The train had already started moving, and the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks filled the compartment. Adam and Hermione sat quietly, both gazing out of the window, momentarily lost in their thoughts of home and the families they were leaving behind. The excitement of the journey was mixed with the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye.
After a few moments, Adam, as if suddenly remembering something, reached into thin air and pulled out a camera, startling Hermione. She stared at him, bewildered. "Where did that come from?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in curiosity.
Adam grinned, knowing full well that Hermione, despite her sharp mind, wouldn't understand the true nature of his system inventory. He had bought this camera from his system's shop, spending Gold and customizing it with special points. The camera itself was nothing extraordinary by wizarding standards, but Adam had added a few important modifications—instant color photo prints, resistance to Hogwarts' magical interference, and the ability to take pictures with a small burst of his own magic. He had toyed with the idea of adding moving pictures as well, but the cost was prohibitively high, so he decided to forgo that feature for now.
"Just a little magic," Adam said playfully, dodging the details as he raised the camera to take a quick shot of Hermione's confused expression.
Click.
Hermione blinked, feeling a wave of embarrassment as she realized he had just snapped a picture of her without warning. "Adam!" she protested, but the soft click of the camera and Adam's wide grin silenced her. She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"Come on," Adam said, standing up and extending a hand to her. "Let's get out of here before the train settles down too much. I want to capture a few shots of the chaos outside."
Hermione hesitated for a second, but Adam's enthusiasm was infectious. She took his hand, and the two of them slipped out of the compartment, weaving their way through the bustling corridors of the train.
As the train rumbled steadily down the tracks, Adam and Hermione made their way through the narrow corridors, weaving between students who were already beginning to settle in. Laughter and chatter filled the air, while the occasional clatter of trolleys and luggage being shifted echoed through the carriages. Some compartments had their doors open, giving Adam and Hermione a glimpse into the lives of their fellow students for the next seven years. There was an air of excitement everywhere, with groups of friends already forming and first-years, like themselves, looking wide-eyed and full of wonder.
Adam, ever curious, had his camera ready. He raised it and clicked pictures, capturing the lively scenes of students engaged in animated conversations, some of them peeking curiously into other compartments. Even Hermione, who was typically more reserved, found herself smiling at the hustle and bustle. The train was a living, moving snapshot of the world they were about to dive into—a world of magic, friendship, and the unknown.
They passed a group of students laughing over a wizarding card game and another pair who were having what seemed like a very serious conversation about spell theory. Adam lifted his camera and took a picture of a particularly eccentric-looking group dressed in outlandish robes. A few of them gave Adam a curious glance but paid little mind as they continued talking.
"Everyone's so different," Hermione mused as they moved further down the train. "I feel like each person could have a whole story behind them."
Adam grinned, already itching to know more about the students he hadn't met yet. "Yeah, but that's what makes this exciting, right? All these people with their own backgrounds, and we'll get to know them."
After making their way through a few more compartments and snapping some candid shots of various students, they decided to head back to their own compartment. As they settled in again, the train seemed calmer now, with most of the students finding their seats. The initial excitement of boarding had passed, and a quieter energy filled the carriages as everyone began to relax into the long journey ahead.
Adam reached into his bag and took out the tiffin his mother had packed for him that morning. Hermione did the same, retrieving her own lunchbox, and the two exchanged a glance before opening their meals.
"My mum insisted I eat this before touching anything else on the train," Adam said with a laugh. "She thinks I won't eat properly otherwise."
Hermione nodded, smiling softly as she took a bite of her sandwich. "Same here. My parents were a little... worried about the food, I think."
They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, each savoring the familiar taste of home. Soon, though, their conversation resumed, bouncing between all the sights they'd taken in since leaving the platform. Adam shared stories about the various students he'd snapped pictures of, while Hermione provided her own observations about the types of people they'd passed—talkative ones, mysterious ones, and the quiet ones who kept to themselves.
"There's such a variety," Adam remarked, shaking his head. "You could probably write a whole book just on the people we saw today."
Hermione smiled thoughtfully. "I bet every single one of them has their own story. I'm sure we'll get to know some of them in time."
As the conversation drifted from topic to topic, the train rumbled on, the outside world gradually fading from view as the sun began to dip lower in the sky.
Suddenly, a soft, timid knock sounded at the compartment door. Both Adam and Hermione turned, curious as to who it could be. Adam got up and slid the door open, revealing a round-faced boy standing nervously on the other side. He looked as though he was trying very hard not to cry.
"Hello," the boy said in a shaky voice, his eyes darting around the compartment. "I'm Neville Longbottom... um, my pet toad, Trevor, is lost. Have you seen him?"
Adam instantly recognized Neville from his demeanor—he fit exactly how Adam remembered him. Hermione, always eager to help, stood up immediately, her face softening with concern.
"We haven't seen him, but we can definitely help you look," Hermione offered, stepping forward.
Adam nodded in agreement, giving Neville a warm smile. "Don't worry, we'll find Trevor. Toads can't have gone too far, right?"
Neville's eyes brightened a little at the offer of help, his nervousness easing slightly. "Thank you," he said with a hint of relief, his voice still wavering but grateful.
Adam, Hermione, and Neville set off down the corridor, checking each compartment as they searched for Trevor the toad. Neville, still looking anxious, followed closely behind as Adam and Hermione took the lead. They knocked on compartment doors one by one, politely asking the students inside if they had seen a toad. Each time, the answer was the same—no one had seen any sign of Trevor.
"Don't worry, Neville," Adam said as they continued their search. "Toads aren't exactly the fastest creatures. He can't have gone far."
Hermione was determined as well. "We'll find him, Neville. Maybe he's just hiding in one of the corners of the train. There are plenty of places a toad could slip into."
Despite their reassurances, the search dragged on without much success. They asked group after group, from shy first-years to confident older students, but none of them had seen any trace of Trevor. As they moved further down the train, Neville began to grow more and more worried, the faint hope in his eyes fading with each fruitless inquiry.
Finally, after what felt like ages of searching, they reached a compartment that seemed different from the others. There was a slight hush inside, as though the occupants were either deep in thought or engaged in something unusual. Adam paused for a moment, feeling a strange sense of familiarity wash over him, though he couldn't quite place it.
As he knocked on the door, Hermione glanced at him curiously, as if sensing the shift in his demeanor. When the door slid open, Adam immediately recognized the black-haired boy sitting by the window. His scar, lightning-shaped and faint, was unmistakable. This was the infamous Harry Potter—the Boy Who Lived.
Sitting across from Harry was a red-haired boy, looking slightly flustered as he fidgeted with something in his hands—a rat. Adam quickly realized this must be Ron Weasley, one of the names he recalled from the stories.
"Hi," Hermione began brightly, her usual eagerness shining through. "I'm Hermione Granger, and this is Adam Taylor and Neville Longbottom. We're looking for Neville's toad, Trevor. Have you seen him?"
Harry looked up from the window and shook his head, offering a sympathetic smile. "No, sorry. We haven't seen any toads."
Ron, distracted by his rat, looked up at them with a grin. "No toads here, but I was just about to do some magic. Want to see?"
Before Adam or Hermione could respond, Ron whipped out his wand. Adam had a feeling this wasn't going to go well, but curiosity got the better of him. He stepped closer, watching as Ron waved his wand over the rat and began reciting an incantation.
"Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid, fat rat yellow!"
For a moment, nothing happened. Adam stifled a laugh, glancing over at Hermione, who looked slightly unimpressed. Then, without warning, the wand sparked, and instead of the rat turning yellow, a thick, smelly fog burst from the tip, filling the compartment almost instantly.
Neville gasped, while Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust. The fog had a pungent, acrid smell, and even with the window open, it wasn't dissipating on its own. The entire compartment was rapidly becoming unbearable, with the haze growing thicker and the air harder to breathe.
"Ugh, Ron! What kind of spell was that?" Hermione exclaimed, waving her hand in front of her face as though it could help clear the air.
Harry coughed and tried to waft the smoke toward the open window, but it was no use. The fog lingered stubbornly, swirling in the small space and refusing to disperse.
Adam, seeing the situation, stepped forward. "I've got this," he said, pulling out his wand. He raised it calmly and pointed it toward the fog-filled room.
"Ventus," Adam muttered, focusing his magic.
Instantly, a gust of spiraling wind shot from the tip of Adam's wand, swirling through the compartment with precision. The strong current of air swept up the thick fog, blowing it directly out of the open window. Within seconds, the smelly haze was gone, leaving behind only the fresh air of the countryside rushing in through the window.
Everyone stared at Adam, slightly awestruck. Even Harry seemed impressed.
"That was brilliant!" Harry said, his eyes wide with excitement. "What kind of spell was that?"
Adam shrugged modestly. "Just a simple wind spell—Ventus. It's handy for things like this."
Ron, embarrassed by his failed spell but grateful for the help, scratched the back of his head. "Thanks. That spell I tried didn't exactly go to plan. My brothers definitely planned this. This is Scabbers, by the way," he added, holding up the rat, which looked perfectly fine despite the smelly fog. "He's useless, really, but my family couldn't afford a proper pet."
Hermione, still looking slightly put out by the smell that had lingered in the air, regained her composure. "That's why you should stick to spells from our school books, Ron. Trying things you don't understand can be dangerous."
Ron nodded sheepishly, but Adam smiled, feeling the tension lift from the compartment. "It's all part of the learning process," he said. "We've all made mistakes before."
Neville, still standing quietly at the side, looked relieved that the smoke was gone. He cleared his throat, though his voice remained soft. "Thanks for helping with that... but, um, have any of you seen my toad?"
Harry and Ron exchanged glances before shaking their heads.
"Sorry, mate, we haven't seen any toads," Ron said, still holding Scabbers in his hand. "But if we do, we'll let you know."
Neville looked disappointed but managed a small smile. "Thanks."
Just as Neville started to turn away, Hermione, ever curious, shifted her attention back to Harry. "Wait a second, you're... Harry Potter, aren't you? The Boy Who Lived?"
Her words hung in the air for a moment, and even Neville's eyes widened in recognition as he looked back at Harry with a mix of surprise and awe.
Harry seemed a bit uncomfortable with the attention, but he nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess so. That's what people call me."
Hermione's face lit up with excitement. "I've read about you in several books! 'Modern Magical History,' 'The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts,' and 'Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century.' You're really famous in the wizarding world. Everyone knows about how you survived when… when You-Know-Who attacked."
Even Neville, who had been shy and nervous before, found the courage to speak. "I've heard stories from my Gran," he said. "About how you were the only one to survive… it's incredible."
Harry shifted a little uncomfortably, clearly not used to the attention. "I didn't really do anything," he said, looking a bit sheepish. "It just… happened."
Ron, sensing Harry's discomfort, stepped in. "Yeah, but still, Harry, you've got a scar to prove it, right?"
At this, Harry lifted his fringe to reveal the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. Both Hermione and Neville leaned in to get a closer look, their faces full of awe.
"Wow," Neville whispered, his voice filled with wonder.
The conversation quickly shifted, and soon Harry, Ron, and Neville were all talking animatedly with Adam and Hermione. Ron, who was still clearly impressed by Adam's earlier spellwork, couldn't help but bring it up again. "That spell you used… what was it again? Ventus?"
Adam nodded. "Yeah, it's a wind spell. It's handy for clearing smoke or dust, things like that."
Ron shook his head in disbelief. "That was brilliant! I've never seen a first-year cast something like that. Atleast my brothers couldn't do it when they were in their first-year."
Even Harry looked impressed. "Yeah, I havent been around magic much, but that was something else."
Adam smiled modestly, but Hermione quickly jumped in. "Adam's really talented when it comes to magic. He's been practicing a lot before school started. He's read through all the first-year books too."
Neville, who was still sitting close by, nodded in agreement. "I've never seen anything like that either. I don't know many spells yet, but I'd love to learn ones like that."
The praise made Adam feel a little bashful, but he shrugged it off. "You'll get there," he said encouragingly. "It's all about practice and paying attention to the little details in the spell."
They continued talking for a while longer, with Harry asking more about the wizarding world and Ron telling stories about his brothers and their pranks at Hogwarts. Neville seemed to relax as the conversation flowed, though his mind kept drifting back to Trevor, his missing toad.
After a while, Adam glanced out the window, noticing that they had been here for a while now. He turned back to Neville, giving him a reassuring smile.
"You should find a teacher once we get off the train," Adam suggested. "They'll be able to help you find Trevor. He's probably still somewhere on the train, but they'll have a better way to locate him."
Neville nodded nervously, though he seemed a little more reassured now. "Yeah, that's a good idea. Thanks, Adam."
With that, the trio got up to leave. Neville hesitated for a moment before asking, "Would it be okay if I sat with you and Hermione for the rest of the trip?"
Hermione and Adam exchanged a quick glance before nodding. "Of course," Hermione said warmly. "You're more than welcome to join us."
Neville's face brightened with relief as the three of them left the compartment, heading back to their own.
After Adam, Hermione, and Neville left to return to their compartment, Harry and Ron sat quietly for a moment, both still digesting everything that had happened. The train clattered along the tracks, the excitement of the journey now mingling with curiosity about their new companions.
Ron leaned back in his seat, looking thoughtful. "That Adam guy... there are loads of rumors about him already."
Harry, still unfamiliar with much of the magical world, looked puzzled. "Rumors? What kind of rumors?"
Ron shrugged, but his voice dropped slightly, as if he were sharing some kind of secret. "My brothers, Fred and George, told me about him. They've been hearing things around Diagon Alley. Apparently, Adam got into a pretty serious duel with a boy named Draco—not that long ago."
Harry's brow furrowed, trying to keep up. "Duel? People have duels in the wizarding world?"
Ron chuckled. "Yeah, sometimes. Though it's usually between older wizards, not first-years like us. But Draco, well, he's not just any kid. He's from one of the old wizarding families, the Malfoys—Fred and George say they're loaded, pure-blood and all. And according to the stories, Adam didn't just stand up to him—he won."
Harry blinked, still absorbing this new world of magical hierarchies and strange names. "Pure-blood? What's that mean?"
"Oh, right," Ron said, realizing Harry's unfamiliarity. "It means a wizard who comes from a long line of magical families. Some people care a lot about that stuff—like Draco's family. They think anyone who doesn't have a long wizarding history, like muggle-borns, aren't as good. It's rubbish, really."
Harry frowned, not liking the sound of it. "So, Adam fought this... Draco?"
Ron nodded. "That's the rumor, yeah. Malfoy's not the type to take a loss well, either. From what I heard, it wasn't just about magic. Adam's family is a bit of a mystery too, and some say they're powerful, maybe even as old as the Malfoys—just quieter about it. Well, some say that he is just from a muggle family."
Harry tried to piece it all together. This world was still so new to him, with strange words and customs he didn't fully understand. "Sounds complicated."
Ron laughed again, a bit more relaxed now. "It is. But you'll pick it up. Still, pretty impressive, right? Adam's got some serious talent. That spell he used earlier was way beyond anything I've seen."
Harry nodded, thinking back to how easily Adam had cleared the fog from the compartment. "Yeah, he was really good at that. I wonder how long he's been practicing."
"Who knows?" Ron said. "I reckon we'll see more of him once we get to Hogwarts."
After they returned to their compartment, the atmosphere was lighter with Neville joining them. Along the way they got different types of snacks from the trolley as well. It was fun trying all those different snacks, including Bertie and Blotts All Flavored Bean Candies.
As the train sped along, Neville glanced around the compartment nervously, clearly feeling a little out of place. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke up, curiosity shining in his wide eyes.
"So, um, before you got your Hogwarts letter... what were your families like? Were they magical?" Neville asked tentatively, looking first at Adam, then at Hermione.
Hermione was quick to respond, sitting up a bit straighter. "My parents are both Muggles—dentists, actually," she explained. "They were very surprised when I got my letter. I hadn't shown any signs of magic before, so it was all new to them."
She smiled slightly at the memory, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. After her encounter with the Malfoys in Diagon Alley, she had grown wary of how certain people treated Muggle-borns.
Adam chimed in before the tension could grow. "My parents are... well, my mum can do a bit of magic. She's not a full witch like we'll become, though. My dad's a Muggle. They were supportive, but it was definitely a shock when I got the letter."
Neville's eyes widened. "Wow. That's pretty amazing! My whole family's magical," he added, sitting a bit taller now. There was a hint of pride in his voice. "All wizards, going back for generations. My gran's always telling me stories about our family's history."
Hermione, however, suddenly grew quiet, her smile fading. Adam noticed the shift in her demeanor. She seemed to grow colder, her mind clearly flashing back to the Malfoys and their disdain for Muggle-borns.
"Pure-bloods can be really proud of their heritage," Hermione said, her tone now a bit cooler. She looked away, remembering the unpleasantness in Diagon Alley.
Adam, sensing the tension, intervened. "Not all pure-blood families are like that, Hermione," he said calmly. "Remember, Mrs. Greengrass helped me out. There are plenty of pure-bloods who don't care about things like blood status. It's just people like the Malfoys that give everyone else a bad name."
Hermione seemed to consider his words, though her expression remained conflicted. "I guess," she said quietly, her earlier discomfort still lingering but beginning to ease.
Neville, noticing the shift but not entirely understanding it, added quickly, "Yeah, not all pure-blood families are like the Malfoys. My gran's really strict, but she's never looked down on Muggle-borns. We don't all think that way."
Adam nodded, giving Neville an encouraging smile. "Exactly. It's important to judge people by their actions, not their family background."
With that, the mood lightened, and the conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics, the tension dissipating as they continued their journey toward Hogwarts.
As the time to reach their destination drew closer, the excitement in the air was palpable. Neville had returned to his original seat, still looking worried about Trevor, but a bit more at ease after Adam's reassurance. Adam and Hermione, taking turns, changed into their Hogwarts uniforms. As Adam fastened his robes, his thoughts drifted to the Sorting Ceremony and what house he would be placed in.
When he returned to the compartment, Hermione was seated, adjusting her own robes, and she noticed the contemplative expression on Adam's face.
"What's on your mind?" she asked.
Adam sat down and leaned back, looking out the window for a moment before turning back to her. "The Sorting Ceremony. I've been thinking about the houses and where we might end up."
Hermione's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh, I've read all about them in the books! There are four houses, right? Can you tell me more about them?"
Adam nodded, leaning forward as he began explaining. "Yeah, the four houses each value different qualities. First, there's Gryffindor, which is known for bravery and courage. Gryffindors are the kind of people who stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult. Famous wizards like Albus Dumbledore came from there. It's a house full of bold and daring people."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Dumbledore is from Gryffindor?"
Adam nodded. "Yep. He's one of the most powerful wizards in history, and he's the headmaster now."
Hermione seemed impressed. "That sounds amazing."
Adam continued, "Then there's Hufflepuff. It's known for loyalty, hard work, and fairness. Helga Hufflepuff, the founder, believed in valuing everyone equally, and that's the kind of atmosphere in the house. Hufflepuffs are some of the most dependable people you'll meet. They're not usually in the spotlight, but they're the ones you can always count on."
Hermione smiled. "That sounds nice. But do you think it's as exciting as the others?"
Adam shrugged. "It might not seem as flashy, but it's definitely a good house."
He then moved on to Ravenclaw. "Ravenclaw is for the intelligent and creative. The house values wisdom, wit, and the pursuit of knowledge. Rowena Ravenclaw believed that intelligence was the key to success, and the house is full of people who are always looking to learn more. It's a great place for people who love studying and solving problems."
Hermione's face brightened at that. "That sounds like it would be a good fit for me. I do love learning."
Adam grinned. "I thought you might say that. But there's still Slytherin to consider."
Hermione's expression faltered slightly. "Slytherin? Isn't that where dark wizards like... You-Know-Who came from?"
Adam nodded. "Yeah, Slytherin has a bit of a reputation because of that. It's known for ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness. Salazar Slytherin, the founder, believed that magic should be kept within pure-blood families, and that's where a lot of its bad reputation comes from. But Slytherin is also where some of the most influential wizards have come from. They're not all bad, but it's a house that's had its fair share of dark wizards."
Hermione seemed to think about that for a moment, clearly torn. "I've read that some bad wizards came from there. It's a little intimidating."
Adam nodded. "Yeah, it can be. But it's also a house full of smart, ambitious people. The Sorting Hat will figure out what suits us best."
Hermione hesitated before asking the question that was clearly on her mind. "What house do you want to be in, Adam?"
Adam smiled at her, though he didn't give a direct answer. "I'm not sure. Each house has its strengths, but it's important to end up in the house that fits you best. The Sorting Hat will know where we belong."
Hermione looked thoughtful. "I was hoping we'd end up in the same house."
Adam shook his head gently. "It's tempting to want that, but we should trust the process. The Sorting Hat will put us in the house that's right for us. Even if we're not in the same house, we'll still see each other all the time."
Hermione sighed but nodded, clearly understanding the logic in his words. "You're right. I just... I suppose I'm nervous about where I'll end up."
Adam gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Hermione. Whatever house you end up in, you'll thrive. You've got the qualities of more than one house, just like me. We just need to trust the hat."
Hermione gave a small smile in return, comforted by Adam's words, and she began to think carefully about where she might fit best.
Soon after, the train gave a long whistle as it began to slow down, signaling the end of their journey. The sky had already darkened, and the soft patter of rain could be heard against the windows. As the Hogwarts Express came to a full stop, the students quickly started pouring out of their compartments, eager to get their first glimpse of Hogwarts.
Adam and Hermione, however, took their time. Adam pulled out his camera, wanting to capture the rush of students as they hurried out. He snapped pictures of the hustle and bustle, catching moments of excitement, nervous laughter, and hurried conversations. Hermione stood beside him, watching the scene unfold with quiet amusement.
"I never thought our first day at Hogwarts would be so... chaotic," Hermione said, smiling at the flurry of students passing by.
"Yeah," Adam replied, lowering his camera for a moment. "It's hard to believe this is just the beginning."
The students didn't have to worry about their luggage, as it was being sent directly to their rooms, making the process of getting off the train much faster. Soon enough, the compartments were empty, and the train stood still and quiet. Only a few stragglers remained, and Adam decided it was time for them to get off as well.
Just as they were about to leave their compartment, a voice stopped them in their tracks. It wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for both Adam and Hermione to hear. Hermione's eyes widened—she recognized it immediately. As for Adam, he already knew who it was. Draco Malfoy.
"This is the ingredients you asked my father to deliver," Draco's voice said, sounding slightly unsure but haughty, as usual.
An unfamiliar voice replied, cold and calculating. "Tell your father that I will remember this. You have done a good job, Draco."
Draco hesitated, clearly puzzled by the exchange. "Who are you? And what are these ingredients for?"
A brief silence, tense and deliberate. Then, the cold voice replied, softer now but far more dangerous. "Curiosity, Draco, can be... costly. Deliver the message. Ask no more."
As soon as the words were spoken, there was a sudden silence. The figure, whoever it was, had disappeared, leaving Draco standing there, bewildered. After a few seconds of stunned silence, Draco quickly walked away, looking around to make sure no one had overheard the conversation. He seemed rattled but made sure to leave the area swiftly.
Once the coast was clear, Adam and Hermione exchanged glances. They both knew that whatever had just happened was significant, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. With a quick nod, they exited the train and hurried toward the gathering of first-year students by Hagrid, who was calling for them in his booming voice.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!"
As they made their way toward the group, Hermione leaned in close to Adam and whispered, "What do you think Draco was talking about?"
Adam kept his voice low, not wanting to draw attention. "I'm not sure, but it seemed important. Whoever he was talking to... it didn't sound like a normal conversation. We shouldn't talk about it here—too many ears around. Let's discuss it later."
Hermione nodded in agreement, her face thoughtful as they joined the crowd of first-years gathering around Hagrid. The rain was now falling steadily, adding a sense of mystery and excitement to the already surreal moment. Adam couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation as they followed the towering figure of Hagrid, their first steps toward the magical world that awaited them at Hogwarts.
The crowd of first-years, a mix of excitement and nervousness in their faces, gathered around the giant of a man who towered over them. Hagrid held a large lantern in one hand, the glow casting long shadows on the ground as he led them away from the train station and toward a narrow path.
Adam and Hermione followed closely behind Hagrid, walking in the wet grass as the rain continued to fall lightly. It wasn't long before they arrived at the edge of a large, dark lake. The water was still, and through the misty air, Adam could just make out the silhouettes of small boats lined up along the shore.
"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing toward the row of boats. The students began splitting up, nervously clambering into the boats as Hagrid got into one by himself.
Adam, Hermione, and Neville quickly found an empty boat and climbed in, the wooden structure swaying gently beneath them. A fourth student joined them, a shy boy with sandy-blonde hair who introduced himself as Seamus Finnigan. As they settled in, the boats began to move on their own, smoothly gliding across the dark surface of the lake. No oars were needed—the magic of Hogwarts itself seemed to carry them forward.
The small boats followed in a neat formation behind Hagrid's large one, each moving silently through the mist. The lake stretched out before them, vast and still, with only the gentle rippling of water as the boats sliced through it. Adam shivered slightly, not from the cold, but from the anticipation. The air around them felt thick with magic, and the deeper they moved into the lake, the more Adam felt like they were crossing some unseen threshold between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
"Everyone alright back there?" Hagrid's voice called from up ahead.
The students murmured their agreements, some more confidently than others. Hermione, sitting beside Adam, stared out into the mist with wide, curious eyes. "I've read about this in 'Hogwarts: A History,'" she whispered to Adam. "The lake is supposed to be full of magical creatures. I wonder if we'll see any."
Adam grinned. "Let's hope they're friendly."
The journey continued in silence for a few minutes, the boats gliding smoothly over the inky black water. Soon, the mist that had surrounded them began to clear, and then, there it was—Hogwarts Castle.
Adam's breath caught in his throat, and a powerful wave of emotion surged through him. Towering above them on a steep, rocky cliff, the castle stood grand and majestic, its turrets and towers stretching high into the sky. The warm glow from its windows reflected on the dark water below, casting an ethereal light across the lake. It was a sight Adam had imagined countless times in his past life—through books, movies, and dreams.
But now, it wasn't just a fantasy or a scene from a film. It was real.
Adam's heart raced as he took in the sight before him. The sheer size and grandeur of Hogwarts were beyond anything he had ever imagined. This wasn't just a place from a story anymore; this was his reality. The place he had only dreamed of experiencing was now standing right in front of him, solid and real, welcoming him into its magical embrace.
A shiver of excitement ran down his spine. In his previous life, he had fantasized about being part of the wizarding world, wishing he could walk these very halls, sit in these very classrooms, and experience the magic firsthand. And now, here he was—on the verge of living the dream he had once thought impossible.
The boats glided silently closer to the shore, and Adam felt a deep sense of awe and disbelief. He could almost feel the magic in the air, surrounding him, wrapping him in its mysterious warmth. This was the moment he had always hoped for—a chance to step into the world of magic, not just as a spectator, but as a participant.
Hermione sat beside him, her mouth slightly open as if searching for words. She exhaled softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "I... I never imagined it like this."
Adam nodded, unable to form words for a moment. His emotions were a whirlwind—excitement, disbelief, joy, and even a bit of nostalgia for his past life. "More than beautiful," he finally said quietly. "It's a dream come true."
As the boat continued toward the dock, Adam's mind raced with thoughts. This wasn't just Hogwarts, a school from a book. This was the start of something greater—his magical journey, his chance to truly live the life he had once only imagined. It felt surreal, and yet, the cold air and the mist around him reminded him that this was real, that he had crossed into a world he once believed existed only in stories.
The boats slowed as they neared the dock, and Adam couldn't tear his eyes away from the castle looming above them. The towering stone walls, the glittering windows, the aura of ancient magic—it all felt like a welcome he had waited his entire life to receive. He felt a sense of belonging that was almost overwhelming, as though every choice, every event in both his past and present lives had led him to this very moment.
As the boats came to a stop, Adam helped Hermione out, his hands trembling slightly—not from the cold, but from the excitement building in his chest. Every step closer to the castle felt like a step into his dreams, and his heart pounded with the weight of that realization.
They followed Hagrid up the narrow path that wound up the cliffside, the rain falling softly around them, but Adam barely noticed. His gaze was fixed on Hogwarts, its looming figure growing larger with every step. He could feel the magic of the place in the air, and it only heightened his anticipation.
"I can't believe it," Hermione whispered, her voice barely audible above the rain. "We're really here."
"Yeah," Adam replied, his voice thick with emotion. "We're really here." His words felt more like a confirmation to himself than to Hermione.
As they reached the top of the path and stood before the massive front doors of Hogwarts, Adam's heart swelled with anticipation. This was it. The place he had longed to be a part of. The magical world that had once felt so distant was now within reach.
Hagrid raised his lantern, casting a golden glow over the entrance. "Everyone ready?" Hagrid's voice boomed, but Adam barely registered it. His gaze was locked on the doors of Hogwarts, the gateway to the magical life he had always dreamed of.
As the doors creaked open, a wave of warmth met Adam—but something else stirred within him. A strange shiver ran down his spine, though it wasn't from the cold. He hesitated for half a second before stepping forward, a whisper of something unspoken brushing against his thoughts. Excitement, yes, but also something deeper—something unknown waiting beyond these doors.
As the first-years stepped through the doors, Adam felt a rush of excitement and disbelief. This was no longer a fantasy or a dream—this was the beginning of his magical journey, and he was ready for it.