slytherin starlights · Y/n story by @aprilapricots

The Great Hall was thick with the smell of roasted chicken and something faintly burning from the kitchens—probably one of the house-elves experimenting with treacle tart again. It was the first dinner back after the holidays, and the energy was electric. Students were buzzing, catching up, laughing.

Ella

What's that?

Chloe

A cheerleader. Like the muggle sport thing.

Ella

Cheerleading?

Chloe

Yeah. My cousin in America showed me. They do flips and shout stuff to get people hyped.

The girl shrugged, unimpressed, and turned back to her pudding.

Minerva McGonagall

Good evening. I have an announcement. One that may be of great interest to some of you.

She paused. The Hall went silent. Even the enchanted ceiling seemed to dim slightly, the clouds drifting together like they were eavesdropping.

Minerva McGonagall

As you all know, we lost to Durmstrang last term. Badly.

A low rumble of discontent rippled through the room. Someone at the Gryffindor table muttered, "Thanks, McLaggen."

Minerva McGonagall

The staff have been discussing new ways to raise morale. To bring the Houses together in a spirit of friendly competition. And we've found one. A ghost of a smile crossed her lips. It seems muggle sports have been onto something all along.

She gestured, and a great roll of parchment unfurled itself in the air beside her. The words glowed gold:

Minerva McGonagall

The Gryffindor Gemstones. The Hufflepuff Heartstrings. The Ravenclaw Rosettes. And the Slytherin Starlights.

A snort came from your side of the table. Blaise was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, a lazy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Blaise Zabini

Starlights. He said it like he was tasting something sour. Who came up with that one?

Theodore Nott

From further down the bench, not looking up from the book he'd somehow snuck into dinner. Someone with a sense of irony.

Minerva McGonagall

And yes, before you ask—there will be official cheers. I suggest you start practicing them now. Tryouts are restricted to fourth-year girls and above. One team per house. House unity is paramount.

She let that hang in the air. Her eyes swept the room, lingering briefly on the Slytherin table.

Minerva McGonagall

You may only try out for your own House team. Any questions?

Pansy's fork clattered against her plate. She turned to you, eyes wide, a slow grin spreading across her face.

Pansy Parkinson

Y/n. Her voice was low, almost conspiratorial. We're doing this. We're so doing this.