chapter 3

"It is our choices that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

The Hogwarts Express came to a slow stop at Hogsmeade Station, sending a thrill of excitement through the first-year students. As the train doors slid open, a wave of crisp evening air rushed in, carrying the scents of pine trees and the damp earth outside.

"First years! Over here!" a deep, booming voice called out.

Teddy, Victoria, and Vanessa turned towards the source of the voice and saw a towering figure with shaggy hair and a wild beard, smiling warmly at them.

"Hello, Teddy," Hagrid greeted, his familiar voice tinged with fondness.

Teddy returned his smile, feeling a sense of comfort in the half-giant's presence.

"My name is Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts," he introduced himself to the crowd. "Now, first years, follow me!"

Excited whispers rippled through the students as they followed Hagrid to the edge of the Black Lake, where a fleet of small boats awaited them. The still water reflected the evening sky, shimmering under the moonlight.

"Four to a boat! Hop in, now!" Hagrid instructed as he climbed into one by himself.

Teddy, Victoria, Vanessa, and a boy named Oliver quickly clambered into a boat together. With a wave of Hagrid's hand, the boats glided forward, seemingly moving of their own accord. The journey was silent at first, everyone too mesmerized by the sight ahead—Hogwarts Castle.

As they rounded a bend, the enormous seven-story castle came into view, glowing warmly against the twilight. The sight of it stole Vanessa's breath away.

"Wow…" she murmured.

The boats finally reached the shore, where the students disembarked, hearts pounding with anticipation. Hagrid gestured for them to follow a stern-looking man waiting nearby.

"This here is Mr. Veg, our caretaker. He'll take you inside," Hagrid said before heading off.

Mr. Veg led them through the massive front doors and into the castle, where a professor awaited them. He was a tall man with jet-black hair, dressed in a deep black cloak.

"Here's your first-years, Professor Longbottom," Mr. Veg announced.

"Thank you," the professor responded before turning to face the nervous group of students.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," he said, his voice carrying a note of warmth. "In just a few moments, you will walk through these doors and join your classmates. But before that, you must be sorted into your houses."

A hush fell over the students as he continued, "The four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—will become your family for the rest of your time here. Your triumphs will earn you points, and breaking the rules will lose them. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the House Cup."

The anticipation in the air was palpable.

"Now, follow me," Professor Longbottom instructed, pushing open the grand doors leading to the Great Hall.

The sight that met them was breathtaking. Thousands of floating candles illuminated the massive chamber, their golden light flickering over four long tables filled with older students. Glittering plates and goblets adorned the tables, and at the very front of the hall sat the professors at an elevated table. The enchanted ceiling reflected the night sky, dotted with countless stars.

Vanessa's gaze drifted toward the teachers' table. Her eyes landed on a woman in a deep ruby-colored cloak sitting beside Headmistress McGonagall.

"Vic," Vanessa whispered. "That professor sitting next to McGonagall—I think I know her."

Victoria turned her head slightly. "How?" she whispered back.

"I'll tell you later," Vanessa murmured, her eyes still locked on the mysterious professor.

A hush fell over the hall as Headmistress McGonagall rose from her seat.

"I have a few start-of-term announcements," she began in her crisp, authoritative voice. "The Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. The dungeons are also off-limits unless given permission by a professor."

Her sharp gaze swept over the first-years before she nodded. "Professor Longbottom, you may proceed."

Professor Longbottom stepped forward, holding an ancient-looking hat.

"When I call your name, you will come forward, sit on the stool, and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head," he instructed. "It will determine your house."

One by one, names were called, and students were sorted.

"Victorie Weasley!"

Victoria gulped and stepped forward, her hands clenched into fists. The Sorting Hat barely touched her head before it bellowed:

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Relieved, Victoria grinned and rushed to the Gryffindor table.

"Edward Lupin!"

Teddy sat down as the hat was placed on his head.

"Ahh, a loyal heart like a Hufflepuff, but bravery and determination like a true Gryffindor," the Sorting Hat mused. "I know exactly where to put you… GRYFFINDOR!"

Teddy smiled, stepping down to join Victoria.

"Vanessa Valencia!"

Vanessa's heart pounded as she made her way to the stool. As soon as the Sorting Hat settled on her head, a voice whispered in her mind.

"Interesting… very interesting. A sharp mind—Ravenclaw would suit you. Loyal and kind—perhaps Hufflepuff? Ah, but ambition and cunning… Slytherin would take you far. And yet… such bravery. A strong will… where shall I put you?"

Vanessa squeezed her eyes shut. "Not Slytherin. Please, not Slytherin."

The Sorting Hat chuckled. "Ah, just like another young wizard I remember. Very well then…GRYFFINDOR!"

Relief flooded through Vanessa as she rushed to sit beside Victoria and Teddy, who were grinning at her.

"Yes! We're all in Gryffindor!" Victoria cheered, giving Vanessa a high five.

At that moment, Headmistress McGonagall stood once more.

"Let the feast begin!"

In an instant, the golden plates filled with an abundance of food—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pasties, treacle tarts. The first-years gasped in awe before eagerly digging in.

Vanessa took a deep breath, glancing at the glowing hall around her, at the enchanted ceiling above, and at the friends sitting beside her.

Their journey at Hogwarts had begun.

..........................................