Choi Chronicles

𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍
𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫

As the sorting ceremony concluded.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall crackled with anticipation, as students' murmurs blended into a bustling symphony.

"And with that, our sorting ceremony draws to a close," Professor Balthazar declared, his voice commanding attention amid the chatter. "Congratulations to our newest members, and may your adventures at Arcanum be as enchanting as the magic within these walls."

In an instant, the empty tables were laden with a cornucopia of culinary delights, seemingly materializing out of thin air. 

Platters of roast turkey, gleaming with golden juices, appeared alongside mountains of mashed potatoes and gravy cascading like rivers of richness. Bowls of vibrant salads sprouted with fresh greens and ripe, jewel-toned vegetables, while baskets overflowed with warm, crusty bread.

The air was infused with the tantalizing aroma of baked goods, as trays of buttery rolls and flaky pastries emerged, each emitting a heavenly scent that beckoned hungry students to indulge. 

Goblets brimmed with frothy butterbeer for the higher years and sparkling pumpkin juice for the lower years, their effervescence adding to the enchantment of the scene.

As everyone settled into their houses, a sense of unease lingered within me.

Despite the grandeur of the hall and the excitement of sorting, I couldn't shake the feeling of not belonging.

I glanced at my fellow students, each brimming with a mix of excitement and nerves. They seemed so sure of themselves, so confident in this magical world.

But for me, uncertainty loomed.

Observing the Choi siblings, it appeared we were close, and I noticed other students at our table smiling and waving at me.

It felt as though I had many friends in this world, unlike where I came from, feeling isolated.

Honestly, there's a lot to process here, especially considering I don't plan on staying long enough to fully understand this universe.

My main focus is finding my grandfather if he's here.

That's when I realized I didn't have many clues about where he might be.

I impulsively used a spell to jump into another universe, assuming he might have done the same.

It was a gut feeling, a strong belief that he would take such a step.

He'd leave me just to find out that there are other universes out there.

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"Welcome, everyone, to the Aero Common Room! I am your prefect, here to guide you and address any inquiries you may have. Let's begin by entering, please follow me, and watch your step," greeted Asher Theodore with a cheerful smile.

I recognized Asher Theodore from my own universe.

He had the same tousled brown hair and striking green eyes. Sun-kissed freckles dotted his cheeks and nose, giving him a friendly and approachable look. His warm tan hinted at hours spent outdoors under the sun.

He used to play Quidditch, a sport we also play here at Arcanum.

He stopped playing in his seventh year to focus on his future career goals.

Now, he's in his 12th year, about to graduate and enter the workforce.

"Our members are known for their sharp intellect and clever problem-solving skills," the prefect explained, scanning the room. "But above all, we value independence. Each Aero student follows their own path, driven by their thirst for knowledge and their dedication to logic."

The first years and new students gazed around the room in awe, but I had grown accustomed to the space.

It no longer amazed me.

The common room hummed with activity as Aero students delved into various intellectual pursuits. Some buried themselves in books, others engaged in lively debates, and a few tinkered with magical gadgets, their clever minds at work.

"Henry, psst," Seth called out to me from his seat on the plush white armchair.

I cast a final glance towards the first-year students, newcomers, and Asher before my attention was drawn to Choi, the eldest sibling, as he walked by. 

Much to my surprise, Asher, one of the senior students in our midst, offered a respectful bow to the fifth-year student, who disregarded the gesture.

What? Wasn't that rude?

"Oi," Seth grabbed my attention.

"What?" I finally replied, making my way over to him with a couple of boys my age and older.

Two boys, Levi and Moses, were my age and in my year. I recognized them from classes but hadn't really spoken to them before.

"In a few hours, there's a Quidditch Welcome Back Ceremony," Stanley, a fifth-year student, mentioned.

"Have you considered recruiting new members, Joel?" Seth asked, raising an eyebrow at Joel, the Aero Quidditch Captain.

"Who knows," Joel shrugged, glancing at the first years and new students mingling, "I haven't found anyone worthy enough for our team."

"I don’t know, man, but that new girl over there seems worthy enough," Archer said, smirking and gesturing toward a short-haired new student.

Yeah, so Archer Barnaby? Total player in Aero House, one of those guys who's always flirting around.

"Ugh!" Levi grimaced before turning to me. "What do you think, Henry?"

I widened my eyes in confusion.

Why were they asking me about Quidditch?

I wasn't into sports

I wasn't even athletic.

"What does this have to do with me?" I questioned, puzzled.

They all looked at me dumbfounded, their eyes fixed on me.

“Uhh…” Seth broke the tense silence, his words slicing through the confusion. "Because you’re like our Chaser…..?"

What?

I'm a Chaser?

You mean I'm responsible for scoring goals by throwing the ball through the opposing team's hoops?

You mean in this world, I have to work with others to move the ball down the field and score points?

So, they're saying I'm athletic?

"Hey, Henry, you look kinda pale. Everything okay?" Moses inquired.

"Uh, yeah... I just need to use the bathroom," I mumbled, quickly making my exit.

Rushing to the room I had claimed earlier, I spotted my bag hidden under the bed and frantically searched for the book.

"Where is it..." I muttered anxiously.

But before I could realize it, the book was gone.

Gone.

How?

As I retraced my steps, I realized I hadn't checked if the book was still in my bag.

Could reading the spell have made the book disappear?

No one had noticed the bag under the bed; it was still there, so no one could have stolen it.

Does this mean...

I'm stuck here?