The Castle

I woke up to something poking my cheek. It wasn't persistent, more of a curious jab, like someone testing the waters before deciding whether to commit to waking me up or letting me sleep. Cracking one eye open, I was met with the tiny golden face of Twig, his little hands pressing against my skin as he tilted his head.

"Morning to you too," I mumbled, my voice groggy.

Twig chirped in response and climbed onto my shoulder as I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The soft glow of the enchanted window filled the room with a warm golden light, mimicking the sunrise even though we were far underground.

Looking around, I saw my dorm mates still fast asleep in their beds. Wayne was sprawled out on the top bunk across from me, snoring softly, while Justin slept on the bottom bunk below him, his arm hanging off the edge. Ernie, in the top bunk above mine, was tucked neatly under his blankets, looking as composed in sleep as he did when awake.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, Twig scuttling down to perch on my arm as I stood. My bag sat neatly beside my bed, so I grabbed it and quietly slipped out of the room to avoid waking the others.

The walk to the bathrooms was quiet, the dormitory hallway lit by soft lantern light. I washed up, brushed my teeth, and ran a hand through my hair, trying to tame it into something presentable. Twig busied himself inspecting the nearby potted plants, as he always did.

Once I was back in the dorm, I pulled out the leather pouch I'd brought from the vault and retrieved the folded piece of parchment tucked inside—my class schedule. Unfolding it, I glanced over what my year will look like.

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"Not bad," I murmured to Twig, who chirped approvingly as he climbed back onto my shoulder.

By the time I finished getting ready, the others were beginning to stir. Wayne let out a loud yawn as he stretched, nearly rolling off the top bunk in the process.

"Morning," I said, smirking.

"Morning," Wayne replied, blinking blearily at me. "Is it time for breakfast yet?"

Justin sat up next, his hair sticking out in every direction. "It better be," he grumbled, rubbing his eyes. "I'm starving."

Ernie climbed down from his bunk with far more grace, straightening his pajamas as he landed. "Good morning," he said, his tone polite but still carrying a trace of sleepiness.

"Morning," I replied. "Ready for our first full day?"

Ernie nodded, though his expression remained calm. "Absolutely. Breakfast first, though. Can't start the day on an empty stomach."

The four of us finished getting ready quickly, the excitement of the day ahead waking us up fully. Once everyone was dressed and had their bags packed, we headed out together, making our way toward the Great Hall.

The walk from the Hufflepuff common room to the Great Hall was already starting to feel familiar, the cool stone corridors and warm torchlight creating a strange but comforting atmosphere. Wayne and Justin chatted animatedly about what they were most excited to learn, while Ernie offered occasional insights based on things he'd read or heard from his family.

By the time we reached the Great Hall, the smell of breakfast had our stomachs rumbling. Tables were laden with platters of eggs, sausages, toast, and fruit, and the warm hum of conversation filled the air as students gathered to start their day.

The Great Hall buzzed with energy as students chatted over plates piled high with breakfast foods. I took a seat at the Hufflepuff table alongside Wayne, Ernie, and Justin. The morning sunlight streaming through the enchanted ceiling bathed everything in a soft golden glow, making the scene feel almost surreal.

As I helped myself to some eggs and toast, Wayne leaned in with a grin. "So, Cassius, what do you think of Hogwarts so far?"

"It's amazing," I replied honestly, glancing around at the towering walls and floating candles. "I've read about it, but seeing it in person is something else."

"It is," Wayne agreed, shoving a forkful of sausage into his mouth. "Though, to be fair, the stairs are going to be a nightmare to memorize."

"That's what maps are for," Ernie said, cutting neatly into a slice of toast with jam. His every movement was deliberate and composed, as if breakfast were as much a formal event as anything else. "I spent weeks memorizing the layout before arriving. Still, the moving staircases will take some getting used to."

Justin, sitting across from me, looked between them with a bemused expression. "The stairs move? What does that even mean?"

"They shift," Ernie explained matter-of-factly, gesturing with his knife. "Sometimes they lead to one place, sometimes another. It keeps things... dynamic."

"That sounds absolutely ridiculous," Justin said, looking mildly horrified. "What if you're late to class because a staircase decided it wanted to take you somewhere else?"

As we ate, the conversation shifted to other topics—Hogwarts' history, the kinds of creatures we might study, and the magical dishes that kept refilling themselves no matter how much food you took. 

After breakfast, the four of us lingered for a moment before heading toward the entrance hall. I adjusted the strap of my bag, Twig sitting contentedly on my shoulder in his Bowtruckle form.

"I think I'm going to take a walk around the castle," I said, glancing at the others. "Try to get a better sense of where everything is."

"Good idea," Wayne said, but he shook his head. "I'm still waking up. I'll stick to the common room for now."

"Same here," Justin added. "I think I'll try to make sense of all the wizarding terms you guys keep throwing around."

"I've got some reading to do," Ernie said. "But good luck with your exploration, Cassius. Don't get lost."

I smirked. "I'll do my best."

With that, I left them and began my journey through the castle.

The corridors were quieter now that most students were in the Great Hall or heading to their common rooms. I took my time, walking at an easy pace and letting my senses soak in the environment. The stone walls were lined with tapestries and portraits, many of which moved. Some of the figures in the portraits greeted me as I passed, while others continued their animated conversations or dozed in their frames.

Twig shifted slightly on my shoulder, his little head turning as he took in the sights with me.

I climbed a staircase, watching in fascination as it shifted mid-ascent, seamlessly connecting to another landing. It was strange at first, but there was something oddly exciting about navigating a castle that was constantly in motion.

Passing through an arched corridor, I found myself in a hall filled with suits of armor, their polished surfaces gleaming in the sunlight pouring in through high windows. One of the suits gave a subtle bow as I walked past, and I couldn't help but grin.

I continued on, peering into open classrooms and noting landmarks along the way. The faint scent of parchment and ink filled the air near the library, and I made a mental note to visit it soon. The kitchen entrance, marked by a painting of a fruit bowl, caught my attention, and I chuckled at the thought of tickling a pear to gain access.

As I wandered deeper into the castle, I let my connection to nature reach out subtly, feeling the faint hum of life through the stone and the occasional plant growing in the cracks or sitting in pots by the windows. It was like the castle itself had a heartbeat, and it was inviting me to explore further.

Eventually, I found myself standing on a balcony overlooking the grounds. The view was stunning—the vast lawns stretched out below, dotted with clusters of trees and bordered by the Forbidden Forest in the distance. The Black Lake shimmered under the sunlight, and the faint outline of Hagrid's hut could be seen near the edge of the forest.

---

As I turned down another corridor, still taking in the sights and sounds of Hogwarts, I heard the faint sound of footsteps echoing ahead. Rounding the corner, I spotted a familiar figure—bushy brown hair and a purposeful stride that couldn't belong to anyone else.

"Hermione?" I called out, quickening my pace to catch up with her.

She turned, her expression brightening when she saw me. "Oh, Cassius! Hello!" she said, adjusting the strap of the bag slung over her shoulder. "What are you doing wandering around the castle?"

"Getting my bearings," I replied, falling into step beside her. "This place is a maze. I figured it'd be a good idea to start learning my way around before classes start."

"That's a smart idea," she said, nodding approvingly. "I've already memorized the basic layout from Hogwarts: A History, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience."

I smiled at her enthusiasm. "Heading somewhere specific, or are you exploring too?"

"The library," Hermione replied, her tone full of anticipation. "I want to get a head start on some of the subjects we'll be covering. There's so much to learn, and I don't want to waste a second."

Of course, I thought, suppressing a chuckle. "Mind if I tag along? I've been meaning to check out the library myself."

"Not at all!" she said, beaming.

As we walked, Hermione launched into an animated discussion about some of the books she'd already read about Hogwarts. She rattled off facts about the founders, magical creatures, and even some of the more obscure spells she was eager to try.

"You've read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, haven't you?" she asked, glancing at Twig, who was perched on my shoulder.

"I have," I said, smiling as Twig gave a little chirp. "And Twig's proof that everything in that book isn't just fascinating—it's real."

Hermione leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "He's incredible. I didn't know Bowtruckles could be that color. What's he like?"

"Stubborn, for one," I said with a laugh, reaching up to gently tap Twig's tiny hand. "But he's loyal. He's been with me through a lot already."

Hermione looked utterly captivated. "That's amazing. Do you think they'd be covered in Care of Magical Creatures?"

"Probably," I said. "But don't expect Twig to volunteer for a lesson."

She laughed at that, and I couldn't help but smile. Her excitement was infectious, and it made the walk to the library feel shorter than it was.

When we arrived, the large, ornate doors of the library loomed before us, flanked by tall shelves visible through the arched windows. Inside, rows of desks stretched between towering bookcases, and the faint smell of parchment and old leather filled the air.

Hermione's eyes widened as she stepped inside. "It's even better than I imagined," she whispered.

I couldn't disagree. The sheer scale of the library was incredible, and I could already feel the pull of countless books waiting to be explored.

"Where do you even start?" I asked, half to myself.

Hermione grinned, her determination clear. "Everywhere."

As she disappeared down one of the aisles, I chuckled softly and followed, ready to see what the library had in store.

---

Hermione and I spent the next couple of hours buried in books, her enthusiasm for studying unmatched. While I skimmed through the basics of magical theory, she was already delving into advanced topics, muttering under her breath as she took notes in a meticulous, almost mechanical manner.

I found myself flipping through a book on magical plants, the illustrations of vividly colored flora catching my attention more than the text itself. Twig, perched on the edge of the table, seemed equally fascinated, occasionally reaching out to tap the pages with his tiny hands.

"Did you know," she said, not looking up from her book, "that a properly cast Levitation Charm isn't just about saying the words? The wand movement has to be precise, or it could just make the object jiggle instead of float?"

"I figured that much," I replied with a grin, flipping through A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration. "But it's good to know there's room for error. Let's just hope I don't end up setting something on fire by accident."

Hermione looked up, her expression half amused, half exasperated. "If you actually study, that won't happen."

"I am studying," I said, gesturing to the open book in front of me.

She raised an eyebrow. "You've been on that same page for ten minutes."

Caught, I laughed softly and closed the book. "Alright, you've got me. I think I've reached my limit for now. I should stretch my legs before I turn into a statue."

Hermione frowned slightly but nodded. "Fair enough. But you should really spend more time on magical theory—it's the foundation for everything else."

I stood, slinging my bag over my shoulder and reaching up to let Twig climb onto his usual perch. "I'll keep that in mind. Speaking of, I'm planning to explore a bit more of the castle. Want to come along?"

She shook her head, her quill already scratching away at another note. "Not right now. I still have a lot to get through, but I'll join you next time."

"Suit yourself," I said with a smile. "Don't study too hard, alright?"

Hermione huffed, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "There's no such thing."

With that, I left the library, stepping into the quieter corridors of Hogwarts. The faint scent of parchment and ink lingered on my clothes as I adjusted my bag and glanced around, deciding which direction to head next.

I didn't get far before I rounded a corner and nearly collided with two familiar faces.

"Cassius!" Hannah Abbott exclaimed, her blonde pigtails bouncing as she took a step back. She gave me a bright smile, her cheerful energy immediately lifting the mood of the hallway.

"Hi, Cassius," Susan Bones said, her voice softer but no less warm. She stood beside Hannah, her red hair neatly braided and her expression curious. "What are you up to?"

"Hey, Hannah. Susan," I said, steadying myself. "Just got out of the library. Thought I'd explore a bit more, see if I can figure out where everything is before classes start."

Hannah's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea! This place is huge. I still feel like I'm going to get lost on the way to the Great Hall."

Susan chuckled softly, her gaze calm and steady. "It does take some getting used to. But at least we've got a whole week to figure it out."

"True," I said. "What about you two? What are you up to?"

"We were heading back to the common room," Hannah said, swinging her arms slightly. "But if you're exploring, we could tag along for a bit!"

Susan nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It might be good to learn a few shortcuts. And with three of us, it's less likely we'll end up hopelessly lost."

I grinned. "Alright, let's go. Twig's already on lookout duty, so we'll be fine."

The girls laughed as Twig chirped from his perch on my shoulder, his tiny golden leaves catching the light as we started down the corridor together.

{Word Count - 2564}