So sorry that I haven't posted in like forever. But don't worry, I now have a bit of a schedule and will be posting at least once a week. I just was sooo busy and was working on a lot of writing. Hope this is long enough chapter to make up for that hiatus- I have now more motivation to get this story going. Please review and give feedback!
~Z:)
Chapter 5: A Magical New Path
If there was any memory Alexander will forever cherish, it was the beginning of his new magical life.
It to him, he couldn't really tell when and where it began. Either that fateful night he met Fawkes, or the dark wizard's appearance which started a whole series of events. And maybe even when Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione Weasley introduced him to the magical world. But he had a slight feeling that his magical days began from the second his wand chose him.
When he had returned to the Leaky Cauldron after scheduling where they'll meet up at King's Cross Station on their departure to Hogwarts with Teddy and Marcus, he had immediately fell asleep in his room. The wand held firmly in his hand, he was too exhausted to do anything but that.
But he did wake up early the very next morning and relayed everything to Fawkes. The phoenix looked peculiarly at the wand and that confirmed Alex's tingling sense of truly possessing a powerful wand. He didn't touch a morsel of his breakfast until he had tried several charms and spells. He had attempted at casting several from his textbooks for school. After only a few tries, he was able to successfully make several pieces of articles float about and actually gave his teacup a rat tail.
"Fawkes! Look, this isn't so hard!" Alex laughed before pointing his wand at one of the plates on the table. "Wingdarium Leviosa!" with that the plate of toast and eggs rose into the air, haphazardly tilting to the side. "Accio breakfast!"
Before realizing that his phrase wasn't specific, all the food piled on the tray flew across to his side at the bed. "AHH!" he jumped down to the floor as the plates shattered above him on the wall, the food splattered at where he was sitting only a second ago.
Fawkes screeched in alarm as he flapped about frantically. Alex stared at the mess with wide eyes before bursting out laughing. He rolled on his back, clutching his wand and side with glee. He felt so delightful with the thrill of magic. It made him feel powerful and invincible to do as he pleased.
But of course, Alex knew that there are consequences and magic can't do everything. Like the Rule of Conjuration, Rule of Resurrection and Rule of Immortality. And of course, Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration is another limit line. Yet, there are still some things that Alex wondered why they couldn't be done. He didn't understand the secrecy, when in truth wizards are much more powerful with their magic then muggle technology and Alex hated to admit, science. As he pondered the many elements of magic and different uncrossable lines, his bedroom door swung open.
"Alex? I heard some crashing all the way at the end of the hall-"Hannah froze as she took in the food sliding down the wall and sitting in a pile of porcelain pieces on the bed. Her mouth was gaping as she looked down at Alex, whom was still lying down on the floor.
"Mornin' Hannah," he sheepishly said as he shot up. He rubbed the back of his neck, finally realizing what truly a mess he made. He then got a splendid idea of how to fix it.
He turned around with a grin, "Don't worry, Hannah! I got this," he then pointed his wand at the mess and chanted a spell. "Scourgify!" and with that the wasted food rose and vanished along with the stains. The plates, still shattered, arranged themselves on the tray. "Reparo!" and the pieces flew back together like new.
Flipping his wand and tucking it back in his pocket with a swift move, Alex admired his handiwork. Chores were going to be sooo much easier. As he looked over his shoulder, he found Hannah's eyes on him.
"Wow! Your magic is much advanced! And you've only got your wand yesterday," she exclaimed with an amazed smile. Alex couldn't help but laugh and self-consciously run his hand through his ruffled hair. But he did feel a triumphant rise of pride at his doing. He was glad that he could amaze someone for once in a good way.
"Sorry, but may I have at least toast. I didn't exactly get to eat any of it when I summoned it to myself," he asked as he gave her another sheepish smile. She laughed and nodded, "Of course, you accomplished genius! I'll get another tray of breakfast!"
Alex felt a soft smile pull at his lips as he watched her go. For the past two weeks, he had actually got attached to the wizards and witches here. They all welcomed him, curiously and kindly. In some ways, they had accepted him into their society with open arms. This was the closest he'd ever gotten to really appreciate people.
Fawkes flew to his shoulder, done fretting now. As he stroked him, Alex pulled out his wand. I am a wizard. I'm one of them.
September 1st, 2009. King's Cross Station. Alexander pulled his cart as he followed Jink Jumpbug, one of the Leaky Cauldron's maids, through the rushing mass of hurrying people. She was leading Alex to the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾.
Glancing at his watch, it was only 10:15. Relaxing a bit, he trudged on with the vibrant purple haired witch. She chatted lightly, assuring him that this was one of the best experiences and he won't miss it. Yet that didn't help in the least in calming his bundle of nerves that rested soundly in the pit of his stomach. And for the 32nd time this morning, he was wishing for Fawkes's presence.
The phoenix had gone ahead to his old home, probably to settle down. And maybe even catch up on old times with the headmistress, Alex thought sarcastically to himself. Fawkes will be waiting for him at Hogwarts, but that didn't make him feel any better either.
"Okay, here we are," Jink stopped between platform 9 and 10. Alex looked quizzically around, wondering where "here" is. Obviously there wasn't any platform 9 ¾ anywhere.
"Jink? Uhh… this isn't the platform. I don't think it actually exists or at least resides here. Besides where's the red Hogwarts-"he was stopped with her finger at his face.
"Goodness, you ask too much questions and point out the obvious. But again, you forgot that we use magic," she smiled at him before glancing at a group of two teenagers close in age along with two oddly dressed adults near the brick wall.
Alex immediately realized they were wizards. The two teens were obviously brothers and Hogwarts students with their luggage. The parents stood with their mismatched clothes and the father was wearing a stripped sweater over what Alex guessed was a collared shirt with dinosaurs. As he tried to hide his smirk, one second he was staring at the blonde boy and the next the boy ran his cart through the brick wall. And disappeared.
Taken back, Alex blinked rapidly trying to make sense of how the wall was able to swallow him up. He then watched more closely as the second teenager did the same with charging at the wall and disappearing through. As for the adults, they vanished with a pop. Apparating in plain sight of muggles.
Yet as Alex looked around, it was a bit astonished that not a single person on the crowded platform noticed the group of people who vanished. Magic works in peculiar ways, he told himself.
"Now it's your turn. That's the gateway to Platform 9 ¾. Simply run at the wall and you'll pass right through. Like those two boys just now," she gave me a pat on the shoulder. "And I'll meet you at the other side," she added as she lead him in the direct view of the wall.
"Are you sure I won't collide and get a concussion?" he asked her with a doubtful tone. Alex liked Jink and all, but she can really give you prank or a heart attack depending on what level you react.
"Of course I'm sure, silly! It's not April Fools now is it?" she laughed, "Now come on!" She gave him another push before disappearing with a pop. Alex gulped as he angled himself correctly.
Tightening his grip on the handle of the cart, he started to push it slowly but then picked up speed. He narrowed his eyes, expecting to be hit by force as his cart drove rapidly closer to the brick wall. But all he felt was this unusual air shift before suddenly bright light made him pull to a stop.
"Whoa!" Jink jumped out of the way as his cart barely missed her. Alex blinked several times before realizing he had passed through. And before he could even start to apologize to Jink, he was struck at his surroundings.
With all its glory, the bright red Hogwarts Express was being boarded by a slow stream of excited students. Witches and wizards in muggle clothing and robes milled around with their children. Owls, cats and little kids were all about with adults chattering loudly in groups. Kids were jumping down from the train before their departure. And behind him, was a stone arch with Platform 9 ¾.
"Come on! Let's get your trunk loaded," Jink pushed the cart with him, leading him to an open passenger carriage. After successfully placing his trunk, he got down on the platform.
"Oh everybody's going to miss you!" Jink pulled him into a hug and ruffled his hair. He couldn't help but laugh as he pulled away.
"I'll miss you guys, too. Thanks for everything," he grinned as he tried to tidy his hair back. He glanced around, as Jink pulled something out of her pocket.
"Here, Hannah wanted you to have something to snack on. You'll be fine, everybody knows what a genius you are," she handed him a wrapped up sandwich. "Take care and don't forget to write!" she gave him a hug before disappearing into the growing crowds. He laughed, spotting her vibrant purple hair before she Apparated.
He stepped back on the train, excitement bursting from him. He sat down in compartment C, settling himself near the window. He was alone, but the noise was loud enough from outside on the platform. He watched as people buzzed about, talking and hugging. He sighed, as he couldn't help but look curiously on.
Soon enough, he'll be at Hogwarts. A new life, new beginning and hopefully new friends. And a new magical life it will be. Speaking of friends, Alex scanned the witches and wizards hoping to catch Harry and Teddy somewhere.
Marcus and Teddy should've been here by now. As he pressed himself against the window, his nerves buzzed. His anxiety and eagerness kept striking together, and he slipped his hand into his pocket. He felt reassurance sweep him as he felt the comforting wood of his wand. Elder wood, Thestral hair core.
Don't tell anyone.
Alex shook his head at the frantic voice of the young wandmaker. He knew better than to brag about something like this. He tried to find information about the Deathly Hallows but came up with nothing. And something told him never to mention them to people anyway. He came up short as well with the Elder Wand, the original.
To get his nerves and thoughts off, he pulled out an old fraying volume from his rucksack. It was a collection of famous mysteries for Sherlock Holmes and from other well-known classic mystery writers. It was one of his favorites and he has read it far too many times that he knew the stories by heart.
As he got lost in the words, the noises drowned out and his nervous thoughts for his expedition faded out. His eyes scanning, he was analyzing the grammar and words. Although he knew who the suspect was, he always liked to catch his proof. From their actions to their words, connecting and simplifying, he had full faith in understanding the motives and evaluating the procedures. His thoughts were suddenly jeered out by a sudden slamming of the compartment door.
"There he is! Alex, we were looking for you!" Marcus laughed as he stepped into the compartment, closely followed by Teddy. The two boys grinned at him as he closed his book and stood up. Teddy's hair was a vibrant red and both boys were dressed in freshly pressed sweaters and pants.
"Hey," he grinned back at them, "I was wondering where you guys were too."
"We put away our trunks just now. Come on, Harry and my grandmother are waiting for us," Teddy gestured for him and ran out ahead. As they followed him down to the platform, Alex noticed that the stream of people has grown. There was more rushing about and louder voices, in which he easily lost Teddy despite the fiery red of his hair.
"This way, Alex!" Marcus pulled him from his elbow and led him under waving arms and robe sleeves until they came to a brick pillar under the 9 ¾ platform sign. Alex smiled as Harry gave him a pat on his shoulder.
"Glad to see you're here," he then waved at an older woman with gray shooting through her dark hair, trying to comb Teddy's hair back and fussing about his clothes. "This is Andromeda, Teddy's grandmother. And this here is the clever Alexander Rosewell you've heard of."
The older woman beamed at Alex as she took his hand and shook it, "Nice to meet you, dear. I've heard much from these boys. They kept at guessing what house you'd be in. Ravenclaw most likely. But I hope you find a home in Gryffindor, as well."
"Thank you, I hope I get sorted into the best house for me," he smiled politely up at her. He noticed that like Teddy, she had those friendly and warm eyes. She seemed well associated with Marcus in which she inquired on where his parents were and proceeded to tidy his shirt collar as well.
"Oh, I think they are over there! I'll be back," Marcus darted off before Andromeda could further offer to comb his hair. Teddy rolled his eyes, mouthing "She's a mother hen to everyone". Harry smiled down at the boys and asked Alex if he got his trunk in place.
"Yeah, I did. I have some of my other stuff in compartment C. Oh crud!" smacking his forehead, suddenly realizing that he'd left them unattended. As if reading his mind, Teddy grabbed him before he could run off to the train.
"Don't worry! They're safe," he laughed. But that didn't reassure Alex.
"How do you know? You shouldn't trust that people have some kind of honor or are too nice to take advantage of others. And especially with people like-"he stopped himself before finishing, knowing well what a load he'd get himself into by being rude.
They all stared at him, a bit taken back at his quick retort, but they already seemed to know what he was about to say. Looking away, Teddy pretended to be searching for any sign of Marcus while his grandmother looked about in off-hand matter. Harry stared hard at him, his head tilted.
"I-", Alex didn't know what to say. Looking down at his shoes, he added this to his list of screw-ups. Having friends, losing possibility quickly. Great already I've set myself apart.
Saved by his watch, it beeped 10:55. Breaking the awkward quiet between them that they almost seemed relieved it was time to board the Hogwarts Express.
"My, it's time," Andromeda pulled Teddy into a hug as she pinched his cheeks. Harry smiled as he patted his godson on the back, pulling something out of his pocket. Feeling like an intruder, Alex quickly tried to melt into the crowd. He fought his way angrily to his train coach and boarded. Entering compartment C, he was glad to see nobody had entered and nothing was touched.
Great job, Alex. Already being a rude know-it-all, he bit his lip in frustration and throwing himself into his seat. Pulling his rucksack against him, he tried not to look out the window again. But alas, he couldn't help but stare.
Kids gave their parents hugs and promises to write before storming onto the train. Several even leaned out of the windows, grabbing forgotten items before departure. Owls were locked into their cages, cats snatched and everyone boarded. The laughs, embraces and proud teary-eyed affections were too much for Alex. Even the odd magical people had families. His mood darkened even more.
He fingered his old sweater, the sleeves fraying. He would have worn his new clothes but for some reason felt like having something familiar. His old sweater was the only thing that was still normal for him to find comfort in. He sighed, feeling stuck in a moment where he couldn't decide which wall to scale. The one behind me or the one ahead?
A loud steaming whistle blew and the engine thrummed. The Hogwarts Express was ready to leave, and all the students had scrambled onto the train carts. The hallways were bustled with students finding seats and friends to sit for the ride. With a slow lurch, the train began to move.
With a deep breath, Alex looked out the window as the train moved past the platform. People all waved and some younger siblings even ran alongside the red train. "Good-byes" and "Have fun" were shouted out with last second advices or reminders. Alex whispered to no one, "Bye." He watched as the platform was almost out of sight when something caught his eye.
At the edge of the platform and behind a pillar, a figure with a raised wand stood hidden. A flash of red light reflected off his window and a word glowed on the glass. Vale.
It only shined for a second before dissipating into the wind as the platform fell away and the Hogwarts Express picked up speed.
Alex stared transfixed and barely released his held in breath. Somebody had sent him that message. And Alex wouldn't claim he was an avid reader if he hadn't learned basic Latin. Someone knew him enough to say farewell to him. As stumping and shocking it was, Alex couldn't help but smile in wonder that somebody cared enough to see him off.
Even though it could've been anybody, he had a feeling it wasn't any of the direct guesses like Harry or anyone else he was acquaintanced with. As mysterious it was, Alex loved a good mystery. And a good mystery could lead to a good answer he was excited to solve. But before he could ponder more on it, the compartment door slid open.
"Alex!" Marcus bounded in and jumped onto the seat across from him. Teddy followed suit, settling beside Alex, both boys grinning. He couldn't help but give them a lopsided smile. "Finally, we're going!" Marcus breathed with excitement.
"Hogwarts! Hoggy, Warty Hogwarts!" Teddy laughed in a sing-song voice. Grinning like lunatics, it was hard for Alex not to join in.
"Hoggy Warty Hogwarts- Here we come!" the boys went into a fit of laughs, adding onto their made-up song. Their grins were contagious and they went into rounds of laughter at each addition to their rhyme.
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts! Your brain fills up and your face warts up!" Marcus snorted; making the other two roll their eyes while they whooped. Teddy bumped Alex's shoulder pointing at Marcus's ridiculous faces.
"I can do better. Watch!" Teddy exclaimed and then his nose grew bigger along with his eyes being cross-eyed. The boys burst up laughing as his face morphed into odd features. His ears perked out and he changed his mouth and nose to a beak. "Quack!" and sent Marcus falling out of his seat.
"Hoggy Warty Hogwarts!" Teddy stood up, and sure enough he had morphed little bumps on his face.
"Uggh!" Alex laughed with, "Did you seriously add warts?!"
"Hoggy! Warty! Who's that? Hogwarts!" Teddy danced a jig before losing his balance and falling on top of Marcus, whom was dying from laughter.
"You'd- hehehe… think I… would get used to his faces by- now!" Marcus said in muffled breaths, shoving Teddy off of him and crawling back onto his seat. He lay down on his side, breathing heavily and gripping his side. "Gosh, I have another stitch! Thanks a lot, Edward!"
"Hey! Don't call me that, only gran does," Teddy sat back up and stretched his legs onto Marcus's seat.
"I read about Metamorphmagus, it's rather interesting. Or more like awesome," Alex grinned at Teddy who returned it. "How did you learn?"
"Oh I sort of taught myself. It just takes concentration. But of course I had to read a bit since Aunt Hermione thought it best to learn more information. And grandmother knew quite a bit on it too. My mum was one, so she picked up a lot," Teddy shrugged, nudging Marcus with his foot.
"Do you think they'll have special lessons for you at school?" Marcus slapped Teddy's legs down before sitting up. "I mean, you need to know how to use your magical abilities and all."
Alex nodded, "They're bound to. And I'm guessing some other special restrictions."
"What do you mean?" Teddy cocked his head.
"Well, what'd you think? They'd let you walk around looking like the teachers to get extra privileges?" Marcus answered but then he had a wicked grin. "Which is accountable since, you're bound to do some fun pranks, right?"
"Ha, like getting special permission to do some exploring through secrets passageways," Alex raised his eyebrows with a mischief grin of his own.
"What? Secret passageways?" Teddy and Marcus exclaimed in unison. Alex laughed at their excited faces.
"Yeah! I've read about some and even asked people around about them. Like there's one that leads to the Hogsmeade Honeydukes-"and the boys spent chatting and devising plans to do some sneaking around. And Alex's excitement began to rise along with his nervousness. Except this time, he was excited nervous too. He was also glad to realize that Teddy had forgotten his earlier remark on the platform.
The scenery whizzed by as cities and large towns disappeared, villages occasionally passed. The view opened up to wide, greenery of fields and forests. The sky was a nice gentle blue with several white round clouds. The Hogwarts Express continued chugging on, and after a while Alex couldn't resist but to stare out. Back in Virginia, there weren't that many expanding green hills and fields as that of England. It all looked amazing and so foreign to him. Even after some game of tossing putty balls at each other, Marcus and Teddy joined in. The boys sat quietly for a while, admiring the view.
The peaceful quiet was finally broken by Alex's stomach grumble. The other two snickered but each of their hungry stomachs gave a contradicting growl. All three burst laughing.
"I was too excited and somewhat nervous to eat properly," Alex sheepishly admitted, the other two nodding along with the same situation for them this morning.
Outside their compartment, other children had run about in the hall but now they seemed to have gathered loudly. Teddy shot up and slid the compartment door, and there stood an old woman pushing a little trolley. Alex's eyes goggled and his stomach gave a ferocious grumble at the sight of what the trolley was carrying. The food-laden Honeydukes trolley was brimming with all kinds of sweets and snacks and kids came down the aisle to buy. Teddy has pulled out several wizard coins, ready to fill his stomach.
"Hello, dearie. What can I get you?" the old woman smiled sweetly as Teddy pointed to several things. Marcus dug around his pocket until he found his pouch of money. He stood behind Teddy, making funny faces back at Alex.
Alex grabbed his rucksack and rummaged around until he found his coin pouch. His stomach rolled as he felt how light it was. I did spend a lot over the weeks in Diagon Alley.
Counting out his coins, he realized he'd probably need the last bit of money. And he was too prideful to request more from the American Minister for Magic. He had a hard resolve to not relay on others and wasn't going to ask money from her.
Biting his lip, he replaced his pouch back and sat down. He'd always been wise and spent what little pocket change he had well. He even placed his muggle money in a Gringrotts vault which was now his thanks to Neville. He smiled to himself when he remembered the wrapped up sandwiches Hannah had made for him in his pocket.
"Alex, are you buying anything?" Teddy looked back at him, his hand on the compartment door. Without looking up, Alex shook his head "No". He made sure to avoid looking at what they bought, although he could guess from the sweet smell and wrapper wrinkles. Teddy wore an odd expression as he slowly closed the door. Marcus had it as well. When Alex stole a glance at them while placing his sandwich on his lap, he realized it was of pity.
A surge of anger and hurt shot through him. To make them stop looking at him, he unwrapped his sandwich. "I already have something to eat. I don't need to waste my money."
It was quiet, an awkward quiet with only wrinkling and munching in between. But the only person eating at all was Alex. He stopped chewing at looked at the other two boys, both staring at their snacks. "Why aren't you eating?"
Teddy ran a hand through his hair; it changed from the bright red to normal brown. Marcus was almost glaring down at his Chocolate Frogs and Every Flavored Beans. "What do you got?" Marcus looked up to Alex.
"Veggie and chicken sandwich," Alex answered hesitantly, "You guys can eat what you bought, I just don't want to use up my money. I might need it later for emergencies." He was starting to get annoyed with them acting like this.
"Here," Teddy passed him a Chocolate Frog, "You can't possibly eat that without some sort of dessert."
"Yeah, here I have a lot," Marcus tossed some other candies to Alex's lap. "Cauldron cakes are my favorites! Have you eaten them before?"
Alex stared at his lap now full of candies and sweets. He looked between the two boys who gave him small smiles, who could've kept it to themselves but shared with him. He couldn't help but grin at them gratefully.
"I haven't bought these before. Worth a try," Alex then looked down at his sandwich. "You guys wanna try some of this? Hannah Longbottom makes them best!"
The other two nodded, "Ooh! Lucky!" And dividing it, he gave each boy a part. Together they all chewed happily but began laughing and talking around their food. They traded and exchanged Chocolate frog cards, threw wrappers at each other and even spit out nasty flavored beans. ("Okay! Okay! That's enough bean spitting, I think I have one in my hair," Teddy declared while changing his hair back to fiery red and jerking Marcus's ear wax flavored bean off.)
After happy full stomachs and many laughs later, the afternoon sun bathed the world outside in bright orange light. The compartment door slid open and the boys all looked toward it as a girl stepped in. She gave a sweet smile and turned to Marcus, who didn't seem at all surprised to see her.
"Hey Marc! Hi, Teddy!" she greeted and then turned to Alex and her eyes widened in recognition. "Hey! You're the boy who knocked my wand in Diagon Alley outside Flourish and Blotts!"
Sure enough, Alex recalled it was exactly the chestnut brown haired girl with the nicely designed wand who pointed out Ollivander's for him. He gave her a sheepish smile, "Oh yeah! Sorry about that."
"Nah, it's okay! Did you find Ollivander's though?" she asked as she slipped next to Marcus while giving him a shove.
"Wait, you were lost? That's why you were late?" Teddy looked at him and Marcus saying "Oh that explains it" and returning the shove to the girl.
"Funny you'd run into Marcus's cousin," Teddy laughed.
"I'm Tessa Lloyd by the way," the girl smiled at him, "And so you were the boy that Harry was taking them to meet?"
"Yeah, Alexander Rosewell," he smiled back at her, "And I did find Ollivander's"
"What's your wand?" she asked eagerly and he couldn't help but slip it out. He demonstrated by making several of Marcus's wrappers float up. All of them "wowed" and encouraged him to do it again.
"How did you learn to do that?" Teddy asked grabbing his wand up as well, the other two following suit.
"The spell's simple enough, you just have to pronounce it right and do the correct gesture," Alex spent the next hour or so teaching them. After some help, all four of them were making things float with ease. Compartment C had an array of objects flying up and Marcus even had his cousin float a few inches above her seat.
"We'll be ahead of the class on this lesson," he laughed as he showed them the counterspell and they gave it a try. After everything was settled again, Tessa stood up and nodded toward the window.
"It's almost dark, that means were close to arriving the castle. You guys better get dressed into your robes," she slid open the compartment door, "See you later!"
With Tessa gone, they locked the compartment door and grabbed their robes. Slipping them over their clothes, they couldn't help but prod each other in how they look.
"Ha, your sleeves are too long! Where are your hands Teddy?" Marcus laughed and Teddy answered by smacking him with them. "Hey!"
They laughed but their eyes soon became locked out the window. Dusk was falling and the rolling emerald fields were replaced by dense woods and distant indigo mountains. As the train continued twisting on, Alex couldn't help but voice his biggest concern.
"Can you somehow not be sorted, like not be chosen?" The other two boys looked a little pale at the thought.
"What happens if we don't get into the right house?" Marcus asked.
"Or maybe we don't get to be in the same house? I'd rather be with you guys even if I'm in the worst house for me," Teddy declared and Alex gave him a forced smile. But the mood quickly shifted as they realized the slowing of the train.
"We'll be arriving at Hogwarts in five minutes at the Hogsmeade station. Your luggage will be taken to the school separately, please leave it on the train. And may you have a great term!" a voice rang all across the train. The excitement bounced back in the boys as they joined the crowds of students out in the hall. And in exact time, the conductor instructed order as the Hogwarts Express came to a lurching stop.
Alex reluctantly left his rucksack inside his trunk before weaving after Teddy into the rushing wave of students as they all jumped off the red steam engine. Their nerves jumping around as they looked about the dim Hogsmeade Station before hearing a loud voice call out with a bobbling lamp over their heads.
"Hagrid!" Teddy suddenly called out and waving at the giant of a man. The man towered easily above them and was probably tall as half another grown man, his face covered in a thick dark beard. The gamekeeper beamed with his beady eyes and Alex couldn't help but take a liking to him.
"Alrigh' Teddy? Okay! Firs' years! Follow me!" Hagrid's voice boomed as he began leading the group of first years away from the station and down a narrow path through dark trees on either side of them. He kept calling back assurance to them as they walked in nervous quiet in the dark, the bobbing lamp their guide.
"Almos' there!" Hagrid said loudly, making the first years all perk up eagerly, closely together, anticipating their first sight of Hogwarts. Marcus clung to Teddy as to not separate, Alex brushing closely to them. And as they came around a bend to a clearing along the expanse of a lake, sure enough a wave of awe sounded from them all.
Hogwarts stood with all its glory atop a cliff overlooking a black lake, the castle glowing across the mirroring water. The sky opened up with bright stars dotting, taking their breaths away all at once from the view. A swell of calm swept Alex as he stared, before breaking away at Hagrid's voice.
"Come alon'! Careful as ye' get in," he gestured to a fleet of wooden boats, each with a hanging lamp as they floated on the water near the lake's shore. "Four only!"
They all clambered in, splashing as they took seats. Alex, Marcus and Teddy were joined in by a pale boy who offered them a smile, "Alan," he whispered. They all greeted him, but soon fell in awe quiet as Hagrid somehow commanded the boats.
"Good, everyone's in. Now, FORWARD!" the fleet of boats sailed out, Hagrid taking up one to himself, leading. Cutting through the glass-like surface of the lake, they all began whispering excitedly amongst themselves as they came to the looming cliff. In the shadow of the cliff face, their boats silently glided into a hidden tunnel opening behind a curtain of ivy.
"We must be under the castle!" Alex exclaimed, accidently loudly as his voice bounced around the high stone walls. He couldn't help but grin as he made a mental note to explore this place later.
Soon through the echoing tunnel they came to an underground harbor, they all scrambled onto the shore of rocks and pebbles.
"That's all of ye'? Good- this way!" Hagrid once again lead them, but this time through a damp stone passageway in the cavern wall before coming out to cool fresh air. Sloping grass spread out for them, right under in the shade of the castle's shadow. The starry sky stretched out above them with the castle turrets and towers piercing it. They all drew quiet again as they followed Hagrid; wide-eyed at the looming castle with its yellow windows.
Like eyes, Alex thought to himself.
Soon they reached a flight of stone steps and up to large oak doors, the front doors. Crowding around him, Hagrid pounded on the door, his knocks like thudding cannons.
Thud Thud Thud.
With that, the huge castle doors swung open on creaking hinges and two robed figures emerged from the circle of torchlights and out onto the stone landing.
"Hullo Professors! Firs' years," Hagrid greeted one of the figures, a man in scarlet robes nodded stoically.
"Thank you, Hagrid. We'll take them from here," the thinner figure, a witch in daisy yellow robes replied softly, Hagrid nodding before lumbering down the steps. "This way please."
Silently, the first years followed the two professors in a nervous gait into the flagstone entrance hall. Alex couldn't help but pause as he took in the marvelous high ceiling and marble grand staircase facing them. On either end, a pair of large hourglasses was mounted with colored jewels that glistened in the top bulb.
A hum of voices and laughter came from another pair of enormous doors on the right side, the Great Hall, Alex thought. But instead, they were lead into a small chamber off the hall where the two stern looking professors faced them. Peering up at them, the first years all stood fidgeting closely together. Tessa suddenly appeared besides Alex, gently tugging on his robe sleeve as another girl with pale pink hair ducked next to her.
"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Professor Liontal," the pale professor in scarlet robes addressed, his clear voice catching their attention.
"I am Professor Nilorn," the witch smiled kindly, "As first years; you must be sorted into your Houses, the Sorting Ceremony traditionally begins the banquet after. In a moment we will lead you into the Great Hall in front of the rest of the school; one by one you will be sorted." This made several of the students gawk, others swallow at the thought.
"The four Houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. But let this be noted, you will be sorted out on character. Each house is different in qualities, but all have something to offer. Together, it is their differences that make them stronger."
Professor Nilorn nodded earnestly, "The purposes of your Houses are to find those alike of yours in order to learn and achieve the best to offer the wizarding world. Each house comes with their legends and great leaders. And we hope that you will represent your House outstandingly and with nobility."
Professor Liontal's dark eyes glided over the students like the gaze of a hawk, touching at several students. His eyebrow slightly rose as he noticed Teddy, but strangely enough narrowed when they landed on Alex, who couldn't help but defiantly raise his chin.
"Please take a moment to live to that starting now, fix yourselves up. It is almost time," he spoke sharply, his attention shifting. "I'll go see if they are ready for us." He swept out of the chamber; the students letting a bit of their breath go as they began tidying.
"Should I change my hair color?" Teddy asked as he watched Alex run a frantic hair through his.
"Nah, you look fine," Marcus answered as he adjusted his robes. "Tessa you-"he stopped and stared wide-eyed.
The girl with pale bubblegum hair raised an eyebrow at him, "What's with you?"
Teddy and Alex turned to look at her, her narrowed eyes sparked- a good enough message that they shouldn't mess with her.
"Uhh… nothing. Nothing at all," Marcus stammered unintelligently, "But-uh… you look nice- your hair! Are you a Metamorphmagus?"
"A what?" she looked at him with a scowl, "Are you making fun of my hair?"
"No, no! Not at all- I think it looks great! But-"
Tessa rolled her eyes, "Don't mind him, Jen. He's my cousin, Marcus."
Teddy looked peculiarly at the girl before asking her, "Wait you don't know what a Metamorphmagus is? Then how did you get your hair like that?"
She looked perplexed at him, "No! What is that? I just dyed my hair."
At that reply, Alex noticed the hopeful look that deflated on Teddy's face. Tessa laughed, before explaining to both parties.
"Metamorphism isn't under the same wing as coloring your hair with dyes," she grinned at Marcus before turning back to Jen, "Teddy here can do it naturally without really using any spells or charms. It's a natural gift."
"Seriously? That's cool- like wicked cool! I wish I could do that instead of having to go through the pain of dying."
"What? Dying? Just to change your hair color?!" Marcus exclaimed dumbfounded.
"No, idiot!" Jen and Alex both remarked together, exchanging a grin.
"It's when I use special chemical dyes. Like paints and do a whole process of rinsing and whatnot. It lasts about a month," she then shrugged her shoulders in way of greeting, "Jennifer Smith. But Jen's better."
"Tedd-"Marcus shoved Teddy's outstretched hand and struck his arm out.
"Marcus Lloyd, dashing half-blood." Jen raised an eyebrow, hesitantly ignoring his arm as they sniggered. Alex waved at her, grinning.
"Alexander Rosewell, pyrotechnics expert."
At that she grinned, "You have a funny accent. You're American?"
"Yeah. I was accepted under special circumstances."
Tessa then laughed, "Oh! That's explains everything. I was trying to put down what your accent is. That's amazing! You're probably the first American student here in like years!"
Teddy nodded, "You probably are the first that isn't some student exchange or something. Oh," he again stretched his hand to Jen, "Teddy Lupin, Metamorphmagus."
"Cool, can you change my hair color too?" she shook his hand and asked him eagerly. He shook his head and opened his mouth to answer when Professor Liontal swept in, reinstating their attention.
"It's time. They are ready, so please follow in single file," he instructed and they all hurried to form a line before following Professor Nilorn out the chamber. As they all approached the large doors of the Great Hall, Alex felt his bundle of nerves more than ever.
The large doors swung open to the drone of voices and lights, Alex gaped in awe with nerves forgotten.