One year before Harry Potter's arrival at Hogwarts, the Sorting Ceremony was in full swing.
The Great Hall of Hogwarts Castle was illuminated by floating candles, the enchanted ceiling reflecting a clear, starry night. Students from all four houses sat at their respective tables, eagerly awaiting the Sorting Hat's decisions for the incoming first years.
Among the new students stood a boy whose Asian features made him stand out. His expression was indifferent, almost as though he didn't belong. He approached the chair, took a seat, and placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
"Slytherin!"
The Sorting Hat's booming voice echoed through the hall.
Restrained applause came from the Slytherin table. Though they didn't recognize the boy, they trusted the Sorting Hat's judgment. Perhaps he was a descendant of an ancient and noble family from the East.
Then, unexpectedly, the boy raised his hand and tapped the Sorting Hat twice.
"Excuse me, is this a mistake? I'm a Squib."
Though he thought he had spoken softly, his words reverberated through the hall.
The entire Great Hall fell silent. Students and professors alike froze, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
The boy, oblivious to the awkwardness, knocked on the hat again. "Hey, aren't you going to say something? If you can sort me into the wrong house, surely you can speak up and explain yourself. I know you're awake."
A wave of uncomfortable silence swept over the hall.
The boy who had just declared himself a Squib was none other than Henry Stein, the protagonist of this tale.
Although Henry now appeared to be an ordinary eleven-year-old boy fresh out of primary school, this wasn't his first life. Before this, he had been an adult, living an unremarkable life until his untimely death.
His journey began when he picked up the final three Harry Potter books he had never read. As soon as he opened the first book, a strange sensation overcame him, and he was suddenly transported to a new world—as his younger self.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself sprawled on the floor of a strange, ornate office. Wincing as he stood, he rubbed his sore backside and took in his surroundings. Portraits of old wizards stared down at him, their mouths hanging open in shock. A magnificent phoenix perched regally on a golden stand. Behind a large desk stood a kind-looking old man with a long white beard and piercing blue eyes.
It was none other than Albus Dumbledore.
"Child… where did you come from?" Dumbledore asked, his tone both curious and cautious.
Henry hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "Earth."
Dumbledore frowned slightly. "This is Earth."
Henry blinked, confused. "Then… where am I exactly?"
"Hogwarts," Dumbledore replied, his expression softening.
Realizing where he was, Henry's heart skipped a beat. Before he could process what was happening, Dumbledore continued.
"Are you a wizard?"
Henry shook his head. "No, sir. At least, I don't think so."
This puzzled Dumbledore. How could someone who wasn't a wizard appear in the heart of Hogwarts, bypassing its powerful magical protections?
"Phineas," Dumbledore said suddenly, addressing one of the portraits. In an instant, the figure in the painting disappeared, leaving only an empty landscape. Moments later, he returned.
"The wards are intact, Headmaster," the portrait confirmed.
Dumbledore let out a quiet sigh of relief but remained deeply puzzled.
"Do you know how you arrived here?"
Henry shrugged. "I really don't know."
Dumbledore cast a subtle truth spell and found no evidence of deceit. The boy was as baffled as he was.
"Where is your family?" Dumbledore asked gently.
Henry's gaze fell to the floor. "I don't have any family. My parents are… gone."
A flicker of sympathy crossed Dumbledore's face. With a sigh, he motioned for Henry to follow him.
"Come, child. You'll stay here for the night. We'll sort this out in the morning."
As they exited the office, an owl swooped down, dropping a letter on Henry's head before flying off. Confused, Henry opened the envelope and stared at its contents.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
Dumbledore glanced at the letter and smiled.
"It seems you are a wizard after all."
Henry's eyes widened. "Wait, I really am?"
Though he still didn't fully understand how he had ended up here, one thing was clear: Henry was about to embark on a new chapter of his life as a student at Hogwarts.