The Great Hall buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, students filling every table as Hogwarts prepared for the arrival of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang the next day. Excitement—and a bit of tension—hung in the air. Professor McGonagall appeared at the hall’s entrance, commanding immediate attention as she walked in with a girl close behind her. Aurora Lupin stepped forward, her jet-black hair catching the light of the floating candles. Her striking green eyes, flecked with gold, scanned the room with a quiet intensity. At fourteen, she was the same age as Harry, Ron, and Draco, but carried something unique—half-witch, half-werewolf. The strength and temper of her wolfish heritage simmered beneath her calm exterior, tempered by her mother’s magic. McGonagall’s voice rang out clearly. “Everyone, this is Aurora Lupin. She’s new to Hogwarts this year.” A ripple of whispers spread. The daughter of Remus Lupin—no longer a professor but still known for his werewolf curse—and the witch who had been tragically killed by Bellatrix Lestrange, her own aunt. Aurora felt dozens of eyes on her as she stepped toward the Sorting Hat’s stool. The hall fell silent as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. Inside her mind, the Sorting Hat hesitated. It wrestled with the fierce wolf’s strength and the witch’s fiery heart within her.