FIVE YEARS AGO...

The Sorting Ceremony is probably one of the most anticipated events of every student in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. How can it be not, when it will be the determinant of your future; the path where you'll trudge on once you've left the gloomy halls of the castle.

11-year old Jeon Jeongguk of the renowned House Jeon already knew he was destined for one thing: greatness. His family is one of the remaining true pureblood houses left, and so it was no question that before he even put the Sorting Hat atop his head, it already deemed him SLYTHERIN! in the loudest, raspiest voice it could muster.

The boy put on a smug smirk and practically throws the ratty hat away as he makes his way to the Slytherin table, where he's greeted by a bunch of applause and congratulations falling from every Slytherin's lips. He regards them all with a curt nod and sits straight to watch the rest of the ceremony.

Now that his turn is over, he can't help but grow bored. Gryffindor. Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw. Another Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff. He tries to avoid rolling his eyes at every new Gryffindor kid and keeps his chin up high instead, attempting to look dignified (like a true Jeon) as his father taught him.

His attention is soon caught, however, by a small blonde girl standing at the front of the little first-year horde. He doesn't mind it at first--blonde hair is common, after all, and resumes listening to the ceremony.

As the headmistress drones on and on, he catches the eye of said girl, and Jeongguk swears his breath stops.

See, Jeongguk has always been weak to pretty things, and this girl is very, very pretty. And unfairly adorable.

She has the cutest, roundest cheeks, and a mouth that reminds him of a little chick. It's set into a small pout, and he finds himself silently cooing as her big eyes wander around. Her blonde hair was set straight, framing her little face and Jeongguk just. He just--

Wow.

"Lalisa Manoban!" The headmistress calls, and the girl's face lights up. He makes a mental note to remember her name, mouthing the words silently so that his tongue could have a taste of how it feels to say it.

Lalisa Manoban practically skips her way up the podium, and he smiles a little when she sits down and bounces as the headmistress places the Sorting Hat above her head. It even flops down a little, due to her face being so small, and a lilting giggle echoes throughout the entire hall. So, so adorable.

He nearly melts.

While everyone waits in expectance, Jeongguk prays to every god he knows.

Please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor, please don't be in Gryffindor--

"Let's put you in..." the Sorting Hat proclaims, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table whoops and cheers, and Jeongguk's mouth drops open as Lalisa laughs in glee. He doesn't know how to feel. Hearing her laugh makes his heart clench because gods, it's honestly just so adorable, and she's just SO adorable, but she's in Gryffindor and he's in Slytherin and--

HOW COULD THIS BE?!

Jeongguk only watches as she finally seats herself on the Gryffindor table, his mind and his heart in chaos.

Lalisa Manoban. You'll be the death of me.

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author's note: just a little back story ehehe