The first-years were finally ushered onto the small boats, each grouping themselves carefully. Akeno, Cassandra, Daphne, and Hermoine clustered together in one boat, chatting quietly, while Susan, Harry, Ron, and Neville occupied another, slightly chaotic one.
Harry leaned over and whispered to his twin, "Which boat should we… uh, take?"
Lucien simply shook his head and stepped off the edge of the dock.
Gasps echoed across the lake as Lucien began walking effortlessly on the water, the ripples glinting in the moonlight beneath him.
Cassandra and Daphne gawked. "How… how is he doing that?" Daphne stammered, clutching the side of the boat.
Hermoine's jaw dropped. "Akeno! Did you know about this?"
Akeno smirked slightly, keeping her composure. "It's… a secret," she said, her tone calm yet teasing. The way she said it made even the boys watching—Draco, Ron, Crabbe, Goyle, and the others—feel something stir in their hearts, though they didn't quite understand why.
Lucien continued forward, the moonlight illuminating his crimson hair and amethyst eyes, reflecting off the rippling water like a scene from a fairy tale. Every movement he made exuded grace and charm, so much so that several of the girls on the shore instinctively clutched their chests. This is my prince, they thought, their hearts fluttering.
Step by step, Lucien led the boats across the lake, the first-years staring in awe and whispering to each other, trying to comprehend how one boy could appear so commanding and yet so delicate under the moonlight.
Finally, they reached the shore, and Hogwarts Castle rose before them, its lights twinkling like stars come to life. Lucien glanced back at the students following him, his expression calm but striking, as if the castle itself acknowledged the arrival of a prince among them.
The first-years were led into the Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling reflecting the starry night sky outside. Cassandra and Daphne walked at the front, their posture confident, while Lucien and Akeno followed in the middle. Behind them, Hermione and Susan whispered quietly, exchanging small smiles as they walked.
The chatter of students hushed as curious eyes found Lucien. Girls peeked from their tables, drawn to his striking crimson hair and amethyst eyes, while boys couldn't help but glance at Akeno, captivated by her elegance. Lucien's sharp amethyst gaze caught subtle intrusions—Ron and Draco trying to peek a little too much at their "targets." A mere glance from Lucien and the two boys froze, red-faced and flustered, feeling inexplicably embarrassed. The tension was so tangible that a faint, sticky-smelling aura of panic seemed to linger around them.
At the staff table, Snape's sharp eyes initially studied Harry, noting his resemblance to Lily. But then his gaze shifted to Lucien. Lucien, catching Snape's look, smiled faintly and gave a respectful nod. Snape's usual stoic expression softened, a rare warmth spreading through him at the familiar yet striking features—the amethyst eyes and crimson hair were unmistakably reminiscent of Lily.
Professor McGonagall began the Sorting Ceremony. Hermione's name was called first. Nervous, she stepped forward, but a gentle voice whispered in her mind: "Take a deep breath. Good luck." Hermione felt an unexpected warmth and knew it was Lucien's influence. She smiled and approached the Sorting Hat, which quickly sorted her into Ravenclaw.
Susan Bones followed, stepping up with a quiet but steady demeanor. She was sorted into Hufflepuff.
Then came Daphne. The Sorting Hat deliberated briefly, sensing her ambition and cunning. "Slytherin will suit you well," it whispered, and she nodded in agreement.
Cassandra was called next. The hat noted her resourcefulness and intelligence. "Slytherin… you have the potential for great influence," it said, and she accepted, taking her seat beside Daphne.
Lucien and Akeno waited their turn, the Great Hall buzzing with anticipation, all eyes occasionally flicking to the striking young boy and the poised Akeno.