51. New year.

As the train sped along toward Hogwarts, Hermione sat with a thoughtful expression, her brows furrowed as she processed what she had just learned.

"So… house-elves need to serve wizards?" she asked, her tone skeptical but curious.

Ryan nodded, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, they're symbiotic magical creatures. Their survival depends on being connected to a witch or wizard's magic. It's not just about servitude—it's how they stay alive. In return, they gain happiness and fulfillment from serving."

Hermione frowned. "That seems… wrong."

Ryan shrugged. "It's just how their magic works. Unbinding a house-elf doesn't give them freedom the way we'd think of it—it cuts them off from the magic that sustains them. Without a new bond, they eventually wither away and die."

Hermione's expression softened slightly, though she still looked unsure. "I suppose if that's their nature, it makes sense, but… it still feels unfair."

Harry sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, well, Dobby doesn't seem to care about fairness. He bonded himself to me and doesn't seem to regret it."

Ryan smirked. "Speaking of Dobby, you might want to suggest he dress a little better."

Harry blinked. "I can't give him clothes, Ryan. That would free him. He already explained some things about house elves and apparently it's the greatest dishonor to receive clothing."

"You can't give him clothes," Ryan corrected. "But you can suggest that he wear something nicer. House-elves can magically alter their pillowcases and rags into better-looking outfits if they want to. Just, you know, nudge him in the right direction."

Harry looked skeptical, but before he could reply, there was a familiar soft pop as Dobby appeared in the compartment, standing proudly with his arms stiffly at his sides. His enormous green eyes shone with excitement as he saluted.

"Oh no, great and wonderful Master Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby declared fervently. "Even if kind and powerful Master Harry Potter, sir, did give Dobby clothes, Dobby would just bond with him again! Dobby will always protect his most noble master!"

Harry groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Yeah. Thought so."

Rachel snorted in amusement, while Yue giggled behind her hand.

Ryan just grinned. "Well, at least you'll never have to worry about him leaving you."

As laughter filled the compartment, the train continued its journey to Hogwarts, carrying them toward another year of magic and adventure.

---

The Great Hall was alive with the familiar buzz of the Sorting Ceremony. First-years stood anxiously in a line, waiting to be called up one by one. At the Ravenclaw table, Ryan sat between Yue and Rachel, casually watching the ceremony while occasionally glancing toward the staff table. Everything seemed as it should be—no strange disturbances, no hidden threats. Just the usual excitement of the start of term.

Then, a familiar voice rang out.

"Lovegood, Luna."

Ryan straightened slightly as the small, dirty-blonde-haired girl skipped up to the stool, moving with an airy grace that was uniquely her own. She plopped onto the seat as Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head.

The Hat barely took a second before announcing:

"RAVENCLAW!"

Luna beamed and skipped off the stool, making her way toward the Ravenclaw table. She barely glanced at the cheering students around her as she made a beeline straight for Ryan. Without hesitation, she plopped down beside him, looking perfectly at home.

"Hello, Ryan," she said cheerfully. "I've decided to sit here."

Rachel smirked. "Yeah, we figured."

Yue chuckled. "Welcome to Ravenclaw, Luna."

Luna beamed. "I knew I belonged here."

Ryan just smiled. "Yeah. So did I."

And just like that, Luna Lovegood had officially joined their little family.

As the Sorting Ceremony continued, students murmured excitedly between themselves, speculating about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. It was practically a Hogwarts tradition at this point—each year brought a new teacher for the cursed position.

Ryan leaned back, absentmindedly twirling his fork as he observed the staff table. Most of the usual faces were present—Dumbledore with his ever-twinkling eyes, McGonagall looking as stern as ever, and Snape wearing his usual expression of perpetual disdain. But one chair remained empty.

Then, the Great Hall doors swung open with a dramatic bang.

Gasps rippled through the hall as a man with shaggy black hair and a roguish grin strolled inside, his wizarding robes swishing behind him. He moved with an easy confidence, flashing a smirk at the stunned students as he made his way toward the staff table.

Ryan couldn't help but grin. Oh, this is going to be fun.

"Is that…?" Rachel trailed off, eyes narrowing in recognition.

"Sirius Black," Yue confirmed, tilting her head curiously.

Murmurs erupted across the Great Hall. Some students looked confused, while others—particularly those from wizarding families—were downright shocked.

Sirius reached the staff table and clapped Dumbledore on the back with a mischievous grin before dramatically bowing to the students. "Sorry I'm late, everyone! A black cat crossed my path, and I just had to chase it. You know how it is."

Ryan snorted. Rachel smirked. Even Dumbledore looked vaguely amused.

Snape, however, scowled. "Black."

Sirius grinned. "Why, Severus! I was hoping you'd still be here. I missed your charming personality."

Snape sneered, clearly biting back a retort as Dumbledore stood, raising his hands for silence.

"Students, I am pleased to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Sirius Black." His blue eyes twinkled. "I trust you will give him the warmest of welcomes."

The reactions were mixed—some students clapped hesitantly, while others gaped in disbelief. The Slytherin table, in particular, looked as though they had collectively swallowed a lemon.

Ryan smirked. This year just got a lot more interesting.

---

After the Sorting ended and the feast began, Sirius wasted no time in making his presence known. He spent most of dinner chatting animatedly with Professor Flitwick and occasionally making comments just loud enough to annoy Snape.

Then, without warning, Sirius casually flicked a spoonful of mashed potatoes directly at Snape's face.

The entire Great Hall froze.

Snape's eye twitched as the potatoes slowly slid down his cheek. Silence hung in the air.

Then, Sirius grinned. "Oops."

Laughter erupted from the Gryffindor table, followed by scattered snickers from the other houses. Even some of the professors looked torn between reprimanding him and hiding their amusement.

McGonagall pinched the bridge of her nose. "Black."

"Yes, Professor?" Sirius replied innocently.

She sighed. "At least try to act like an adult."

"No promises."

Ryan chuckled, exchanging amused glances with Yue and Rachel. Next to him, Luna happily continued eating, entirely unfazed by the chaos.