Chapter 15: Hogwarts Express (3)
The train rocked gently as it sped along the countryside. The trolley witch had come and gone, leaving behind an assortment of sweets and snacks that now filled the compartment. Chocolate Frogs leapt from their boxes, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans were being cautiously sampled, and the rich smell of Pumpkin Pasties hung in the air.
Ember popped a Licorice Wand into her mouth and leaned back, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Alright," she said, her voice muffled as she chewed. "Let's make a game of it. Which house do you think you'll be sorted into?"
Nero, Lilith, and Alaric exchanged brief glances before answering at the exact same time.
"Ravenclaw."
"Slytherin."
"Hufflepuff."
Ember froze mid-chew, her jaw slack. "What?!" she exclaimed, nearly choking on her Licorice Wand. She sat up straighter, her fiery hair practically crackling with indignation. "Are you not coming with me to Gryffindor?"
Nero smirked, casually picking at a Chocolate Frog card. "Didn't realize that was a requirement."
"But why not?" Ember demanded, gesturing dramatically. "We'd make an amazing team! Gryffindor would be unstoppable with all four of us!"
Lilith raised an eyebrow, her voice as cool as ever. "As flattering as that sounds, Gryffindor isn't exactly my style."
"Same here," Nero added with a shrug. "Ravenclaw's where I belong. It's a family tradition. Besides, intellect and wit or impulsive bravery? That's a no-brainer to me."