Abnormal ?James Potter?

       Morning light streamed into the Great Hall, illuminating the eager faces of students gathered for the day's significant announcement. Cassiopeia and Evan sat at the Slytherin table, surrounded by a hum of anticipation that grew with each passing moment. The air was charged with curiosity about the inter-house competition, a revived tradition full of promise and challenge.

Professor McGonagall rose, her authoritative voice rising above the clamor of youthful voices. "Quiet, please," she announced, capturing the attention of the room. "I am pleased to share the details of this year's inter-house competition, designed to promote unity and collaboration across all houses."

Cassiopeia and Evan leaned forward, aligning their focus as McGonagall continued. This event promised to test their strategic acumen and adaptability in unforeseen ways.

"The competition will feature a series of challenges," McGonagall explained, "each requiring skill and cooperation across house lines. Unlike previous contests, your teams will include members from different houses—partners assigned at random."

Excitement and shock rippled through the hall, voices murmuring as the implications of this new dynamic unfolded. Cassiopeia felt the energy shift, an enticing mixture of possibilities brewing beneath the surface.

McGonagall gestured toward the front of the hall, where the ancient Sorting Hat sat, its patchwork surface worn by the wisdom of centuries. "The Sorting Hat will determine your partners for the first challenge," she said. "This event will test your ability to trust and collaborate beyond the confines of house rivalries. Moreover, ease the growing tensions with the uprisings of the dark wizards."

Students watched as the Hat began its task, nerves getting even the best of them, the hat continued to announce pairs with each pronouncement, the suspense being drawn out on purpose. The room buzzed with anticipation and speculation, partners forming under the impartial wisdom of the Hat.

"Frank Long Bottom.... And Marlene McKinnon"

"Regulus Black.... And Peter Pettigrew"

"Cassiopeia Black and..." the Hat intoned with a pause that seemed to echo throughout the hall, "James Potter."Cassiopeia arched an eyebrow, glancing at Evan. Together they recognized the irony and potential wrapped within her pairing with James—a Gryffindor, and her target for the year.

James, seated at the Gryffindor table, met her gaze across the room, a flicker of challenge mingled with curiosity. This unexpected alliance invited exploration beyond their customary competitive dynamic.

Next, the Hat paired Evan with Remus Lupin, catching both boys by surprise. Immediately, there was a ripple of speculation—The pairing was met with hushed murmurs. Evan, with his polished demeanor, was matched with Remus, whose sharp wit and innate kindness stood in contrast to the traditional Slytherin persona.

Evan glanced across the room, catching Remus's eye. He found himself intrigued not only by the unexpected pairing but by the possibilities concealed within.

As the hall buzzed with the murmur of rearranged alliances, Cassiopeia whispered to Evan in a commanding tone, her voice low and perfectly pitched. "An opportunity in disguise," she murmured, her eyes flashing with calculated intent. "Consider Remus a chess piece—one that might open doors to perspectives previously obscured."

With a nod that conveyed understanding, Evan took her words to heart, acknowledging the strategy served by associations beyond the familiar.

. As students shifted to join their new partners, Cassiopeia stood, her demeanor unreadable but her mind swiftly calculating. Approaching James meant walking a path filled with obnoxious Gryffindors and those who held such differing perspectives than her own—a game that extended beyond mere competition, a game that would decide her future.