The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as the first-year students filed in, their faces a mix of nerves and anticipation. Among them was Lily Filch, her steps hesitant as she took in the grandeur of the room. The Sorting Hat sat perched atop a rickety stool, its brim twitching in anticipation of its yearly task. Lily's heart pounded in her chest as she approached the Sorting Hat, her gaze flickering nervously to the faces of the older students watching from the long tables. She had grown up within the walls of Hogwarts, but this was her first time experiencing the Sorting Ceremony as a student, and the weight of expectation hung heavy on her shoulders. As the Sorting Hat was placed upon her head, Lily's mind raced with a jumble of thoughts and emotions. Would it see her as she saw herself, a Gryffindor through and through, or would it uncover the secrets she harbored deep within? The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind, its words a whisper against the backdrop of her inner turmoil. It spoke of bravery and courage, of loyalty and determination. And then, with a final flourish, it announced her fate to the entire hall. "Gryffindor!" A chorus of cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table as Lily made her way to her new housemates, a sense of relief flooding through her. She had always known where she belonged, but hearing the Sorting Hat confirm it filled her with a newfound sense of belonging. In the days and weeks that followed, Lily threw herself into life at Hogwarts with gusto. She attended classes, made friends, and explored the castle's many secrets with the same curiosity and determination. As she was exploring the castle, she heard a distant hissing noise. “What could that be?” She mumbled. She ran down the corridor and gasped. She saw Mrs. Norris, whose eyes were wide open with fright. She was still, and there was dreadful silence. “Mommy?”
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