The castle loomed ahead, its towering spires cutting through the midnight sky. Tom Nelson stepped out of the boat, his sharp gaze drinking in the sight of Hogwarts—his new home. The black lake behind him shimmered under the lantern light as Hagrid led the first-years up the stone steps.

Tom walked with measured steps, unbothered by the awed whispers around him. He had waited for this moment his whole life.

Inside, the entrance hall stretched wide, its enchanted ceiling high above. Professor McGonagall stood at the front, her sharp eyes sweeping over the new students.

"The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly," she announced. "Form a line and follow me."

Tom obeyed, his expression unreadable. The group shuffled forward, murmurs of house preferences filling the air.

"I hope I get Gryffindor," one boy whispered.

"Not me," another girl said. "I'd love Ravenclaw."

Tom remained silent. He already had an idea where he would end up.

They entered the Great Hall, where thousands of candles floated above four long tables, each filled with students watching them closely. At the far end, the Sorting Hat rested on a stool.

McGonagall called the first name.

"Abbott, Hannah."

A nervous-looking girl stepped forward, and the hat barely touched her head before shouting, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table.

One by one, students were called, their fates decided in seconds. The line shrank. Tom waited patiently.

Then—

"Nelson, Tom."

Silence.

Tom stepped forward, ignoring the curious glances. He sat on the stool as the Sorting Hat was placed over his head.

"Hmm…" a voice murmured in his ear. "Interesting. Very interesting."

Tom sat still, unfazed.

"I see cunning, intelligence… a sharp mind that watches before it acts," the hat mused. "Yet you are not cruel. You do not thirst for power as some do. You walk your own path, unshaken by others. A true Slytherin, yet… different."

Tom exhaled slowly. "I already know where I belong."

The Hat chuckled. "Oh, indeed, you do. You will not be led, nor will you be swayed. Yes… I see greatness in you."

Then, with certainty, it called out—

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table erupted in applause. Draco Malfoy gave a smug nod, while Theodore Nott merely smirked, as if he had expected this outcome all along.

Tom removed the hat, stood, and strode toward his house table. As he sat down, he could feel eyes on him—both from his new housemates and the staff table. Severus Snape, in particular, watched him with an unreadable expression.

Tom didn't react. He had made it.

But as he looked around, he knew one thing for certain—he was not like the others.

He was a Slytherin who stood apart.