HOGWARTS CHRONICLES: I-THE PHILOSPHER'S STONE

by whith

Alexander Whitmore is a young boy living on the streets of London, facing the challenges of homelessness and survival. Despite his difficult circumstances, he possesses a unique ability to read minds, which sets him apart from others. His encounter with Minerva McGonagall, a witch from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, changes the course of his life.

5. Hogwarts

Hogwarts Castle, Scotland.

The group kept walking until they reached the end of a stairwell where Professor McGonagall was waiting for them, dressed in the same kind of elegant robes Alexander had seen her in and her signature pointy hat. Harry though this woman looked very severe, and his first thought was that she was someone not to have problems with. – "First years, Professor McGonagall." Harry stated towards her.

- "Thank you, Hagrid." She stated warmly. – "I will take it from here."

Hagrid nodded, smiled at the students, patted Harry, Ron and Alexander in the shoulders and made his way down the stairwell. Professor McGonagall turned her attention to the students, she saw Alexander and nodded curtly at him, with a hint of a smile. Alexander returned the smile and nodded as well.

Harry couldn't help but think how this place was enormous, the Dursleys house would fit here at least three times, the ceiling was so tall that it was almost imperceptible, and the stairwell was lit by torches at its sides. – "Welcome to Hogwarts." She stated. – Now, in a few moments you'll pass through these doors and join your classmates. The start of term feast will be held shortly, but before you take your seats in the great hall. You must be sorted into your houses."

There were some low murmurs from the students. – "The sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be like your family." She eyed the students, as if analyzing them. They were less than forty. – "You shall have classes with other houses, but you'll sleep only on your houses and will spend your free time in your house's common room."

Harry gulped at that; he wondered what this sorting was about. – "The houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin." McGonagall continued. – "Each house has its unique history and has many noble wizards and witches. While you are here, your triumphs will earn you points. Any rule breaking will lose you these points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points, is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I trust you will all be a great addition to your houses."

She turned around to the doors behind her. – "The sorting ceremony will begin shortly. I suggest you use this time to make yourselves presentable, given it will be in front of the whole school."

The students started to chat nervously, some fixing their robes, others running their fingers through their hair. Harry looked at Ron who seemed as nervous as he was. Alexander, on the other hand, seemed calm, his eyes scanning the room with curiosity.

- "I will return once we are ready for you." McGonagall stated, before going through the doors.

- "How do you reckon we'll be sorted?" Asked Ron at Alexander and Harry. – "Fred says it's some sort of painful test."

Alexander tilted his head. – "I don't think they can test us on anything, we are here to learn after all." He stated plainly.

Harry let out a breath, he was calmed down by Alexander's careful observation. He was still nervous; he had never been so nervous. Then something happened that made him jump slightly, Ron even yelled with some of the other students, while Alexander as always maintained a stoic expression, yet he analyzed the situation carefully. He knew about ghosts, he had read about them, but still seeing them this close was surprising.

About twenty ghosts had emerged from one of the walls at the side, they were arguing, one that looked like a very fat monk stated. – "Forget and forgive, I think we should give him another chance."

The ghosts paid no attention to the students, continuing their debate as if they were alone. Harry couldn't help but stare, his mouth slightly open. He had never seen anything like this before. Ron seemed both amazed and terrified, while Alexander merely observed with a detached interest.

After a moment, the ghosts seemed to settle their argument and drifted away through the opposite wall. The students, still somewhat stunned, began to compose themselves. Harry looked at Alexander, curious about his reaction.

- "Nothing scares you, does it?" Harry asked Alexander quietly, a smile at his lips.

Alexander shook his head. – "I wouldn't say that. I'm probably just better at hiding my fear."

Just then the doors opened widely, giving a peak of the great hall. – "Come on then, the sorting ceremony is about to begin." She started walking into the hall, the students followed suit.

Alexander eyed the environment carefully. The great hall was a spectacle of grandeur, with its enchanted ceiling resembling the night sky, adorned with twinkling stars and floating candles illuminating the room. Four long tables were arranged in the hall, each representing one of the four houses, adorned with their respective colors and banners. The hall was already filled with students, all seated and chattering excitedly.

They crossed the enormous room until the very end where there was a stage and another long table, though this was perpendicular to the others, the faculty was seated at that table. Harry was feeling slightly uncomfortable with all the glances on them, he adverted his sight to the ceiling. – "It's not real…" He heard a voice whisper; it was Hermione talking to another student. – "It's bewitched to look like the night sky. I've read about it in Hogwarts, A History."

It was hard to believe that there was a ceiling here and it wasn't just some sort of skylight. They made their way to the very end where there was a three-legged stall with an old looking pointy hat atop of it. Harry frowned when he saw this. Were they supposed to pull out a rabbit of it? After a few seconds all sights in the room fell on the hat.

Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!

Alexander couldn't help but tilt his head and scrunch his nose slightly, the voice of the hat wasn't very pleasant to his ears. Apparently, the whole school thought differently for they started clapping like it was the best thing they had heard in all of their short lives. He thought of what the hat said, apparently one had only to war it, and given the descriptions of the houses he didn't know where he could end.

- "Then we only have to wear the hat!" Whispered Ron to Alexander and Harry. – "I'm going to kill Fred." He finished. Alexander smiled lightly as did Harry, though the latter was still nervous. Harry did not feel particularly like any of the qualities the hat had listed, maybe indisposed.

Professor McGonagall pulled a roll of parchment from her robes. – "Now, when I call your name, you will come forth, take a seat and I will place the sorting hat in your heads, then you'll be sorted in your house. She unrolled the parchment and took the hat from the stall. – "Abbott, Hannah!"

A pale girl with rosy cheeks stepped forth and sat on the stall. McGonagall placed the hat on her head. Alexander could see the hat contorting, he was tempted to read the girl's mind, just to understand what was happening, he deduced the hat used some sort of legilimency as well to sort the students. – "Hufflepuff!" Exclaimed the hat.

The girl smiled and stood up; McGonagall retrieved the hat from her head, the robes Hanna was wearing started changing color, the inner side was now a pale yellow, her tie was now yellow with black stripes and the vest gained some accents in the same yellow shade, finally the house crest appeared on her robe, she finally left towards her assigned table. – "Bones, Susan!" She called next.

Harry noticed how the Hufflepuff table was warmly receiving Hannah, he could also see the fat ghost that had startled him earlier apparently congratulating her.

The other girl made his way to the stall and took a seat. McGonagall placed the hat on her head. – "Hufflepuff!" The hat exclaimed soon after. The Hufflepuff table rejoiced again.

Alexander figured that the list was being called in alphabetical order, it would be some time before it was finally their turn. McGonagall kept calling several more students until a name picked Alexander's curiosity. – "Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione all but ran towards the stall and took a seat very nervously, Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. – "Gryffindor!" It declared after a moment of contorting.

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers as Hermione practically beamed, making her way over to her house table. For a moment Hermione's eyes met Alexander's he smiled warmly at her and nodded.

Then came Neville Longbottom's turn and he too was sorted in Gryffindor. And then came a name neither of the friends wanted to think about. – "Malfoy, Draco!" The hat had not even been placed when it was already declaring him a Slytherin, he reunited with his goons Crabbe and Goyle.

There weren't many people left. Finally. "Potter, Harry!" Ron and Alexander gave him encouraging smiles Harry gulped and made way towards the stall, he took a seat. Harry could hear some murmurs about him.

- "Hmm." Murmured the hat, its voice muffled in Harry's ears. It was more like he was hearing it in his head. – "Difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, oh my goodness, yes. And a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?"

Harry tightened his hold on the stall. He could only think that he did not want to go in Slytherin, the last thing he needed was to share a room with Malfoy. – "Not Slytherin, huh?" The voice in his head boomed. – "Are you certain? There are great things there. It's all here in your head. Slytherin it's the way for greatness." Harry could only think that he didn't care about greatness, not a smidge.

- "Gryffindor!" The hat exclaimed.

Harry made his way towards the Gryffindor table, slightly disoriented, he didn't notice that the amount of noise the Gryffindor table did was enormous. Until someone grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. He raised his glance to see a red headed tall boy. Another two, twins were beaming as well and chanting. – "We've got Potter! We've got Potter!" Even a ghost congratulated him, it gave him a pat on his arm, giving him shivers as if he had been splashed by iced water.

Then it came Ron's turn. Harry crossed his fingers under the table. – "Gryffindor!" The hat exclaimed after a second, the table stood up and started clapping, Harry was clapping as well, very happy that his friend was now in the same house as him.

Alexander watched as Ron took a seat beside Harry, and then both boys' eyes were on him, Alexander smiled at the pair, soon his eyes landed on Hermione as well, she was looking at him smiling warmly, then he found himself experiencing something he hadn't felt in a while, want. He wanted to be in that table as well. He shook his head and adverted his sight to Professor McGonagall again. – "Whitmore, Alexander." Okay, seemed like he would be going immediately after Ron, brilliant.

Alexander made way to the stall, Draco had his eyes on him, now he knew what his name was. – "Ah… interesting mind." Alexander heard the hat's voice in his head. – "This is interesting, you are no ordinary wizard, are you? I see that like me you can read minds but refrain yourself from doing so." Alexander clenched his jaw. – "Ah… and you can see the future…" The hat stated. Alexander tried to refrain himself from remembering the nightmare he had had. – "But where to put you, I see you are no short in courage, or intellect… hmm…"

- "Gryffindor!" The hat stated finally. Alexander let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, his calm demeanor barely bothered. McGonagall smiled at him as she took the hat off his head, he nodded at her and made his way towards the Gryffindor table. While he walked his robes changed color, now sporting the signature Gryffindor red on the inside of the robes and his tie. The Great Hall erupted into cheers as Alexander took his place at the Gryffindor table. The twins clapped him on the back as he sat down, and Hermione gave him an excited smile. Harry and Ron greeted him enthusiastically, and for the first time since he arrived at Hogwarts, Alexander felt a sense of belonging. He couldn't help but smile back at his new friends. There were only a couple of kids left that were rapidly sorted.

Suddenly a voice was heard all through the hall, everyone turned their attention to the headmaster of the school, Albus Dumbledore. Alexander paled immediately, he recognized this figure, there were very little instances in which his face could change, this time it had, he looked downright terrified. This was the man he had seen in his nightmare, the man that stood in the way of his dark version and he had killed effortlessly. The man, that was the one destined to fight him, and lose.

He felt a hand on his arm and his head snapped violently to it. It was Hermione she wore a confused and concerned expression. The headmaster's voice could still be heard reverbing through the hall. – "Are you okay?" She asked, her voice laced with concern.

Alexander took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He nodded at Hermione, forcing a small smile. – "I'm fine, just a little overwhelmed." He murmured, hoping she wouldn't press him further. He glanced at Harry and Ron, who seemed engrossed in the headmaster's speech.

Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall, speaking about the values of unity and cooperation within the Hogwarts community. Despite his efforts to appear composed, Alexander's mind was racing with the memory of his dream. The figure of Dumbledore, usually a symbol of wisdom and protection, now carried an ominous weight.

Hermione, still watching him intently, leaned in slightly. "Are you sure you're alright? You look pale." Her concern was genuine, and Alexander appreciated it, but he couldn't bring himself to confide in her just yet.

- "I'm just not used to such large gatherings." He replied softly, hoping his vague explanation would suffice. – "But I'll be fine. Thank you for asking." He offered her a grateful smile, hoping to reassure her.

- "Let the feast begin." Dumbledore's voice called their attention. Suddenly all the plates that were empty on the table were full of food.

Alexander and Harry both wore shocked expression in their own way, while Harry's mouth was agape, Alexander's eyebrows raised slightly behind his sandy blonde curls, he ran a hand through his hair to keep the hair out of his eyes. They had never seen this amount of food in their entire lives, and the fact that they could take whatever they wanted was even more shocking.

The Dursleys had never killed Harry of hunger, but it wasn't like they gave him the luxury of eating as much as he wanted. Alexander on the other hand, ate just when absolutely necessary when he lived on the streets and during the last months that he was with social services he ate only what he was provided.

Harry took a bit of everything he could get his hands on, Alexander being more mindful about what he puts in his body, took a moderate serving of vegetables and roast chicken. Everything was delicious.

- "That looks very good." A voice startled Harry, a ghost was floating over him while he was cutting his piece of meat.

Harry looked up, the ghost made his way to float over the table, suddenly the great hall was full of ghosts floating around. – "Can't you…?" Harry inquired the ghost.

- "No… I haven't eaten in five hundred years. I, of course, don't need it, but one misses it nonetheless." The ghost straightened himself before bowing. – "Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of the Gryffindor table."

Ron perked up immediately. – "I know you." He spoke with a mouthful. – "You are Nearly Headless Nick."

- "I would prefer you call me Sir Nicholas." The ghost started.

- "Nearly? How can you be nearly headless?" Hermione asked in a matter-of-fact voice, her usual bossy tone coating it.

The ghost now looked a bit angry. – "Like this." He stated before pulling at his hair to the side. His whole head fell on his shoulder, held only by a small piece of skin like a door being opened. It was very evident that someone had tried to decapitate him, and had succeeded, almost entirely.

Ron shrieked at the view, Harry made a disgusted face and Hermione, looked like she was really sorry about her question, she closed her eyes in disdain. – "That's disgusting." Alexander stated plainly looking at the scene, he found it rather amusing.

The ghost chuckled, causing his head to wobble even more. – "Yes, it is quite unfortunate, I assure you. But one learns to live with it, or live without it, as the case may be." He said, before sighing dramatically. – "But enough about me, young sirs and madam. Might I say it's a pleasure to have you at Gryffindor, it's been quite dull here without new students for so long. How are you finding Hogwarts so far?" He asked, looking at Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Alexander in turn.

Harry, still slightly disturbed by Nearly Headless Nick's display, managed a small smile. – "It's... overwhelming, to be honest. But it's incredible too, much better than I imagined." He replied.

Ron nodded enthusiastically; his mouth still full. – "Yeah, the food's brilliant, that's for sure. Can't wait to see what other stuff Hogwarts has in store for us."

Hermione, who had regained her composure, spoke thoughtfully. – "I find the magical theory quite fascinating. I'm looking forward to exploring the library and learning more about the history of magic." She replied, her eyes lighting up.

Alexander, his expression still serene, spoke quietly. – "It's different from what I'm used to, but I find it intriguing. There's certainly a lot to discover here." He replied, glancing around the Great Hall.

Nearly Headless Nick beamed at their responses. – "Ah, I see you all have the spirit of true Gryffindors. Enthusiastic, curious, and not afraid of a little adventure. You'll do well here, mark my words." He said before drifting off to greet some other students.

The feast continued, and the students marveled at the abundance of food, chatting and getting to know their fellow housemates. Alexander found himself engaging in conversation with some of the older Gryffindors, learning about the various magical subjects taught at Hogwarts and the interesting activities one could participate in. He maintained his respectful tone and stoic expression, but most people would smile at him, nonetheless.

Soon enough most students had finished eating and a moment later, dessert started appearing after the remaining food had disappeared leaving the plates immaculate. All kinds of desserts, ice creams, cakes, pies and so. Alexander settled himself on grabbing some fruit while Ron and Harry dug onto ice cream, Hermione on the other hand had grabbed a piece of cake.

Alexander could make out that people in the table now were speaking about their families. – "I'm half and half." A short boy with light brown hair and pale complexion stated, looking at his sides, speaking to everyone that could hear him. – "Me dad's a muggle, my mum's a witch, she didn't tell him until after they got married. Bit of a nasty shock for him when he found out."

- "How about you Neville?" Ron asked, digging into his ice cream.

- "Well, my gram raised me." Neville answered nervously. – "My family thought I was a muggle. My uncle tried to scare me all the time just so some magic would come out of me. Once he almost drowned me." Neville explained, Alexander's eyes squinted lightly at what the boy was saying. That didn't seem right to him. – "Nothing happened until I was eight when he dropped me off a balcony and I bounced all the way down. My gram was so happy she was crying it was a surprise when my letter came, they didn't think I was magical enough to come." Then again, maybe he was just joking, but by his expression it seemed like not.

Ron, seemingly uncomfortable with the heavy mood, tried to lighten it up. – "Well, that's rubbish, but at least you got here, right? That's what matters." He said, trying to be supportive.

Neville managed a small smile. – "Yeah, you're right. Gram's really proud of me; she's always going on about how I'm her only hope. It's a bit of pressure, but I don't mind it."

After that rather grim story, the people at the table were chatting lightly again, Alexander found himself talking with Hermione again, about classes and some magical concepts. Hermione smiled warmly at him, her cheeks flushed lightly whenever Alexander demonstrated as much, if not more, knowledge than her. It was nice having someone that could keep up with her chatting. As the conversation with Hermione continued, Alexander couldn't help but admire her intelligence and passion for learning. Her eyes sparkled as she delved into the intricacies of magical theory, discussing the possibilities of advanced spellcasting and ancient runes. Alexander found himself captivated by her enthusiasm, nodding along as she explained the complexities of transfiguration and the practical applications of potions.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were engaged in a lively discussion about Quidditch, the popular wizarding sport. Ron was enthusiastically explaining the rules and strategies of the game, occasionally gesturing with his hands as he described the excitement of watching a match. Harry listened attentively; his eyes bright with interest as he absorbed the details. Every now and then, Harry would interject with a question or comment, and the two friends would exchange playful banter about their favorite teams and players.

Harry now felt at ease within the group, and slightly sleepy because of how much he had eaten, he adverted his sight towards the faculty table. Hagrid was drinking from a cup; McGonagall was speaking with Professor Dumbledore. Professor Quirrell, with his funny looking turban, had his back to him, he was talking to a very tall professor, with pale skin; slick, slightly greasy, long black hair that framed his long face and long nose.

Everything happened too fast, the long-nosed professor looked at Harry, their eyes met for less than a second. Then, a sudden sharp pain made itself present right in Harry's scar.

- "Ah!" Harry immediately placed his hand on his forehead.

Alexander heard him, and immediately focused his sight on him. – "Harry? What's wrong?" He asked him, in his usual plain expression, though his voice was slightly coated with concern. Ron and Hermione immediately had their sights on Harry as well.

Harry shook his head. – "N-nothing." He answered. His sight had not adverted from the faculty table. Alexander noticed this and looked behind him, towards the faculty table. He didn't believe Harry for a second, he turned his sight towards him again, and looked at him seriously, silently asking him to not lie. – "It was just, a sudden pain. Like something was trying to get in my head."

The pain was already gone, maybe it was just a fluke, nothing to worry about. – "It's nothing." He reassured.

Alexander turned towards the faculty table again, all these professors could have made direct eye contact with Harry. The thing is, legilimency doesn't cause any type of pain unless it is done too violently. Given the circumstances surrounding Harry's scar he couldn't shake the bad feeling he had about the whole ordeal. He turned around again and sighed before concentrating, the last thing he wanted was to make it incredibly obvious it was him doing what he was about to do, so he avoided eye contact.

This is something that go against his vows, but he did it anyway out of concern for Harry, he peaked through the professors' minds, being careful to not make his presence know if he encountered any resistance. Out of all the professors, he couldn't look into McGonagall's, Dumbledore's, a professor with a turban, and a man with greasy long hair and long face's mind.

Dumbledore, being the powerful wizard he is, and being one of the most skilled oclumens there are noticed Alexander's very subtle intrusion, he doubts any other would have notice it, maybe only Severus. Yet, he was unable to pinpoint who it was. He was surprised this level of legilimency was beyond what any student here should be capable of.

- "Say, Percy?" Alexander snapped his sight to Harry, who was now speaking. – "Who is the professor speaking with professor Quirrell?" He finished.

- "Oh. That's professor Snape, the head of Slytherin house." Percy answered. – "It's no surprise professor Quirrell looks so nervous. Did you know him already?"

Harry nodded his head. – "Yes, I met him on the Leaky Cauldron."

Percy nodded his head. – "Anyway, Snape is also the potions teacher, but everyone knows is the dark arts he fancies, he's been after Quirrell's place for years."

The mention of Snape and the Dark Arts immediately struck Alexander. The first thing he figured out about magic is that it went both ways, always. And Harry's scar hurting and being the result of one of the foulest acts of Dark Magic in existence didn't settle well with him. As he was lost in thought, Alexander barely noticed Hermione leaning in to ask if he was feeling alright. He nodded at her, offering a small smile to reassure her, but his mind was preoccupied with the enigma that was Professor Snape. What was his connection to Harry's sudden pain? Was it merely a coincidence, or was there something more sinister at play?

Finally, the dessert disappeared from the table as well, now leaving the table bare and immaculate. – "Alright…" Came professor Dumbledore's voice from the faculty table. – "A word, now that we have all eaten and drunk. A few announcements to make. First years must know that the woods in the area are forbidden for all students, some older ones may want to remember that as well." He stated, eying the Weasley twins.

- "Secondly, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death." Dumbledore's words were delivered with a hint of humor, but the seriousness in his eyes was unmistakable. Harry's curiosity was piqued, and he exchanged a quick glance with Ron, who looked equally intrigued. Alexander, however, maintained his composed expression, though his mind was racing with questions. – "Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that magic in the corridors is prohibited."

He clapped. – "Now, quidditch trials will be held on the second week of the term. Students from second year and above interested in participating shall contact Madam Hooch." He finished gesturing towards a witch in his table, she had bright yellow eyes, it was interesting to say the least. – "Now before we go to sleep, let us sing the school's song!" Dumbledore exclaimed.

- "Everyone! Pick up your favorite tune, and there we go." Dumbledore finished.

Alexander scrunched his nose in discomfort at the sudden outburst of people singing. There was no harmony whatsoever to what was happening here. As the song ended with a final, rather off-key note, Dumbledore beamed at the students. – "Well done, well done! I can see this will be a talented bunch. Now, it's time for bed, I'm sure you're all exhausted after such an eventful evening. Prefects, if you would please guide the first years to their dormitories."

As they made their way through the castle corridors, guided by the older students, Alexander took in the intricate tapestries and moving staircases with a quiet fascination. The castle seemed alive with magic, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the possibilities that lay within its walls. Percy, the prefect was guiding them. Suddenly there were batons dancing around their heads, some students started ducking their heads, including Ron, Harry, and Hermione. Alexander on the other hand remained still he was watching the batons intently ready to anticipate any movement if he needed to. – "Peeves." Came Percy's voice. – "He's a poltergeist." He clarified. – "Peeves, come forth!" He raised his voice.

The thing in question appeared, suddenly manifesting itself, holding the batons with magic apparently since he wasn't touching them. He continued to swing the batons. – "Should I fetch the Bloody Baron?" Percy asked exasperated.

Peeves let out a loud, shrill laugh, twirling the batons faster. – "Oh no, no, no need for that, Percy dear." Peeves replied in a sing-song voice, before letting out a loud whoop and disappearing through a wall, leaving the students in a state of mild confusion and relief. Percy shook his head, a slight frown on his face, before motioning for the first-year students to continue following him.

As they walked, Percy pointed out various locations in the castle, such as the library, the dungeons, and the Great Hall, providing a brief overview of their respective purposes. Alexander observed everything with keen interest, committing the layout of the castle to memory. They climbed a flight of stairs, turned a corner, and finally arrived at a portrait of a rather corpulent woman in a pink silk dress.

The painting suddenly came to life. – "Password?" The woman stated.

- "Caput Draconis." Percy replied promptly. The portrait swung open to reveal a circular room adorned with red hangings, a crackling fireplace, and cozy armchairs. Alexander stepped in with the others, taking in the warm atmosphere. Percy gestured to the various staircases leading to different dormitories. – "The girls' dormitories are up this staircase, the bathrooms for the girls are in the top floor. Boys, follow me." He instructed, leading them up a separate staircase to a cozy room with several four-poster beds and crimson hangings. The room felt welcoming, and the crackling fire added to its comforting ambiance.

Percy turned to the first-year students. – "Welcome to Gryffindor Tower, your home away from home. As well the bathrooms are in the top floor on this side. Get settled in, and remember, tomorrow morning, you'll receive your schedules for the first day of classes. Good night!" He bid them farewell before making his way back down the stairs. He turned back slightly. – "Breakfast is served between seven to eight, classes start at eight thirty."

Harry Ron and Alexander were pleased to find they were not only housemates but neighbors perse, their things were neatly placed in beds that were beside each other's. Hedwig and Scabbers had also seem to have found their way to the dormitories. Alexander walked towards the bed that had his black trunk in it and admired its construction, it was bigger than the one he had been using these last few months.

Alexander could hear Ron exclaiming at Scabbers, apparently it was eating his sheets and Harry laughing about the manner. Alexander had walked towards a nearby window and was now admiring the view. He could hear some of the boys fumbling with their trunks probably getting ready for bed, he turned around to see must of them were already changing out of their robes, including Ron and Harry, he walked towards his trunk and took out a black tank top and grey sweatpants. – "I'll go take a shower." He stated towards Harry and Ron.

Ron looked at Alexander. – "What? Mate, it's freezing." He stated noticing his choice for pajamas as well.

Alexander shook his head. – "I don't get cold that easily." And besides, he really enjoyed and appreciated being able to shower, it was a luxury he didn't always had, he didn't care if the water was cold.

Inside the bathroom, Alexander took a quick shower, relishing the warmth of the water despite the temperature in the room. The castle's magical infrastructure never ceased to amaze him, providing such luxuries even in the most basic of facilities. After drying off and changing back into his sleepwear, he made his way back to the dormitory.

Most children were already sleeping, Ron too. Harry on the other hand was sitting in the window, Alexander ran a hand through his locks to take his hair out of his eyes, before making way to Harry, he took a seat in front of him. – "You okay?" He asked him plainly.

Harry took his sight from the window to look at Alexander. – "Yeah… it's just the bed was so soft, I thought I was going to sink to the floor. I have never eaten that much either."

Alexander smiled and nodded; he remembers every time he's had to sleep on the floor. – "We should go to sleep we'll need to be on breakfast to receive our schedules." Harry nodded his head and got up from his seat, Alexander followed suit and walked to his bed, he immediately knew what Harry meant, he had never slept on a bed this soft before. Harry had a strange dream that night, a dream he did not remember when he woke up.