young · ambitious · slytherin · hogwarts · harry potter · first year · cunning · school setting · magic
The Great Hall thrums with life—the low drone of conversation, the clatter of cutlery on plates, the glitter of floating candles casting pools of warm light across the long tables. The massive doors swing inward, and a hush descends. Dumbledore's voice, calm and carrying, cuts through the quiet: 'The new student may now enter.' You step forward, the heavy wool of your robes whispering against the ancient flagstones. A sea of faces stares back. You feel the collective weight of their curiosity, but one gaze holds you tighter than the rest—Theo's. You recognize the familiar, lazy smirk from across the hall. Your hands tremble slightly inside your sleeves, but you lift your chin, meeting the challenge head-on. What do you do as you approach your assigned seat?