Though well-maintained, the coach gave the impression of being old and rarely used. The air inside felt dusty and humid, in sharp contrast to its polished, almost brand-new appearance. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the stagecoaches were only used once a year to transport students from Hogsmeade to the entrance of Hogwarts.

While many students, especially the second years, chattered excitedly about the ride – this being their first time experiencing the stagecoaches - Scarlet and her companions sat quietly as they climbed into their coach, their minds still turning over Scarlet’s earlier words.

Harry, who had disrupted the light-hearted atmosphere during the train ride, debated whether now was the right time to ask the questions swirling in his head. He hesitated, unwilling to risk dampening the group’s mood again. Hermione, on the other hand, was preoccupied with Scarlet’s comment about her favourite author. Deep in thought, she preferred to remain silent for now, grappling with the implications of Scarlet’s reply. Ron lacked the inclination for such intricate musing, but his instincts told him to keep his mouth shut – it wasn’t his strength to say things that ease the atmosphere.

In contrast, Maya and Amelia, who had shared a dormitory with Scarlet for the past year, knew her better than the others. They understood that Scarlet rarely took offense and had a broad-minded nature. Even insults seemed to breeze past her, leaving no lasting impact. In fact, the only time she had truly lost her temper last year was due to Quirrell’s failure to fulfil his role as a proper teacher. Otherwise, she remained composed, her demeanour almost always accompanied by a calm, soft smile.

It was Amelia who spoke first, her voice as direct and candid as ever. “What’s this winged horse you mentioned? How can a winged horse be described as creepy? Aren’t they supposed to be furry with beautiful manes?”

“Wait,” Maya said, furrowing her brow, struggling to recall something. “I think I’ve read about this...magical beast?”

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Scarlet supplied with a smile. “It’s the textbook of our third-year elective, Care of Magical Creatures. It’s a fun read, so you’ve probably come across it there.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “Does that mean we get to take care of winged horses if we choose that subject? Wow! But we can’t see them and you can...”

Scarlet gave a small smile in response. Amelia frowned in thought, her curiosity sparking. “Do we have to do something to be able to see them?”

“You don’t have to do anything,” Scarlet replied with a soft sigh, “You just have to witness something.”

“Witness what?”

Scarlet blinked, her gaze thoughtful, before answering slowly, “Death.”

The Hufflepuff girls exchange glances, now understand why Hermione - the ever-confident Ms. Know-It-All – had grown so quiet upon learning Scarlet could see the creatures.

With a casual tone, Scarlet continued, “They’re called Thestrals. They look like houses, but without fur. Their appearance is more reptilian, with a large bat-like wings. Very thin, like skeletons walking around.”

“That does sound creepy,” Ron murmured, only to let out a small “ouch” as he winced from a sharp pinch to his side, likely courtesy of Hermione.

Scarlet let out a light chuckle. “You’ve all been overthinking,” she said. “Yes, I’ve seen death. But it wasn’t dramatic – it was in a clinic.”

Her words piqued the others’ interest, drawing their attention as they prepared to listen intently.

“I used to visit places with limited resources before coming to Hogwarts – you know, for my charity business,” Scarlet explained. “The medical conditions there were dire. People died every day from all kinds of diseases. Sometimes, people I had worked with just the month before would fall gravely ill and pass away within days. Nothing I did could save them.”

Scarlet continued with a wistful tone, “I built a clinic there; it helped a little. I saw several deaths and even assisted with funerals. I’d love to build a hospital someday, but with my current situation, that’s still a distant goal. There are many obstacles to overcome first.”

Harry felt as if he was beginning to understand why Scarlet was often called “Milady” in the Red House.

“So,” Harry began with a small smile, “if I want to care for Thestrals – and I'm thinking of selecting Care of Magical Creatures next year – would I need to go to hospitals and witness death first? It would make sense to be able to see them, wouldn’t it?”

Scarlet blinked, her eyes studying Harry curiously. His behaviour today had been puzzling, but she shrugged and replied, “I’m not entirely sure about that. You might want to ask Mr. Hagrid. He’s been assisting Professor Kettleburn for years and should know more.”

“Great! I’ll ask him.” Harry’s eyes lit up with excitement. Ron, always up for an adventure, immediately chimed in, “Mate, I’m with you! This subject sounds amazing. I heard the Magical Creature Reserve has loads of incredible beasts. Imagine what we could see.”

Amelia, intrigued by the topic, eagerly shared what she had read about the reserve.

The conversation quickly shifted to the electives they were considering for the next year. Hermione declared her intention to take all of them, brimming with confidence that she could ace every subject. Ron rolled his eyes, while Harry voice his disagreement.

“Hermione, I don’t think it’s worth spending time on subjects you aren’t passionate about, just to have perfect grades,” Harry argued.

But Hermione, determined, stood her ground. “This is my goal during my time at Hogwarts,” she announced with conviction. “And I intend to excel in every subject!”

Harry gave Scarlet a pleading look, hoping she might dissuade Hermione from her overly ambitious plan. Instead, Scarlet chuckled and said lightly, “Good luck, Hermione. I hope you succeed in all your classes.”

“Thank you,” Hermione said proudly, straightening her posture. She shot a triumphant look at Ron and Harry. “At least someone supports my vision.”

Maya shook her head. “I can’t imagine taking that many subjects. Two electives are more than enough for me.”

“Same here,” Amelia agreed. “I’m choosing Muggle studies. It sounds like an easy subject. Scarlet, what about you?”

“Care of Magical Creature and Ancient Runes,” Scarlet said with a small sigh. “I don’t think I’ll have time for more than two.”

“That makes sense,” Amelia said, and everybody nodded in agreement.

Before long, the stagecoaches arrived at Hogwarts. Senior students dispersed to their respective house tables in the Great Hall while the first years, still crossing the lake by boat, made their way slowly to castle. The Sorting Hat and its stool were already in place at the front of the hall. The staff sat at the head table, and the Heads of Houses distributed timetables to the Head students, who promptly passed them down. Soon, everyone had their schedules for the new school year.

Scarlet observed from a distance as Alexis hurried toward Professor McGonagall, handling her what appeared to be a job offer letter from Kyle. Always efficient and keen to get things done promptly, Professor McGonagall opened the letter, raised an eyebrow, and exchange a few words with Alexis. Judging by Alexis’s elated expression, her request had been approved. Perhaps, following Scarlet’s earlier application for a private room, Hogwarts had introduced new procedures and qualifications for students seeking private quarters. The next challenge, then, would be finding a suitable room for Alexis to use.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

I wonder what Alexis’s room would look like, Scarlet mused, sipping her drink. A dance studio with mirrored walls? She did mention needing space to practice dancing and singing so she could train the artists as dad’s company for music video and album productions...

The Sorting Ceremony began, and the attention of the Great Hall shifted to the nervous first-years. One by one, Professor McGonagall called out their names, and burst of clapping and cheering erupted as each student was sorted into their respective houses.

Scarlet leaned toward Maya and Amelia, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Could you help me spot some of the boys you think look interesting?”

“Interesting?” Amelia quirked an eyebrow. “For inspiration for your novel?”

“Ooohhh! I get it!” Maya clapped her hands excitedly. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye out for the most good-looking boy among them!”

“Thanks.” Scarlet nodded, satisfied with her decision. She wasn’t particularly skilled in crafting love stories. Her preferences had always leaned toward books or anime brimming with spell duels and battle strategies – genres that gave her ideas to improve her own casting abilities in her previous life. Adventure and fantasy narratives came natural to her; she had plenty of friends with those kinds of personas during her time as a caster and could easily craft a character inspired by them. Romance, however, was a different story entirely. It was an enigma to her. She’d rarely read such stories and couldn’t define what made a compelling protagonist in that genre.

Now, with both Alexis and her agreeing that Jessica – Professor Snape's daughter - would likely serve as the main female lead of this fanfiction world, and Professor Snape as a significant side character, the next task was to decide on a main male character. Perhaps a second male character, too, to create a love triangle within Hogwarts. Alexis had assured her that such a story structure was bound to be a fanfic hit, given the countless similar tales she had consumed over the years.

Well, I can’t pinpoint the ideal male lead, but Maya and Amelia should have no trouble – they's watched so many dramas this past summer. Scarlet thought, half-listening to her roommates’ commentary.

“This one’s too plain,” Maya remarked as a boy approached the stool. “Not worth noting.”

Amelia’s eyes brightened as the next student stepped forward. “Maya, what about him? Greyish eyes, slick black hair – he's not bad, is he?”

Maya tilted her head thoughtfully, then nodded. “He does look like he walked straight out of a novel...A Slytherin, maybe?”

“Carrington, Felix.” Professor McGonagall called.

Unlike most of the first years, who seemed jittery and awkward, Felix exuded calm confidence. Adjusting his glasses, he seated himself and placed the Sorting Hat on his head. The hat didn’t take long before calling out, “RAVENCLAW!”

“Interesting,” Maya whispered, leaning closer to Scarlet and Amelia. “I was almost certain he’d be a Slytherin. He’s got that pureblood family aura about him, don’t you think?”

Scarlet nodded, making a mental note. “He’s worth keeping an eye on. I’ll add him to my observation list.”

Maya and Amelia cheered, thrilled to contribute to Scarlet’s next book. According to Scarlet, the story would take place in a completely different world from Akahime’s Diary.

“Fairweather, Adrian,” Professor McGonagall called out, her voice steady as she continued the sorting.

Maya nudged Scarlet, who mind quickly went through her schedule. “Scarlet, this boy!”

“Huh?” Scarlet glanced up, only to see a boy with golden hair and bright blue eyes approach the stool.

Amelia nodded, clearly agreeing with Maya. “I think this one’s a good example for your book, too.”

Scarlet blinked, trying to grasp why her friends were so insistent about this boy, who stood there with a broad infectious grin.

“Like a cute, energetic, and dependable pup,” Maya noted with a grin. “Look at how other first-years are drawn to him. He’s got that charm that people naturally like.”

“A golden retriever,” Amelia elaborated, her tone thoughtful. “Warm, caring, and trustworthy – honestly, who wouldn’t love that?”

“...” Scalet mildly exasperated. “What exactly have you two been watching over the summer?” She was beginning to question the age ratings of the dramas they’d binged.

Meanwhile, the Sorting Hat called out, “GRYFFINDOR!” and the golden retriever boy received an eruption of cheers as he joined his new house.

“I can give you a list of what we watched,” Maya offered enthusiastically, clearly hoping to recruit Scarlet into their drama-watching escapades.

“...No, thanks,” Scarlet replied with a faint smile. She had too much on her plate balancing two worlds to indulge in marathons of escapism. Maybe she’d give it a shot after graduation – when time wasn’t such a luxury.

A few more names passed before another student caught Maya and Amelia’s attention.

“Hawthorn, Sebastian.”

The boy who stepped forward had hazel hair tied back in a small poly tail, with green eyes and an effortlessly messy style that seemed intentional.

Amelia narrowed her eyes, already analysing him. “The Tramp, from Lady and the Tramp.”

Maya grabbed Scarlet’s arm excitedly. “You’ve got to jot him down, too. He looks like the kind of street-smart boy with a fascinating backstory.”

“...” Scarlet refrained from commenting on her friends’ creative categorisation but noted the boy nonetheless.

The Sorting Hat deliberated slightly longer before announcing, “SLYTHERIN!”

Maya and Amelia exchanged surprised glances. “I was so sure he’d end up in Gryffindor,” Maya whispered.

The list of first-years was nearing its end, with only a few students remaining. Scarlet noticed Jessica looking anxious at the back of the queue, her eyes darting toward the long tables as though seeking reassurance. Their gaze met, and Scarlet offered a warm smile before discreetly snapping her flingers, a tiny flame flickering to life before vanishing again. The silent gesture referred to the moment they shared days ago, when Scarlet had used her wandless magic to ignite a flame with just a snap. Jessica’s shoulder relaxed slightly, her nervous momentarily soothed.

“Smith, Zacharias.”

The name caught Scarlet off guard, and judging by the way Maya and Amelia froze, it surprised them as well.

Few people at Hogwarts knew that Scarlet was adopted, with “Hong” being her adoptive father’s surname. Before she knew that Hogwarts had updated its records to reflect her full name, Scarlet had introduced herself simply as Scarlet Smith. Most assumed “Smith” was her middle name or that she’d chosen not to use her surname in her introduction. Only Maya and Amelia knew the truth after countless late-night conversations – they were aware that “Smith” had been Scarlet’s original surname before her adoption. Alexis had likely guessed but had never pried.

Maya leaned closer, whispering, “He’s a ‘Smith’. Do you think he might be related to you?”

Scarlet replied in a casual tone, matching the whispering tune, “‘Smith’ is a ridiculously common surname. There must be millions of Smiths in Britain – no reason to think we’re related.”

“Fair enough,” Amelia whispered back quickly. “Still, it’s up to you. You could have a go at looking into it if you wanted, but if you’d rather leave it be, that’s perfectly fine. No one except Maya and I knows about it, anyway.”

“Don’t get me wrong – I'm not bothered if people find out,” Scarlet replied with a small smile. “I just prefer to keep the attention to a minimum.”

“We understand that completely,” Maya nodded but then raised an eyebrow. “But you’ve been watching him. Why’s that, then?”

“His name,” Scarlet replied, her brows furrowing slightly. “Don’t you think it sounds like something out of a story? Like the kind of name you’d give a main character?”

“Oohh, yeah,” Maya turned back to the boy, who was still perched on the stool. “That is rather unique, I’ll admit.”

Amelia shook her head. “Unique or not he doesn’t really look the part, does he? Bit...plain, if you ask me.”

“Well...” Scarlet tilted her head as she studied him. “Boys can change a lot after they hit puberty. I’ve seen lads who were practically round turn into proper heartthrobs a few years later.”

Scarlet made a mental note of the boy as well when the Sorting Hat bellowed “HUFFLEPUFF!” and the Hufflepuff table erupted into cheers to welcome their new member.

“Really?” Amelia raised a sceptical eyebrow but shrugged. “We’ll see about that, I suppose. Anyway, finally – here comes the last one.”

Jessica stepped up as the final student after Ginny Weasley was whisked into Gryffindor almost instantly. The hat rested on Jessica’s head for a moment before declaring, “HUFFLEPUFF!”

Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table, marking the end of the Sorting Ceremony. Jessica hurried over to Scarlet, giving her a tight hug before heading off to join her fellow first-years.

Maya and Amelia exchange surprised glances, clearly not expecting the display of affection. “I didn’t know you two were that close,” Maya said.

“She’s like a sister to me,” Scarlet explained, “We’re from the same orphanage.”

Her roommates nodded, understanding the bond, but were taken aback by what Scarlet said next. “She’s sponsored by Professor Snape now.”

“....What?” both girls exclaimed, but the chatter and noise in the hall drowned out their voices. They exchanged looks and silently agreed to press Scarlet for details once they were back in their dormitory.

After Professor Dumbledore’s opening speech and the Start-of-Term feast, came the moment everyone found most intriguing – the announcement of the new professor, a surprise addition to the usual list of announcements from the previous year.