➣ 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝟐 “𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙖𝙩”
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The hustle and bustle of King's Cross Station, just like any thronged place, had always been a cacophony that galled on Nicolás’ nerves, and today was no exception. A disarray of too many people congregating in one place.
His own anxiety didn't offer much solace amidst the chaotic crowd. Yet, there was another facet of his experience of boarding the train to school, that had persisted for years, never ceasing to irritate him: the reactions of those around him when Ember made his presence known.
After they arrived at the grand train station, Ember remained in his transfigured form, a seemingly ordinary orange cat, a necessary precaution given the heightened vigilance of the British Ministry of Magic compared to their counterparts in Colombia.
Only upon crossing the entrance onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Ember was reverted to his true form, a stunning transformation that felt like a reunion with an old friend.
For the next ten minutes, next to Caelum —who was arguing with Twiggle—, all Nicolás did was look around rather anxiously. He was hoping for things to happen: seeing Cedric —and their other friends… but mainly Cedric—, and seeing Harry. But the latter seemed more unlikely to happen.
And finally, Nicolás’ eyes landed on Cedric, who was navigating the ocean of students to join them.
The yellow sweater he had chosen to wear seemed to have a particular radiance, making him stand out in the crowd. As the sun's warm rays danced on the fabric, it transformed the young boy into a walking star, an effervescent beacon of light approaching to meet them.
When Cedric finally reached their group, the impulse to embrace Nicolás surged within him. However, when he caught sight of Ember, who greatly enjoyed being back to his Wampus Cat form, he hesitated for a moment.
A chuckle escaped Nicolás’ lips, breaking the temporary pause.
“Don't let Ember's appearance fool you,” Nicolás reassured Cedric, his eyes filled with warmth. “He may look like a baddie, but he's just a big softy.” With that, he embraced Cedric. Quickly feeling the comfortable warmth of Cedric’s large palms, one on the small of his back, and the other in between his shoulder blades.
After that, Nicolás and Caelum engaged in conversation with Cedric, and, as Caelum spoke enthusiastically about how Twiggle had found other three Bowtruckles in the forest, a subtle shift in the atmosphere slowly began to permeate the platform.
It was an eerie sensation, a sense that something was unfolding. Nicolás’ keen perception didn't fail him, for he soon realized that the crowd was parting, as though to make way for someone—or, more accurately, a group of individuals.
It didn't take long for this phenomenon to prove real, dispelling any doubts that it might be a figment of his imagination. The people were indeed parting to create a clear pathway, and there was a palpable air of tension and apprehension.
An undercurrent of fear swept through the crowd, and all eyes turned to the approaching figures, anticipation and uncertainty intertwining in the air.
The first thing that caught Nicolás’ attention in the approaching group was a cascade of blonde hair, nearly as pale as alabaster.
It didn't take much effort to spot Dorian amidst the ensemble. He was at the forefront, his demeanor conveying a sense of world-weariness. Behind him, a blonde man loomed, radiating an aura of intimidating authority, his gaze sweeping over everyone as though they were mere insects beneath his polished shoes.
Next to the man stood a woman, hair black with blonde stripes, her beauty unmistakable, yet her expression, just like the man, offered no warmth or amiability.
In front of the woman and beside Dorian, a boy who appeared to be of Harry's age held a demeanor that mirrored the adults in the group. His expression bore an aloofness, a sense of detachment from the world around him —as if it was beneath him.
Dorian, in stark contrast, wore a countenance of utter boredom and apathy —like the perfect pureblood heir posh, as Caelum liked to tease him.
Barely after seeing them, Dorian wasted no time after sharing a hushed exchange with the boy in the group, who responded with an eager nod.
With an air of nonchalance, Dorian extricated himself from the family, not even sparing a backward glance as he closed the distance between the awaiting group.
Once he had distanced himself from the family, Dorian casually loosened his tie, letting it drape loosely around his neck. His attire, a combination of black and green, echoed the formal clothing choices of many at the station and the forced house pride of the pureblood families.
It was only upon reaching the group that Dorian's expression relaxed, his lips curving into a warm and easy smile. He draped an arm around Cedric's shoulders, his voice filled with an air of amusement.
“Well, well, well, look at who we have here. Fancy seeing you here,” Dorian said, giving them a lopsided smile.
Nicolás couldn't quite tear his gaze away from the family Dorian had just left —who weren’t looking at them with any good emotion exactly—, and his curiosity got the better of him. He inquired, “Are those...?”
“The Malfoys,” Dorian confirmed with a knowing nod as if all that explained everything.
“They don't appear very welcoming,” Nicolás remarked, his observation met with laughter from the other boys, as if he had just cracked a joke.
“Those are the Malfoys, Nico,” Caelum explained matter-of-factly. He couldn't resist adding a touch of humor to his response. “They're not particularly warm even to each other,” he quipped, prompting more laughter from their group.
Hoping to shift the conversation away from the disrupting newcomers, Nicolás seized the opportunity to change the topic.
His eyes gleamed with childlike eagerness as he inquired, “So, did you guys put them on?”
A collective smirk danced across their faces as the four of them extended one of their legs, showcasing their matching socks adorned with multicolored unicorns.
As the mythical creatures shimmered on the fabric, Nicolás’ heart warmed with a sense of camaraderie. He couldn't contain his laughter, a robust sound that filled the air.
“Now we truly are the Unicorn gang, aren't we?” he declared with a sense of joy and belonging.
Laughter resonated through their group, a shared bond that held no room for embarrassment.
But before they could delve further into the conversation, a pair of identical fiery and mischievous characters rolled up to them, greeting them in unison.
“Hello, classmates. Hello, foreigner,” Fred and George Weasley chimed with cheeky grins.
“Fancy seeing you here,” said George.
“I don’t remember you from classes,” said Fred.
And like that, they continued a randomly but spirited conversation for about twenty minutes, delving into the topic of the worst flavor of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Yet, amidst their lively exchange, they collectively realized that two figures were absent.
Nicolás had noticed the twins and their other siblings, all except for Ron, and Harry, who was supposed to be staying with the Weasleys.
Upon alerting his father to the missing students, Remus, Aunt María, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley attempted to return to the platform in search for their children, only to discover that the entrance to the platform had been sealed shut.
With limited options, the boys reluctantly boarded the Hogwarts Express as Ministry officials came to check why the barrier wasn’t working.
•─────⋅☾☽⋅─────•
As they entered the Hogwarts Express, it became immediately evident that Ember was, as always, the center of attention. It was as if a ripple of excitement had passed through the train, and as they made their way through the narrow aisles in search of an empty compartment, Nicolás and Ember became the subject of hushed and excited whispers from the students aboard.
Ember's presence, with his striking and intimidating aura, seemed to stir a sense of wonder and intrigue among the young witches and wizards aboard.
With the group settled into a previously empty compartment, Fred and George began to relay the latest developments to the others, more specifically, the occasion, one week prior, when they were doing the school supplies shop and stumbled upon, not only Gilderoy Lockhart himself but also Lucius Malfoy.
Nicolás’ dramatic flair came to the fore as he let out a gasp of disbelief, practically imploring them, “No way! Please tell me you misheard it.”
But George's reply was clear and resolute. “Nope,” he affirmed, meeting Nicolás’ hopeful plea with an amused confirmation. “It's just as you heard.”
Nicolás’ response to the disheartening news was a deep, irritated groan, his head sinking into his arms on the compartment table. His friends couldn't help but chuckle at the palpable misery that radiated from him.
How could you blame him, really? The prospect of Gilderoy Lockhart wasting their time, that is, ‘teaching’ them —as if he had anything real to teach them that wasn’t hair care— Defence Against the Dark Arts, was far from what Nicolás had hoped for on his first journey aboard the Hogwarts Express.
In that dispiriting moment, the only anchor preventing him from leaping out of the window in a desperate bid to return to Castelobruxo was the comforting warmth that emanated from Ember's fur.
Nicolás absentmindedly caressed the cat's soft coat with his Unicorn-socked feet, his mind adrift in the world of his own turmoil. Ember, on the other hand, slumbered peacefully, oblivious to the whirlwind of emotions that swirled around them.
Amused by Nicolás’ indignation, the twins produced a copy of The Daily Prophet, unfolding it and extending it toward him. As he cast his eyes upon the front page, a new surge of indignation welled up within him. The image of Lockhart, shamelessly exploiting Harry for attention, made him feel the bile in his stomach.
Yet, there it was, a declaration that made Nicolás’ anger simmer even more fiercely. Lockhart's claim that he had been appointed as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts leaped from the page, igniting Nicolás’ ire as he grappled with the unfortunate reality of his impending tutelage under a useless and self-absorbed wizard.
The twins had more to add to the unfolding tale, regaling Nicolás with the story of Harry's mishap while attempting to use the Floo Network for the first time.
Harry's original destination had been Diagon Alley, but due to unclear pronunciation, he had found himself in an unexpected location: Knockturn Alley.
Nicolás had only heard stories about the dark and sinister reputation of that place, so he could well imagine the potential dangers Harry had narrowly avoided. Fortunately, Hagrid had come to his rescue before things could take a darker turn.
But still, another incident unfolded on the journey, involving Lucius Malfoy, who had been purchasing his son's school supplies along with Dorian.
Despite Dorian's fruitless efforts to intervene and prevent a confrontation, Nicolás was satisfied to hear that Arthur Weasley had managed to leave Lucius with a black eye.
Dorian, in his own way, attempted to explain and offer apologies for the altercation, but the twins were quick to reassure him that their parents had witnessed his attempts to mediate, and thus, they harbored no ill will toward the Slytherin.
The rest of the journey unfolded without incident as they indulged in sweet treats from the trolley lady, their laughter filling the air. The lush green landscapes of Scotland served as a picturesque backdrop as Nicolás, the Weasley twins, and Caelum discussed their elaborate plans for pranking Lockhart.
They were determined to make his school year as miserable as possible for the so-called professor. Nicolás couldn’t help but think that the Marauders would be proud of them.
Cedric, however, wanted no part in their antics —not willing to take the smallest risk for his dreamed Prefect badge next year—, and Dorian regarded their pranks as beneath him.
As the train rumbled onward, Nicolás found comfort with his head resting on Cedric's shoulder, and the remainder of the journey passed in a warm and contented atmosphere.
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Hogsmeade Station greeted them with its characteristic subtlety. The streets appeared just as grey as Nicolás remembered from a few days earlier. However, there was no sign of Harry and Ron, leaving Nicolás’ anxiety to fester.
He assumed he would have to wait for news from his father to gain any insight into their whereabouts.
Amidst the evening shadows, a colossal figure, towering at an impressive three meters in height, awaited the newly arrived students. This imposing presence introduced himself as Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. With an affable demeanor, he shepherded the first-year students toward a cluster of boats moored at the water's edge of the Black Lake.
Nicolás lingered by the lakeside, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Harry and Ron, though his hopes remained unfulfilled.
It appeared that only the first-year students were assigned the boats for their initial voyage, while the upper years were to board carriages drawn by Thestrals.
A wave of confusion and anxiety washed over him, as he pondered how he, a newly transferred student coming to start his fourth year, was expected to be sorted without clear instructions.
Desperation and uncertainty wrestled within him, but Hagrid had already departed with the boats. Nicolás’ quest for answers remained unfulfilled, leaving him with no choice but to accept the situation.
In resigned acceptance, he climbed aboard one of the carriages with Ember, his companions—Caelum, Cedric, and Dorian —by his side as they made their way to the castle. The rhythmic clip-clop of the Thestrals' hooves accompanied them as the dark, moonlit landscape unfurled before their eyes.
“You guys mentioned a ‘Circle of Khana,’ right?” asked Nicolás.
“Yeah, it was… some sort of… secret… club, some older students created,” said Caelum in a strained voice.
“You said someone died,” Nicolás countered, ignoring the way Caelum and Cedric winced at his words, Dorian merely sighed.
“Rowan Kahnna,” Dorian said, “he was an older Slytherin, John’s best friend.”
“And John is…”
“Jacob’s sibling,” Caelum said as if it was something obvious.
“Okay,” Nicolás gave a breathy laugh, “and Jacob is…”
“An even older guy who was expelled for meddling with the Cursed Vaults of the school, of which none of us knows really anything. Point is, he got one of his friends killed and himself expelled.”
“And what does that have to do with The Circle of Khanna?” asked Nicolás, ignoring the worry on his pit at how Hogwarts really worked.
“John and his friends created the Circle after Rowan Khanna was killed by a woman,” said Cedric, looking at the floor. “She belonged to an organization of dark wizards, or something like that, I really didn’t keep any contact with them after they graduated.”
“And why did you all join?”
“My friend, Ben Cooper invited me,” said Cedric.
“Jae Kim convinced John to let the Weasley twins and I join,” explained Caelum.
“My friend Barnaby Lee asked me to join,” said Dorian with a smile. “He works for the Ministry, you know, under your mother.”
“My mother…? Oh! That name sounded familiar, I think he works for the Beasts Division, right? Mom said he’s adorable, always so excited,” said Nicolás. “I think she said he has a boyfriend…”
Dorian smirked at him. “That’s John, Jacob’s sibling.”
“John? Oh, oh! Well, heh, won’t you see how small the world is, huh,” Nicolás said, looking outside the windowpane, trying to calm the storm inside him.
“You okay?” Cedric asked, grabbing one of his hands.
Nicolás chuckled, squeezing Cedric’s hand. “Well, as okay as one can be knowing that people dying at the so-called most secure place in the UK is more common than not.”
From Caelum’s pocket, Twiggle chirped loudly, and even Ember half hummed in agreement.
“I think you’re being a pessimist,” said Caelum. “At least all your friends are considered good at dueling, huh?”
Twiggle and Ember expressed their disagreement —as well as a Bowtruckle and a Wampus Cat can —, prompting their human companions to laugh.
Well, he certainly couldn’t be so sure about the future —not even with the amounts of anxiety his short body carried, and much less with an idea of what awaited Harry’s school years —, but at least he could trust his knowledge in spellwork and potion-making to know he could keep them alive.
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Even with the cryptic topic of their conversation, their journey in the carriages was brief, a matter of maybe twenty minutes, and soon they disembarked to be guided towards the Great Hall for the welcoming feast. Curiously, as if he knew it for himself, Ember padded away, into the Forbidden Forest the moment the carriage door was opened.
As they made their way through the ancient castle's stone corridors, Nicolás couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Hogwarts and Castelobruxo's gold-made castle.
While this castle was built of rugged stone, it exuded a different, timeless charm, emblematic of the grandeur of the ancient European architectural history. Its multiple towers, some taller, some shorter, stood as sentinels, overlooking a vast expanse of terrain that held centuries of secrets.
However, it was upon entering the castle's halls that Hogwarts revealed its true allure. The stone walls, meticulously maintained, bore the marks of history while exuding an air of sophistication.
Once they arrived at the Great Hall, a woman, elderly yet exuding an undeniable air of authority, approached them. Her witch's hat and square-rimmed glasses framed a countenance marked by a lifetime of wisdom and experience. She wasted no time with pleasantries, addressing the group directly.
“Cardona, Diggory, Lestrange, would you please lend me Mr. Cardona? He requires to be sorted.” Her words and the way she spoke made clear that this woman was not one to be trifled with.
All the boys nodded in unison, their respect for the professor evident in their polite demeanor.
Caelum, always quick to respond, spoke on their behalf, “Of course, Professor.”
The woman, who Nicolás assumed was Professor McGonagall, gestured for him to follow her, a silent command he readily obeyed. Nicolás extended a courteous greeting, “You must be Professor McGonagall. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
The professor acknowledged the greeting with a tight smile, her demeanor maintaining an air of strict professionalism. “Likewise, Mr. Cardona,” she replied. Her voice was as crisp and measured as her movements. “I trust you already know how Hogwarts' housing system works.” Nicolás nodded in confirmation.
With Professor McGonagall's guidance, Nicolás found himself at the very end of the long line of first years, surrounded by younger students eager to discover how they were to be sorted.
As the line started to move toward the front, he couldn't help but notice the curious and inquisitive eyes of the other students.
It was quite obvious that he was older than all of them, and it didn't take long for the whispers and hushed conversations to begin. Fingers pointed in his direction, and it was clear that his presence had not gone unnoticed.
When Nicolás finally found himself standing alone in front of the empty chair, Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat.
He was a very old man, with hair as silver as the moon on a clear night. The anticipation in the Great Hall was palpable as Dumbledore's words cut through the murmurs and conversations.
“To conclude this year's Sorting Ceremony, I have a special announcement,” Dumbledore's voice rang out, capturing the attention of the entire hall. “It has been many years since Hogwarts welcomed an exchange student, let alone one from another continent. Today, we are honored to have Mr. Cardona join us.” As he spoke, Nicolás sensed the room abuzz with whispers and curiosity.
The mention of his surname seemed to elicit a particularly strong reaction from the Ravenclaw table, identifiable by their blue banners, and some others too, either it was because of his obvious connection to Caelum, or maybe some of them knew about his Abus’ literary works.
However, another sight in the hall caught Nicolás’ eye —a blond man seated at the staff table.
The unmistakable presence of Gilderoy Lockhart was enough to cast a shadow over the otherwise joyous occasion. The confirmation of what the Weasley twins had told him on the train was disheartening.
Nicolás couldn't help but feel grateful that he had taken the initiative to talk with his professors back at Castelobruxo, ensuring that they would send him guides and lists of the necessary books for each upcoming year. He knew he'd have to become his own teacher in many ways.
“Let us proceed, before we can feast the night away.” Dumbledore's speech concluded, and he gestured toward the empty chair. Without hesitation, Nicolás took the seat. Professor McGonagall, with her stern demeanor, carefully lowered the Sorting Hat onto his head. In that instant, the world around him faded to black, and he was immersed in the realm of his own thoughts and introspection.
The Sorting Hat's wise and resonant voice washed over Nicolás’ thoughts, analyzing him with a depth that seemed to transcend time. Its words carried the weight of centuries, clearly having witnessed countless students and their destinies.
“Ah, yes —a bit older than the others, aren't you? And from such a distant land. And with such remarkable abilities. But—where would you be best suited? I can see the courage you've displayed in your daily life, and qualities that would make you shine in brave Gryffindor.”
The pause that followed was filled with suspense, and Nicolás felt his heart quicken.
“Such loyalty, such kindness, such compassion. The very essence of a Hufflepuff.” The hat's voice resonated with insight and sagacity.
Another dramatic pause.
“—Hmm— But I can also feel your thirst for knowledge, the wit and wisdom so highly prized in Ravenclaw... Ah, and you're filled with such ambition, such cunning too… with your self-preservation, you'd excel in Slytherin, no doubt.”
Nicolás remained uncertain, wondering if the hat expected a response from him. “If I can be in any of them, how can you say which one would be the best?” he inquired, his voice echoing in the vast chamber of his mind.
The Sorting Hat replied, its tone tinged with amusement, as if it reveled in its role. “Ah, and where would you like to be?”
Nicolás pondered the question, his thoughts reverberating in the cavernous space of his mind. “Hmm, I really don't have a preference. I know people in all the houses, so you can put me in the one you consider the best. I only want to be where I can explore my potential, I guess.”
The Sorting Hat responded with a deep, raspy laugh that resounded within Nicolás’ thoughts.
“It is quite uncommon to see a student so perfectly suited for all the houses, with endless possibilities. But even with all your courage, your thirst for knowledge, and your high ambitions, it's clear that what guides your days is your heart.”
“Thank you,” Nicolás replied sincerely.
And then, the Sorting Hat made its decision. “Better be… HUFFLEPUFF!”
As the Sorting Hat was lifted from his head, Nicolás’ eyes fluttered open, returning to the world outside his mind. The Great Hall erupted in applause, particularly from the Hufflepuff table, with its yellow banners unfurled in exuberance. Nicolás felt a swell of warmth in his chest, his new house welcoming him with open arms.
Professor McGonagall, with a flick of her wand, transfigured his robes to match the yellow and black of Hufflepuff. She bestowed a courtly bow upon him, and he turned to make his way toward the Hufflepuff table.
Amidst the roaring applause, Nicolás’ eyes locked onto Cedric, who was standing, clapping the loudest and most enthusiastically. His infectious enthusiasm spread throughout the table, and the rest of the Hufflepuffs joined in welcoming Nicolás with a chorus of cheers.
Cedric couldn't contain his excitement, and he rushed to greet Nicolás, enveloping him in a hearty bear hug. With genuine warmth in his eyes, he guided Nicolás to a seat next to himself.
Surrounded by enthusiastic housemates, all wearing smiles that were a far cry from the constant anticipation and skepticism of his previous school's dormmates, Nicolás felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. With everyone's warm welcome, he could hardly contain his own smile.
As the Hogwarts students settled in to enjoy the delicious feast spread before them, the warm ambiance and the tantalizing aromas of the food filled the Great Hall, reminding Nicolás that he was in a world quite unlike anything he had known before.
Amid the anticipation and cheering in the Great Hall, Nicolás couldn't help but cringe when the announcement of Gilderoy Lockhart as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor was met with enthusiastic applause, especially from the female students. He exchanged an amused glance with Caelum, who seemed to share his skepticism about the pompous professor.
Nicolás noticed that Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, wore a stern expression that didn't conceal her dissatisfaction with the choice. Somehow, that sight reassured him, and he couldn't help but feel a certain affinity with the professor already.
While most of the girls in the hall seemed positively ecstatic about Lockhart, Nicolás’ sharp observation caught a few exceptions. Two Hufflepuffs, two Slytherins, a Gryffindor, and a Ravenclaw, seemed far from thrilled about the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
They exchanged knowing glances, and Nicolás made a mental note to approach them once he got the chance to share classes with any of them. Perhaps they would share more than just a mutual disdain for Lockhart, and he could bond with them.
Nicolás’ eyes darted, once more, toward the Gryffindor table. His unease mounted with every he saw the empty seat. Harry was conspicuously absent, and even Caelum, seated beside the empty seats, mirrored Nicolás’ growing concern in his searching gaze.
As whispers of worry danced around the Great Hall, Nicolás’ heart clenched, a foreboding weight settling in his chest.
Little did he know that on his very first day at Hogwarts, Harry and Ron had embarked on a wild escapade, stealing an illegal flying car to make their way to school.
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