The night air at Hogsmeade Station was thick with anticipation as the Hogwarts Express pulled into the platform, the steam from the engine curling in the cold air. All around them, people wearing finely-made robes emerged from the train's carriages, a gentle murmuring of excited chatter echoing in the stillness of the night.
Hagrid, carrying a lantern and sporting a wide, welcoming grin, strode down the side aisle of the platform.
"Right, then! First years! This way, please! Come on, now, don't be shy! Come on now, hurry up!" he boomed to the crowd.
Harry, Ron, and Iris followed the line of students towards Hagrid, all of them resplendent in their new Hogwarts robes. Harry felt a deep sense of pride and excitement, and he could see it echoed in the faces of his two friends.
Hagrid spotted them in the crowd and presented Harry, Iris, and Ron with a warm smile. "Hello, Harry, hello Iris."
"Um hello," said Harry.
"Hi," said Iris.
"Whoaa!" said Ron, his eyes widening in awe.
"Right then. This way to the boats! Come on, now, follow me," said Hagrid, gesturing with his lantern as he led the group toward the lake.
The long line of new Hogwarts students marched down the shoreline, each one eager to arrive at the school and explore its secrets. The clomping of their feet was punctuated by the sound of the lapping waves and the occasional splash of a fish jumping out of the water. Finally, the boats came into sight, bobbing in the silver moonlight, and the first years stepped in, the older students following behind.
The boats had been plugging steadily across the lake for several minutes, their oars dipping into the water in unison, creating a gentle rhythm that was almost hypnotic. Ahead of them, a huge castle loomed up from the darkness, silhouetted against the night sky and illuminated by hundreds of darkly-glowing windows.
"Wicked," said Ron, his voice full of awe as he took in the sight.
"Haza this reminds me of Dantooine," said Iris telepathically to Harry.
"How?" asked Harry.
"When we were training last year," she replied, "we went from a boat along a lake underneath a rock formation and then into a building."
"That makes a little sense," responded Harry with a nod.
The boats continued to make their way towards Hogwarts until they finally reached the shoreline where Hagrid was waiting for them with lanterns in hand. He gave everyone an encouraging smile and then led them up through the gates and into the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The group followed him up ancient stone steps to the massive front doors where they paused to take it all in—the sweeping lawns, towers, gargoyles perched atop turrets, dark corridors stretching off into shadows—all lit by thousands of twinkling stars above them in an ink-black sky.
As Hagrid opened the door to let them inside, they heard voices coming from within—laughter and chatter echoing through halls that seemed to stretch off forever in every direction. Finally, one by one they crossed over the threshold into Hogwarts itself and began their journey as Hogwarts students at long last.
The group of first-year students shuffled forward, eyes wide as they took in their new environment. Professor McGonagall waited at the top of a long stone staircase, tapping her fingers against the railing. When the students had all arrived, she straightened and cleared her throat.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said. "Now, before you can take your seats in the grand hall, you must be sorted into your houses - Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Your house will be like your family while you are here; your successes will earn you points, and any rule-breaking will cause you to lose them. At the end of the year, whichever house has the most points will receive the house cup."
At this announcement, Neville Longbottom came forward with a cry of "Trevor!" He bent down to scoop up his startled toad, receiving an unamused stare from Professor McGonagall as sniggers rippled through the crowd of students. He blushed and stepped back with an apology.
McGonagall appeared grave, but her voice was steady as she said, "The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily." She turned, gave an almost imperceptible nod to Professor Flitwick who had appeared magically beside her, and left to go into the Great Hall.
A young boy followed the line of witches and wizards through the doorway and back outside. He had a pale complexion and short blond hair; his name was Draco Malfoy.
"It's true then, what they're saying on the train. The Potter twins have come to Hogwarts." Draco said with a smug smirk, looking around at his classmates as if to emphasize his words. Some of the students are heard whispering, "The Potter twins?" Draco introduces his two friends with a sweeping gesture. "This is Crabbe and Goyle. And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
Ron snickers at his name, but Draco doesn't miss a beat. He stepped closer to Harry and said in a low voice, "Think my name's funny, do you? I've no need to ask yours. Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley. You'll soon find that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." He extended his hand toward Harry, expecting him to shake it without question,
Harry stayed still and shook his head slowly from side to side before responding. "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks."
Draco glared at Harry as Iris interjected "Besides I know your type—the entitled rich type who thinks he can bully his way into getting everything he wants and when things don't go their way they go complaining to their parents". McGonagall returned at that moment and tapped Draco on the shoulder with a paper in her hand indicating he had to leave. He spun around with one last glare toward Harry before he disappeared down the hallway.
Professor McGonagall appeared from around the corner, her black robes swishing against the stone walls. "We're ready for you now," she said, gesturing towards the towering double doors.
The first-years followed her through the doors and into a massive hall; the sight before them was breathtaking. The chamber was grand in scale, with four long tables on either side, filled with thousands of students buzzing with anticipation. Above them, candles floated in midair, casting a warm glow across everything. The vaulted ceiling seemed to disappear into a soft velvety blue-black, twinkling with stars.
"It's not real," Hermione chimed in as they walked on. "The ceiling is bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."
As they approached the front of the hall, McGonagall came to stand beside a small wooden stool upon which rested an old, tattered hat. "All right," she addressed the group, "will you wait along here, please? Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words."
The students hushed expectantly.
Dumbledore stood and addressed the assembled students.
"I have a few start-of-term notices to make," he said, gesturing towards the caretaker, Mr. Argus Filch, who was standing with his cat, Mrs. Norris, beside him. "Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right is strictly forbidden to all students who wish to avoid a very unpleasant demise." He paused briefly for effect before continuing, "Thank you."
Harry glanced at Iris when Dumbledore sat back down. "Haza," she said telepathically, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Yes Iri," Harry replied cautiously.
"Do you want to check out that corridor?" she asked eagerly.
Harry hesitated, shaking his head slightly. "I don't want to get into trouble with Master Shan if we get caught and expelled," he said firmly. "I definitely don't want to be forced to clean the entire Jedi temple with only a toothbrush again."
"You're no fun," Iris said teasingly.
"When I call your name, you will come forth. Hermione Granger," said Professor McGonagall.
Hermione stepped forward and unconsciously began to bite her lip as she approached the table where the sorting hat rested on a velvet cushion. She gulped thickly, her hands shaking slightly, as Professor McGonagall placed the hat firmly upon her head.
"Mental, that one, I'm telling you," Ron whispered from across the hall, earning a harsh glare from Iris beside him.
The Sorting Hat stayed still for what felt like an eternity before the room was filled with its booming voice. "Gryffindor!" it announced. The students erupted into cheers as Hermione gasped and leapt off the stool with a wide smile on her face.
Professor McGonagall's voice rang out in the Great Hall as she called Draco Malfoy's name. He swaggered up to the stool, a smug smirk on his face. The Sorting Hat seemed hesitant before it touched down onto Draco's head and quickly sorted him into Slytherin. As the students cheered with varying degrees of enthusiasm, Ron muttered something about there being no good witches or wizards who went bad that wasn't from Slytherin. Iris shot him an incredulous look, her brows furrowing together in annoyance.
"Just because they get sorted into a house doesn't mean they are evil," Harry said indignantly.
"Sirius Black was a Gryffindor, and he was the one who betrayed the Potters," Iris countered.
"Morgana le Fay was a Ravenclaw, and she is known as one of the darkest witches of all time," Harry added.
"Merlin was a Slytherin, and he is known as one of the greatest wizards of all time," Iris replied.
"So, Ron, if you want to make ignorant and biased statements," Harry began sarcastically,
"Then do your research for once," Iris concluded pointedly.
"Susan Bones," said Professor McGonagall. Susan nervously stepped forward and placed the tattered Sorting Hat on her head.
Harry looked around and noticed a figure standing in the shadows at the back of the room. It was a black-haired, pale man, with beady eyes that seemed to pierce right through him. Harry felt an uncomfortable chill down his spine as he met the gaze of Severus Snape. Suddenly a sharp pain shot up from his forehead and he winced, putting his hand to it unconsciously.
Ron looked at him with concern. "Harry, what is it?"
"It's nothing, I'm fine," Harry answered quickly, but Iris had seen it too. She switched their communication to telepathy. "Haza, I know that was not nothing - now tell me what happened?"
"Someone tried to read my mind, but I was able to push them out so it's not a big issue," Harry replied, relieved.
The Sorting Hat spoke up suddenly. "Let's see...Ahh! I know! Hufflepuff!".
"Ronald Weasley." Said Professor McGonagall, with a wave of her wand signalling the young wizard to take his place on the stool. Ron gulped and stepped tentatively forward, one hand nervously raking through his ginger hair before he sat down, the black robe billowing around him.
The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and after a few moments of silence, it suddenly exclaimed in a booming voice, "Ha! Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you. Gryffindor!" A cheer echoed from the Great Hall as Ron exhaled deeply, relieved.
Professor McGonagall's voice cut through the hushed hall, "Harry Potter!"
Harry stood and walked up to the stool, feeling the eyes of the entire school on him. The Sorting Hat was placed gently on his head, its fabric soft against his scalp. He heard a faint mumbling coming from within it as it seemed to be debating internally. Then he felt a sudden pressure on his forehead as if something was pushing down hard from within the hat. His heart raced and he had to fight the instinct to jump off the stool and run away.
The hat announced: "Hmm... difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh, yes. And a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you? And plenty of loyalty…"
Harry could feel himself trembling as he silently pleaded with the hat "Please don't put me in Slytherin... Please don't put me in Slytherin…"
"Well, if you're sure. Better be... GRYFFINDOR!"
An immense cheer echoed throughout the Great Hall as
Harry made his way over to his new housemates at the Gryffindor table. Fred and George were jumping for joy
and shouting along with their fellow Gryffindors -
"We got Potter! We got Potter!" Harry sat down at the table next to Ron Weasley and looked up at Dumbledore, who lifted his goblet and winked encouragingly at him.
"Iris Potter," said Professor McGonagall. The Great Hall went still and all eyes fell upon Iris as she slowly made her way up to the stool. With trembling hands, she placed the Sorting Hat atop her head and waited for it to speak.
The hat gave an enlightened hum before speaking out loud. "Well now, you have a similar cunning to your brother, loyalty like no other, and a studious mind that could rival any Ravenclaw's—but most importantly, you are hardworking beyond measure. It's clear where you should go: Hufflepuff!"
A thunderous cheer rose from the Hufflepuff table as Iris was led there to join them. As she sat down amongst the smiling students, her gaze shifted to Dumbledore who lifted his goblet in a silent gesture of congratulations.
Professor McGonagall tapped a small silver cup with a wand, and the room fell into an expectant hush. Dumbledore rose from his chair at the head table and announced with a chuckle, "Let the feast begin!"
Suddenly the tables filled up with platters of food, as if by magic.
Harry gaped in awe, while Draco's face lit up. Ron went straight to stuffing his face hungrily. Seamus laughed as he explained that his dad was a Muggle who had been shocked to find out about witches and wizards. Neville chuckled along, and Harry sat next to Percy, leaning over to whisper something.
"Hey, Percy, who's that man talking to Professor Quirrell?" said Harry, squinting to get a better look.
Percy adjusted his glasses and followed Harry's gaze. "That's Professor Snape, head of Slytherin House. He teaches Potions, but it's the Dark Arts he really likes. He's been lobbying for Quirrell's job ever since Quirrell got it."
Harry frowned. He wasn't sure what the Dark Arts were, but he had a feeling they weren't good.
Meanwhile, at the Hufflepuff table, Iris was next to Susan and a pink-faced girl with blonde hair.
"Hannah this is my cousin, Iris Potter," said Susan "Iris it will be my pleasure to introduce you to my best friend Hannah Abbott."
"Nice to meet you," said Hannah.
"It's a pleasure," said Iris.
"Where have you been all these years?" asked Hannah.
Iris took a sip of pumpkin juice before she began her story. "Well after Professor Dumbledore left us with my mother's sister, Aunt Petunia signed away her rights to the state and we ended up being adopted by our current caretaker. We moved around quite a bit due to her job and never really stayed in one place too long."
Hannah nodded in understanding as she listened intently. When Iris finished her story, the three girls smiled at each other in mutual understanding and began discussing the classes they are looking forward to in Hogwarts.
Ron reached into the bowl, and as he pulled out a greasy chicken wing, a ghostly figure flew from the depths of the dish. Ron recoiled in shock, nearly dropping his food.
"Ahh!" he exclaimed.
The spectre hovered before them all, pale and wearing tattered robes that rustled with a chill breeze. The ghost spoke in a creaky voice "Welcome to Gryffindor House!"
A second figure sailed past the first-a massive man with sunken eyes and a bloody chain draped across his chest. "Whoo-hoo-hoo!" he bellowed.
At this, multiple other ghosts emerged from behind walls, hovering along the Great Hall. A girl pointed at the Bloody Baron and gasped.
"Look, it's the Bloody Baron!"
Percy stepped forward and bowed slightly to Sir Nicholas. "Hello, Sir Nicholas. Have a nice summer?"
Sir Nicholas' face drooped into a frown. "Dismal. Once again, my request to join the headless hunt has been denied."
He then began to drift away but was quickly called back by Ron's voice "I know you! You're Nearly Headless Nick!"
The ghost halted abruptly and slowly spun back around. "I prefer Sir Nicholas if you don't mind," he said with a wary glint in his eye.
Hermione piped up next "Nearly headless? How can you be nearly headless?"
Nick grabbed hold of his own head, ever so delicately, and twisted it slightly to the side until it hung by just one thread from his neck.
"Ahh!" yelped Ron in horror while Hermione moaned in disgust. Harry simply rolled his eyes at Nick's theatrics before he reattached his head to its rightful place on his body. Percy then led them all off towards the staircase tower.
As Percy led the Gryffindors down the hallway, students peered curiously at the ever-shifting staircases, and the portraits lining the walls seemed to be watching them with interest. Seamus stopped in his tracks when he noticed one of the pictures had moved, while Neville pointed excitedly at another. Harry's cheeks tinged pink when a woman in a portrait smiled boldly at him and whispered, "Welcome to Hogwarts."
When they reached the seventh floor, a large painting of a voluptuous woman in a pink dress blocked their path.
"Password?" she demanded.
Percy confidently replied, "Caput Draconis", causing her to smile and nod approvingly before opening up the door to Gryffindor Tower.
As they stepped inside, an awed whisper rippled through the group. Percy cleared his throat and gestured for everyone to gather in the common room as he explained where they could find their belongings. Then invitingly waved them upstairs or downstairs towards their respective dormitories.
The Hufflepuff Common Room was abuzz with anticipation as the first years waited. A pink-haired girl led them into formation, and Professor Sprout entered the room with a group of seven students—five fifth-year prefects, two sixth-year prefects, and two seventh-year prefects.
Nymphadora Tonks gave a mischievous wink to Iris before the professor began to speak. "Good evening everyone, welcome to Hufflepuff! Before I get started, let me introduce you to your prefects," he said, gesturing to each student in turn. "Your fifth-year prefects are Tamsin Applebee and Beatrice Haywood; your sixth-year prefects are Jane Court and Gabriel Truman; and your seventh-year prefects are Nymphadora Tonks and Diego Caplan."
Professor Sprout then laid out the house rules "Boys were not allowed in the girls' dormitory for any reason, and vice versa. Students were also not permitted to leave school grounds until their third year unless an exception was granted by the professor himself."
"It is strictly forbidden for students to enter faculty areas, such as the kitchen, staff lounge, and offices - unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have written permission. It is also not permissible to enter classrooms when no classes are taking place. All students must be in their dormitories and asleep by 10 PM, and not leave until 6 AM."
"The Forbidden Forest is absolutely out of bounds to students, and swimming in the Black Lake without staff or Prefect supervision is prohibited. Boating on the lake for leisure purposes is also off-limits (however, it may be allowed with specific faculty permission). Though the Giant Squid is generally friendly, other creatures which inhabit the lake - such as Grindylows and Selkies - can be hazardous."
"No books may be removed from The Restricted Section in the library; if any patrons wish to read its contents, they must take them to one of the desks located within the restricted area itself. This section of the library is roped off and completely off-limits to all pupils unless they possess a note signed by a professor."
"Hogwarts is overrun with people at all hours of the night (for example students, teachers, ghosts, Peeves, paintings etc.), making it nearly impossible for anyone to skip classes without being caught. If you're found skipping lessons, then you will receive appropriate disciplinary action such as loss of house points and/or detention. The rule relating to attendance at all meals is enforced less strictly; however regular absence from meals could still lead to warnings or discipline. Counts are taken during each mealtime so if it appears that someone has missed several meals then they will be reprimanded."
"Students shall maintain decorum and good behaviour at all times. Swearing, snogging, shouting in the halls, vandalism, fighting, and provoking Peeves, are strictly forbidden. During breakfast and dinner meals, all students are required to remain at their house tables for the duration of the meal. During lunchtime meals, this rule is less strictly enforced, and will only take effect if problems arise."
"Magic should only be used by students in relation to schoolwork, or approved extracurricular activities. Students may cast spells appropriate to their studies in classrooms and other study areas. Study areas include common rooms, and the Great Hall (when not being used for meals). Magic that is not related to studies may only be cast with the permission and supervision of a faculty member, Prefect, or Head Boy/Girl. Duelling may only be performed on the duelling stage (in the club room), under the direct supervision of a faculty member or Prefect. Students always have the right to use magic to defend themselves, or to respond to an emergency."
"Students shall be in uniform at all times while on Hogwarts grounds. This includes robes, jumper, shirt, tie, slacks/skirt, shoes (Mary Janes for girls, dress shoes for boys) and socks, and gloves and scarf when necessary. All articles must be kept neat and tidy (i.e. shirt tucked in, tie worn properly, shoes polished, clothing washed and without excessive wrinkles). Pointed hats are also part of the uniform, but are ceremonial in nature, and not required except at special assemblies (e.g. the Start-of-Term and End-of-Term Feasts). Robes (but not the rest of the uniform) may be removed when not in class or at assemblies (e.g. meals, after classes, weekends, etc.). Additions to the uniform are unacceptable without special permission. Reasonable hair adornments, eyewear, and small jewelry (i.e. rings, necklaces, earrings) are exempt from this. Excessive jewelry may be confiscated by faculty. students may dress casually during Hogsmeade weekends."
"Alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited on Hogwarts grounds. Butterbeer may be consumed in Hogsmeade but may not be brought back to the school. Do I make myself clear?"
The students murmured their assent and quickly filed out of the hall, though Professor Sprout's steel grey eyes lingered a moment longer on Ms. Potter.
"Ms. Potter," she said with a gentler air. "I'd appreciate your company as Ms. Tonks and I retreat to my quarters. There are a few matters of importance I'd like to discuss."
Iris felt the familiar push of students streaming out of the building, heading for their evening classes or dorms. Yet something made her pause and linger in the common room. The comforting chatter soon faded away, replaced by the steady rhythm of Sprout's footsteps as they made their way to a small office tucked away in a far corner.
A warm scent of aged parchment filled the air as they stepped inside, illuminated only by a crackling fireplace. A worn armchair was placed near the desk, and Tonks stood silently on one side while Professor Sprout settled onto the other.
"Ms. Potter," Professor Sprout began her voice a blend of sternness and kindness. "Our prefect, Ms. Tonks, observed some peculiar behaviour on your part—namely, altering your hair and nose without any special instruments or implements." She paused, allowing Iris to catch up with her thoughts before continuing. "Do you know what we're talking about? That you are a metamorphmagus?"
Iris nodded slowly. "Yes, I am aware," she answered with a half-smile. "My brother has the same gift."
Tonks stepped forward, frowning slightly in concern. "Would it be accurate to say that you are a full Metamorphmagus?" she questioned skeptically.
"What exactly is the difference between a partial and full Metamorphmagus?" Iris asked in response.
Professor Sprout took on an explanatory tone as she elaborated further. "A partial Metamorphmagus cannot alter their bone structure or gender, whereas a full Metamorphmagus can do both those things along with much more extraordinary transformations," she replied matter-of-factly.
With a knowing smirk, Iris confirmed her status. "Yes, I am a full Metamorphmagus, just like my brother," she declared confidently.
Professor Sprout regarded her with curious and concerned eyes – the same hue of green as the ivy trailing up the castle walls. "Have you mastered the control of this rare gift?"
Iris glanced down at her feet, suddenly unsure. "No... my brother has achieved it, but I'm still struggling."
Professor Sprout's reassuring smile revealed the compassion in her heart. "There's no need to fret, Ms. Potter. As fate would have it, Ms. Tonks here is also a Metamorphmagus. I am sure she can help you hone your abilities," she said kindly.
Tonks' wild hair shifted slightly in the light from the fire burning in the hearth. She leaned forward and commanded firmly yet reassuringly: "Meet me this Saturday in the courtyard after lunch."
Iris nodded gratefully, her voice thick with emotion as she thanked Tonks for her offer of assistance - an anchor of hope amidst an uncertain sea of doubt.