Welcome Home

"Hufflepuff!"

The hat's shout still echoed in Raelynn's ears when she slid off the wooden stool, fingers trembling slightly even when she smoothed her robes with both hands as an attempt to relieve herself from any worries. For a second she stood frozen, how the Great Hall that stretched before her turns into a blur of candles and banners, her heart thudding loud enough in her chest to reach her ears, drown even the murmurs and applause of the crowd.

Admittedly, she thought she would be sorted to a different house. Gryffindor perhaps? Maybe even Ravenclaw if she had any hidden academic ambitions. But Hufflepuff? She was genuinely surprised.

Finding herself numbingly confused, she decided to take her first few steps towards the grand table that welcomed her. How warm and nerve-wracking they all looked, both the people and the food served, she meant. By the time she slid into an empty seat, she could only let out the long breath she didn't realize she was holding. The enormity of the evening still overwhelmed her.

It was only when an unfamiliar face leaned close to offer a cheerful smile did Raelynn finally feel thawed.

Raelynn can't help but let a shy smile break free at the older girl's kind words. "Thank you", she answered with a quiet, grateful chuckle. From there she questioned what she even had to worry about if it was that easy to be taken in by her new family. After all, when one door closes, another opens.