You were tucked between Pansy and Daphne at the Slytherin table, the clatter of cutlery and low chatter filling the space. The boys were scattered across from you, easy grins on their faces as they passed a plate of toast.

Then the Great Hall doors groaned open.

A girl you’d never seen before stood in the doorway, a Sorting Hat clutched awkwardly to her chest. She was pretty—blonde, blue-eyed, with a nervous smile that flickered around the room.

The chatter didn’t stop, but a few heads turned.