Choi Chronicles

𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍
𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫

As the sun started to set, painting the Hogwarts grounds in a warm golden light, there was a buzz of excitement in the air.

It was time for the annual Quidditch Welcome Back Ceremony, a cherished tradition that signaled the start of the Quidditch season.

This event is simply a way for first-year students and new arrivals at Arcanum to learn about the sport and the teams.

It's an opportunity for them to consider if they might want to join the sport themselves.

Every year, the teams recruit new players, but it's also common for some players to decide to quit to focus more on their studies.

The ceremony unfolded on the Quidditch pitch, a vast expanse of lush green grass surrounded by towering stands packed with eager students and teachers. Each house's banner—Ignis, Terra, Aero, and Aqua—fluttered in the gentle breeze, adding splashes of color to the scene.

Standing proudly at the center of the pitch was Professor Maxwell, the esteemed Quidditch instructor, decked out in robes adorned with a golden Snitch emblem. With his authoritative presence and love for the sport, Professor Maxwell was adored by both students and faculty.

With a flick of his wand, Professor Maxwell conjured a magical platform at the center of the pitch. Stepping onto it, he raised his hands for silence, his voice carrying across the crowd.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Quidditch Welcome Back Ceremony!"

Professor Maxwell exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Today, we come together to honor the cherished tradition of Quidditch and

to greet our skilled teams from Ignis, Terra, Aero, and Aqua!"

Outside the pitch, I could hear the students cheering, eagerly awaiting each team's announcement.

Inside the archway, we stood, waiting for our moment to join the excitement and anticipation building beyond the gates.

"Are you alright?" Seth whispered beside me, dressed in a Chaser uniform, a rare moment of shared attire between us.

It seemed we had similar roles on the team.

"Yeah," I replied, feeling the chill in the air.

I didn't have the energy to say much after the book went missing.

Something that could transport me out of this universe had vanished into thin air.

Seth opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a girl's voice.

"Prepare to lose this year, Choi."

I turned to see a girl with long, fiery waves of crimson hair cascading down her back. Her hair, thick and lustrous, was neatly styled. Fair skin with a warm undertone suggested hours spent under the sun, and freckles danced lightly across her cheeks. Her eyes shimmered with an intense shade of green.

It's Emily Woodburn.

Seth rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "That would be interesting."

In my world, Ignis House won numerous Quidditch trophies. Ignis and Aqua were frequent contenders for the championship, and Emily from the Ignis House was a renowned Quidditch player in Arcanum.

"Go on and try to win it, sis," Joel taunted.

Emily responded with a playful stick-out tongue.

"First, let's welcome the brave and fiery competitors from House Ignis!"

Announced Professor Maxwell, pointing towards the stands where students dressed in crimson and gold erupted into cheers and applause.

"Led by their fearless captain, Emily Woodburn, the Ignis Quidditch team is

ready to set the pitch ablaze with their passion and skill!"

"Who knows, maybe we'll find someone interesting among these new students," Emily said with a smile before leaving us.

The Ignis team marched onto the pitch, their heads held high and determination gleaming in their eyes as they took their place on the magical platform.

"Absolutely no one was interesting among the new students this year," Stanley muttered under his breath.

Joel crossed his arms. "So what if the other teams find someone among the new students?" He then glanced down at Seth. "We have a Choi anyways," he smirked.

"Aren't you lucky enough to have me," Seth said proudly.

I was never really fond of Quidditch, so most of the time I didn’t watch their games.

I preferred to be in the room studying and looking for more spells to learn, so I hadn’t really seen how any of them played before. 

But I just knew it wouldn’t be interesting for me.

I just hated sports, and somehow, the me in this world, I loved them.

Then, Professor Maxwell shifted his focus to the earthy tones of House Terra.

"Let's welcome the strong and resilient team from House Terra!"

He exclaimed, as students clad in shades of yellow and green erupted into enthusiastic cheers.

"Led by their captain, Jacob Stone, the Terra Quidditch team is ready to stand firm

and face their opponents with unwavering strength and determination!"

As the Terra Quidditch team passed by us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with Jacob Stone.

I had often seen him chatting with the professor in his office during occasional visits.

Amidst thunderous applause, the Terra team strode onto the pitch, their determination as unwavering as the solid ground beneath their feet.

As Professor Maxwell turned his attention to House Aero, his voice filled with admiration.

"Let's welcome the sharp-witted members of House Aero!"

He exclaimed.

Students, dressed elegantly in silver and white, clapped eagerly.

"Led by their wise captain, Joel Woodburn, the Aero Quidditch team is ready to

outsmart their opponents with their strategic prowess and independent spirit!"

As we stepped onto the pitch, I felt a surge of uncertainty.

Playing Quidditch wasn't my strong suit, and the reality hit me hard.

I had to play this sport, whether I liked it or not.

The emotions overwhelmed me as I stepped outside the tunnel. The sky above was painted in soothing shades of blue, and the distant cheers from the stands echoed in the air. It was both thrilling and intimidating to stand on the Quidditch pitch, surrounded by history and tradition.

With each step, the weight of expectation grew heavier. The cheers from the stands grew louder, the anticipation palpable.

But deep down, I knew I didn't belong here.

Representing House Aero in Quidditch just wasn't me.

Finally, Professor Maxwell turned his attention to the shimmering blue and green of House Aqua.

"And last but certainly not least, let's welcome the bold and agile team from House Aqua!"

He exclaimed as students dressed in shades of blue and green cheered with excitement.

"Led by their daring captain, Liam Frederick, the Aqua Quidditch team

is ready to ride the waves of victory with their speed and agility!"

With a surge of enthusiasm, the Aqua team rushed onto the pitch, their energy as vibrant as the waters they represented.

As each team took their place on the platform, the cheers and applause of their fellow students filled the air, setting the stage for an exciting Quidditch season ahead.

I might have to reconsider being a Chaser.

—--------------

"So, Seth," I began, approaching him as he sat in the same white armchair, engrossed in a book.

"Hm?" He didn't look up at me.

"I've decided to quit Quidditch—"

"HUHHH?" Seth looked at me in disbelief, closing his book abruptly. "Don't you like Quidditch? What's all of a sudden?"

"I just think it's better to focus on my studies and magic first," I explained, scratching my nape. "I mean, studies over Quidditch, right?"

Seth furrowed his eyebrows at my words and remained silent for a while. His jewel-like blue eyes scanned me, as if trying to solve a puzzle.

Breaking the silence, I continued, "I thought maybe you could pass the word to our captain." I turned my back to him. "I'll go to the library if you need anything."

I couldn't linger there any longer; his suspicious gaze made me uneasy. Even though I didn't know who the Choi siblings were, it was clear they held a special status here. They were respected and talented, almost like royalty.

Staying close to them for too long might blow my cover. I had a gut feeling that Seth, especially his oldest brother, could see through me with ease.

Walking through the castle corridors, I watched as the sky turned orange, signaling the approaching evening.

Today had been filled with various orientation events, mostly for the new students joining Arcanum. They were guided on how things worked here, and there were fun activities to help them settle in. It was the typical first day of school, meant to make them feel welcome and at home in the Common Rooms where they would be staying for the school year, far from their families and homes.

I figured that talking to Professor Balthazar might be a good idea. He's a kind and wise professor, so maybe he could understand what I'm going through and offer some help. It might make things easier if there's an adult who knows about my situation—about my missing grandfather and this strange spell book that can hop between realms.

I mean, surely he wouldn't think I'm crazy, right?

As I thought about it, I sighed. 

Explaining everything to the professor might make me seem a bit crazy, but it's worth a shot.

sniff

I paused in my tracks, my senses on high alert.

Was that the sound of someone sniffling?

*sobs*

Someone was crying...

I glanced around the halls, but they were empty, devoid of any signs of life. No portraits were lying on the walls, nor were there any ghosts drifting through the corridors. I was alone, yet...

Sniff

Am I being haunted?

I peered outside towards the courtyard of the Arcanum and stepped through the towering gates.

The courtyard stretched out before me, vast and serene. Cobblestone paths wound their way through meticulously manicured gardens, bursting with colorful flora. Towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. Fragrant flowers bloomed in abundance, casting a mesmerizing glow in the sunlight.

I scanned the courtyard for any sign of students. Surrounding it were the imposing facades of the Arcanum's main buildings, adorned with intricate carvings and stained glass windows that shimmered in the light.

*sobs*

Suddenly, another round of sobs broke the tranquility of the scene. I instinctively gripped my wand and cautiously approached the source, ready for whatever may lie ahead.

Pushing aside a bush, I found not a ghost or a threat, but a student, huddled in tears.

I lowered my wand and let out a sigh of relief. 

"Hey, are you—"

"Go away," she mumbled, her small frame hunched over, her face hidden behind her knees and arms.

Then I noticed the hairpin.

It was identical to the ones worn by the Choi twins.

"Daphne?"

Slowly, the girl raised her head.

Ah...

Their eyes were strangely captivating.