The first-year students gathered in the entrance hallway, their hearts pounding excitedly. They eagerly awaited the doors opening, signaling the start of the Sorting Ceremony and Welcoming Feast.

"I cannot wait to eat. I am starving," Ruby tells Harry.

Their friends, Draco, Hermione, Blaise, Theodore, and Neville, approach the two and stand around them.

"I wonder what kind of food they will serve us," Hermione rubbed her chin, looking curious.

"I hope it's safe to eat. I heard someone, I think their name was Ron, telling another student that the food had frogs." Neville's face turned green while he held his pet toad, Trevor, protectively.

Ruby gently pats Neville's back.

"That kid must be overreacting," she reassures. "I think it's about going to be normal food that we know from childhood to make us feel comfortable," she looks at him.

Neville nodded, looking relieved.

Just as the students were engrossed in their conversation, a sudden drop in temperature sent shivers down their spines. A chilling, mischievous laugh pierced the air, causing the first-year students to look up alarmingly. Peeves the Poltergeist descended from the ceiling, his manic grin spreading across his face.

Peeves the Poltergeist is a chaotic and mischievous spirit who delights in causing trouble and mayhem throughout Hogwarts Castle. Peeves appears more solid than the transparent and often somber house ghosts, though he can still pass through walls and objects at will. He has a distinctive, impish appearance that matches his playful nature.

Ruby and Hermione immediately got scared, hiding behind the person close to them, Harry and Draco, respectively.

"Welcome, ickle firsties!" Peeves cackled, flipping mid-air and sending a shower of ink droplets to the unsuspecting students. "Welcome to your doom!"

Ruby gasped, seeing the ink droplets, knowing it would dirty her Hogwarts uniform.

Harry looks at Draco, and the two Wizards nod, pulling out their wands. They have been practicing some spells during the summer to pass the time and wanted to test it out.

"Tergeo!" The two Wizards shouted, using a Charm spell to wipe away the ink droplets from falling on their group.

Shrieks and gasps filled the air as the rest of the first-year students tried to dodge the ink.

Peeves zoomed around the first-year students, making faces and pulling some female students' hair. He was about to pull Ruby's hair but abruptly stopped when he saw Harry and Ruby up close, his eyes widening in terror.

Harry instinctively stepped in front of Ruby, his eyes narrowing at Peeves sternly, sending shivers to the Poltergeist.

There was something in Harry's gaze, a fierce determination that made Peeves falter. For a fleeting moment, the Poltergeist saw not just a young boy but a figure from the past—a young Salazar Slytherin with the same piercing stare that could command a room.

"Leave us alone," Harry said firmly.

Peeves floated back a few inches, genuinely taken aback. The Poltergeist's gaze shifted to Ruby, who peeked out from behind Harry. Her wide, frightened eyes and how she clung to Harry reminded Peeves of another figure from the past—Helga Hufflepuff, with her gentle demeanor and kind heart.

The resemblance of these two children to the founders was uncanny and unsettling, even to a mischievous spirit like Peeves. He bowed, his grin returning but with a hint of concern.

All first-year students looked at the scene with mixed emotions since they didn't know what to say or do.

Ruby's hands tightly grasped the back of Harry's uniform shirt since he was standing before her protectively. She looked at him and Peeves with wary and curiousity.

"As you wish, young masters," Peeves said, his voice dripping with sarcasm when looking at Harry but lacking its usual malice when looking at Ruby.

"But watch your backs! Just because young masters told me to leave them alone. That doesn't mean I am not done with the rest of you." He turns to look at the other first-year students, startling them.

With a final cackle, Peeves spun around and disappeared through the nearest wall, leaving the first-year students in shocked silence.

"Who are you guys?" One of the first-year students asked, looking at Harry and Ruby warily.

Harry ignored the question and turned to Ruby, who looked up at him with gratitude and admiration. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Ruby nodded, her fear slowly dissipating. "Thank you, Harry."

The doors to the Great Hall opened, and Professor McGonagall's stern but kind voice called them in. The students began to file through the doors, their excitement renewed and mingled with whispers about the strange encounter.

Upper-level students whispered and murmured in the Great Hall, excited as they watched first-year students line up and walk towards the front, waiting for the Sorting Ceremony to begin.

The first-year students looked at their surroundings in awe. They saw an enchanted ceiling above twinkling with stars, casting a magical glow over the room. At the front of the hall, the Sorting Hat sat on a stool, looking slightly tattered but filled with an ancient, knowing presence.

Professor McGonagall stood next to the stool, holding a long parchment scroll.

Behind Professor McGonagall is the High Table, where all the Professors and the Headmaster sit.

Among them is Professor Severus Snape, a tall, thin Wizard with a presence that oozes both menace and mystery. His complexion is pale, contrasting sharply with his long, greasy black hair that hangs lankly around his face, often concealing his features. His eyes are perhaps his most striking feature—dark, cold, and piercing, usually described as bottomless black pools that can instill fear or discomfort with just a glance.

The other professors around Professor Snape were engaged in lively chatter, but he paid them little attention. His dark eyes scanned the room with a hint of boredom.

Snape's gaze shifted to the line of nervous, excited children waiting to get sorted into their houses. His eyes glazed over the sea of young faces until they landed on a boy with unruly black hair and familiar emerald-green eyes.

Snape's posture stiffened, and a flash of recognition flickered in his eyes. The boy was the spitting image of James Potter, his old school rival—however, the boy's eyes were emerald green, the same shade as Lily Evans' eyes. A pang of conflicting emotions surged within him: resentment, curiosity, and an old, buried pain.

Just as Snape began to wrestle with these feelings, his attention got caught by another child standing next to Harry, a girl with fiery red hair cascading over her shoulders, reminiscent of Lily's. His breath caught in his throat as he took in her face—so familiar, yet different. Her eyes were not the vibrant green he had adored but a deep, sapphire blue.

Severus felt a jolt of nostalgia, sadness, and unexpected fatherly fondness as he looked at the girl.

Minerva called for silence, and the Great Hall fell still as she began the Sorting Ceremony. Snape's eyes never left Ruby and Harry, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Seeing Harry was like confronting a specter of his unresolved grudges and regrets. Meanwhile, Ruby was a bittersweet reminder of what might have been if he and Lily ever had a child.

"Hannah Abbott," McGonagall announced.

A blonde-haired girl stepped forward, looking both excited and anxious. She sat on the stool, and Minerva put the Sorting Hat on her head.

As Hannah sat on the stool, the Sorting Hat settled onto her head, enveloping her in a world of whispers and thoughts.

"Ah, I see a heart full of kindness," the Sorting hat murmured into her mind. "You value fairness and loyalty. There's a strong sense of justice here, a desire to see everyone treated equally and respectfully. And such a hardworking nature too—dedicated and diligent, always ready to give your best."

Hannah's mind buzzed with thoughts of her family and friends, the times she'd stood up for others, and the comfort she found in unity and teamwork.

"Yes, indeed," the Sorting hat continued, "you'll find your home among the steadfast and true. Better be. HUFFLEPUFF!"

After the proclamation, Minerva lifted the Sorting hat, and the Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers. Hannah's face lit up with a smile as she joined her new housemates, her heart swelling with a sense of belonging and anticipation for the coming years.

"Susan Bones," She calls out.

A red-haired girl stepped forward and sat down on the stool. Minerva puts the Sorting hat on her head.

"Ah, a Bones has arrived this year," the Sorting hat murmured in Susan's mind. "A family known for their integrity and strong moral compass. You possess a fierce loyalty and a genuine kindness that makes you stand out. I see great courage here, but you have a profound sense of fairness and a desire to help others."

Susan thought of her Aunt Amelia, where justice and compassion were always discussed and valued at home after her parents passed.

"Such dedication to your friends and a strong work ethic," the Sorting hat continued, "and a natural inclination to stand up for what is right, no matter the cost. Your qualities will be best in."

Without further delay, the Sorting hat proclaimed loudly, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Susan smiled broadly, her confidence reaffirmed as she hurried to join Hannah and the cheering Hufflepuff table, ready to embark on her journey at Hogwarts.

"Terry Boot," Minerva announced.

Terry, a boy with neatly combed hair and a stern stare, walked up and sat.

Minerva puts the Sorting hat on Terry's head.

"Ah, an inquisitive mind, I see," the Sorting hat murmured. "A sharp intellect and a love for learning. You have a natural curiosity and a deep desire to understand the world around you. Your thoughts are filled with questions and theories, always seeking knowledge and wisdom."

Terry's mind had images of books and experiments, of late nights spent reading and pondering complex problems.

"Your analytical nature and thirst for understanding are what Rowena Ravenclaw valued most. You will thrive in an environment that encourages wit and wisdom." The Sorting hat hummed.

After a moment's consideration, the Sorting hat declared loudly, "RAVENCLAW!"

Terry's stern stare softened into a smile as he joined the clapping Ravenclaw table, eager to immerse himself in the academic challenges and intellectual fellowship that awaited him.

"Mandy Brocklehurst," Minerva called.

Mandy stepped forward, her dark hair framing her face. She sat on the stool and felt the Sorting hat on her head.

"I see a keen intellect and a thirst for knowledge. Your mind is sharp, always questioning and seeking to understand the deeper truths of the world. You also have a creative spark and a unique way of looking at things that sets you apart." The Sorting hat mused.

Mandy's thoughts were filled with memories of her favorite books and her excitement when solving a complex puzzle or learning something new.

"Such curiosity and a love for learning," The Sorting hat continued. "You have the potential to excel and grow in a house that prizes intelligence and creativity."

After a brief pause, the Sorting hat proclaimed loudly, "RAVENCLAW!"

Mandy grinned as she joined Terry and the other clapping Ravenclaws, her heart swelling with pride and excitement for the intellectual adventures ahead.

"Lavender Brown!" Minerva announced.

Lavender, a girl with curly blonde hair, walked up with a bounce in her step. She turns and sits down, feeling the Sorting hat on her head.

"I see a heart full of courage and a spirit filled with determination. You have a lively energy and a bravery that shines brightly. You are not afraid to face challenges head-on and stand up for what you believe in." The Sorting hat murmured.

Lavender's mind was filled with images of adventure and the excitement of new experiences, of standing by her friends and confidently facing whatever came their way.

"Your boldness and willingness to take risks," the Sorting hat continued. "You have the potential to inspire and lead with your fearless nature."

Without hesitation, the Sorting hat proclaimed loudly, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Lavender, her face beaming with pride, joined her new housemates, eager to embrace the bravery and camaraderie that awaited her.

"Millicent Bulstrode," Minerva called next.

Millicent, a tall and burly girl, stepped forward and sat. She felt the Sorting Hat on her head.

"I see a strong sense of ambition and determination. You have a fierce drive to succeed and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. Your loyalty to those you consider allies is unwavering, and you possess a cunning mind." The Sorting hat mused.

The Sorting hat could sense Millicent's thoughts, filled with a desire for power, respect, and resourcefulness.

"These traits," the Sorting hat continued. "Your ambition and resourcefulness will be well nurtured in a house that prizes cunning and determination. You have the potential to achieve great things and leave your mark."

After a moment's pause, the Sorting hat declared loudly, "SLYTHERIN!"

Millicent smirked, her expression one of satisfaction, as she walked over to the cheering Slytherin table, ready to embrace the ambition and camaraderie that awaited her in her new house.

After Milicent, a boy named Michael Corner got sorted into Ravenclaw. A boy named Vincent Crabbe got sorted into Slytherin. A boy named Justin Finch-Fletchley got sorted into Hufflepuff. A boy named Seamus Finnigan got sorted Gryffindor. A boy named Anthony Goldstein got sorted into Ravenclaw. And a boy named Gregory Goyle got sorted into Slytherin.

"Hermione Granger," Minvera announced.

All eyes were on Hermione, causing her to get nervous. She looked at Ruby worryingly.

"You got this, Hermione. Whichever house you get sorted into. We will still be friends," Ruby reassures.

Hermione nodded, breathing in and out slowly. She looked at Minerva and the Sorting hat in her grasp. She walked towards them and turned, sitting on the stool and looking at everyone.