Welcome to Hogwarts
My name is Steven, Steven Cadogan, a pleasure to meet you. At least I hope it is. See, I've always been different. I can't explain it... but strange things happen around me. It doesn't bother me, at least not anymore. My parents don't really believe me, but they've always loved me and never treated me any differently. But others... others find it weird, but it's OK. I've gotten used to the stares... and the whispers.
But I still wish I didn't have to hide this. I wish I could be accepted. I wish I could... belong somewhere.
As I write in my journal, I hear a knock at the door. My mum's home, so she's the one who answers it. I can't hear her, but it sounds like someone's talking to her. Someone she lets inside, and it sounds like they've got luggage. Maybe someone needs help... or it's a surprise visit from my aunt and uncle. They don't get to visit too often, but it's nice when they do.
I'm about to get my answer, because I can hear my mum, calling up to me.
"Sweetie, there's... someone here to see you."
"Coming Mum!"
I close my journal and make my way down to the sitting room... and there sits the biggest man I've ever seen. He had to be 10 or even 12 feet tall. And the beard! It was the biggest, fuzziest beard I've ever seen. But he looks like the jolliest man in the world. Like nothing could bother him. He's taking a sip of some tea Mum has just offered him when he catches sight of me. When he does, he smiles broadly and beckons me over.
"Hello there! Good to see, Mr.Cadogan." His voice is loud yet... warm and welcoming.
"Who- who are you?" It's all I can think to say, as Mum moves beside me.
"Rubeus Hagrid, at yer service. Now, don't be frightened, I'm only 'ere ter deliver this..." He begins searching his pockets, potentially having misplaced... what he was supposed to deliver, when he pulls out... an envelope. "This... is for you."
Taking it from him, I break the wax seal on the back and withdraw the letter, reading it aloud.
Dear Steven Cadogan
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all the necessary books and equipment. Term begins September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
When I finish the letter, I lower it to look at the man in front of me, still smiling broadly.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
"That's right, yer goin' to study magic!"
My Mum and I look at each other, and it's clear that in her mind, everything is clicking together. Every strange thing that I've ever done, but she's never really believed to be happening, it all adds up. It was magic. Her child could do... magic. And the proof was the giant man in front of her. And while there might be hesitation in her mind, she can see there's none in mine. I'm ready for this. I want this. A chance to be among people like me, people who won't stare and whisper.
The three of us discuss it briefly, with Hagrid promising to come back tomorrow so I can get my supplies, while I know Mum is going to talk about this with Dad tonight. And true to form, they discuss it once he gets home, sending me to my room until dinner, which becomes a silent affair. But when everything is put away, we talk. And he wants to know I'm serious about this.
And I am. There's no doubt in my mind. I want to learn magic. And my father accepts that.
The next morning, Hagrid does indeed return, though this time he's riding a flying motorcycle. With it, he flies me and my Mum to London. It was... unforgettable. As Hagrid chuckles over my dishevelled state, he pulls out his umbrella, of all things, and taps on the wall behind the Leaky Cauldron in a pattern.
And then it happens. The bricks move on their own, and soon open up to reveal a hidden street behind the pub! It's incredible to see, full of men and women in robes with large pointy hats. Shops line the street on both sides, all the way to a large white building at the far end, a place called Gringotts. Standing outside the doors are two small... people, whom Hagrid refers to as 'goblins' in full plate armour, wielding fearsome-looking halberds. As we approach the doors, I utter the first word that comes to mind.
"Wicked" And I might be dreaming, but I'm fairly certain that one of those guards... smiled at me.
Inside the bank itself, my Mum sets up a proper account for me. Money isn't an issue, seeing as how Dad runs his own accounting office, while Mum works part-time as a nurse. Our pounds are exchanged for knuts, sickles, and golden galleons. The currency is cool, like straight out of a medieval story, although those goblins don't appear particularly patient or friendly, and Hagrid and Mum both get us out of the bank as quickly as possible.
Our first stop is a place called 'Madam Malkins' for my Hogwarts robes. The woman running the place, Madam Malkin I assume, is a pudgy woman, wearing green robes and bedecked with jewelry. She would definitely stand out in a crowd. But she's friendly and welcoming, happy to help with the fitting, while she and my Mum discuss the differences between magical and non-magical fashion. By the time we're finished, while I don't know if I look like a proper wizard, I think I look good. My brown hair is shaggy, matched with my blue eyes, which is a good combination, or so I'm told. My mum is bursting with pride at how handsome I look, while Madam Malkin says I look like a model Hogwarts student.
As we're leaving, with Malkin telling my Mum to write to her, I bump into someone as they're entering the shop.
"Watch where you're going!"
When I get a look at who I've bumped into, I'm startled. It's a girl, with blonde hair and green eyes. She carries herself with a kind of... dignity, which seems to go well with her posh-sounding voice. It just occurs to me that I don't think I've ever seen a girl this... pretty. I'm brought out of my thoughts when I hear her voice again.
"Are you going to just stand there?"
I blink in surprise and notice she's looking oddly at me, with an eyebrow raised. Like she isn't sure what to expect from me. But I snap out of my stupor, and step aside for her, holding the door open.
"Sorry about that. I got distracted."
She steps inside, glancing at me sideways, before brushing it off, and walking up to Malkin. My mum follows me out, as we head to get a wand at Ollivanders. It's a cozy shop, with an... eccentric-looking man inside. He seems friendly enough though, introducing himself as Garrick Ollivander, and we begin testing wands. According to him, it's the wand that chooses the wizard, not the other way around.
So it proves interesting when the first few wands we test go rather poorly. Mostly just making a mess as papers and books are thrown about willy-nilly. But he takes it in stride before we find one that works perfectly. An ebony wand, 12 inches long, firm, with a core of phoenix feather. At the mention of the phoenix, he has an interesting look about him, one that fades as another customer enters, a girl named Ivy Warrington. Seems that something's wrong with her wand.
Leaving Ollivander to his customer, me and Mum finish up the last of the shopping, with one exception. According to Hagrid, we're allowed to bring a pet, and an owl is capable of carrying mail for their owner. Curious about what kind of owls they had, we stepped into the Eeylops Owl Emporium, and we were greeted by dozens of owls, barking, hooting and screeching, before looking at us with curious eyes. It isn't long before one owl, a rather dignified-looking barn owl with golden-brown feathers, descends from the rafters, landing on my shoulder and nuzzling me. It was an easy choice.
After that, we're heading home, with George comfortable in his new cage. It figures that the motorcycle wasn't working afterwards, so we had to take the Tube. I don't think Hagrid minded, though. Despite being cramped, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Before long, we made it home, and the first thing I did was begin going through my books. They were incredible! So many spells and incantations. From the moment we return home, to the last day of August, my Mum has to drag me away from the books.
But finally, the day arrives. September 1st, and we're heading to London to find the Hogwarts Express. But we neglected to ask Hagrid something important: how did we get to Platform 9 3/4? We found platforms 9 and 10 quite easily, but we didn't see anything to give away that this was where the Hogwarts Express would be boarded. I'm starting to panic when I hear a voice from beside my parents.
"Let me guess, you're looking for Platform 9 3/4?"
I turn to the voice and get a good look at the man in question. For one thing, he was tall. Not as tall as Hagrid, obviously, but he still stood a good 6 feet and some inches. He was also a broad-shouldered man, with muscular arms straining against his apparel. He was wearing a long black trench coat, with polished silver buttons, and red lining. Beneath it, he had a similarly black vest, with a white shirt and red tie. Hanging from his vest pocket was a chain for a gold pocket watch. Atop his head was a bird's nest of messy black hair, with brilliant green eyes, including a scar that went over one of them, and a rough beard.
He looked like a strong, confident, even dangerous man, yet his voice was so calm and gentle.
"How did you know?" When I asked him my question, he smiled calmly at me.
"I was in your exact position at your age." He then turns to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. He begins walking towards it, beckoning us to follow. "The entrance to the platform is here. The barrier is a portal to the platform, and the Express."
To illustrate his point, he reaches out and pushes his hand into the barrier. To my shock, the hand simply went through the pillar. When he withdrew it, he smiled again. "It can be scary, so it's a good idea to get a running start, even close your eyes if you have to. But it's perfectly safe, and couldn't be easier."
After that, he walked through the barrier, leaving me with my parents. It was harder than I thought to say goodbye, especially since Dad had taken time to come out with us. But I had George with me, and I knew I'd write to them as often as possible. Finally, gathering up my courage, and turned to face the barrier, and charged through with the trolley.
And on the other side, there it was. The Hogwarts Express, a brilliant red steam engine train, with students loading themselves on.
Not wanting to be left behind, I quickly rush up, unloading my things before boarding. The train car I've found myself in is already slightly crowded, but I'm not deterred. I start asking if seats have been taken, and my luck in that regard is rather minimal. There was one girl who spilled paint all over both seats. Considering the train wasn't even moving yet, that's somewhat impressive, though not in a good way.
I even ran into that girl I saw back in Diagon Alley. I thought of asking her name, but she was talking to the twins who looked like they got dropped on their heads as babies. Soon enough, though, that girl Ivy Warrington invited me to sit with her, and I'm happy to accept. Although I can't help this feeling I'm being watched, except I look behind me, and there are only the other students.
Waving the thought from my mind, I enjoyed the ride with Ivy. She's a friendly witch, with a smart head, and a lot of energy. Though there were moments when she seemed particularly forgetful, it wasn't enough to be a concern or a problem. Eventually, after sharing a grand variety of assorted sweets, the train arrives at its destination. Looking out the window, I can see the school quite clearly. I'm finally here, at Hogwarts.
The students all exit the train, with Hagrid leading us first-years away from the older students. He leads us down to the Lake, where a small fleet of boats is waiting for us. As Hagrid calls out, "No more than four to a boat!" I board a boat with Ivy, along with a boy named Daniel Page, and the paint girl, Lottie Turner. We pass under a bridge, with Hagrid calling out, "Watch yer heads!" Though he's the only one to duck his head as we pass under the bridge.
And there it is, a massive castle framed against the night sky. Its dark figure is illuminated by the light of a hundred candlelit windows. Beneath the pale moonlight, it's a breathtaking sight.
As we reach the castle, the boats are docked, and Hagrid leads us to a pair of large wooden doors. Knocking on them, we're treated to the sight of a very small man, the complete opposite of Hagrid, with an impressive mustache, bronze-framed spectacles, and wearing a suit, rather than the robes we had seen in Diagon Alley. Despite his small stature, he had an air of command about him, and Hagrid looked to him with respect and deference.
"The firs' years, Professor Flitwick."
"Thank you Hagrid, I'll take them from here. Students, follow me."
Pulling the door open wide, Professor Flitwick led them into the halls, lit by the light of torches along the walls. Looking up, I could barely see the ceiling, but I could see a magnificent marble staircase leading to the upper floors. The Professor led us through this hall to a pair of large doors, behind which hundreds of voices could be heard. It seems the rest of the school was already here.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, students!" Despite his size, Professor Flitwick had a commanding voice and an energetic personality. "I am Professor Filius Flitwick, Deputy Headmaster and Charms Master here at Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet shall begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting Ceremony is very important because the Houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin shall be as a family during your years at Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in the House dormitories, and enjoy your free time in the House Common Room.
"Each House has its own history and has produced great witches and wizards. Your triumphs and successes shall earn your House points, while rulebreakers shall cost their House points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points receives the House Cup, and the end-of-term banquet is held in their honour. I hope you will each become a credit to your House, and I look forward to being one of your teachers."
With that, he led us into the 'Great Hall', filled with the students from the rest of the years. Above his, the room was illuminated by hundreds of floating candles, while above that, the ceiling looked like the night sky. One of the boys mentioned it was charmed specifically to always match the sky. Beneath them, four tables stood, from one end of the Hall to the other, with a large table situated on a dais at the far end. And in front of it, a stool with an old hat sitting atop it.
As we approached it, I took in the sight of the men and women sitting at the table. In the centre of it, sat a woman in green with a large hat, and a stern look on her face. With her at the table sat various witches and wizards, all of whom were quite varied in appearance. One man was portly, and getting on there in years, but he seemed friendly enough, while at the other end of the table sat a younger-looking blonde woman in what looked to be a nurse's outfit, and beside her was a man of similar age, wearing, of all things, gardening clothes.
The only other seat left unfilled was the one next to him, at the far end of the table. Even Hagrid was seated at the table, but this empty chair did have one occupant. A brilliant white bird, not an owl, but so majestic in bearing. It watched the entering students, as though appraising them as they were led into Hall. I wonder who's bird that was?
My thoughts were interrupted by Professor Flitwick clearing his throat when I realized the man was floating! More specifically, he was standing on a large stone, floating next to the stool high enough to grab the hat by its top. And that's when the hat, a ragged-looking thing, began to sing!
Welcome, welcome, one and all.
The show is about to start.
I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat,
and it's time to play my part,
You may call me worn and ragged,
if that's all you truly see.
But listen close and I will tell
where you are supposed to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
where the bravest often dwell.
Perhaps it's loyal Hufflepuff,
where your heart will truly swell.
Or could it be wise Ravenclaw,
whose language you speak best?
Yet again, perhaps it's Slytherin,
that will help you top the rest.
Go ahead and try me on.
There is nothing left to fear.
I will find right where you belong
by looking between your ears!
When the clapping subsided, it was an impressive song, Professor Flitwick produced a roll of parchment and began calling us by name. There's a handful that goes before me, and they get assigned to the various Houses. One for Ravenclaw, two for Hufflepuff, another for Slytherin, and one more for Gryffindor. Finally, it's my turn, as the Professor calls me, and I take my seat, the Sorting Hat placed upon my head.
'Well now, I haven't had one like you for a while now.'
'Is- is that good? Or is it bad?'
'Neither, Mr.Cadogan, merely an observation. There are plenty of smarts in here, a good fit for Ravenclaw, with loyalty in spades, perfect for Hufflepuff. Not a small amount of determination to prove yourself, something Slytherin adores, and courage in abundance, the makings of a true Gryffindor. Hmmm... alright I think I know where to put you. I expect great things from you in...'
"GRYFFINDOR!"
I take my seat with the red-robed Gryffindors and watch the rest of the Sorting. The only one of notice to me, outside of Gryffindor, is the girl from Diagon Alley who gets Sorted into Slytherin. At least I know her name, Cassandra Vole. Later, we're joined by Daniel Page, Lottie Turner, Abigail Grey, Kevin Farrell, and Robyn Thistlewaite. There's still more to come, however, when Flitwick calls out for Ivy Warrington... and she's not there! As everyone realized a student was missing, I began racking my brain, wondering how on earth I could have missed her getting separated. There was a bit of a push to reach the doors as quickly as possible, but I was certain she was right behind us.
Before the Professors can organize a search, the doors open, and in walks the man I met at the station. Next to him, is Ivy, a sheepish expression on her face.
"Sorry about that, Professor Flitwick. Seems this one got distracted by something in the bushes, and got left behind."
"Ah, thank you, Professor Potter. Now, Miss Warrington, if you will join us."
As she was Sorted into Gryffindor, the rest of the students began to whisper about 'Professor Potter.' From what I heard, it sounded like he was something of a celebrity. Admittedly, I'd heard the name since learning about magic, and I'd read it in some of the books. But I was more focused on learning the spells, so I didn't pay much attention to the name. I'd have to change that, given how many people were talking about him. At least I knew who the white bird belonged to, as he sat in the chair it was perched on.
Finally, the last of the students were Sorted, and the woman at the head table stood. Considering who my Hogwarts letter was signed by, I can only assume this was the Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.
"Welcome, one and all, to another year at Hogwarts. Now, before we are all befuddled by our excellent feast, a few announcements to make. Firstly, Mr Filch wishes to inform everyone that the list of forbidden items has been expanded, with the full list posted outside his door. Furthermore, he has informed me that a rather grumpy ghoul has taken up residence in an empty classroom on the third floor. Best to steer clear until further notice. Second, I wish to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden from students unless accompanied by a professor. Any trespassers will be punished appropriately.
"And finally, some staffing changes to notify you of. Madam Poppy Pomfrey, our longtime Matron, has decided to retire, which means that her assistant, Madam Hannah Longbottom shall be assuming the full responsibility of the Hogwarts Matron." She paused to allow the woman in question to stand and bow, while the students applauded. "Likewise, Professor Sprout has likewise retired, with Professor Neville Longbottom assuming the full duties of Herbology Professor. Her position as Head of Hufflepuff House has been assumed by our Transfiguration Professor, Cedric Diggory." Again, a pause to allow the men in question to bow, and receive applause.
"Finally, our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Head of Gryffindor House, Professor Remus Lupin, has had to retire after an encounter over the summer, with a rather violent Forest Troll. However, I am pleased to announce that his position as Professor and Head of House, shall be assumed by none other, than Professor Harry Potter."
The applause before was impressive, but now it was downright deafening. Professor Potter stood and bowed as the others had, but the students went wild, especially the Gryffindor students. Most of them gave Professor Potter a standing ovation, with some even stamping their feet in cheers. Finally, McGonagall had to fire off, what sounded like a cannon blast, to restore order.
"And with that out of the way, let the feast begin!"
The tables suddenly groaned under the new weight upon them, as massive amounts of food appeared in front of them. Roasted chicken, beef, pork, various meat pies and gravies, massive bowls of steaming vegetables, and literal pyramids of bread rolls. This was one hell of an introduction to magic.
"Well, I think they might like me." Harry grinned cheekily at his longtime friend, Neville Longbottom, who only smirked in response.
"Really? What was your first clue? The standing ovation, or the fact that some of the older girls are more interested in you than the food?"
"The applause, definitely the applause. By the way, Hannah, congratulations on your and Neville's promotion, but I'm surprised, Nev. I thought you were set to be the next Head of House for Gryffindor."
"I was, but when McGonagall mentioned you'd be replacing Remus, I recommended you for the job. I like to think I'm a good teacher, but they need a leader and a surrogate parent more than anything. Seemed natural you'd take the post considering everything."
"Hm. Well, if you ever want the position, just let me know. I've no problems stepping aside."
"I'll keep that in mind. In any event, how's Hermione? Her latest book got published, didn't it?"
"The Advanced Encyclopedia of AncientRunes, yes. Sold pretty fast too, but she's decided to take a break to focus on James."
"He's four now, isn't he?" Hannah piped up, having been the Healer who attended to Hermione during her labour.
"That he is, and a little devil already. Don't ask me how, but he's somehow convinced Crookshanks to help him steal cookies, and already trapped Padfoot in the doghouse we bought him. Took us an hour before we realized he was stuck in there, and another hour to get him out."
Hannah and Neville both laughed, imagining the antics of the boy Neville had been named godfather to.
"Sounds like he's getting ready for his debut as a Marauder." Neville was grinning as he said this.
"Well, we won't have to wait too long. Remember, Teddy starts next year. Between his dad's brains, and his mother's heart, not to mention her metamorphmagus abilities, he was poised to become the first of a new generation of Marauders. Something Minerva overheard, and made her mentally brace herself. A metamorph Marauder. Was there anything worse waiting for her?
The feast was incredible, and not only because of the food. Talking with my new Housemates not only let me learn more about them, it taught me more about the Wizarding world. As it happened, Harry Potter was a veritable legend, a modern-magical Hercules, who became famous at a year old for surviving something called 'the Killing Curse' a feat never before achieved. But that was just the beginning.
From the moment he began his education, his fame and magical might had grown steadily, facing off against trolls, Acromantulas, Basilisks, and armies of Dementors. He had slain dragons and giants, bested Dark Wizards years his senior, and performed magical feats beyond his years.
But the most impressive thing, as the others described it, was the Battle of Hogwarts, a massive attack on the school in 1996, where the Dark Lord Voldemort had assembled an army of Death Eaters, giants and dementors, trolls and werewolves, and unleashed them on the school. An army had been formed in response, led by then Headmaster Dumbledore, that fought back against Voldemort to protect the school and the students. All had seemed lost when, on the second day of the Battle, Voldemort had managed to best, and kill, Albus Dumbledore, one of the greatest wizards in history.
But the tide had turned the next day, when Harry rallied the defenders of Hogwarts, and with his friends Neville and Hermione beside him, led a counter-attack that broke the backs of the Dark forces. Neville had become a hero when, after personally facing an armoured giant, he faced the feared Bellatrix Lestrange in single combat, and slew her, avenging his parents and her countless victims. It was Hermione who proved herself more than a match for Voldemort's chief strategist, Augustus Rookwood, trapping him in a prison that crushed the life out of him as he tried to escape.
But everything rested on Harry. With his wand in one hand and the Sword of Gryffindor in the other, he made straight for Voldemort, hidden behind his legions. The others describe songs about how he spear-headed the charge into the infernal horde, how Dark Creatures and Death Eaters fell before him like wheat falls to the scythe, until at long last, in single combat, he destroyed Voldemort utterly.
Since then, he had been an Auror, a magical policeman, hunting down the stragglers one-by-one, until he could finally say the final remnants of the Death Eaters had finally been destroyed. And now, this living legend was going to be our teacher and Head of House. To say I was nervous was a bloody understatement.
After the feast, we were led by the House prefects to our Common Room, hidden behind the portrait of a Fat Lady, with a password required. This year, it was Rex Leonum. And when we stepped inside the Common Room, my breath was taken from me. It was incredible, like an old-style hunting lodge, or even the chapter house of a knightly order. My eagerness to explore, however, was tempered by the arrival of our Head of House, calling for our attention.
"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts! And to you first years, welcome to Gryffindor House! As Head of House, I am always available, if you need advice, an open ear, or even a shoulder to cry on. If you're feeling homesick, or need help with your education, please don't hesitate to talk to me. I will always be there, and I am always ready to listen. Here, in the House of Lions, we value the traits of courage, daring, and chivalry. That doesn't mean I expect you to go charging off to face every danger and obstacle the world throws at you. Instead, it means I expect you to stand up for yourselves, for your friends, and for what you believe in. To be a Gryffindor doesn't mean being without fear, it means pressing on despite the fear.
"However, more than anything else, I wish to emphasize this simple fact. We are Lions. We are a Pride. We stand together, and we protect each other, and that above all else includes the youngest. First years, these halls shall be your home for seven years, and your fellow students shall be your family. We do not abandon our own, and I have neither patience nor tolerance, for bullying. If anyone is causing you problems, do not hesitate to inform me, or a prefect. That is all I have to say. Goodnight everyone, and welcome to the Pride."
Curfew wasn't long after, so I went to my dorm room to get myself settled. There, next to one of the windows, was not only my trunk, but George, set up on one of the perches. Rushing over to him, I began petting him, smiling at how I was lucky to have such a smart bird. As I gave him some treats, I looked out the windows and saw the surrounding grounds. The view was incredible, but it was nothing compared to the realization. I was here. I was going to learn magic, and my classes start tomorrow.
I can't wait to get started.