Jamie woke up to the soft, golden light of the Glowthorn by his bedside, its faint hum a comforting reminder of home. The Hufflepuff dormitory was warm and inviting, its round, earthy architecture making him feel as though he were cocooned in a safe and living space. Today marked his first full day at Hogwarts, and despite the comfort of his surroundings, a flicker of nervous excitement danced in his chest.
He dressed quickly, the anticipation too strong to linger. As he made his way to the Hufflepuff common room, he found a small group of his housemates gathered by the fire, chatting animatedly about their schedules.
"Good morning, Jamie!" said Hannah Abbott, her blonde hair pulled back in a neat braid.
"Morning," Jamie replied, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"You ready for Herbology?" she asked, her tone bright and encouraging.
Jamie nodded. "It's the class I've been looking forward to the most."
"Of course it is," Ernie Macmillan chimed in with a grin. "You're practically a legend already after that Sorting speech from the Hat."
Jamie chuckled nervously but didn't reply. The Sorting Hat had indeed said something about his deep affinity for nature, but he didn't want to dwell on it too much.
The Great Hall was alive with the chatter of students and the clatter of silverware. The enchanted ceiling above mirrored the soft light of the early morning sky, pale streaks of blue mingling with the remnants of dawn's gold.
Jamie sat with his housemates, marveling at the spread of food before them. Plates heaped with eggs, sausages, and toast magically replenished themselves, and the scent of pumpkin juice filled the air.
Across the hall, the Gryffindor table caught his eye. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, sat among his housemates, his unruly black hair unmistakable. Beside him, Ron Weasley gestured animatedly, while Hermione Granger rolled her eyes, likely trying to steer the conversation back to something practical.
Jamie found himself watching for a moment. He'd seen Harry the night before, arguing with a pale, sharp-featured boy—Draco Malfoy, if he remembered correctly. Jamie wasn't sure what the quarrel had been about, but he felt no desire to approach Harry now.
"Earth to Jamie," Susan Bones teased, nudging him gently.
Jamie blinked and turned back to his table. "Sorry, just... taking it all in."