Chapter 3: A Fragile Bond

                                    

                                          
As we entered the Great Hall, the room's majesty took my breath away. 
The ceiling disappeared, replaced by a canvas of twinkling stars. 
The long tables groaned under the weight of golden plates, goblets, and food stretched before us.
I made my way to the first years' table, Draco appearing beside me. 
His eyes scanned the room, his expression confident.
Professor McGonagall's voice boomed through the hall,
"Let the sorting begin!"
Professor began calling out names.
"Draco Malfoy!"
Draco strode to the stool, the Hat placed on his head. A moment's pause, then:
"Slytherin!"
The Slytherin table erupted in applause as Draco made his way to join them.
The Hat called out the next name. 
"Y/N Blackwood!"
I walked to the stool, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The Hat settled onto my head, its brim whispering against my ear.
"Hmm... difficult... very difficult..."
The pause seemed eternal. I felt Draco's gaze on me, his expression unreadable.
Finally, the Hat shouted:
"Slytherin!"
Applause erupted from the Slytherin table. I made my way toward them, my heart pounding.
As I reached the table, Draco's eyes locked onto mine. A hint of surprise, then a sly smile spread across his face.
He shifted to make room, his gaze never leaving mine. Draco leaned in, his voice low. 
"Welcome to Slytherin, Blackwood."
As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. 
Being sorted into Slytherin, alongside Draco, was both thrilling and intimidating.
Draco's smile still lingered, but his eyes seemed to hold a deeper meaning. 
I wondered if he saw me as a potential ally or rival.
The sorting ceremony continued, with students from our year being sorted into their respective houses. I watched, fascinated, as the Hat made its decisions.
When the ceremony concluded, Professor Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling.
"Welcome, first years, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. May your time here be filled with wonder, discovery, and friendship."
The Great Hall erupted into applause, and the feast began.
-
[Draco's POV]
I watched with interest as Y/N walked up to the stool, her raven hair cascading down her back. 
The Sorting Hat settled onto her head, and the room fell silent.
My eyes narrowed, anticipation building within me. Which house would she be sorted into? 
Gryffindor, perhaps, with their foolish bravery? 
Or Ravenclaw, with their pretentious intellect?
But deep down, I knew it had to be Slytherin. Our families' alliance, our shared ambitions... 
...it was the only logical choice.
The Hat's murmurings seemed to drag on forever. I felt a flicker of anxiety, my fingers drumming against my thigh.
Then, finally, the Hat shouted:
"Slytherin!"
A surge of relief washed over me, swiftly suppressed. I couldn't show weakness, not even in private. 
But secretly, I felt a thrill of satisfaction.
Y/N made her way to our table, her eyes scanning the room. 
When she spotted me, a hint of wariness flickered across her face.
I smiled to myself. 
She'd have to get used to my presence.
As she sat beside me, I felt a spark of triumph. This was perfect. 
Our families' alliance would be solidified, and I'd have a valuable ally – or perhaps, a clever adversary.
I turned to her, my voice low. 
"Welcome to Slytherin, Blackwood."
Her gaze met mine, a mix of caution and curiosity. I reveled in the tension between us, 
the unspoken understanding that our families' expectations would shape our actions.
For now, I'd play the part of the courteous host.
I know she'll come around eventually.
As Y/N sat beside me, Crabbe and Goyle, my friends, turned to greet her.
"Welcome to Slytherin," Crabbe said, his deep voice warm and welcoming.
Goyle nodded, his eyes wide with excitement. "Yeah, nice to have you, Blackwood."
Goyle extended his hand. 
"I'm Goyle. This is Crabbe."
Y/N's gaze flicked to Goyle's hand, then back to his face. A hint of a smile played on her lips as she shook his hand.
"Thanks," she said. "Nice to meet you both."
Crabbe grinned. "You're going to fit right in here."
I watched the exchange, amused. Crabbe and Goyle's eagerness to please might prove beneficial in swaying Blackwood to our side.
Now that the initial introductions were out of the way, I could focus on solidifying our alliance, 
and ensuring Y/N understood her role within it.
-
As I shook Goyle's hand, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between his eager smile and Crabbe's more reserved expression.
"Thanks," I said, trying to sound friendly. "Nice to meet you both."
Crabbe's nod was curt, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of genuine welcome. 
Goyle, on the other hand, beamed like a proud child.
I found myself smiling back at Goyle's infectious enthusiasm. 
Maybe these two weren't as intimidating as I'd thought.
But then my gaze drifted to Draco, watching us with an air of superiority. 
His eyes narrowed, as if gauging my reactions.
My instincts prickled. What was his game?
I turned back to Crabbe and Goyle, determined to keep an open mind. 
Maybe they weren't as tightly wound to Draco's strings as I assumed.
"So," I said, attempting small talk, 
"nervous about classes starting tomorrow?"
Goyle's grin faltered for a moment. 
"Yeah, I've heard Professor Snape's potions class is tough."
Crabbe nodded in agreement. 
"My older brother said we'll be lucky if we don't get hexed on the first day."
I chuckled, feeling a spark of camaraderie. "Well, at least we're all in this together."
Draco's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable.