Before I knew it, we were being directed to the Medical Wing by the head nurse.
"It's been a long time since I've had to take care of someone on their first day," she chuckled while opening the door to the room.
My clothes dripped as I made my way to the spot she pointed to, and my shoes squelched with each step, still waterlogged from my plunge.
"Here!" she called, pulling a curtain around me with a flick of her wand. "Take those off, and I'll have them dry in a jiffy! I've already checked you over on the way here—no water in the lungs—so I'll write you off with a clean bill of health."
I sighed, quickly stripping off my soaked clothes and hanging them over the curtain for the nurse to take.
"Are you gonna be okay?" Val asked, his voice tinged with concern.
I patted his head with a small smile.
"Of course. I'm fine—just need dry clothes. Sort of like shedding."
"Okay!" Val cheered, his mood instantly brightening. He tried to remain quiet, but his excitement made me grin.
A few minutes later, the nurse called out, her voice light with humor.
"Here you go! Just be sure not to get on her bad side next time!" she teased with a laugh.
"Get on the bad side of what?" a familiar voice suddenly asked.
I froze mid-motion while pulling on my now-dry clothes, my blood running cold. It was her—the frizzle-haired girl.
Did she hear us? I panicked internally, my mind racing.
The nurse answered casually, oblivious to my fear.
"Well, we've got plenty of beasts in those waters. Your friend was likely pulled under by the Giant Squid. Never had an incident before, though."
"We're not friends," I muttered flatly as I finished dressing, my tone clipped.
I couldn't be close to her. I needed her suspicions about my hissing to fade. Besides, she probably wouldn't end up in Slytherin anyway.
"Yes! Definitely not friends!" she snapped, storming off without another word.
The nurse chuckled softly as she waved me off.
"Try not to tease her too much. Girls don't like it when it's too much," she advised with a wink.
I sighed, choosing not to engage further. I left the room and followed the noise of the crowd, trailing behind the girl, who was stomping her feet in frustration. We both entered the Great Hall and, by some cruel twist of fate, were forced to sit next to each other.
She pouted, arms crossed, refusing to acknowledge me as names were called out. I didn't mind. I was more focused on observing the process.
I quickly realized that the Sorting Hat itself decided our houses, not the teachers or any form of assessment board.
So much for my theory, I thought with a quiet sigh, disappointed.
As students were sorted one by one, I overheard the girl's name when she was called.
"Hermione Granger."
Not a bad name, I mused idly as she made her way to the stool.
Finally, my name was called.
"Peterson, Lucas!" the woman in black robes announced.
I stood up, feeling all eyes on me. Whispers filled the hall—reminders of my recent brush with death—and I knew everyone was wondering how the Sorting Hat would judge me.
I took my place on the wooden stool, and the old witch placed the weathered, brown hat on my head.
The moment it slipped down over my eyes, I heard a voice in my ear.
"Hmm…" the hat mused thoughtfully.
It whispered its analysis directly into my mind.
"Another student filled with so much possibility. I see much courage there… A Gryffindor would be good, yes… Yet I also sense a thirst for knowledge, coupled with wit and foresight… You'd do well in Ravenclaw… And such unyielding will and patience—there's a Hufflepuff's steadiness in you, too…"
I tensed slightly as the voice paused.
"But no… All of this is merely a mask, isn't it? Beneath it lies your cunning… your resourcefulness… Your willingness to hide your true intentions and lie in wait for the perfect moment to strike. A true… SLYTHERIN!!"
The hat announced its decision aloud, declaring it for the entire hall to hear.
I exhaled deeply, relief washing over me.
At least my plan isn't completely ruined, I thought as I walked over to the Slytherin table, where cheers erupted around me.
I made my way through the clapping students, taking a seat near the edge of the group, close to the exit. Other students patted my back in welcome, but I only nodded, staying silent.
We watched the rest of the students being sorted, and once it was over, the tables were magically filled with food.
The spread was magnificent—roasted meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, and decadent sweets. I was reminded of my mother's stories about the elves' exceptional cooking.
While eating, I discreetly stashed bits of food under my sleeve for Val. I knew he'd want to taste it, and I didn't want him making noise.
The meal was rich and filling. Around me, some of the other first-years shoveled food into their mouths with their hands, as if worried it might disappear.
"Hi," a voice greeted me unexpectedly.
I turned to see a girl with dark brown hair just past her shoulders.
I gave her a brief nod in greeting.
"My name is Pansy Parkinson," she introduced herself, holding out her hand.
I shook it carefully, making sure Val remained hidden.
"Lucas Peterson."
"Oh, I know," she said with a smirk. "Everyone remembers the name of the boy who fought the monster under the waters."
I sighed inwardly.
Great… just what I need—attention.
I didn't regret my encounter with the Giant Squid, but I certainly didn't want to become a topic of gossip. My goal was to remain in the background—to blend in until I could finally leave my parents.
Pansy chuckled softly and patted my shoulder, trying to ease my discomfort.
"I thought it was amazing how well you handled yourself," she added, her voice warm with admiration.
I frowned slightly at her attempt to grow closer but offered a small, polite nod of thanks before returning my attention to my meal.
After the feast, Headmaster Dumbledore stood and announced it was time to retire to our houses.
A tall, dark-robed man with a perpetual frown led us away from the hall. His tone was sharp and dispassionate.
"This way," he said briskly, walking with purpose.
His long strides forced some of the younger students to jog to keep up.
He remained silent as we traveled through the dimly lit corridors, speaking only when he addressed one of the older students.
"Mr. Rosier," he called out flatly.
A fourth-year boy with a stern expression stepped forward.
"Finish it, would you? I have other matters to attend to."
"Of course, Professor," Rosier replied, his tone crisp and obedient.
The professor veered down a separate corridor while Rosier took charge.
"This way!" he barked, guiding us further down into the depths of the castle.
The air grew cool and moist as we descended—a sensation Val clearly enjoyed. He slithered around my arm happily, relishing the dampness against his scales.
Finally, we reached the base of a grand staircase and stopped before a massive door.
Rosier turned to face us.
"This will be your home while you're here. The only way inside is by speaking the password. If you don't know it, you can't get in. So, remember it—or have someone who'll bail you out," he said with a pointed look.
Then, he turned back to the door.
"Pure Blood!" he announced firmly.
The door slowly creaked open, revealing the Slytherin common room.
We followed him inside. The room was dim but cozy—reminiscent of home. The green-tinted windows gave the space an ethereal glow.
"Girls are on the upper floors, boys on the lower. Your rooms are already assigned, and you'll find your belongings inside," Rosier explained curtly before leaving.
Most of the students scattered, eager to explore. I lingered behind, drawn to the windows.
The others inspected the chairs and leather couches, but I slowly made my way to the farthest window. I pressed my hand against the cool glass, peering into the darkness beyond.
To my dismay, I could see nothing—only pitch black. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was out there, waiting in the depths.