[Revisions: Monday, July 15, 2024]

The first-year students murmured as they followed Basil, Draco, Blaise, and Theodore. Many couldn't believe that the brother of the Wizarding Savior defended Draco, whose family supported the Dark Wizard, who orphaned both brothers.

Basil glanced at Draco, frowning when he saw the discomfort on Draco's face.

"Are you alright?" Basil asked softly.

Draco looked at Basil and blushed, embarrassed and flattered by Basil's defense.

"I'm okay," Draco reassured, smiling softly at Basil.

"Thank you for standing up for me back there," Draco lightly squeezed Basil's hand.

"That's what friends do. I'll always protect you!" Basil fondly smiled at Draco.

Draco beamed, happy that Basil considered him a friend. His gaze softened as he looked down at their joined hands and nodded.

'Yes, Basil is my friend. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him happy,' Draco decided, determined to protect his newfound friendship.

"Also, I'm sorry if my presence made things awkward between you and your brother," Draco mumbled.

Basil glanced back at Harry, who was walking beside Ron and chatting. He quickly looked away and smiled softly at Draco.

"You didn't make things awkward between my brother and me," Basil reassured.

Draco smiled softly, relieved he hadn't caused tension between Basil and Harry. Draco didn't want to jeopardize his friendship with Basil despite his father's orders to befriend Harry for information.

"Alright, everyone," Professor McGonagall's voice interrupted, causing all the first-year students to stop.

"We're about to enter the Great Hall," Professor McGonagall informed them.

Basil and Draco exchanged smiles, excited for the Sorting ceremony to determine their Hogwarts House.

"Ugh! I'm so nervous. My brothers, Fred and George, told me we have to fight a Troll to get sorted into our new House," Ron complained to Harry.

Harry looked at Ron warily, unsure how to respond to such an odd statement.

"Your brothers must have been joking," Hermione interjected, causing Harry and Ron to look at her.

"Oh? Then how exactly are we going to get sorted, hmm?" Ron asked skeptically, eyeing Hermione.

"I've read Hogwarts: A History. It says we'll be sorted using an ancient artifact," Hermione explained.

Ron raised an eyebrow and pulled Harry closer, whispering to him. "Isn't she weird? Who wants to be sorted by an old object?"

Harry nodded in agreement, unsure how to respond.

"Alright, carry on with your fantasies. I was just stating the facts," Hermione snapped, walking past them to join Basil and his friends.

"Hi. Can I walk with you guys?" Hermione asked politely.

Blaise turned to Hermione and smiled widely upon seeing her. "Of course, Bellissima," he said, winking at her.

Hermione didn't understand the Italian but was glad Blaise was okay with her joining them.

"Thank you. That Weasley boy was starting to get on my nerves," Hermione pouted cutely.

"What did he do?" Blaise asked, turning to look at Ron and Harry.

"He thinks we're going to fight Trolls to get sorted into our Houses," Hermione mumbled.

"That Idiota must not have read Hogwarts: A History. It was required reading before we started our first year," Blaise chuckled.

Hermione's eyes sparkled with delight at Blaise's response.

"I read it over the summer, two or three times," Hermione laughed softly. "I'm just glad I'm not the only one who read the required book," she added, showing her two buck teeth in a bright smile.

'She reminds me of a squirrel. So cute,' Blaise thought to himself, finding Hermione adorable when she smiled.

"Before we go in, I'd like to welcome you all to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall's voice interrupted, drawing all students' attention.

"The Start-of-Term Banquet will begin shortly. But before you take your seats in the Great Hall, I will sort you into your Houses," Professor McGonagall informed the first-years.

'I wonder which House I'll be sorted into,' Basil pondered, curious and nervous.

'I hope we can still be friends, no matter which House we end up in,' Draco thought, nervous about the Sorting.

"The Sorting Ceremony is a significant event. During your time at Hogwarts, your House will be like your family," Professor McGonagall explained.

Harry watched Basil closely, wondering if they would end up in the same House.

"You'll attend classes with your Housemates, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room," Professor McGonagall continued, her eyes briefly catching Basil raising his hand.

"Yes?" Professor McGonagall and all the first-years turned their attention to Basil.

"If we have friends in other Houses, can we visit their Common rooms?" Basil asked to ensure he could spend time with Draco and his new friends if they were sorted into different Houses.

The first-years murmured, curious about the answer.

Professor McGonagall hesitated, surprised by Basil's question. She looked at him intently, seeing Lily Potter in his determined expression.

"I need to discuss that with the Headmaster and the other Heads of House," Professor McGonagall replied calmly.

Basil frowned, displeased that Professor McGonagall didn't have an immediate answer. He nodded, accepting her response.

Draco's heart warmed, touched by Basil's effort to ensure they could still spend time together.

"Is your brother okay in the head?" Ron asked Harry softly. "Why would he ask such a weird question to the Professor? Who would want to be friends with Slytherins? They're the meanest and darkest of all Houses," he muttered.

"Bass has always been kind, Ron. He likes making friends. Leave him alone," Harry spoke firmly.

Ron fell silent, not wanting to upset Harry further.

"The four Hogwarts Houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin," Professor McGonagall began, capturing the attention of all first-years.

"Each House has a noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards," Professor McGonagall smiled warmly.

"During your time at Hogwarts, your House will earn points for achievements and lose points for rule-breaking," Professor McGonagall chuckled as some first-years complained about losing points for having fun.

"At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the House Cup, a great honor," Professor McGonagall added proudly.

"I hope each of you will bring credit to your House," Professor McGonagall concluded, opening the doors to the Great Hall.

Basil's heart raced as he walked into the Great Hall with Draco and the others. He nervously bit his lip, unsure which House would accept him.