Year 1 Part 2

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From my seat, I gazed out the window, watching as we finally emerged from the oppressive darkness of the tunnel. It felt like we'd entered near Stirling, and the endless stretch had swallowed nearly thirty minutes of our journey. The one mercy of that dark passage was the silence it imposed on my cousins, especially Rowena Wheatcroft. Normally, her chattering would’ve grated on me by now, but the tunnel had mercifully stilled her tongue. To their credit, Rowena and her friends had been relatively well-behaved for most of the trip, settling down after we left the station an hour south. Still, with Hogwarts looming ahead, I knew that peace was temporary.

Though I'd never say it aloud—least of all to her—I did owe Rowena one thing. She’d managed to secure us a cabin with sweeping views of the countryside surrounding Hogwarts. Below, the vast valley stretched out, cradling the ancient castle. The river winding toward the Black Lake was clear in the distance, its banks lined with three villages—larger than the hamlets I'd read about in Hogwarts Legacy. These settlements hinted at a broader world to explore beyond the castle and Hogsmeade, making me wonder if the famous village itself had grown in size despite its reputation as a quaint outpost.

Yet, it wasn’t just the visible landscape that piqued my interest. There were patches of the valley my eyes seemed to slide over, places hidden by enchantments, suggesting buildings or secrets veiled by wards. Were they homes of old wizarding families or something more? Either way, they were mysteries I’d need to unravel once I was free to venture beyond the castle grounds. Unfortunately, being a First Year meant those trips would have to wait.

Not that I'd lack for things to keep me occupied within Hogwarts itself. The castle was immense, further expanded by magic, and its corridors and secrets would be enough to consume my attention through the first term. And that was without even considering the tangled web of politics I'd inevitably have to navigate. Officially, Hogwarts was meant to be free from such matters, but with so many students from ancient Clans and Wizengamot families, it was naive to believe that the school wasn’t steeped in power struggles.

Bellatrix had already briefed me on the key players among the older students, while her sisters—begrudgingly, I imagined—had compiled dossiers on the younger years. Unsurprisingly, the information leaned heavily towards Slytherin, with far more detail on that house than the others combined. It was useful, but I knew to take the Black Sisters’ opinions with a grain of salt. Their upbringing coloured their view of Hogwarts, and while the knowledge might be valuable, it wasn’t infallible.

“I can see the castle!”

I winced as Rowena leaned closer and all but shouted into my ear. In my lap, Xeno stirred, a faint hiss slipping from his mouth. It was only because he’d had to endure Rowena’s voice for the entirety of the trip that I suspected he hadn’t leapt up and attacked her; be that with claws or the slowly emerging magic he could wield. Still, as I soothed the raiju, I glared at the girl, wishing that it were possible to reduce her to atoms with the look. Sadly, that didn’t happen, and she paid no attention to my look, nor the warning I’d given when the Express had departed the station about not annoying a 4X class animal while trapped in a small compartment.

“Sorry,” Iona muttered as she moved toward the window with Adele and the others in the compartment. Well, all bar Linden who was on the other side of the cabin, and able to lean back and keep his head in his book as the girls all piled toward the window.

Not wanting to be buried under the six girls clamouring for a sight of the school, I shifted along the seat on my side, moving toward the door. Xeno stirred further, not liking me doing so, but once I was safely away from the window, he started to settle down once more. As much as I knew I’d enjoy seeing the castle as we approached, I wasn’t brave or stupid enough to risk pushing past the gaggle of girls to do so.

I glanced at the door, wondering if I could slip outside and find somewhere quiet and escape the chaos at the window. However, I knew that the corridor would be full of other First Years, especially those on the other side of the carriage, who wanted to see Hogwarts as we approached. I was excited about it as well, but I wasn’t going to risk my safety, or that of Xeno’s, for the view. Baring something insanely unexpected, I had seven years to take in view.

One problem I anticipated, and one that I predicted would only grow more dangerous over time, was the inevitable rise of Lord Voldemort. The canon never clearly stated when exactly he ascended to power, but by the time the Marauders left Hogwarts, he had already become a major threat to Britain. The only clues to his early activities were an uptick in attacks by giants and werewolves, though nothing concrete had been reported in the Daily Prophet or any other papers. Still, whispers grew of unrest among several magical sub-species. I could only hope that the larger magical population in this world, compared to the other timeline, would slow Riddle’s rise. Even so, I doubted I had more than two, maybe three, years of peace before the chaos began to spread throughout society.

However Voldemort chose to make his presence known, it would be grandiose and public—of that, I was certain, drawing from what I knew of the other timeline. He thrived on fear, and I doubted that he would be any different here. My concern, however, was the magical population in the Isles, which according to the papers, numbered over one hundred and seventy thousand. If Voldemort's actions were too chaotic and destructive, it could ruin the plans I was trying to set in motion at Hogwarts. I didn’t believe he’d target the Ministry or the old, powerful Clans and Houses immediately—that would unite too many strong opponents against him. More likely, he would prey on smaller, weaker groups, or Muggle-borns and those advocating for the adoption of Muggle customs, instantly setting himself apart from Dumbledore and the Ministry.

As my clan, while Ancient, was insanely small, there was a nagging fear that he might target me directly. The only protection I had, which I didn’t trust for the most part, was the public declarations from various Clans and Houses made in the Wizengamot to shield me until I passed my OWLs.

An issue brought on by the supposed extra protection the larger magical population in this world granted to delay his plans, was that it would generate far wider grounds from which Voldemort could recruit. The Chiefs and Lords wouldn’t get involved, not until the established order was threatened, but members of their house, bar perhaps Heirs, likely would. Many of those who would flock to his banner would do so seeking fame, fortune, or a way to step out of their family’s shadow. Others would join simply for the chaos and violence they could unleash and while the former group was one I hoped to recruit from, the latter would be better off removed from the world.

The trick I was going to have to master while at Hogwarts was determining, without tipping my hand, which students were in which group – or other groups that I had created for people in my planning – and then see who I could convince to follow me. Even though I planned to get as strong and powerful as possible while at Hogwarts, I knew I’d never be able to take on Voldemort or Dumbledore alone; never mind the rest of the Isles or the world. I needed a powerbase built among those in my age group who would be loyal to me and support my cause.

The obvious place to start would be those who, like my grandparents, had backed Grindelwald. However, if I was too open about espousing similar views to Grindelwald, then Dumbledore would come down upon me long before I was ready. I wasn’t going to fade into the background and just let the years pass by, but I wasn’t going to, if I could avoid it, try and do something that would bring me attention that I wasn’t ready for nor wanted.

“Oh!”

The excited call from Adele drew my thoughts back to my current location, and I turned back toward the window. I couldn’t see anything out there, as the six girls were pushed up against it, half-whispering to each other with excited giggles, but it didn’t take a muggle to know they were talking about something they’d seen at Hogwarts. The fact there were empty bags of magical sweets and chocolate strewn over the cabin, would ensure they remained on a sugar high for some time to come, only making them more excitable, and thus annoying.

While they had gorged on those snacks – which had come from a trolley lady a few hours into our journey – I hadn’t. There was more than enough in my chest to keep me supplied while in Hogwarts, in both muggle and magical treats. What stood out was that the treats in the Express were about fifteen per cent more expensive than if bought in a magical shop, or ordered via owl. That suggested the Ministry used the kids going to and from Hogwarts as a way to gather funds without raising taxes on magical business. Sneaky, but exactly what one would expect of a government that served its own interests, and it had me wondering if there was a comparable price hike on goods for students in Hogsmeade and the rest of the valley.

The incessant prattle of the girls grew louder as I heard and felt the Express begin to slow. Knowing it was close to time for us to depart, I lifted Xenocrates’ head and scratched him under the chin. “Come on sleepyhead, time to wake up.”

The raiju opened his eyes reluctantly and stared up at me. He might not be able to speak, but the expression was a clear ‘let me sleep’ one. “No can do. I know you’re comfy, but we have to get off soon. If you behave, then when we get to my bunk, I’ll give you a treat.”

That got through to the raiju and, after a few blinks to clear the sleepiness, his head lifted, alert to what was going on in the room. He started stretching, using me as a scratching post, though thankfully my trousers – if not my robes though I was keeping them clear of his claws just in case – were charmed to prevent damage from him. I’d lost a few items of clothing not long after getting him as while the clothes were enchanted to be durable, as a 4X beast, Xeno could overcome such simple protections even as a kitten. Now everything I owned, bar perhaps the school robes as I wasn’t allowed to add extra charms to them, had increased protections.

“Aww.”

The gentle cooing drew the attention of both Xeno and myself. Turning our heads we saw that Eloise Buttonwood, one of Iona’s Friends, had turned and seen my interaction with Xeno. “What?” I asked, not liking the way the daughter of Lord Buttonwood was looking at my familiar.

“Nothing,” she replied, though a smile spread across her face.

“ATTENTION!” The shouted word that seemed to come from everywhere had everyone tense in surprise. My free hand pulled my wand from its holster, ready to strike at any threat while sparks began to ripple along Xeno’s spine. “We will be arriving at Hogwarts Station shortly. All First Years are reminded that you are to remain in your cabin until a prefect arrives to escort you from the Express. Thank you.”

“Brain-dead moron,” I muttered as I holstered my wand. The hand then went down to Xeno, easing his annoyance, however, that was hard to manage as the announcement had given the girls a rush of excitement and their voices had risen to painful levels. So much so that Linden had lifted his gaze from his book – a rarity on the trip here – to glare at his sister. As the sound stretched out, the thought of drawing my wand and hexing the six, or failing that, letting Xeno express his displeasure crossed my mind. The thing that stayed in my hand, beyond having to explain to whichever prefect arrived to escort us, was facing howlers from their parents on the first morning of school. That was not how I wanted to make my mark upon Hogwarts.

Eventually, the screaming lessened, and things returned, for them, to normal levels of insanity. At the same time, the Express continued to slow, and after a gentle shudder, I stood, careful to keep Xeno nestled against one arm. That meant the train had stopped, and while magic should allow the train to do so without the action, I wondered if perhaps it was left in effect to alert the students to our arrival at Hogwarts Station. I pulled my wand, readying myself to bring down the chests that were stored above us.

“Why are they getting off first?”

I turned just as my wand tapped the lock of the rack, allowing me access to the chests within to see what Iona was talking about. The girls were still gathered around the window; however, I couldn’t make out what had drawn their attention.

“If you used your eyes, you would see that those are the Second and Third years,” Linden stated with a hint of irritation. “Since they know where they’re going, they don’t have to remain in their cabins. Something that I would expect anyone with a grasp of the obvious to realise.”

I smirked as Iona sent Linden a glare. While he was a clear Ravenclaw, the boy had a sharp tongue. At least when he bothered to display it, which was often only when. From what little I knew of him; he was annoyed at being distracted from his reading.

Realising her glare wasn’t having an effect, Iona turned back to the window and when Linden’s eyes saw me, I offered him a sharp nod. His lips twitched in amusement, but that was the only response he gave. Turning back to the rack, I silently cast the Levitation Charm on each chest in turn, bringing them down and placing them upon the seats, and then when there was no more space, the floor. That left the cabin remarkably cramped, but also, by pure coincidence, created distance between me and the girls.

Technically, I shouldn’t have brought down my cousins’ chests, as they’d broken their promise to not disturb me during the trip. However, I’d known they’d never keep their word on this matter, and if I didn’t help them now then they’d whine and whine. The less I had to deal with their childish behaviour and the sooner we were at Hogwarts and sorted into different houses, the better my life would be.

The girls settled once the chests were down and moved enough that I could see something through the window. The students there, as Linden had stated, were Second and Third Years, and were moving away from the Express. Nearby there were two rows of bright stalls where merchants were no doubt flocking wares to students who may have forgotten something before departing, or who wanted something they’d not been allowed to purchase before leaving for Hogwarts. The crowd was large, but given there were eight hundred students across two years that had to pass by, that wasn’t a surprise. That said, I could only imagine the chaos at the end of term when all seven years had to board and depart the Express. There had to be some form of filtering in play, but until I experienced it I couldn’t be sure as to what it would be.

Not knowing how long we’d have to wait; Linden’s head fell back to the book he’d been reading. I amused myself, after holstering my wand, by scratching Xeno behind his ear. The raiju leaned into the contact, emitting a soothing purr that seemed to vibrate through my bones. The girls slowly started shifting around, getting angsty at having to wait. A pattern that was likely repeating in every other cabin in the First-Year carriage. Thankfully, before the girls got too fidgety, there was a knock at the door. As I was closest, I reached over and pressed the small button that unlocked it.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise,” Ali – I didn’t know if that was her full name, nor what House she came from – said as her eyes met mine. Xenocrates hissed lightly, disliking the girl because of the apparent animosity Bellatrix had shown her before we’d boarded the Express. “What an unusual kitty,” she added as she looked at Xeno.

“He’s my familiar,” I replied, knowing there was no point in hiding the truth in that regard. “Headmaster Dumbledore and Deputy-Headmistress McGonagall have assured me that he will have the protection of the school while I study at Hogwarts.” That wasn’t quite how McGonagall had stated things that way, but Ali didn’t know that, and while I didn’t want to rely on Dumbledore for any protection, the threat of his attention was more likely to make Ali and others reluctant to attempt anything than do so.

“How unexpected for a Firstie to have a familiar,” Ali said, her gaze shifting back from Xeno to me. “But then again, you are something of an enigma that Bellatrix will not help me unravel.” Her eyes moved to the rest of the cabin, offering them a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I am Alihandra Montague, and I’ll be your escort to Hogwarts.” She offered a picture-perfect curtsey, and as she did so, my mind quickly processed the reveal of her name.

While I had some connection to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Montague through my aunt Fiona, her husband was the grandnephew of the current Lord, Avis. Lord Avis was, while not a rival of Arcturus, someone he wasn’t particularly close to. The Lords and Houses shared similar values, at least from what I’d learnt, but from what I had gathered, the two Lords often vied with each other for influence and power. While there wasn’t any hint this rivalry extended to anything more than a political one, the animosity that Bellatrix had shown for Alihandra suggested they weren’t as accepting of each other as their Lords were. That meant I’d have to be on my guard around Alihandra and any family she had at Hogwarts, not least as she was a Slytherin perfect.

“I see you managed to get your chest down already,” Alihandra continued, her gaze returning to me. “Your work I presume?” she asked softly but with a dangerous look in her eyes. I nodded, not seeing any need to hide that I could cast one of the first charms taught at Hogwarts. Every child raised in a magical household was expected to know the basic charms before attending school. The difference was that I’d learnt to cast them all silently, which was something I wouldn’t be revealing to anyone unless forced to. “Impressive.”

The danger in her eyes sparkled for a moment, and I was fucking glad I was protected by members of the Wizengamot, had Xeno in my arms, and that I was far too young for her to be interested in as anything more than a passing curiosity. She was dangerous in the same way that Bellatrix was, and if I wasn’t careful, I was going to develop a type that, once I was older, was going to get me in trouble I might not be able to handle.

Alihandra leaned back, looking along the corridor and as she did so, I saw students moving to the left, chests floating above their heads, or trailing behind as a prefect carried them for the First Years. “Come along,” Alihandra said before stepping back to allow us to exit.

I let the girls and Linden exit first before audibly casting the Levitation Charm. As I emerged with all eight chests afloat, I saw Alihandra and several others looking my way. Many of the first years whispered to each other, but the expressions of the prefects were what I was watching. Carrying so many chests at once was a clear statement of potential power, and I could see many taking note of it. I wasn’t sure how they’d react to my actions, but the display was the first step in standing out for the right reasons while I was at Hogwarts.

The corridor was busy, but thanks to magic it wasn't as crowded as one would expect of a train corridor. Much like how the cabins were bigger on the inside, like many things in the magical world. I followed at the back of the group, keeping my eyes on the back of Alhandra’s head as she led up toward the rear of the carriage. Once she got there, she stopped and turned, repeating a pattern that I’d seen a few prefects ahead of her – including Bellatrix and Shawn MacDuncan – do. This was done, or so it seemed, so the prefect could be sure their charges were following before they exited the carriage.

The other students were generally keeping quiet, but there was a nervous energy around me. Everyone, even me, was excited to get to Hogwarts, but uncertain of what we’d experience there and how we’d be sorted. Well, so long as things hadn’t changed drastically, I knew how the Sorting took place, but there was still that kernel of doubt that the Hat wouldn’t be there.

As we moved closer, Alihandra leaned toward another prefect, one that was standing near the exit without students of his own to speak to. His eyes found me quickly as she spoke into his ear, and as I came closer he gave me a nod.

“Chief MacLeod,” the sixth-year Slytherin said with a bow of his head, “I’m Heir Finn Dalcassin. Might we speak for a moment?” He gestured to the rear of the carriage opposite where everyone was exiting. Behind me more students filtered off the carriage, all of them excitedly whispering about Hogwarts and the Sorting.

“Perhaps later,” I replied, gesturing toward the chests floating along behind me. “It would be better if I exited the carriage with these instead of having them float around while others try to exit. While the other chests should be capable of another to take, mine carries protections so that only I can interact with it.”

Finn smiled and offered a nod. “Of course, of course. Perhaps we can speak after the Sorting, then? While the Headmaster dislikes politics occurring within his walls, there is little he can do to stop those from powerful Houses such as ours from forging bonds that can shape the world in which we live.”

I nodded in agreement and then moved to exit the carriage. Alihandra had led the others off already, and as I stepped down, I added this new piece of information to my memory. Clan Dalcassin was one of the oldest Irish Clans, so much so that most Clans in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – at least the Clans there and not the Houses founded after 1066 – could trace some lineage to them. They were another of those Clans and Houses that honoured the old ways and were close to House Montague. That suggested Chief Ruarcc and Lord Avis were looking to see if they could, via their children, either pull me away from Arcturus or failing that, gain some influence and connection to me for when I assumed my seat in the Wizengamot.

One upside was that because Alihandra pointed me out to Finn, I didn’t have to worry about her interest in me being anything but political. At least for the time being. Merlin, if I read the body language between them, I suspected that she and Finn were close, perhaps even betrothed. I could admit that I’d never bothered to read that section of the papers, but now I wondered if that had been a mistake as it might’ve granted me some insight into the alliances forming among the older years at Hogwarts. I’d have to send my owl to Arcturus and Aunt Moire to ask for such a list, and by doing so I could see if either missed a pairing from theirs and the order in which they listed them. That might well show preference toward certain Clans and Houses that could provide insight into their opinions.

Yet, while Alihandra’s interest in me was now confirmed to be political, I felt there was more to what was going on between her and Bellatrix beyond a simple rivalry. I wasn’t going to ask Bellatrix or her sisters, but it was something else I’d have to keep my eyes and ears open for.

“What was that about?” Iona asked as I caught up with my group.

“Nothing important,” I replied, trying to watch our Prefect escort from the corner of my eye. Alihandra seemed unconcerned by my dismissal of Finn’s attempt to speak, but I knew the matter wasn’t over. Nor would Finn’s approach be the only one I dealt with over the coming weeks.

My grasp of Xeno tightened as I sensed a burst of excitement from him. He wanted to leap away and explore, either to find new spots in which to rest, or prey to hunt. With so many people around, there was a good chance someone would step on him by mistake, and I’d rather not have to explain why I had a 4X creature at school in such an open location.

“Where to now?” I asked Alihandra, shifting things on before Iona or the others could ask more about what Finn wanted.

She took a moment, glancing back toward the train before replying. “This way,” she said before spinning on her heels and walking off.

My cousins looked at each other, as if surprised at the brusque behaviour. I, however, had no issue with it and fell into step just behind her, the chests following along. The sound of a single set of shuffling steps behind me told me Linden was following, and then the increased muttering of my cousins and others confirmed they were coming as well.

The slight delay generated by dealing with Finn had ensured that most of our fellow new students had already departed the carriage, and we found ourselves near the rear of the lengthy line of new First Years. From what I could see the queue that we’d joined seemed to be heading forward, toward a darkened area that, as it was set into the hillside of the station, was likely a tunnel.

As we came closer, and the girls' incessant chattering grew louder, this was confirmed. However, their voices, and those of those around us, were starting to annoy me and irritate Xeno. Because of that, I slowed down. Linden and the girls did likewise though it took a few moments before Alihandra realised what had happened.

“Is everything alright?” She asked as she moved back to us, letting others pass her by.

“Xenocrates is uncomfortable in crowds and I’d rather no one accidentally bumped into my chest,” I said. “The chest is warded to prevent anyone but myself from touching it, and some of those wards are rather… efficient in protecting my property.”

“Ah, a Lord’s Chest.” I nodded. “Normally a student wouldn’t have such an item, but given your status, I should have considered that being an issue. And that your familiar, given his relative youth, might prefer smaller gatherings and quiet places.” I smiled, glad to see that, if needed she could place her political interest in me to one side. “Perhaps it would be best if we wait for the other students to head down the passage first.”

“Thank you,” I said, offering her a slight bow; something Xeno’s presence made difficult but not impossible.

“But..” Rowena started only to stop when I pivoted and let Xeno hiss in her direction. “Never mind,” she continued, deflated.

I smirked and turned back around, seeing Linden shifting so his twin wouldn’t see him smirking. Alihandra made no such move to hide her response, and a wide smile spread over her face. “How delightfully manipulative of you,” she said quietly, though her voice would’ve still carried to Rowena. “I suspect that if placed in the right house, you shall quickly be coveted by those in power.” I didn’t reply verbally, not wanting to hint at my preference in the matter, and instead just offered a nod to thank her for the compliment.

The line of students moved around us until no more passed, at which point Alihandra turned and resumed moving forward toward the tunnel. Our group fell into step behind, as when we reached the top of the stairs I saw that it was a tunnel, though one widened and tiled to create a staircase that descended into the hillside. If not for the torches that ran along the walls and bloomed with almost ethereal light, the descent would likely invoke fear in those first experiencing it. Merlin, even with the light of the torches, I could hear a few concerned whispers carrying up from those who’d gone down before us.

As we moved down the stairs, I made sure the chests didn’t brush against the ceiling of the tunnel. While it was, like the stairs, tiled, I’d rather not have the chests catch on any tile and thus have one of the others arrive at school with a damaged trunk. Once I was sure that wasn’t going to happen, I moved close to one side of the tunnel, wanting to examine the torches. The runes engraved upon the wood were partially hidden by the flicking shift of the light, but I recognized enough there to see they were using only Elder Futhark. Arrays for continuality were joined to those for light and protection, and while they weren’t ones I didn’t recognise, new, the way they were blended together was artistic, almost regal.

After about ten minutes in the tunnel, I saw the end, the slowly decreasing light from the sun doing enough to highlight where the tunnel emerged. As we were at the end of the long train of students, I chose to remain on the last few stairs, granting me the ability to see over the mass of bodies. In front of us was a large platform. It was made from wood, with the four animals representing the houses of Hogwarts shifting around in repeating patterns.

My focus, however, was on the trio who were standing on the platform and the absolute giant of a man who, even though he was standing on the ground beside the platform, was almost as tall as those upon it.

“Who…”

“That’s the groundskeeper, Hagrid,” Alihandra offered before Adele could begin her question. “His mother was a giant and his father a wizard. According to the school rumour mill, he never graduated from Hogwarts, having his wand snapped by the Ministry. Headmaster Dumbledore had him hired as groundskeeper not long after.” Alihandra spoke gently, but I felt I caught a hint of something in her tone. It might’ve been my imagination, but I suspected the issue was that she was a Slytherin while Hagrid was Dumbledore’s man, and thus someone who might have issues with many of the ideals espoused by those from Slytherin.

I’d known that Hagrid was tall, and been preparing myself for it, but knowing something and seeing it were two different things. The half-giant was massive, and if not for the wide almost innocent smile he wore, his height along with his slightly dishevelled and dirty clothing would make him appear threatening.

“Why are we here?” Iona asked, drawing a sweet, yet slightly sinister to my ears, chuckle from the prefect escorting us.

“Patience Firstie,” Alihandra responded, and I glanced her way revealing she had one of those familiar and annoying smirks. The sort that made clear they knew something you didn’t and weren’t going to tell you what. Now, I was reasonably sure I knew how we’d be arriving at the castle, as I’d not heard anything suggesting we’d not travel over the lake, but I couldn’t, like with anything, be a hundred per cent certain, and thus had to attempt to prepare for the unexpected.

“If I might have everyone’s attention” The speaker, who was the central figure of the trio on the platform, drew my attention to her. Even as she continued, I knew who she was. “I am Deputy Headmistress McGonagall. On behalf of Headmaster Dumbledore and your soon-to-be professors, and other staff within Hogwarts, it is my genuine pleasure to welcome you all to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” A cheer went up from somewhere in the crowd, and while others – such as my cousins and their friends – joined in, many, including myself, remained silent.

McGonagall's hand came up, sparks dancing from the tip of her wand, and the cheering quietly died away. She didn’t seem annoyed by the reaction, and along with one of the others up there, wore a wide smile. The third person stood resolutely, almost as if they were irritated to have to be there.

“While I understand your excitement, and even would encourage it in the right situation, you have not yet arrived at Hogwarts, nor begun your classes.” She gestured to the two at her side and the pair moved forward. “These are Professors Juniper and Inkwood,” Juniper nodded with a warm smile while Inkwood’s eyes scanned the crowd as if seeking out a threat, “and the Keeper of Keys and Grounds, Hagrid.” At that introduction, the half-giant lifted a hand and gave a wave. A few students shuffled back as if shocked to see him there, and Hagrid’s smile slipped slightly. “They shall escort you to the castle where I will meet you again before we begin the Sorting.”

McGonagall stepped back, her robes swishing in the air, and as she walked away, Professor Juniper moved forward. “Well, hello there young ones,” he said in a friendly tone. I smirked at his choice of words, remembering another fanon that shouldn’t exist for another decade. “As Deputy Headmistress McGonagall has just said, I’m Professor Juniper and this is my colleague, Professor Inkwood.” Inkwood didn’t even nod at the second introduction. “Alongside teaching Defence against the Dark Arts, I’m also head of Hufflepuff. My colleague here is a Transfiguration Grandmaster and head of Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are two of the four houses where you might spend the next seven years as a student of Hogwarts. The others are Gryffindor and Slytherin. Which house you will be sorted into will be determined once we arrive at Hogwarts, but first, we have to get you all to the castle.”

“Prefects,” Inkwood cut in, sounding annoyed at Something – possibly at Professor Juniper’s prattling, “please ensure that all chests are placed in the designated area. Students, follow us.”

The pair turned and moved to step down from the platform, Hagrid moving to join them. As the throng of children moved to follow, Alihandra placed a hand on my shoulder. “Best you come with me first,” she said, gesturing to the chests floating behind me. “the rest of you wait by the platform for our return.” With that, she turned and headed off to where the various students and chests were gathering.

After giving my cousins a nod to assure them I was fine, I followed along behind. We had to slip through the edges of the crowd of my fellow First Years, but as I emerged from it, I saw Bellatrix. Xeno shuffled in my arms, recognizing her as well as I nodded to her; something she returned with only the faintest hint of a smile.

“Already found yourself a new toy, Montague,” an older boy in Sixth-Year Gryffindor robes said as we approached the point where the chests were being deposited. “I would’ve thought a Firstie would be too young for your particular machinations.”

I couldn’t see Alihandra’s expression, but the snort she gave, along with the narrowing of Bellatrix’s eyes from a few metres away from the boy, made clear this prefect wasn’t popular with the Slytherins. “Once more you display the complete and utter lack of intelligence one would expect of your upbringing, Bronson.” Alihandra shifted to one side, using her right hand to gesture to me. “This is Chief Dòmhnall MacLeod, head of the Ancient and Noble Clan MacLeod.” Bronson’s eyes widened even as Alihandra continued. “Unlike the chest of his fellow First Years or any you will ever own, his chest is protected by magic linked to his bloodline meaning that only he, or those sworn to his Clan, could ever hope to control it.”

Around us, several of the other prefects had turned as Alihandra had spoken. Most seemed barely bothered by my presence, instead focusing on Bronson and his reaction. Recovering quickly, the boy scoffed. “Rank and privilege count for nothing, Montague. Something you and your boyfriend should be well aware of.”

“I’m sure Prefects Montague and Dalcassin are well aware of how Hogwarts works, Bronson, but need I remind you that we aren’t currently within the grounds of the castle.” The new speaker was a voice I recognized, and I worked out who it was, I saw Head Girl Serena Rowle step closer. “Regardless of that, if you were foolish enough to attempt to control the chest of a Chief or Lord, then how it reacted, and the removal of your presence, would not be something many would mourn.”

Around us, several of the other prefects chuckled, while others smirked. Even those from Gryffindor. That suggested Bronson was not popular even among his housemates, suggesting someone who’d gained their position by brown-nosing with the professors.

“Chief Macleod,” Rowle continued, offering me a partial curtsey, “on behalf of those who should know better, please accept the apology of myself and those who understand the position you hold within our world.” Several of the other prefects displayed some surprise at the Head Girl displaying civility toward me, but as those were mainly from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff I had to assume they were muggle-raised. “Is there one who is permitted to transport your chest inside the boundaries of the castle?” She asked after the curtsey.

“Of course, Lady Rowle,” I replied. I didn’t know what her relationship was to Lord Rowle, but since she understood the rules of society, granting her the honorary title of Lady in this situation was permissible. It also might, if I was lucky, gain me some points with her and those who respected tradition. “Kadic!”

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A moment later, there was the familiar pop of someone apparating, and my Head Elf appeared. “The MacLeod summoned Kadic?” he asked, ignoring the looks some of the prefects gave him.

“Yes. It seems I cannot take my chest with me into Hogwarts. Would you be able to do that for me, and then wait until my Sorting to determine where the chest has to be placed?”

“Kadic serve The MacLeod,” the elf replied with a bow.

I turned back to Rowle, seeing her and a few of those who hadn’t been surprised by her behaviour towards me, watching carefully. I knew some Clans and Houses treated their elves badly, but most didn’t. The fact that Kadic had clothing of high quality – for an elf – and that I spoke to him with respect would further colour the opinions many of them held about me. Hopefully, it would result in those that I felt were worth working with being open to, in a few years, listening to my plans.

“Droopy,” Rowle called out, and a moment later another elf, this time wearing a shirt emblazoned with the Hogwarts crest, appeared. “Can you escort Kadic as he takes his master’s chest into Hogwarts? Before you concern yourself, the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress will be aware of Chief MacLeod’s arrival as a student and know the chest in question isn’t a threat to the Castle. I’ll need you to stay with Chief MacLeod’s elf until the Chief is sorted, and then take the elf to the relevant house and sleeping chamber.”

Droopy, which was an amusing name for an elf, nodded and then moved toward Kadic. The pair didn’t say anything, but I know that elves were able to communicate non-verbally with each other. I’d picked up some of that from Kadic, wanting to understand what I could of their language, but learning more than the basics was difficult for me as I lacked the refinement of my magic, and an ability to interact with Elf magic.

With that sorted, I lowered the chests I was moving, placing the eight of them gently on the ground at the same time, none touching each other or any other chest. Rowle’s eyes widened slightly at my display, which I was doing intentionally, and the small smile she gave before turning away was something I took as respect for my display of control. The Levitation Charm was elementary, but what I was doing was beyond where a First Year was expected to be when the year finished.

“Come along then,” Alihandra said once the chests were down, and Kadic had moved toward mine. I fell into step at her side, half a stride back since she was the one in charge here. “Might I inquire as to what else you have already learnt?”

“You might, but I’m under no requirement to answer.”

Alihandra chuckled. “Good answer. I look forward to seeing what you achieve for us while in Hogwarts.” I didn’t respond to her, nor wonder what she meant by ‘us’ because, as we came closer, Adele and Iona moved toward us. “Don’t worry,” Alihandra said before either could speak, “I haven’t harmed a hair on your friend’s head. He’s far too unthreatening for me to do that.”

I ignored the barb about my strength – physical and magical – as it was well-justified, and instead just gave my cousins a nod of confirmation. They and the rest of the group moved with us as we passed the platform, and once around it I saw another tunnel, though this time my focus wasn’t on that, or what magic it might contain, but the massive figure standing in front of it.

“Ah, there yeh are.” The booming voice of Hagrid said as he waved one of his massive arms to get my attention, not that he needed to as he towered over the last few First Years heading down the tunnel – and the roof of said tunnel – with ease. “I was wonderin' where yeh'd gotten to.”

“Sorry for the delay,” Alihandra replied, her tone cooler than a moment before, “This Firstie needed special treatment for their chest.”

While Alihandra seemed fine with seeing the half-giant, I and those with me weren’t. Merlin, he was huge. Easily over nine feet, and broad as a magic-damned fireplace! He might be insanely gentle, but his sheer physical presence ensured everyone had to be cautious around him. At least if they had any reason to fear him.

There was a moment as Hagrid looked at me, where I swore I saw the wheels turning in his mind. “Ah, Right. Yeh're the one tha' Dumbledore told me about.” I blinked, having to adjust to his speech pattern. Again, I’d known what to expect, but experiencing it was massively different from knowing about it. Hagrid’s eyes widened as he moved closer to me. “And this must be your familiar. I've never seen a raiju before. Has he displayed his magic yet?” There was an urge to step back as he did so, but pushed it aside. I wasn’t going to show fear toward the groundskeeper as not only would that be a sign of weakness, but it might discourage the one person in the castle who’d protect Xenocrates almost as much as I would.

Hagrid stopped as, while I stood my ground, those with me didn’t and they shifted back or cowered slightly. Xeno also tensed at the approaching monstrosity of a man, which seemed to affect Hagrid more than the reaction of the others. “Sorry. I didn' mean to scare him,” he added, the excitement on his face fading slightly.

I scratched Xeno behind one of his ears to reassure him. “It’s ok,” I said to Hagrid offering him a warm smile, “It’s just you’re new and well…” I let my eyes travel up and down his frame to make the point.

He took a moment, chuckling to himself. “Aye, I am that. OH!” His head rushed into his coat and, in response, mine snapped to summon my wand. I stopped myself before I drew it, but the action didn’t go unnoticed by Alihandra. “Give me a second,” Hagrid said, his attention on whatever he was searching for. “Ah! Here we are!” he proclaimed as he pulled something from the coat. His hand came out, opening to reveal what looked like jerky. “Some treats fer the wee beastie.”

Xeno leaned forward, his nose sniffing the air as the waft of meat reached him. I shared a smile with Hagrid as the raiju started happily eating the jerky. “Thank you,” I said to Hagrid as one hand scratched gently at Xeno’s back.

“Good to meet yeh,” Hagrid said as he lifted his other hand, using one finger to gently pat the happily eating raiju on the head. Xeno paused, looking up at the finger, and the massive hand it attached to, more interested in the food, and not sensing anything from me, he resumed eating. The acceptance seemed to please Hagrid, and after he pulled his petting hand he chuckled. “Pretty wee thing.”

We stayed like that until Xeno had finished the jerky, and when he looked up at Hagrid, begging for more, the half-giant laughed. “Maybe later,” he said before turning his attention to the rest of us. “If yeh'll follow me,” he said, waving an arm toward the tunnel behind him, “wouldn' want yeh missin' the boat to Hogwarts.”

“There’s a boat?” Rowena asked excitedly, the girl – from what I’d heard - enjoyed sailing with her family.

That had Hagrid stop and look back at us sheepishly. “Blimey. I shouldn' have said tha'.” I chuckled, amused at the absentmindedness of him was still there. While I had no intention of exploiting that currently, it was something I could use; at least if Dumbledore didn’t provide Hagrid with false information to confuse others who’d try what I was thinking of doing. “When we get down there, pretend to be shocked, eh?”

“But of course,” I replied with a lowering of my head.

With that, Hagrid turned and moved forward, ducking so he could enter the tunnel. As I entered after the rest of my group, though Alihandra didn’t come, the sounds of excited murmurings from the other First Years echoed up to me. The sounds didn’t carry out of the tunnel, but now that I was inside it, I could just about make out what was being said, though not quite as clearly as I’d expected. At least if I was in a non-magical tunnel.

The descent only took five minutes, with most of that being us having to wait for Hagrid to move down carefully, and as we reached the end, we stepped out into a large, natural-looking cavern.

“I was beginning to think you had gotten lost with the last group of students, Hagrid.” The comment came from Professor Inkwood who was standing between us and the short docks in the middle of the cavern. Behind her, boats big enough for eight were slipping away, with new ones appearing at the two short piers as soon as a boat had moved away. The boats were moving through an opening that led out onto, I presumed, Black Lake, where the last embers of a sinking sun blazed across the water.

The cavern had nothing of importance bar the fact the boats for students were appearing from seemingly nowhere, but I knew there was more to what my eyes could perceive. Not least as the torc had warmed up slightly, letting me know I was in a magically strong location. Normally, that warming served as an early warning of potential issues, but I expected that once inside Hogwarts proper, if not just the grounds, it would stay warm all the time, removing that minor function as one I could use for protection.

“Sorry, Professor. I had to wait fer this student, an' then meet his creature.”

Realising I was the one being talked about, my attention returned to Inkwood as she refocused her attention upon me. Her eyes narrowed, and while I didn’t feel any presence pushing up against my mental barriers, the gaze reminded me immensely of Aunt Moire during my Occlumency training sessions.

“Ah yes, our young Chief and his familiar,” her gaze shifted to Xeno as she moved closer. Xeno pulled back, hissing slightly as flickers of light formed around his eyes. “I must admit that after learning about your familiar, I was curious to examine it. Raiju are highly restricted creatures with some rather fascinating properties.”

“I can’t make any promises, Professor,” I replied slowly, measuring my words. That others would be interested in Xeno was something I’d expected as he wasn’t a magical creature native to the Isles, but I’d not expected that interest to extend to the professors. At least not before I’d even officially started my schooling. “Xenocrates needs to first settle into his new dwelling. However, provided that there are no issues with that, and I’m present whenever you or other Professors wish to examine him, I don’t see any reason to allow you the chance to observe him.”

To one side, Hagrid gave what amounted to an excited, if muffled, squeal. I’d known he’d be one of those seeking to spend time with Xeno, and he was more emotional than most witches or wizards, so his response wasn’t a surprise. My focus, however, remained on Professor Inkwood.

One eyebrow rose slightly when I finished my reply. “Understandable and acceptable,” she said before pivoting and extending an arm toward the docks. “Now, if you and your friends would please board, Hogwarts awaits, and I, like other professors, look forward to seeing into which house all of you are sorted.”

The girls all but rushed toward one of the two remaining boats, while Linden and I were more cautious. For me, that was because Xeno was not a fan of water, and I knew I’d spent a good chunk of the voyage easing his anxiety. For Linden, I assumed his mind was wondering how the boats and the magic in them worked.

“Patience is a virtue,” I muttered to myself as the girls all piled into one boat, only whatever magic was imbued in it stopping it from capsizing from their rapid, frantic movements.

“Indeed,” Professor Inkwood replied, indicating my muttered comment had reached her ears. “A fact few remember when they enter the boats, to say of other times during the school year.”

I let Linden enter the boat first and then took a step after him. “Easy there,” I said to Xeno as I held him tight against my chest as his issue with water began to raise its head. If not for the fact his magic helped keep him clean, I wondered what sort of chaos would be unleashed if I ever tried to bathe him. Xenocrates tensed as I stepped fully into the boat, and as I sat, I wrapped my other arm over his body, holding him tight and letting him know he was safe.

“Here,” I turned as Hagrid spoke and saw him holding something in his hand, “this should help ‘im.” I used one hand – without removing my arm from securing Xeno – to take the extra jerky. The small caught Xeno’s attention and he turned to see what I had. “A wee snack for him that’ll keep ‘im distracted.”

“Thank you,” I said as Xeno’s head dove into my hand.

Hagrid moved to get into the other boat along with Inkwood as the boat I was in slipped forward, moving so gently that if I’d not been looking at the dock, I might’ve missed the initial motion. The girls, once they realised they were moving, began chattering excitedly while Linden was looking around with wide eyes.

Ahead of us, at least as best as I could see from my position at the back of the boat, the other students were leaving the cavern, many gesturing excitedly to whatever they were seeing outside. Their voices, however, didn’t carry to me, suggesting some sort of muffling charm was in effect, which given the number of students that would be in the cavern, made perfect sense.

As we slipped forward, I could feel my excitement rising. I knew what I would see, but the idea that I’d finally get the chance to see Hogwarts and the Black Lake for real was overriding my ability to control my emotions. Near the mouth of the cavern, faint oohs and aahs from the boats ahead of us reached me, though any exact words were still being muffled.

As the last remnants of daylight poured over the sleek curve of our boat, we emerged from the mouth of the cavern, and I couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath. The valley before us shimmered under the retreating glow of the setting sun, bathed in hues of amber and rose, transforming the landscape into something otherworldly. My gaze instinctively searched for Hogwarts, yet the towering cliffs obscured its majesty. Instead, my eyes wandered to the vast Lake, its glassy surface reflecting the heavens above. Somewhere in those depths, the Merpeople stirred, alongside the legendary giant squid. Normally, the thought of such creatures residing in a lake that seemed too small for them might have puzzled me, but in this world—where Nessie herself had revealed her serpentine form to me last summer during another tedious Gathering of the Clans—I questioned nothing. There was no fear, no threat; if such beings were allowed to exist within these waters, they were as much a part of its charm as the stars above.

Far across the lake, I could just discern the distant shoreline, a patchwork of fields and groves bathed in twilight. Tiny pinpricks of light flickered from what I imagined was another village, though I couldn’t be certain until I had the chance to explore this valley in all its splendour.

Though I had always disliked flying, the idea of soaring over Hogwarts Valley stirred an unfamiliar thrill within me. While the rules clearly forbade First Years from bringing brooms, I had one secreted away in my chest. It was mine by birthright, and as The MacLeod, there was little even Dumbledore could do to take it from me. Still, I wasn’t keen on attracting detention in my first term.

Suddenly, the boat veered slightly to the right, and like my fellow companions, my head whipped around. We all gasped in unison as the silhouette of Hogwarts finally revealed itself. There, perched upon a towering outcrop of stone, stood the castle—its spires and towers reaching towards the heavens like the fingers of giants. The Great Tower, Gryffindor’s, and Ravenclaw’s turrets were bathed in the soft, fading light of the sun, casting an ethereal glow that made the entire scene feel like a painting brought to life. Magic radiated from the stone walls, the ancient structure whispering of the centuries of wonders and secrets.

My eyes traced the familiar outlines of the castle, comparing it to the blueprints I’d memorised from countless books and stories. The light spilling from a grand greenhouse affirmed that this version of Hogwarts bore more resemblance to the one from Hogwarts Legacy than the adaptations I’d grown up with, confirming many of my schemes for early exploration.

As I was still processing the awe of the castle’s appearance, we drew closer, and a new light captured my attention, flickering ahead on the water’s surface. It was the boathouse—small, unassuming from this distance, yet as we neared, I could make out the students ascending the long staircase that wound toward the castle’s main entrance. Like so many magical places, it was larger within than it appeared without, a mystery waiting to unfold.

Leaning forward, eager to see every detail, I heard a soft hiss of discontent from my lap. "Sorry," I murmured, glancing down at Xeno. The treats Hagrid had given him were long gone, so I stroked his head, my fingers gently scratching behind his ears. He leaned into my touch, momentarily soothed, even as the boathouse loomed ever closer.

The boat glided toward the dock with a grace that belied the speed of our journey. Before I knew it, the building towered before us, and the winding queue of students ascending into the heart of Hogwarts was now clearly visible, drawing us toward the school—and all the magic that lay within its walls.

As we moved closer, the girls getting increasingly excited, I turned my thoughts inward, deciding on a few plans for the first week. With no student about Third Year – bar prefects – present, and us only having a few introductory lessons, there was lots of free time. While the library was one place I knew I’d be spending a lot of time, there were other places I needed to seek out.

The Room of Requirement was the only given before I’d seen the castle, but now other places, such as the Undercroft, and Map Chamber for ancient magic, and other hidden locations, were now targets for my explorations. Those, along with a few hidden passages from the various sources, needed to be located and plotted so that I knew what I had to play with.

Now, it was possible that many of them, such as the various puzzle rooms, might not exist here, as those felt very much like game mechanics. But until I searched for them where they should be, then I’d not know for certain. Even if they didn’t exist, there was more than enough for me to try and find already, and that was excluding anything else that might not have been mentioned for other versions of Hogwarts that existed at this one, such as the supposed private chambers of the Founders.

I knew of Slytherin’s Sanatorium, so if that existed, then it certainly suggested other such rooms might exist. Locating them, especially if they were near or in the restricted areas of the various houses, would be an issue but what was life without challenge?

As our boat turned to enter the boathouse, my thoughts returned to more pressing matters, such as the Sorting. That was going to be interesting with four hundred students to handle, but first, we had to exit the boat. The boathouse was, as expected, bigger inside, and there was room for eight boats to dock at one time even though from outside it didn’t look big enough to even store that many.

To help with that, once each boat was empty, it rose into the air and moved to one side of the boathouse. There, much like with the cabin in our carriage, the boats slid into racks that seemed infinitely deep. Of course, that might just be an illusion to hide the elves using magic to transport the boats to another location for easier storage.

The girls moved to rapidly exit the boat. “Careful now.” The remark from a new professor who was standing on solid ground had them all stop. The Professor moved closer to the front of the boat and offered a hand, helping us depart one at a time. I was the last to exit, wanting to make sure Xeno wasn’t disturbed by the gentle rocking of the boat as the others exited, and by the time I stepped onto solid ground, Hagrid and Professor Inkwood had exited their boat, which had trailed along behind us.

Xeno lifted his head and offered a gentle meow. “Yeah, me too,” I said, scratching his head.

“While the raiju is your familiar, he is not allowed to attend the Sorting. Therefore, you will have to pass him to another to hold until after your Sorting when he can be returned to your side.” I turned to Professor Inkwood as she spoke. “Is there another in the castle that you feel would be suitable to hold the raiju until after your Sorting?”

Beside her, I could see Hagrid getting excited, eager to hold Xeno. While I had no fear about him doing so, there were a few more obvious candidates for the role. “As he was a gift from The Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, any of the three sisters would be acceptable.”

One of Inkwood’s eyebrows rose, likely filing that information away for Dumbledore and others. While she gave off an air of class and nobility, since she worked at Hogwarts, the odds were good that she, like all the professors, was loyal to Dumbledore. “Very well,” she pulled her wand from a hidden holster, “Expecto Patronum.”

The spell, which was one of several I’d not had any great success with so far, generated the expected silver light from the tip of her wand. According to what I understood, that was because while I had Akros-level potential, I’d yet to unlock most of that, due to my age and physical development. That was annoying, but it made sense as having First Years capable of using the more powerful charms and hexes before they were ready was a recipe for disaster.

As the others looked on with wide eyes, that light coalesced into some form of fox and Inkwood spoke to it. “Bellatrix Black, you are summoned to the entrance of the Great Hall to help with Xenocrates.”

The fox nodded, dashing, off and diving into the wall of the boathouse that faced toward the castle. Outside, several students squawked and squealed, no doubt at the appearance of the ghostly animal, while inside those with me all turned to the Professor with varying degrees of surprise.

“Wh-what was that?” Rowena asked in a half-whisper, making clear she’d never seen the spell before.

“The Patronus charm,” Inkwood replied. “Among its many uses, if one is able to master it to the point where it forms into an animal, it can be used to deliver messages to others.” Inkwood’s tone was less formal now, suggesting she’d shifted into teaching mode. “The charm, however, is not one you shall learn until your final years at Hogwarts. Even then, simply being able to summon a mist with the charm is considered to be above expectations.”

The suggestion that the charm was taught in the last few years – probably Seventh Year if I had to guess – was interesting and aligned with something that had come up in my tutoring. Many of the later First Year spells and alike that I’d learnt hadn’t been taught until early Second Year in canon. Or at least they’d not appeared until such time. That suggested the array of spells, charms, and alike that was taught at Hogwarts was more extensive than at variants of the school, which was going to be an interesting chance, and one that would keep my interest. At least once the First Year was over as there was nothing, according to my books and tutors, that I had left to learn from the syllabus.

“With that handled, perhaps we might consider heading to the castle?” The professor who’d helped us exit the boat suggested, and offered a wide smile as she rubbed her hands together. “I’m sure none of you wish to miss your Sorting, hmm.”

The girls took off at the suggestion without any comment. Linden rolled his eyes at the behaviour even as I turned to the professor. “Forgive my cousins and their friends for their lack of decorum, Professor…” my voice trailed off since I didn’t know her name.

“Carina Allwright, young one,” she replied, taking my hint to supply her name, and offering me a wider, friendly smile, “and based on your companion, like my fellow Professors, I am well aware of who you are, young Chief.” I nodded in acknowledgement.

My title wouldn’t be used at Hogwarts, but the staff would be aware of it, and while it might not grant me any favours, it did carry some weight. Even in a place where, officially, politics weren’t meant to exist. All I could hope was that, at least for First Year, there was little political intrigue among my yearmates for me to contend with. It was clear already that it existed among the older years, as displayed by the prefects I’d met so far, I expected that First Years wouldn’t be expected to assume any sort of power base or standing until at least the end of the first term.

With that introduction out of the way, Professor Allwright gestured for me to leave, and I moved off hastily, though not too quickly, after my cousins and the others. With so many stairs to climb, the path being narrow, and many students stopping to enjoy the views, I’d caught up to the rear of the long line before I reached the first small landing. Linden offered a nod that I was there, but nothing was said as we climbed.

As we neared the top of the stairs, I noted that the others seemed tired from the exertion, whereas I felt unbothered by the climb. Magicals did have, according to what I’d read, higher tolerances than muggles in physical and mental capacities, but I wondered if this were me seeing the first signs that the base flesh-carved rune, one that ran almost the length of my spine, was offering me slight boosts that, in theory, would grow greater as I matured.

Those thoughts, along with almost every other one, slipped from my mind as I reached the top of the stairs, and found myself standing just outside one of the courtyards of the castle. It was enclosed by parallel rows of archways between which, under a roof, lay a paved area with a respectable number of benches. Beyond that, I could see the other students gathering in the courtyard, marvelling at the castle. While I knew I could do likewise, I was eager to get inside and get sorted. There would be time to explore the castle and grounds in the next few days.

Moving forward with the line, I headed around to the entrance to the courtyard, my eyes like everyone else’s wandering to the large garden that existed in the gap between where we were and what appeared to be the main entrance. In the distance, a wall ran out around the grounds, acting as a break between the castle and the surrounding valley. That, if it followed what I was using as a base, would extend to the Quidditch pitch but I’d only be able to confirm that tomorrow at the earliest.

Entering the courtyard, even though I was at the very back of the group, the large crest of Hogwarts drew my attention. It appeared to be made of gold with inlaid gems that suited the colours of the four houses that each formed a quarter of the crest. On either side of the massive crest were alcoves in which suits of armour rested. My mind instantly turned to when those had been used in the castle’s defence, and I wondered how many of my fellow students understood that the suits of armour, even those charmed to speak, could do more than just stand there and look impressive.

The doors to the castle swung inward, the hinges groaning almost in exaggeration, and the front of the crowd moved inward. I kept back, not wanting to get dragged into the group, and to ensure I was safe if someone stumbled or fell. Soon enough though, I was through the doors without incident and found myself in the entrance hall.

Twin staircases rose to either side of another crest of Hogwarts, this one like that outside seemingly composed of gold. The difference was this one was smaller, the gems glowing brighter under the light of chandeliers that hung high overhead, and the fact the school’s motto ran underneath the crest. Everything about this hall reminded me of regal entrances to residences of powerful families in both the magical and muggle worlds.

After climbing the stairs, and stepping through another set of large doors, I found myself standing with the rest of the students before yet another set of doors. These were larger than even the external doors and just to one side of them, upon what I assumed was another platform, Professor McGonagall stood. Once the doors behind me creaked closed and I saw Professors Inkwood and Allwright appear, McGonagall flicked her wand, generating a ball of bright white light.

“Now that you are all here, I can formally welcome you into Hogwarts.” She paused there as the group emitted various sounds of excitement and agreement. While I was as excited as the others, I wasn’t going to overreact. “To your left,” she continued as he used her wand, the Lumos spell now discontinued, to point there, “you’ll see what appear to be four large timers. Beside each of them are other smaller ones, with them all being one of four colours. Those colours are the base colours of the four houses of Hogwarts. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin.” As she said each house, the main glass lit up in the colour of the house, drawing a sizeable number of oohs and aahs. “These are how we track the performance of each house throughout the year.

“The largest timers are used to determine the overall house champion at the end of each year. The smaller timers are for various other awards. Such as best house in each year, lower and upper Quidditch champions, lower and upper duelling tournaments, and other clubs linked to various activities and classes. While many of you might be interested in these clubs and activities, First Years are generally excluded from them. This is done to ensure that you are ready, with at least some basic training, before you compete with others. Both for your safety and your fellow students.”

There were murmurs from the crowd, and I caught a few whispered complaints about not being able to join this club and that, but overall, everyone seemed relaxed about it. Or more likely, they wished to get on with things and get sorted.

“If you will follow me,” McGonagall turned and walked down from the platform even as the massive doors behind her swung open. The crowd surged forward, wanting to see what lay inside, though I already sensed it wouldn’t be the Great Hall just yet. And as I gazed through the doorway, that thought was confirmed.

As I moved into the new chamber, I saw the banners of each house on either wall. They lay in the same order as the timers outside had been placed with Gryffindor having the position of prominence. Given both Dumbledore and McGonagall had been students in that house, it was understandable, but I felt it would’ve been wiser to randomise the orders instead of subtly suggesting any house was better than another. Each, based on the traits they claimed to prize, had strengths and drawbacks, and failing to understand and admit that only fed into issues between the houses.

“Beyond these doors lies the Great Hall of Hogwarts,” McGonagall spoke with said doors now behind her. “Inside here, your fellow students from Second and Third Year along with the prefects and the Hogwarts Staff await you. Inside you will see four long tables each decorated in the colour of one of the Houses of Hogwarts. Even if you see a friend or family member at one of these tables, you are not to sit. You are to remain standing near these doors.”

“I shall leave you there and head to the front of the Hall. Once there, the Sorting will begin. You are to come forward when your name is called and once you are sorted, you are to head to the relevant table. Your house will be your home and family for your time at Hogwarts.”

McGonagall stopped there, letting her words sink in. I already knew which house I wanted to be sorted into, and so long as the idea that one could choose their house was accurate, then it shouldn’t be a problem to ensure that. However, if it wasn’t, then I would simply have to focus on the traits that said house – and my backup choice – prioritised and see how things go from there.

Beyond that, I hoped that the rivalry between the various houses, especially Gryffindor and Slytherin wasn’t as rapid as it had been in the other timeline when Harry and his friends had attended the school.

Instead of, as I’d expected, going into detail about what each house sought out in prospective members, McGonagall turned and waved her wand. The doors swung open and somewhere trumpets played to announce our arrival. That was, in my opinion, a bit too much, but given some of the things that I’d seen in my new life that magicals enjoyed doing, it was remarkably restrained.

Excited whispers and murmurs came from the crowd as they moved forward into the Hall and took their first look at it. Knowing a bit of what to expect, and once more wanting to remain clear of the crowds, I waited until even my cousins, their friends, and Linden had reached the doors before advancing.

The hall was, to put it mildly, cavernous. Each table seemed to stretch for a mile, yet I could easily make out everyone sitting at them along with the staff of Hogwarts who were gathered at the front of the hall. The roof, as the books had stated, showed an amazing display of the night sky, so clear that features that muggles couldn’t see without the use of orbital telescopes like the Hubble and James Webb were visible in amazing clarity. With Hogwarts being on roughly the same latitude as Dunscaith, I had no issues picking out the various constellations one would expect to find on an Autumn night above Scotland.

“Welcome, Welcome!” I looked forward at the speaker, only to slam my eyes closed at the downright hideous robes Dumbledore wore. That thing made the Technicolour Dreamcoat look positively regal by comparison, and that was with me being at the furthest point in the hall from the Headmaster. “Please, come in.”

I opened my eyes but made sure to not look at him, those robes were something I wanted to reduce to their constituent atoms if I ever got the chance. My gaze, now that the crowd I’d followed into the Hall had spread out to the side, took in the various tables and I saw Andromeda and Narcissa at the Slytherin table, while their cousin was at Ravenclaw. My cousin, and technically my heir, Magnus was also at Ravenclaw as was Raghnall MacDougall.

“Another year, another intake of new students,” Dumbledore continued as McGonagall moved toward him, however, my focus was taken away from the Headmaster when I felt something jab into my side.

“Tsk tsk,” Bellatrix all but whispered into my ear as I realised it was her wand or finger that was pushing against my kidney. “Lowering your guard simply because someone is talking? Whatever would my Lord say of such a display?”

“Hello Bellatrix,” I said, ignoring her comment as I knew she wouldn’t even attempt anything. Not with two professors standing behind both of us. “I thought you’d meet me before I entered the Hall.”

Whatever it was pressed against my side. “By the time I received Professor Inkwood’s Patronus, I was too far away from the Hall to make it in time,” Bellatrix explained as I turned to face her. Xeno’s head lifted as he caught her voice, and he leaned forward as his eyes found her. “Hello there little one. Have you missed me?” She asked, extending her hands. I lifted Xeno from the crook of my arm and handed him to her. “Don’t worry, Dòmhnall will be back soon. He just needs to do it without you.” The meow Xeno emitted sounded feeble, but it drew a wide smile from Bellatrix. “It’s okay. I’ll stay with you until he’s finished.”

Xeno turned back to me even as he began to settle into Bellatrix’s arms. “It’s ok. I’ll be back soon and I’m sure she’s got something for you to eat.” Xenocrates’ head turned back to Bellatrix who offered him a nod.

Knowing he was safe, I turned back to the hall as I didn’t want my gaze to linger on Xeno, nor the fact he was settling into Bellatrix’s bosom. I was just in time to do that as McGonagall reached the staff stage, though my brow continued to twitch as I was forced to observe Dumbledore’s crime against wizardkind that he called a robe. A gasp went out from the group of First Years as she pulled a cover off of a stool revealing, to my relief, the Sorting Hat.

“Oh,” the Hat began and some in the group jerked in shock, and I swore someone squeaked in fear, “and what do we have here?” The First Years all fell silent as the Hat continued, and I fought to keep a smirk from my face as I didn’t want to hint that I knew this was coming before the Hat had been revealed. “Another new intake of students? How simply marvellous.” It paused and coughed. “No doubt you are all wondering what I am. Well, I am the Sorting Hat of Hogwarts; imbued with the magic of the Founders to determine which house each new student should join. But how I hear you ask; do I do that?” I braced myself for what was to come. “Well, allow me to illuminate the matter:

“In Hogwarts' halls where magic reigns,

Before the storm, before the pains,

A Sorting Hat with wisdom old,

Sang words of fate, both brave and bold.

“Oh, listen close, ye students fair,

To secrets whispered in the air,

Four houses strong, united still,

Against the dark, on Hogwarts' hill.

“In days of peace, the Hat did sing,

Of courage, kindness, every spring,

Gryffindor, with hearts ablaze,

To face the challenges of future days.

“Oh, listen close, ye students fair,

To secrets whispered in the air,

Four houses strong, united still,

Against the dark, on Hogwarts' hill.

“Hufflepuff, with loyalty true,

In friendships forged, in gold and blue,

Embrace the warmth, the earth, the sky,

For love and laughter, never die.

“Oh, listen close, ye students fair,

To secrets whispered in the air,

Four houses strong, united still,

Against the dark, on Hogwarts' hill.

“Ravenclaw, with minds so keen,

In wisdom's halls, where thoughts convene,

Seek knowledge deep, let wisdom soar,

In every challenge, seek for more.

“Oh, listen close, ye students fair,

To secrets whispered in the air,

Four houses strong, united still,

Against the dark, on Hogwarts' hill.

“Slytherin, with cunning grace,

Ambition burning in every place,

Embrace the shadows, dance with fate,

For power's call can't be late.

“Oh, listen close, ye students fair,

To secrets whispered in the air,

Four houses strong, united still,

Against the dark, on Hogwarts' hill.

“But shadows loom, the tempest nears,

A time of darkness, fuelled by fears,

Hold fast, young hearts, to bonds so true,

For unity's strength will guide you through.

“Oh, listen close, ye students fair,

To secrets whispered in the air,

Four houses strong, united still,

Against the dark, on Hogwarts' hill.

“In Hogwarts' halls, the Hat does sing,

Of hope and courage on the wing,

In unity, the light will thrive,

As long as students, true, arrive.”

When the Hat finished, the Hall fell silent. Clapping came from the tables, some more enthusiastic than others, and was soon joined by most of my fellow First Years. While I went through the motions there, my mind was abuzz with the song, or more accurately, the last verse the Hat had offered.

I wasn’t sure how, but it seemed as if the Hat had some ability to sense what was coming. Shadows looming, and tempests nearing was a clear warning of danger. Based on the look Dumbledore and McGonagall shared even as they clapped at the Hat’s song, it was clear they caught the warning as well. Several of the professors were also sharing glances, but I wondered if any of the students, outside, perhaps the senior Prefects who’d be aware of things happening in the world around us, had caught the hint of danger.

“Now, let us commence with the Sorting!” The Hat called out, cutting through the clapping for its song.

McGonagall stepped forward, moving to stand next to the stool that held the Hat. From her robes, she pulled a sheet of parchment. “Abbot, Anders,” She called out and I wondered if the parchment was charmed to scroll through the names as to get all four hundred names on that would mean making them painfully small. “Don’t be shy,” the Professor added when there was no movement from the group.

Eventually, Anders moved forward. He walked forward cautiously even as someone at the Hufflepuff table gave him a thumbs up. As he slowly walked toward the Hat, I moved back, finding a section of wall. It was going to take a decent while to get to me, and I’d rather not stand stationary waiting for it. Professor Inkwood watched me from the comment of her eyes, to which responded with a shrug and then gestured toward the students in the group. She turned her attention back to the group as Anders reached the stool.

He hopped on it cautiously after McGonagall removed the Hat, and as that was placed on his head, seemed to brace himself. Anders was quickly sorted into Hufflepuff, and the next student Liara Anderson, was called forward. The process repeated and watched, noting where each student was placed, either adding a new name to the list of those for the year I held in my mind or simply updating the information.

Amycus Carrow, the heir to House Carrow, was sorted into Slytherin, as was Francis Bickerstaffe meaning the two heirs in the year had been placed in the same location. Bradley Cooper was placed, as I’d expected, into Ravenclaw alongside Adele and Linden.

As Laura MacLean was called forward, I pushed myself off the wall. Unless there was a muggleborn with a Highland name that lay between MacLean and MacLeod, I would be getting called up next.

“Ravenclaw,” the Hat called out, and I moved closer to the front of the group of unsorted First Years.

“MacLeod, Andrew.”

I almost stumbled at hearing another MacLeod called forth. There were no members of one of the Clan’s cadet branches with children starting this year. The boy that rushed forward, showing a complete lack of decorum, had curly brown hair. Once he reached the stool, he hopped on excitedly and turned to face the Hall. Taking in his face, and seeing him wearing a style of clothing under his robes that wasn’t fashionable in the wizarding world confirmed that this was a muggleborn with my Clan name.

That was an issue I’d have to handle in the coming days as the rules of the Wizengamot – though it predated that, going back to before the unified Wizard’s Council of the Isles – made clear that when a muggleborn entered our world with the name of a Clan or House that held a seat in the Wizengamot, then their care fell under the purview of that Clan or House. Either they were formally adopted into the Clan or House and established as a new cadet branch, or if they were denied the opportunity or it wasn’t offered – a common occurrence for Houses like the Blacks – then they were forced by law to change their name to Nemo.

The name change was forced upon them in the wizarding world until they graduated from Hogwarts or another school, at which point they could choose a new name and remain a part of the wizarding world, or leave it entirely and return to the muggle world. The former was how several unusual family names had developed, while the latter was, in my opinion, a waste of resources and was chosen by around forty per cent of all to whom the name Nemo was forced upon them.

“Gryffindor.” I scowled at hearing that, knowing it was going to make interacting with the muggleborn a hassle. Off to one side, as she petted Xeno, Bellatrix’s glare followed the muggleborn as he moved toward the Gryffindor table. Her opinion on the matter was clear, but I wondered how the other prefects from older Clans and Houses felt about this, and how they would judge me for whatever choice I made for Andrew.

“MacLeod, Dòmhnall Fionnlagh.”

I pushed thoughts of Andrew aside and walked toward the front of the Hall. I’d have preferred if McGonagall hadn’t used my full name, but at least, being a fellow Celt, she was able to pronounce it correctly. Moving forward, several whispers came from the tables I was passing – Ravenclaw to my right, Hufflepuff to the left with Slytherin and Gryffindor at the far sides. Andromeda, Narcissa, and Magnus all looked my way, but I kept my gaze ahead. I wasn’t just a student or heir to an important family; I was the MacLeod of MacLeod.

After nodding at McGonagall, I slipped onto the stool and the Hat was placed upon my head. “Hmm, impressive mental defences for one so young,” the thing said, irritating me for revealing that to others, “Though if I am to sort you correctly, then it is easier if you lower your defences slightly.”

Wanting to test a theory, I spoke inside my mind. [Can you hear me?]

[I Can and I must say how nice it is to encounter a student that understands communication can take place this way. Most years, I have but two or three students who have the mental maturity and discipline to do this. Your mental state is, I have to say, far more refined than what I have generally encountered in new students over the last several decades.]

[Thank you, I think.] I replied, pushing aside the need to know who the last student was to have such refined mental facilities as I feared I already knew the answer.

The hat chuckled internally. [There’s no need to be concerned. A structured mind at such a youthful age is a sign of impending greatness. The trick you shall face is determining if your path will see you revered or vilified. Now, let us see what house would be best for you.] I lowered my defences slightly, allowing the Hat to peer into my mind. At the same time, I pushed memories and thoughts aligning with my preferred house to the edges of my consciousness. [I see you already have a preference, though the full truth of your reasoning for this choice is well hidden.]

[Is that an issue?]

[No. Nor is having a preference uncommon. Children are influenced by the role models in their lives. Be that parents, guardians, tutors, or distant relatives who have shown an unusually focused interest in a child’s development.] The Hat hummed as it browsed the memories I wished to show it. [It appears that you would do well in any house in Hogwarts. The traits that the founders valued are strong within you, though…. Oh, now this is interesting. A First Year Fleshcarver, how unique.]

[I hope that information isn’t something you would tell others.]

[You have nothing to fear from me regarding that information, young flesh-shaper. That is familial magic, older than even I. When they created me, the Founders made sure I understood that there were some matters about which I was never to speak with any bar those it involved. Even the Headmaster invoking the magic of the castle can’t force me to divulge such information, not even if it threatened your fellow students of the castle itself.]

[I hope it never comes to that.]

[As do I. Though I do hope that one day we might speak again. A fleshcarver is something I have rarely encountered, nor one aware of Ancient Magic. How thoroughly perplexing.]

[Sorry.]

[Don’t be, young one. A riddle of the mind is something I have not encountered in an exceptionally long time. Perhaps in later years, once you have developed your magic, we might speak more about what you know that you shouldn’t?]

[Perhaps.]

[Trying to be mysterious, hmm?]

[Perhaps.]

The Hat chuckled. [Yes, I can sense that. I do hope that, in the years to come, we might speak again so I can learn how you are aware of things few know of. Now, back to your house.] I felt the Hat’s presence pull back from the edges of my mind. “Slytherin!”

A cheer went up from the Slytherin table, though one muted and reserved to the more boisterous responses that had come from the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables. As I slipped from the stool, I noted that the prefects from my new house seemed happier about my presence than the lower years. Given they were more likely aware of wider issues in our world, that did make some sense. Still, as I approached the green-and-silver-themed table, I put that out of my mind. It was time to meet my new yearmates and made a beeline for where Amycus and Francis were sitting. The three of us would be the likely figures to lead our year group, and it would behove me to either determine which of the pair was a threat or preferably, see if I could gain their allegiance and support.

As I reached the head of the table, Bellatrix came up to me, and Xeno leapt happily from her arms into mine. “Welcome to where you belong,” she said even as I heard a slight increase in murmurs from my table and the nearby Ravenclaw. “Now go and meet your new housemates, though prepare yourself for what will come after the feast.”

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