestic space as they approached the large doors. Led by Professor McGonagall, they eagerly made their way down the long tables, their eyes wide with anticipation and wonder. The Hall was filled with the soft glow of candlelight, and the ceiling enchanted to look like a clear night sky, adorned with twinkling stars.

As they reached the front of the platform, McGonagall gestured for the first-years to wait in a neat line. Her stern yet kind gaze swept over them as she unrolled a scroll in her hands, preparing for the Sorting Ceremony.

"Now, before we begin," she announced, "Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." McGonagall stepped aside as the Headmaster himself stood up, his presence commanding respect from everyone in the room. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with wisdom as he addressed the assembled students.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying through the Hall like a soothing melody. "I trust you are all ready to embark on a journey of knowledge, discovery, and friendship. Here, you will not only learn magic but also grow as individuals and forge bonds that will last a lifetime."

He proceeded to share a few pieces of advice, emphasizing the importance of unity and kindness among the students. Dumbledore's words resonated with hope and encouragement, setting the tone for the years ahead, announcing that the Dark Forest was strictly forbidden, and a random room on the right wing.

With his speech concluded, Dumbledore resumed his seat at the staff table, leaving the Sorting Hat on its chair at the front of the Hall. McGonagall continued, holding the scroll before her.

"When I call your name, you will come forth," she instructed, her voice carrying an air of authority. "I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses."

"Hermione Granger?" the clear voice of Professor McGonagall resonated through the Great Hall, and all eyes turned to the bushy-haired girl who nervously made her way forward. Hermione's heart pounded with anticipation as she approached the ancient wooden chair, her mind filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"Oh no. Okay, you've got this," Hermione whispered to herself, trying to steady her nerves. Y/N, who was standing nearby, raised an amused eyebrow at Hermione's self-pep talk. She couldn't help but smile at the girl's determination.

"She's mental," Draco Malfoy's voice sneered beside Y/N, earning a knowing nod from her. Draco and Y/N observed the proceedings with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

As the Sorting Hat descended upon Hermione's head, the room fell into a momentary silence. The hat seemed to take its time, as if engaging in a conversation with the young witch's thoughts. Finally, with a decisive ring in its voice, the Sorting Hat announced its decision.

"Gryffindor!" it exclaimed, and the Gryffindor Table erupted into cheers and applause. Hermione's face lit up with a radiant smile as she made her way towards her new housemates.

"Draco Malfoy," McGonagall called out next, and Draco glanced at Y/N, seeking a comforting gesture from his new friend. Y/N nudged his shoulder reassuringly.

"If I get into Hufflepuff, pitch me off the Astronomy Tower," Draco whispered in jest, trying to alleviate his own tension. Y/N chuckled playfully at his remark, appreciating his sense of humor.

With newfound confidence, Draco walked forward and settled onto the chair. Before the Sorting Hat could even touch his head, it seemed to have already made up its mind.

"Slytherin!" the Sorting Hat declared, and the Slytherin Table erupted into cheers and applause. Draco flashed Y/N a smug smirk, and she responded with an amused roll of her eyes, admiring his playful nature.

As Y/N's name was called, the Great Hall fell into a hushed silence, all eyes on her. Whispers and glances were exchanged among the students, all pointing at the color of her striking red eyes. Draco, who had been supportive of her from the beginning, shot her a reassuring glance as she made her way to the chair at the front.

The Sorting Hat was carefully placed on Y/N's head, and as it hummed and pondered its decision, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her heart raced, and she absentmindedly played with the hem of her robes. 

She had no particular preference for any house, except Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Her father's side of the family was predominantly Slytherin, and she couldn't see herself belonging to that house. As for Hufflepuff, she thought it might not be the best fit for her ambitions and personality.

The hat's voice echoed in her mind, "Crimson, ah yes." It mentioned her family heritage, taunting her with the possibility of Slytherin. Y/N shook her head and furrowed her eyebrows, rejecting the notion of being sorted into Slytherin. She wanted to carve her own path, regardless of her family's history.

"The one with the ability, the power," the Hat murmured, further adding to her uncertainty. Y/N took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she waited for the hat's final decision. It felt like an eternity as the Sorting Hat considered its options.

"It must be..." the Hat paused dramatically, prolonging the anticipation. Y/N kept her eyes closed, her heart pounding in her chest. 

"Ravenclaw!" the Hat finally announced, and the Ravenclaw Table erupted into cheers and applause.

A smile spread across Y/N's face as she opened her eyes and saw the warm reception from her new housemates. She felt a sense of relief and excitement wash over her. Ravenclaw was known for valuing intelligence, wit, and wisdom, which didn't feel quite right.

She considered if she really was fit for Ravenclaw. Or if she would've done better in Slytherin if she didn't despise the house so much. Y/N stood up, walking confidently to join her new housemates at the Ravenclaw Table, feeling a bit slumped.

TO BE CONTINUED...