The Hogwarts Express
On 1st September, Alex found himself standing in front of a wall at the King's cross station, London. The wall had a number plate sticking out of it with number Nine and three quarters.
"Alright, dear, watch your father carefully," said his mother.
His father walked calmly to the wall, and soon disappeared into it.
"Now don't be afraid, if you feel nervous then run towards the wall," said his mother, patting him on the back.
Alex took hold of the trolley and ran towards the wall with determination, he ran straight through the wall and onto the platform Nine and three quarters. Immediately after appearing on the platform, the first thing Alex noticed was a magnificent red train, blowing smoke. The train had the sign, 'Hogwarts Express' written over it in bold letters. The platform buzzed with the chatter of the crowd, frequently interrupted by hooting of owls and hollering of wizards.
As they walked through the bustling crowd they heard a deep voice, "Ah, Fowleys are here," it came from a tall man that stood just ahead of them. He wore a lime-green robe with an emblem embroidered on the chest; a wand, and a bone crossed. Alex recognised him as Mr. Smith, His father's co-worker.
"Good morning, Jacob, seeing your kid off?" asked his father, shaking Mr. Smith's hand.
"Yes, this is my son, Adam," Mr. Smith declared proudly.
A blonde boy in school uniform stood beside Mr. Smith, he had a shining yellow badge with a 'P' on his chest. He shook his parents' hand, and then extending his hand to Alex said, "Hi, I'm Adam Smith, 5th year," introduced himself.
"I'm Alex Fowley, 1st year," said Alex, as he shook his hand.
Mr. Smith was about to say something just when they heard a whistle from the train.
"It's almost 11 O'clock, time to board," said his father. His father gave him a tight hug, and said, "You better not get in too much trouble, alright pal."
His mother gave him a pack on the cheek, and said, "Study well, and don't forget to have a ton of fun."
He barely came aboard the train because his parents wouldn't let him go until he promised, albeit reluctantly, to write a letter to them every week. He trudged along the corridor trying to find an empty compartment, at last he found one which was occupied by a red-haired girl. He poked his head inside, and said, "Excuse me, Is this compartment empty?"
"Yeah, it is, come on in," she said, giving him a smile. He sat down opposite to her and rather keenly observed her. She had striking green eyes and wore a red T-shirt with words, 'Manchester United,' on it.
"Hi, I'm Luane Fischer," she introduced herself.
"Alex Fowley," He replied, and asked, "Are you a Muggleborn?"
"Yeah, how did you know? Can wizards recognise the muggleborns?" surprised, she asked.
"No, they can't, It's your shirt, that's Football, right?" He asked.
"Oh! Do you follow?" She asked eagerly.
"No, I'm familiar with the game, but I don't follow," He replied.
Just when Luane was about to say something, Merlin, who was circling Alex's legs, wagged his tail, and lunged at Morgana who slept soundly in the cage.
"No! Merlin! Stop harassing Morgana," said Alex sternly, as Merlin meowed at him.
"Oh, Is that your cat?" Luane asked, and tried to pet Merlin, but he gnashed his teeth, raised the tail, and hissed furiously. To Alex's surprise, she hissed back. Alex blinked at her in surprise. She flushed a little in embarrassment, and said, "Sorry about that."
"It's quite alright, Merlin could do with some hissing," said Alex, as he lifted Merlin, who looked taken aback and rather confused, and put him in his lap.
"Umm, do you follow Quidditch?" asked Luane, seemingly cheered up.
"No, I don't," replied Alex. This was followed by an awkward silence, while Alex stared at an ant crawling on window sill. Alex hated small talk, it was something that he could never grasp, in spite of much encouragement from his parents.
"Arr - I follow brooms, what do you think about Thunderbolt 2021?" he asked, trying to break the silence.
"I saw one a few days ago in the Diagon Alley. How do they work?" she asked, curiously.
"Well, It's a little bit like the wands…." Alex started explaining, and before they knew time had flown in the reveries of flight.
The compartment door was ajar, and as Alex rested his head on the window, he heard a familiar voice, "Oy! Oliver he's here," and before he knew it Alex was slammed by two bodies.
"Ah! Get off me!" Alex shouted as he tried to sit up straight. At last weight was lifted and adjusting himself, he faced a pair of teen boys in front of him. Alex recognised the tall, dark haired boy as Oliver White; and the other stocky, blonde one as James Brown. He knew them from his childhood, although they were older than him by four years, they often played with him as there were few wizarding families in the Godric's Hollow. The Whites moved away when he was seven, about the same time when Oliver went to Hogwarts; and the Browns when he was nine.
"So, Little Al still doesn't like hugs, does he?" said Oliver teasingly.
"No, he does not, and stop calling me Little Al," said Alex furiously.
"Oh, but you are little," said James, with a smirk.
Alex took a deep breath, and said, "Anyways, how did you two know I was aboard?"
"For one thing, it was about time," said Oliver.
"And for the other, Adam informed us that Fowleys were on the platform," completed James.
At this time, the pair of them noticed Luane who looked at the whole play with an air of amusement.
"And, who is this lady?" asked James.
"This is Luane, my friend," replied Alex.
"Hello, I am James Brown, and this is Oliver White. We are the greatest mischief makers that Hogwarts has seen ever since the Weasley twins left," said James, shaking Luane's hand.
"Sadly, Fred Weasley had to die in the Hogwarts battle," sighed Oliver.
"Indeed," said James solemnly.
"Anyways, now we will have to go, as we need to deliver a package to Hogwarts if you can take a hint," said Oliver with a wink.
"Tell us if you need help with something, Alright Alex," said James, and then they were gone.
While Luane was aghast with what just happened, an old lady with a trolley walked in the corridor, and said, "Anything off the cart, dears?"
Alex agreed, he got up to buy something, and since Luane never had the wizard's sweets, he helped her in picking out some. They bought Bettie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, and Licorice Wands. As they sat down, Luane took one of the chocolate frogs. Before he could warn her, she had already opened it, and the frog jumped onto the window. He caught it, before it could escape.
"Are they living?" asked Luane with horror.
"Of course not, they just move," he said, while unwrapping another chocolate frog.
"Which card did you get?" he asked.
"Hermione Granger," she replied.
"Oh, I had few of the Minister Granger,"
Alex looked at his own card, it was a recent one that he had never seen, although frame was empty, but he could still read inscription:
Marena Frost
Currently the Headmaster of Hogwarts
Professor Frost served under the Ministry of magic as an Auror and the hunter of dark creatures. She has been involved with the Department of mysteries since the year 2002.
That's rather vague He thought, but he decided to not pay much attention, and move onto next one, which turned out to be that of Dumbledore. Before they knew it, time had flown away like a hummingbird among orchid petals. The sun had fallen over the horizon, and the night had established her kingdom. As soon as they stepped down from the Hogwarts express, they heard a booming voice, "First years, this way!" It came from a humongous man with a majestic beard, and shiny dome for head. Alex and Luane, along with the other first years followed the man. He took them through the narrow, steep road with nothing but darkness on both sides. This path abruptly opened to the most wondrous site Alex had ever seen.
The moon hung over in the clear sky, throwing its rays onto the dark lake at their feet. Beyond the vast lake, and onto the mountaintop rose a magnificent castle with its towers and turrets raised to the sky. "It's like a fairy tale," whispered Luane, who stood beside him. Alex was stunned for a moment, and was woken up by the deep voice of the unusually large man, "Four and no more on each boat," he said, pointing at small boats resting on the surface of the lake.
Alex and Luane got on one of the boats along with two other boys. "Everyone seated? -FORWARD," said the man, and the boats smoothly sailed in the direction of the castle. Alex was sure that whoever designed the castle knew too much about magic, and too little about architecture. Eventually they arrived at a curtain of ivy that led to a dark tunnel, and then to a structure similar to a harbour. From there, they took a flight of cold stone steps, and reached a huge oak door. The bearded man walked to the door, and knocked thrice. The doors swung open, and a woman with kind green eyes walked out. She was, perhaps, the most beautiful woman that Alex had ever seen, but she had an air of sternness that warned Alex to be careful around her. She wore a pointed hat which Alex found unusual, as in recent times, they have fallen so much out of fashion that even Hogwarts does not require it.
"First years, this is Professor Black," said the man.
"Thank you, Professor Wilde, I will take them from here,"
Professor Black led them to a spacious entrance hall, high walls lined by flaming torches, and a ceiling that disappeared in the darkness above. A white marble staircase facing them led to upper floors. Hum of crowd came from a doorway to right, which Alex assumed was the rest of school. Professor Black showed them into a small, empty chamber, where they had to stand much closer.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, I'm Professor Ava Black," she introduced herself, and continued, "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The sorting is an ancient and a pivotal tradition, because while at Hogwarts your housemates will be like your family, you will guard them in sleep, encourage in study, and share leisure in common room."
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your virtues will earn your house points, while vices will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house, with the most points, is awarded the house cup, a great honour, for your house and its head. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."
"The Sorting Ceremony will commence soon in front of the rest of the school. I would advise you to be prepared."
After she left the chamber, the conversation of students which were interrupted due to the presence of Professor Black continued. Luane looked at him nervously and asked, "How do they sort us?" The mischievous devil on his one shoulder wanted him to tell her that they had to fight a mighty troll, while the rest of the school sipped pumpkin juice from their goblets. On the other hand, an angel on his shoulder told him to tell the truth. Alex decided to compromise, and said with a hint of mystery, "You will see." Her eyes widened and she gulped nervously. Alex tried to stifle his laughter.
Soon, Professor Black arrived, and said, "Form a line, and follow me."
Alex stood behind Luane, and started walking with other students to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall was one of those sights without which life would be nothing but a mirthless tragedy. Candles floating in the air, lighting every corner of the hall. Below them were four tables littered with students, and in front of them glittery golden plates and the goblets. Beyond these four tables, and raised on the platform was another table where teachers sat. All of these luxuries were dust compared to the most striking feature of the grand hall, the heavens reflected in the ceiling, countless incandescent stars flickering in the depths of unseen space. Alex looked at the Great Hall with the wonder that he had never felt before.
Professor Black took them to the raised platform, there stood a four-legged stool with an old hat. The Hat was pointed, shabby, patched here and there, and covered with dust. His mother surely won't have this in the house. A crack appeared just above the rim of the hat and words flew out, "Welcome, to Hogwarts, through where the ancient magic flows. Do not be scared, and just put me on your head. Let me reassure you I don't bite!" Luane, who had been anxiously standing beside him whispered, "That's it? We just have to put on a hat? Why didn't you tell me!" He looked at her and whispered back, "I thought it was funny! And besides, it's not just a hat, it's a talking hat."
Luane was about to say something when clearing of the throat came from the platform, it came from Professor Black, who was staring at them with stern countenance. Both of them straightened themselves as several people giggled around them. Professor Black took out a parchment, and said, "When I speak your name come forward, and sit down on the stool."
"Abbott, Lucy!"
A blonde-haired girl stumbled onto the platform and sat down; the hat almost covered her eyes. There was a pause.
"HUFFLEPUFF"
"Boot, Mandy!"
A bushy brown-haired girl sat on the table.
"HUFFLEPUFF"
"Davies, Matthew!"
A freckled boy with glasses rushed to the table.
"GRYFFINDOR"
"Degada, Gaurang"
A scrawny Indian boy stumbled onto the table.
"RAVENCLAW"
Soon, a familiar name was announced, "Fischer, Luane!"
Luane walked to the table, and sat down, the hat was placed on her scarlet hair. It took some time for the hat to decide Luane's fate, all the while Luane seemed to be muttering under her breath. The hat opened its mouth and shouted, "GRYFFINDOR"
The rightmost table cheered as Luane rushed to join them.
"Fowley, Alexander!"
Alex went onto the platform and sat down; the hat was placed on his head. He coughed a little as dust entered his nose. He heard a deep voice whispering in his ears, "Hmm You are a tricky one, indeed, you are one of those who have little of everything, where should I put you?"
"Anywhere, all of them will do, Although probably not Hufflepuff. I will never hear the end of it from my father if I were to be sorted there, and a pair of them will also probably drag me in their shenanigans," Alex muttered under his breath.
"Oh! Lazy, are we? Quite wilful as well. Don't you want to be sorted in the same house as your friend?" asked the hat.
"Aren't you supposed to sort us on the basis of our qualities, rather than that of our friends?" He replied with the question.
"So, I have been told. Hmmm I see a strong desire for the control, it's little different, but that will do," and with that it shouted,
"SLYTHERIN"
A loud cheer came from the table at the left end of the hall, as he stood up to join them. He saw Luane give him a bright smile from the Gryffindor table as he joined his housemates. Sorting continued, ending with a messy dark-haired boy named Wilson Noah, who went to the Gryffindor. After that Professor Black carried the hat and stool away, and joined other professors on the table. She sat beside the woman, who was sitting at the centre of the table, seemingly lost in thought staring at the plates in front of her. Professor Black whispered something to her. She gave a node to Professor Black, and walked to the owl podium.
"Welcome to the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. I am Marena Frost, the Headmistress," she introduced herself. Alex noticed, she was very quaint in appearance, she was completely bald, and wore a fedora, was clad in a simple purple cloak. Professor Frost had elusive, and ageless androgynous features, which resisted any sort of judgments.
"I am well aware that all of you must be famished after a long arduous journey, but bear with me. Our caretaker Mr. Filch has informed me that he has added more items to the already existing long list that are not allowed in the school, you can find the list near his office. He has also asked me, to inform you, that use of magic is not allowed in the corridors." She paused, and looked at the very frail man standing in the corner, holding a pair of cats in his arms. Professor Frost continued, "All students are absolutely forbidden from entering the dark forest, for your own safety, and our sanity," She glanced at the several students including James and Oliver at the Hufflepuff table.
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Spinnet,"
"Here at Hogwarts, we hope to produce the most outstanding wizards, and most delicious waffles, with that let the feast begin!"
Abundant quantity of food appeared on the plates in front of them: roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and of course, waffles.
Alex attempted to help himself with sausages, when suddenly he felt a chill run through his arm and to the chest. A gaunt head had appeared in the plate of sausages, soon followed by a bloody torso bound in chains. "Ah! It's Bloody Baron, everyone let me introduce you to the Slytherin house ghost," said a girl, who was sitting beside him. She had introduced herself as Mary Smith, one of the prefects of the Slytherin house. The Bloody Baron was a silent, and brooding figure. He did not speak, but terrified every first year with just a glance. The Baron still occupied the plate of sausage, and Alex was not keen on feeling terrifying chill so he chose to pursue juicy steak.
Alex glanced at the High table. He noticed that on the right side of Professor Frost sat Professor Black and on the left a man wearing round sunglasses. As Alex observed him, he found that, unlike other teachers, he sat in complete silence looking at the Gryffindor table. A Scar, like a knife cut, ran from his left eyebrow and disappeared behind glasses, terminating just beneath the glasses. He abruptly turned his head, and looked straight at Alex. Alex quickly buried his head in the plate. He asked Mary, "Who is sitting beside Professor Frost?"
"Oh, That's Professor Wright, Our Head of House," she replied, dryly.
"You don't seem to like him?" Alex asked, cautiously.
"You would be hard pressed to find anyone who does," chimed in another prefect, a brown-haired boy sitting opposite to Mary.
"You know I can't understand how someone so handsome could have such a foul mouth," said a girl, a few chairs away from them.
"Who is beside him?" asked Joan Jackson, a dark-skinned boy who has been sorted in Slytherin along with him. This drew Alex's attention toward an old man sitting beside Professor Wright. He had bushy eyebrows, and rather furious eyes. He was sniffing a waffle in his hand.
"That's Professor Payne, he teaches charms. He is little er ..." Mary trailed off, as she stared on to the table.
"I believe 'Looney' is the word you are looking for," quipped the brown-haired boy.
"Quirky! Nick, that's rude," Mary said furiously.
Nick chuckled in his pumpkin juice, and said, "Kidding aside, He is a world renown authority when it comes to protective charms."
Soon, the end of the feast came. Professor Frost stood up, and said, "Well, the tiresome day has ended, and the warmth of bed awaits you in the dormitories. Please follow the Prefects of your house, they will guide you."
Mary and Nick took them through a damp and dark dungeon to a plane wall. They informed them that the password to the common room is "Severus" and it changes every fortnight. "Now, traditionally it was forbidden to bring members of other houses into the Slytherin common room. However, rules are a little lax nowadays, but be careful with the password."
A passage opened to the common room, a long, underground hall with the walls of rough stones. Green lamps clung to the ceiling by chains, and outside the window one could see the lake come alive. The common room had a greenish hue due to light coming from the lake. A fire roared below the mantelpiece, raining warmth on cold chairs carved out of stone.
"Boys' dormitory is on the right, and girls on left. You will receive a time table tomorrow morning. Good night, and sleep tight," said Nick.
In the dormitories there were five beds, one of them was already occupied. Alex fell in his bed, and in dreams.