Laurel
Laurus nobilis, commonly known as laurel, is a flower steeped in symbolism, representing honor and glory in various cultures and traditions. Its elegant, evergreen leaves have long been associated with victory and achievement, making it a fitting emblem for those who strive for excellence and success.
"Found you!" Evan beamed as he reached for Narcissa's hand, his excitement palpable as he greeted his friend. "We couldn't find you on the train, Cissa."
"I was with Andie and Bella," Narcissa shrugged nonchalantly, her gaze shifting to Sirius, who wore a deep frown on his face. Concern flickered in her eyes as she observed his troubled expression.
"Why are you so glum?" she inquired, her voice tinged with genuine concern as she turned her attention to Sirius.
"He got scolded before we boarded the train," Evan whispered to Narcissa, his tone hushed as if sharing a secret.
"What did you say this time?" Narcissa asked Sirius, her worry deepening as she anticipated his response.
"I—" Sirius began, but hesitated, glancing around cautiously as if wary of prying ears. "Maybe I'll tell you later, too many ears listening," he finally admitted, his voice low and guarded.
Narcissa nodded understandingly. She had heard whispers about what Sirius's parents would do to him from Reggie. Sometimes Reggie would cry, and Narcissa would hold him close, offering what little comfort she could. In moments like those, she couldn't help but feel grateful for her own family, despite its flaws.
She hated seeing Sirius troubled, especially when she couldn't offer immediate help or support. Resolving to check in with him later, she offered a reassuring smile, hoping it would convey the support she couldn't put into words.
"See you all in Slytherin?" Evan grinned, his excitement bubbling over.
Narcissa shared a glance with Sirius, a flicker of uncertainty passing between them. Why had she hesitated? Why had she even entertained the idea of anything other than Slytherin? She was a Black, after all, raised to uphold the values of her noble bloodline. Of course she would be sorted into Slytherin.
As they waited for the Sorting Ceremony to begin, Narcissa's attention was drawn to a group of students nearby. Among them was Alice, engaged in conversation with James Potter and a boy she didn’t know, which probably meant he wasn’t a pure-blood. She couldn't help but feel a curiosity at the sight of Alice chatting with the boys, her warm smile lighting up her face as she laughed at something James said.
Evan, standing beside Narcissa, noticed her gaze and followed it to the group of students. His expression darkened, a scowl forming on his face as he watched the interaction unfold.
"Mudblood enablers," Evan muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Potter and Fortescue?” Narcissa clarified, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew, of course she knew. Her mother had talked about it before, how certain people in the Ministry were supporting Muggle-borns. It was a rare thing to discuss openly, but when it was brought up, she never heard the end of it.
“Blood-traitors, according to Father,” Evan shrugged, his tone reflecting the indoctrination he had received. “Some people you know,” he added dismissively.
Sirius, standing nearby, turned away with a frustrated sigh. “I’ll explore a little,” he declared, his irritation evident. Narcissa could tell he was annoyed by Evan's comments, but she understood it wasn't Evan's fault. He had been raised to believe certain things, just like she had. Even she believed that mudbl–... Muggle-borns shouldn't be in the same school.
"Not now, Evan," she whispered urgently, her voice tinged with concern as she gently touched his arm. "We don't want to cause a scene."
Evan hesitated, his scowl deepening, but eventually nodded in reluctant agreement.
“I beg to Merlin that Pandora is sorted anywhere but Gryffindor next year,” Evan grumbled, his voice laced with bitterness.
The Sorting Ceremony finally began, bringing an end to the tense anticipation. Evan's name was among the first to be called, and without surprise, he was sorted into Slytherin. Narcissa watched as other students were sorted, recognizing familiar names like Potter and Fortescue, as well as the pale dark-haired boy who joined Slytherin
Finally, it was Narcissa's turn. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, her heart pounding in her chest as she approached the Sorting Hat. As the hat was placed upon her head, she closed her eyes and waited anxiously for its decision.
“Don’t close your eyes,” the Sorting Hat's voice echoed in Narcissa's mind, pulling her attention back to the present moment. She complied, keeping her gaze steady as she scanned the room.
She saw Evan, Andie, and Bella beaming at her, their pride evident in their expressions. She saw the anxious look on Sirius' face, a mirror of her own nerves. And then, she saw a familiar pair of brown eyes staring directly at her. Narcissa blinked, confused as to why the Fortescue girl was now looking at her.
As the Sorting Hat delved into her thoughts, Narcissa couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity towards Alice Fortescue. There was something about her, something intriguing and magnetic that drew Narcissa in, though she was hesitant to acknowledge it.
“Do you want to go there?” the Sorting Hat interrupted her thoughts, its voice breaking through her reverie. “I see the qualities of bravery,” it continued
Narcissa's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Gryffindor, a wave of shock washing over her. The idea of a Black ending up in Gryffindor seemed almost unthinkable, a betrayal of everything her family stood for. Then, there it was, like worms destroying a house from the inside. Fear.
“No, thank you,” she replied quickly, her voice firm as she rejected the Hat's suggestion.
The Sorting Hat sighed, a hint of disappointment evident in its tone, before announcing her to the Slytherin House. Narcissa glanced over at Alice, who seemed a little disappointed, before joining her siblings and Evan at the Slytherin table.
“Oh, Cissy! I’m so proud!” Bellatrix pulled her into a hug. “I wasn’t worried at all.”
“You're crushing her, Bella," Andie laughed, joining in the embrace with a warm smile.
"You're both crushing me," Narcissa chuckled, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging washed over her as her sisters held her. This is it, this is where I belong, she thought.
Finally, it was Sirius' turn. As he approached the Sorting Hat, Narcissa couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her chest. She watched him closely, noting the sadness in his eyes despite the smile on his lips. Something felt off, and she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"Should I scoot over now or later," Evan joked, attempting to lighten the mood. Bellatrix laughed, but Narcissa's gaze remained fixed on Sirius.
When Sirius's house was announced, the sisters were more than a little shocked. They exchanged glances, their usual banter silenced by the unexpected turn of events. Even Evan fell silent.
"But he's—" Evan began, struggling to form his thoughts as he watched Sirius take his place next to James Potter.
"Just like us," Narcissa mumbled quietly, her voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and sadness. She knew Sirius was different, his values often at odds with their own, but she had always tried to understand him. Now, she feared he would face the consequences of his choices, and Reggie would cry again and she wouldn’t be allowed to see him.
“Poor thing,” Andie said, the words slipping out before she could catch herself. “I mean–”
“I know,” Bellatrix said, her gaze fixed on Sirius with a hint of pity. “He's got a tough road ahead of him.”
“He always has,” Narcissa added quietly, her thoughts drifting to the stories Reggie told her.
“But I suppose he'll find his place eventually,” Bellatrix continued, her tone turning slightly more brisk. “Even if it's not where we would have hoped.”
“In Gryffindor?” Evan scoffed, his disbelief evident in his tone.
“Gryffindors,” Bellatrix sneered, her disdain for the house clear in her voice. “Always thinking they're so righteous, but they're just as bad as the rest of them.”
“And Sirius, of all people,” she continued, her words dripping with disdain. “He'll fit right in with their lot.”
Narcissa remained silent, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She couldn't deny the prejudice rooted in her upbringing, but she also couldn't shake the feeling of sympathy for Sirius, knowing the challenges he would face in his new house. As she watched him interact with his Gryffindor peers, she couldn't help but wonder what his future held, and whether he would find the acceptance he so desperately sought. Then again, whatever happens to Sirius was not her problem anyway.
In the chaos of the Great Hall, Narcissa couldn't help but find her eyes drawn to Sirius, who was now engaged in lively conversation with Fortescue, Potter, and a few other Gryffindors. A pang of jealousy pricked at her heart as she watched him interact freely with the other girl, wishing she could be in her place.
Feeling uncomfortable with her own emotions, Narcissa tore her gaze away from Sirius and forced herself to focus elsewhere. It was then that she noticed a blond boy approaching her, his familiar features marking him as one of the Malfoys.
Before Narcissa could even react, Andromeda swiftly intervened, switching seats with her without hesitation. Bellatrix let out a laugh as she observed the exchange.
"Always so protective, Andie," Bellatrix teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Andromeda rolled her eyes in response.
"She's eleven, Bella," Andromeda retorted, pulling Narcissa in a hug. "She's just a baby!"
"You're only two years older," Narcissa attempted to reason, she was being treated like a child… which she was. "I'm not even thinking of dating yet."
"No boys," Andromeda and Bellatrix said in unison, their voices firm and unwavering.
Narcissa sighed in resignation, knowing there was no point in arguing with her sisters when they were in such a mood. She leaned into Andromeda's embrace, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance in her sister's presence. Despite the teasing and the strict rules, Narcissa knew that Andromeda and Bellatrix had her best interests at heart, even if their methods were sometimes a bit overbearing.