The morning of September 1st, 1979, dawned crisp and cool, carrying the scent of early autumn through the countryside. Artemis Lovelace stood at Platform 9¾, surrounded by the chaotic energy of students and parents, the scarlet Hogwarts Express gleaming beside them in the morning sun.

Excitement bubbled beneath her ribs, tempered only by the grim reality of the world outside the platform’s protective magic. The war was worsening—newspapers spoke in hushed tones of disappearances and deaths. Even now, older students murmured to each other, concern etched on their faces. But Artemis, Rosaline, and Eliza had decided that today, at least, was meant to be an adventure. They would have plenty of time to worry later.

“I still can’t believe Henry isn’t coming with us,” Eliza huffed, hoisting her trunk onto the train with a determined grunt while waving her Mother distractedly. “It feels wrong, like we’re leaving him behind.”

“He’ll join us next year,” Rosaline reassured, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she stepped onto the train, turning behind to get a last glimpse of her Father . “And by then, we’ll be wise, seasoned second-years, ready to show him around.”

Artemis, lugging her own trunk aboard with a little more ease than her friends, glanced at the Twins parents, who were waving back excitedly at all of them. The station was alive with movement—children hugging parents goodbye, older siblings rolling their eyes at teary-eyed goodbyes. House-elves stood at the edges of the platform, some discreetly assisting pure-blood children, while others fretted over forgotten books or misplaced wands.

“Come on, let’s find a compartment before they all fill up,” she said, shaking off her thoughts.

They managed to claim an empty compartment, settling in just as the train whistled, signaling their imminent departure. The three of them pressed their faces against the glass, watching as parents and younger siblings waved frantically, the crowd blurring into a mix of colors as the train began to move. The journey to Hogwarts had officially begun.

Artemis exhaled, feeling the hum of magic thrumming through the train. Even after years of integrating her old memories with her new life, she still marveled at the sheer existence of it all—the spellwork that kept the train running, the wards woven into its very frame to protect its passengers. This was a world unlike any she had known before.

“Alright,” Rosaline began, flopping dramatically onto the seat beside Artemis, “let’s talk about important things. Houses. Where are we going?”

Eliza grinned. “Gryffindor! We’d be brilliant there.”

Artemis hesitated. She knew, vaguely, that Gryffindor and Slytherin had the most scrutiny on them—especially during a war. Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff seemed safer, less political.

“Why not Ravenclaw?” she suggested. “It values intelligence and creativity. Plus, we wouldn’t have to deal with house rivalries as much.”

“Hufflepuff is supposed to be nice, too,” Eliza mused, twirling a strand of blonde hair between her fingers. “But do you really think we can choose?”

Artemis smirked. “I may have gotten it out of Aunt Aurelia that the Sorting Hat does take your preference into account.”

Eliza and Rosaline gasped, looking equal parts thrilled and scandalized. “That’s cheating!” Rosaline whispered, though her delighted expression betrayed her.

“It’s being well-informed,” Artemis corrected smugly. “Besides, it means we don’t have to worry too much. If we want to stay together, we just have to be firm about it.”

The twins exchanged a look, then nodded in unison. “Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, then, Whichever house the first of us goes into.”

Their discussion was interrupted by the sound of the snack trolley arriving. Artemis dug into her pockets, relieved that Aunt Aurelia had been generous in providing her with ample pocket money over the years even when she didn’t have anything to spend it on. She eagerly exchanged a handful of Galleons for a few boxes of pumpkin pasties, cauldron cakes, Chocolate Frogs, and many more sweets distributing some of the boxes among the three of them and still having leftovers.

Eliza Seeing so many sweets exclaimed, “Blimey! Did you buy these to keep us going for the entire year?”

Artemis just grinned, “Well i wasn’t expecting this much Sweets but if you don’t want it..” She made a shoo away motion to which Eliza stuck her tongue out at her and grabbed a Liquorice wand.

Rosaline unwrapped a Chocolate Frog and let out a delighted squeal. “I got Morgana! I’ve been looking for her!”

Artemis checked her own. “Bowman Wright—he invented the Golden Snitch.”

Eliza, still chewing her treat, nodded toward the other compartments. “I want to meet some of the older students. See what they say about classes.”

They soon found themselves chatting with a friendly fourth-year Hufflepuff who gave them a rundown on Hogwarts subjects.

“Transfiguration is tricky at first, but it’s amazing when you get the hang of it,” he said, finishing off a pumpkin pastry. “Professor McGonagall is strict but fair—brilliant witch, really. Charms is fun, and Flitwick adores students who put in the effort.”

“What about Defense Against the Dark Arts?” Artemis asked, trying not to sound too eager. She had a feeling it would be one of her favorites.

The older student’s expression darkened slightly. “Useful, but… changing a lot. They keep switching professors. With the war going on, everyone has different ideas about how it should be taught.”

A hush fell over them. They all knew what he meant. Even here, Voldemort’s shadow loomed.

“Still,” the older boy said, brightening, “it’s Hogwarts. You’ll love it. Even with everything happening outside, the castle’s a world of its own.”

They spent the rest of the train ride playing Exploding Snap, listening to music, Rosaline had brought along a magically enhanced cassette player, filling their compartment with the soft hum of ‘70s rock, and talking about their upcoming classes. Artemis found herself relaxing, the anticipation building in her chest.

She was going to Hogwarts. A place where magic wasn’t just a part of the world but the very foundation of it. Where she would learn to cast spells, brew potions, and maybe—just maybe—find a home among the moving staircases and enchanted portraits.

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As the sun began to set, the train slowed, and excitement rippled through the carriages. Students pressed their faces against the windows, catching their first glimpse of the castle, its turrets glowing against the evening sky.

Artemis felt her breath catch.

It was real.

She was finally here.

The night air was crisp and carried the scent of damp earth and pine as Artemis Lovelace stepped off the Hogwarts Express onto the dimly lit platform of Hogsmeade Station. The excited chatter of first-years hummed in the background, punctuated by the occasional hoot of an owl or the rustling of a restless cat in a basket. But it was the deep, booming voice that cut through the murmur, commanding immediate attention.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" called a towering figure holding a lantern aloft.

Artemis instantly recognized Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds. The half-giant’s massive frame made the students around him look miniature, but his broad smile was welcoming, and Artemis felt an inexplicable warmth toward him. She recalled him from the scattered memories of her past life but couldn’t remember much beyond the fact that he had always been kind.

Rosaline and Eliza Dawson clung to each other’s sleeves as they approached Hagrid. "Blimey, he's enormous!" Eliza whispered, awed. "Do you think he eats dragons for breakfast?"

"Doubtful," Artemis murmured with a small smile. "But he does look like he could wrestle one."

Hagrid gathered the first-years and led them down a winding path that descended toward a vast, glassy black lake. Lanterns cast flickering golden pools of light along the water’s edge, where a fleet of small boats bobbed gently, waiting for them.

"No more’n four to a boat!" Hagrid instructed as he gestured toward the vessels.

Artemis, Rosaline, and Eliza scrambled into one boat, and a timid-looking boy with brown hair and round glasses hesitated before joining them. "I'm Augustus Meadowes," he said in a quiet voice. "Can I sit here?"

"Of course!" Rosaline beamed at him. "I hope you don’t get seasick."

The boats glided forward of their own accord, cutting through the glassy surface of the lake without the need for paddles. The night sky stretched above them, a dark velvet canopy dotted with stars, and the murky depths below seemed fathomless. A chill ran down Artemis’s spine as she remembered tales of the creatures lurking beneath—most notably, the giant squid.

Then, as they rounded a bend, a collective gasp rippled through the boats.

Hogwarts Castle loomed ahead, illuminated by hundreds of golden lights glowing from its many windows and towers. Its spires stretched impossibly high, its stone walls were ancient and strong, and the sight of it was breathtaking. It was far more magnificent than Artemis had ever imagined, more than she had ever dreamed. It was a beacon of magic, of history, of possibility.

The castle felt both impossibly new and strangely familiar, like a dream she’d had once and almost remembered.

She turned to look at her friends. Rosaline’s hands were clasped together in excitement, and Eliza’s eyes were as wide as saucers. "It’s even bigger than I imagined," Eliza whispered.

"It’s beautiful," Artemis murmured, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest.

Hagrid led them to the boathouse, where the boats docked themselves. The students disembarked and followed him up a winding slippery stone path to the great oak doors of the castle. He rapped on the wood three times, and a moment later, the doors swung open to reveal a stern-looking woman in emerald-green robes.

Professor Minerva McGonagall.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she announced, her sharp gaze sweeping over them. "In a few moments, you will enter the Great Hall to be sorted into your houses. The four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—will be your home for the next seven years. Any rule-breaking will cost your house points, and achievements will earn you rewards. Conduct yourselves with honor. Now, follow me."

The first-years trailed behind her in hushed anticipation as they entered the castle. The entrance hall was grand and cavernous, with high, vaulted ceilings and walls lined with torches. Then, the doors to the Great Hall swung open, revealing a breathtaking sight.

Thousands of floating candles bathed the vast hall in a warm glow, and four long tables stretched out beneath the enchanted ceiling, which reflected the night sky outside. Ghosts drifted lazily among the students, and the older years at the tables turned to observe the newcomers with interest.

At the very front, a grand wooden stool was placed before the staff table, and upon it sat the Sorting Hat.

The hat twitched.

Then, to the astonishment of many first years, it opened its brim and began to sing:

Oh, you may think I’m just a hat,

No more than cloth and thread,

But place me on your head, young ones,

And I’ll see where you’ll be led!

Will you join the bold of heart,

Where courage lights their way?

Or the ones with minds so sharp,

Who seek knowledge every day?

Perhaps among the loyal kind,

Who true friendship keeps?

Or cunning folk, with wit refined,

Whose plans run far and deep?

No matter what, I see inside,

Your strengths, your hopes, your fears.

So take a seat and try me on,

And I'll decide your years!

A wave of applause followed as McGonagall stepped forward with a long scroll. "When I call your name, come forward and sit upon the stool."

The sorting began. One by one, students took their turn, the Sorting Hat’s voice occasionally loud enough for all to hear. Some were sent to Gryffindor to cheer, others to Slytherin with polite clapping, and a few to Hufflepuff, where warm smiles and friendly hugs awaited them.

"Eliza Dawson."

Eliza stepped forward, hands clenched into fists at her sides. She barely had time to sit before the hat called out, "RAVENCLAW!"

Rosaline was next, and after a moment’s pause, the hat sent her to join her twin. Artemis’s stomach twisted in anticipation as McGonagall called her name after a few more sortings.

She took her seat, her hands gripping the stool.

As the hat settled over her eyes, Artemis’s heart hammered. This was it — the first step into a life she’d always dreamed of. And yet, beneath the excitement, something colder stirred. It had been a long time since she’d let herself hope for belonging.

"Ah, interesting. Very interesting," it mused. "An old soul in a young body… how peculiar. I see knowledge, deep and vast, and an insatiable curiosity. You have wisdom beyond your years, yet the cunning of a strategist. You could do well in many places, child."

Ravenclaw, she thought hard. I need to stay with them.

"A wise choice," the hat agreed. "Very well—RAVENCLAW!"

Cheers erupted from the Ravenclaw table as Artemis hurried to join her friends, relief flooding her.

After the sorting was over, Dumbledore rose to his feet, smiling warmly. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our feast, a few words—Capacious, befuddlement, camaraderie, scintillating! Thank you!" He clapped his hands, and the golden plates before them filled instantly with delicious food.

Artemis felt warmth settle in her chest. This was her new home.

The feast had been delicious, though Artemis had barely tasted half of it, too caught up in the wonder of it all. Now, hours later, they climbed the spiral staircase to the Ravenclaw Tower, Artemis and the twins found their dormitory with 3 beds, A wardrobe with Floor Length Mirror each, A Bookshelf and study table with Comfortable looking chairs for each of them. The room was circular, with high arched windows that framed the moonlit sky. Their trunks were already at the foot of their beds, and the four-poster beds had plush blue duvets embroidered with silver thread. There was a small seating area at the edge of Room with 3 Chairs and a small Coffee table. The Lone door inside the Dormitory leading to a Communal Bathroom with 3 sinks, A shower stall and a Toilet stall.

Eliza yawned. "I can’t believe we’re finally here."

"It feels like we’ve stepped into a story," Rosaline said, bouncing onto her bed.

Artemis, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "Did you hear about our Head of House? Professor Flitwick? He’s supposed to be one of the best Charms Masters."

Eliza nodded excitedly. "And we have Astronomy at midnight every week! Can you believe that?"

Rosaline flopped onto her pillow. "I’m going to have so many questions in class, I bet they’ll get sick of me."

Artemis smiled. This was the beginning of something new, something she hadn’t expected—but something she was grateful for.

As the candles flickered low and the wind whispered against the window panes, she closed her eyes, letting herself believe that maybe, just maybe, this was where she was meant to be.