Serpentblood · Y/n story by @helenluvsbillie

The Great Hall had never felt so vast. Four long tables stretched like great serpents beneath the floating candlelight, hundreds of students craning their necks toward the front. The enchanted ceiling above shimmered with a thousand stars, cold and indifferent.

Professor McGonagall

her voice cut through the murmur like a blade Y/N... Slytherin.

The name landed like a stone in still water.

???

a voice, barely audible, somewhere near the Ravenclaw table Did she just say—

The Sorting Hat lay in McGonagall's hands, old and wrinkled, its brim slightly parted as if it, too, had something to say. She set it down on the stool. The silence was absolute now—even the ghosts had stopped their drifting.

Professor McGonagall

her voice quieter now, almost tired Come forward.

The candles above seemed to dim, just slightly, as if the hall itself were holding its breath.