Charlotte looked up to see a girl with bushy brown hair standing outside the compartment, staring at him with bright, curious eyes.
“I was just practising a few basic spells.” The girl walked over and held out her hand.
“Hermione Granger.
First-year student, from Manchester.” “Charlotte Elvis, from London.” Smiling, Charlotte gestured towards the sweets on the table.
“Fizzing Whizzbees.
Would you like one, Miss Granger?” Hermione didn’t hesitate in the slightest.
She sat down, expertly unwrapped one of the bee-shaped sweets, and popped it into her mouth.
A look of pure satisfaction immediately spread across her face.
“My father’s a dentist.
I only get sweets on my birthday and at Christmas.” “But now…” “I’m finally free!” Charlotte chuckled.
“I think your father has the right idea.
Eating less sugar is good for your teeth.” Hermione shrugged unconcernedly.
“That’s true for ordinary people.” “But I’m a witch.” “One day I’ll become a great witch like Merlin.” “I’ll just invent a potion that keeps your teeth from ever falling out.” Then, unable to contain herself, she added proudly, “Did you know?
I’ve already finished reading all the first-year textbooks.” “And I’ve mastered four simple spells.” “Professor McGonagall even said I was a genius!” As if worried Charlotte might not believe her, Hermione immediately pulled out her wand and demonstrated one of the spells she’d learned.
Just as Charlotte remembered from the books, first-year Hermione loved showing off everything she knew.
She was like a peacock proudly displaying its feathers.
It was no wonder Ron always thought she was unbearably bossy.
Hermione’s arrival made the compartment far livelier.
By the time darkness fell, the Hogwarts Express finally reached its destination.
A towering, broad-shouldered giant with a magnificent beard led the first-years down to the edge of a vast lake.
Across the water stood a breathtaking castle.
Although Charlotte had imagined Hogwarts countless times before arriving…
Seeing it with his own eyes still left him speechless.
“It really is incredible…” Hearing Charlotte’s heartfelt admiration, Hagrid burst into booming laughter.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hogwarts—the finest school of magic in the world!” “I hope you’ll all enjoy the next seven years here.” “Now then…” “Four to a boat!” Charlotte and Hermione climbed into one of the small boats.
Just then, two boys approached.
“Mind if we join you?” “All the other boats are already full.” “Of course!” Hermione replied warmly.
Charlotte looked the pair over.
Bright red hair…
That alone pointed to only one family.
The Weasleys.
The other boy had messy black hair, round glasses, and the unmistakable lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
Their identities couldn’t have been more obvious.
Harry Potter.
And Ron Weasley.
Originally, the three of them were supposed to meet aboard the train.
But because Charlotte had found Neville’s toad before Hermione went searching for it, the famous trio had never crossed paths.
Instead…
They met here.
Together.
After the boats reached the shore, Hagrid led everyone through the grand entrance of Hogwarts.
Waiting at the top of the steps stood a witch wearing square spectacles beneath a pointed hat.
Hagrid addressed her respectfully.
“Professor McGonagall.” “I’ve brought this year’s first-years.” “Thank you very much, Hagrid.” Professor McGonagall inclined her head before turning to the new students.
“Follow me.” “The Start-of-Term Feast will begin shortly.” “But first…” “You will be sorted into your Houses.” “Gryffindor.” “Hufflepuff.” “Ravenclaw.” “Or Slytherin.” As they walked, Professor McGonagall explained the House system and what it meant to be a Hogwarts student.
Hermione leaned closer and whispered, “Charlotte, which House do you hope you’ll be in?” “I want Gryffindor.” “Come with me.” Charlotte smiled.
“I don’t think that’s really up to us.” By then, Professor McGonagall had led them into the Great Hall.
Walking at the front of the line, Charlotte and Hermione immediately attracted quite a few curious looks.
A handsome boy and a pretty girl naturally stood out.
Charlotte, however, was completely captivated by something else.
The hundreds of floating candles.
The enchanted jack-o’-lanterns.
The magnificent enchanted ceiling reflecting the night sky.
This…
This is magic.
The first-years lined up nervously down the centre aisle, all eyes fixed on the old, patched Sorting Hat resting in Professor McGonagall’s hands.
She unfolded a sheet of parchment.
“When I call your name, come forward, put on the Sorting Hat, and you will be assigned to your House.” “Hermione Granger!” Hearing her name, Hermione immediately tensed.
Charlotte smiled reassuringly.
“Go on.” “You’ll be sorted into the House you want.” Hermione nodded before nervously taking her seat on the stool.
“Gryffindor!” the Sorting Hat shouted.
The Gryffindor table erupted into enthusiastic applause.
Hermione beamed, waved happily to Charlotte, and hurried over to join her new House.
Next came Draco Malfoy.
Just as expected, he was sorted into Slytherin.
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley followed, both joining Gryffindor exactly as Charlotte remembered.
Finally— “Charlotte Elvis!” At last, it was his turn.
Charlotte stepped forward calmly and placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
To him, all four Houses were much the same.
He had only one goal.
Learning magic.
As long as he could grow stronger, the House itself didn’t matter.
“Oh?” “What an exceptional young wizard…” “At such a young age, you already possess remarkably powerful magic…” “And extraordinary intelligence as well.” “You would thrive in any of the four Houses.” “Tell me, young man…” “Is there a House you’d particularly like to join?” The entire Great Hall fell silent in surprise.
The Sorting Hat always made the decision itself.
Why was it asking Charlotte for his opinion?
Even Professor McGonagall looked genuinely astonished.
She had presided over the Sorting Ceremony for decades.
She had never seen anything like this.
Charlotte answered honestly, “As long as I can study magic, I’m happy anywhere.” “I can tell that’s the truth.” The Sorting Hat paused for a moment before declaring loudly, “Then I know exactly where you belong…” “RAVENCLAW!” The Ravenclaw table burst into loud applause.
Among the four Houses, Ravenclaw admitted the fewest students.
Only those with exceptional intelligence were chosen.
This year, just three first-years had been sorted there.
Charlotte’s arrival was warmly welcomed as a valuable addition to the House.
Only one person looked unhappy.
Hermione.
The Sorting Hat had asked Charlotte directly.
If he’d simply said the word…
He could have joined Gryffindor with her.
“Honestly…” “He’s impossible!”