ã€ŠHOGWARTS: A New Destinyã€‹


 Chapter 1: The Seers Shadow

    A gust howled through the narrow alleyways of Varanasi, rattling the wooden shutters of dimly lit homes. The air crackled¡ªnot with thunder, but with magic.

    Inside a modest house, a woman knelt before a brass bowl filled with water, her eyes glowing a ghostly silver. Her breath came in quick gasps. She had seen it.

    ¡°They''ve found us,¡± she whispered.

    Across the room, a man extends his hand outwards, his face calm but eyes sharp with calculation. With a flick of his wrist, the walls around them shimmered, their simple distorting into an illusion¡ªa trick only a master illusionist could weave.

    ¡°Take Arnit to Vedant. He¡¯ll know what to do. Now go,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ll hold them off.¡±

    A young boy, no more than eight, stepped forward, instinctively shielding his mother behind him.

    ¡°I won¡¯t leave you, Father, or Mother,¡± he insisted, struggling to keep his voice steady, though his trembling hand betrayed his fear.

    The man, unmistakably the boy¡¯s father due to their striking resemblance, knelt before his son, gripping his shoulders and gazing intently into his eyes. ¡°Listen carefully, Arnit. You knew this day might come; that¡¯s why we prepared you as best we could. You will have to confront your enemies one day, but that time is not now. Your mother will take you to your Uncle Vedant, who will ensure your safety in London. The ritual I performed will help conceal your presence, but as you grow stronger, it will become harder to hide from him. Be ready for that day, but not today. Go with your mother. Have you activated the portkey, Savita?¡± he asked, turning to the woman.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you. Your brother will be waiting for Arnit on the other side of the portkey. I won¡¯t leave your side,¡± Savita replied, her voice filled with determination.

    The man tried to say something to convince her otherwise, but seeing the calm and resolution in her eyes, he stopped himself.

    He sighed in resignation, ¡°All right.¡±

    Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Then another. And another.

    ¡°They are here.¡±

    The door exploded inward. A shadowy figure stepped inside, his robes rippling unnaturally, as though darkness itself clung to him. His amber eyes burnt with foresight, the mark of a powerful seer.

    ¡°You cannot run from fate,¡± he said softly.

    His wrist flickered¡ªblue fire erupted from the ground, twisting like serpents.

    Arnit¡¯s father raised his hands, murmuring an incantation. The flames bent backward, curling away from them, but the effort made his breathing ragged.

    His mother turned to Arnit, placing a hand on his face. ¡°You must go, son. There is no time.¡±

    Before Arnit could protest, the world shattered¡ªa portkey activated beneath him. The last thing he saw was his father summoning an illusion so large it swallowed the room in shadow, and his mother¡¯s voice whispering his name as he was ripped away from them forever.

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    Arnit woke with a gasp, his chest rising and falling in quick, uneven breaths. His sheets were damp with sweat, and his heart pounded against his ribs like a trapped bird.

    The dream¡ªno, the memory¡ªwas fading, dissolving into the morning light filtering through the curtains of his cramped bedroom in London. But the fear, the scent of smoke, and the flash of blue fire¡ªthose always lingered.

    He sat up, running a hand through his messy black hair, staring at his trembling fingers. ¡®Why now?¡¯

    ¡°Another bad dream?¡± came a gruff voice from the doorway.

    Arnit turned to his uncle, Vedant Shukla, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. His uncle is also a wizard but works as a teacher at a nearby school. Arnit doesn''t know why he is also away from the family. He also has a wand aside from his ring as a magic conduit. He had the posture of someone who carried the weight of too many unspoken words.

    Arnit nodded, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. ¡°Yeah¡­ just a dream.¡±

    Vedant didn¡¯t push. He never did; instead, he gestured toward the kitchen. ¡°Come on, breakfast is ready.¡±

    The small apartment smelt of toast and masala chai, a scent that made Arnit feel a little more grounded in reality. He sat at the table, absently stirring his tea as his uncle set a yellowed envelope in front of him.

    Arnit froze. His fingers trembled.

    The wax seal on the envelope bore the emblem of a lion, serpent, badger, and raven surrounding the alphabet H.

    For a moment neither of them spoke.

    ¡°You knew this day would come,¡± Vedant said finally, taking a sip of his own tea.

    Arnit¡¯s fingers brushed over the envelope. ¡°I only said there are high chances. I thought, since I wasn¡¯t born here¡­ ¡° He trailed off, thinking about something.

    ¡°So, what will be your decision?¡± his uncle asked softly.

    Vedant¡¯s voice interrupted his musings. ¡°What are your thoughts, uncle?¡±

    Vedant thought for a second, collecting his thoughts, ¡°I think you should join. You can''t ignore your destiny, Arnit. No one can. Learning at Hogwarts will benefit you in the long run. You can''t run forever. I am sure my brother and sister-in-law must have thought the same. That¡¯s why they send you here, away from the Indian magical community, so that you can grow properly and become powerful enough to face that man. Don¡¯t forget, your grandfather also has your back. But he can''t always be there to protect you.¡±

    Hearing about his grandfather brought a smile to Arnit''s face. In the last three years, his grandfather has supported him with everything he can. Whether it¡¯s a valuable potion or some obscure knowledge, he was provided with everything he wanted.

    ¡°Okay, I''ll join Hogwarts.¡± Arnit decided, convinced by his uncle''s logic.

    ¡°Good decision. Now write a reply on a paper and I''ll send it in a letter to them.¡± His uncle said with a smile on his face, clearly happy with his nephew''s decision.

    ¡°Let me read the letter first, uncle.¡± He said with a laugh, excited to open the letter.

    He tore the envelope and opened the letter.

    HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

    Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards)

    Dear Mr. Arnit Shukla,

    We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find an enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.

    The term begins on September 1. We await your reply by no later than July 31.

    Yours sincerely,

    Minerva McGonagall,

    Deputy Headmistress

    There was another piece of parchment, which he unfolded. It said¡ª

    HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY UNIFORM

    First-year students will require:

    1. Three sets of plain work cloth (black)

    2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

    3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

    4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)

    Please note that all pupils¡¯ clothes should carry name tags.

    COURSE BOOKS

    All students should have a copy of each of the following:

    The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

    A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

    Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

    A beginners¡¯ guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

    One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

    Magical drafts and potions by Arsenius Jigger

    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

    Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

    OTHER EQUIPMENT

    1 Wand

    1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

    1 set of glass or crystal vials

    1 telescope set

    1 brass scale

    Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

    PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS.

 Chapter 2: Diagon Discoveries

    The bricks rearranged themselves, forming an archway into another world. As Arnit stepped through, he felt a shift in the very air around him¡ªan energy that hummed beneath his skin, something ancient and powerful.

    If someone could describe Diagon Alley in a few words, that would be dynamic and alive.

    There was no silence here, only the constant murmur of spells, the rustle of enchanted robes, and the laughter of young witches and wizards experiencing magic for the first time. Signs glowed with shifting colours, enchanted posters whispered advertisements, and cobblestone streets pulsed faintly, reacting to the magic of those who walked upon them.

    It was Arnit''s first time visiting a magical place, surrounded by magical people. It was a bit overwhelming for the first few minutes. Took him some time to calm down. He turned towards his uncle, who was walking beside him. ¡°You have been here, right, uncle?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course. Even though I work in the muggle world, I still wish to visit magical markets and tourist destinations for witches and wizards from time to time. And Diagon Alley is one of the most visited places in the entire British magical community.¡± Vedant replied with a smile.

    ¡°Ooh, that''s why sometimes you come home late at night,¡± said Arnit; realisation dawned on him while looking towards his uncle.

    Vedant simply turned his face somewhere else, avoiding his nephew''s judgemental eyes.

    They continued their walk on the street while observing the people around them. The excitement on the children''s faces who were there shopping for the new year at Hogwarts was apparent. The constant hustle and bustle was creating a vibrant atmosphere around the market.

    ¡°So, where should we go first?¡± he asked his uncle even though he had some ideas.

    ¡°First, let''s get you some fitting robes,¡± Vedant said while walking towards Madam Malkin¡¯s robes for all occasions.

    ¡°But I thought we would go to Gringotts bank first! Isn''t that where you exchange your currency and deposit your money in the vaults for future purposes?" Arnit argued while looking towards a looming white building.

    ¡°Yes, you would have been absolutely right if I didn''t already have tens of thousands of galleons in my one-touch withdraw pouch. And I also don''t trust goblins with my money. We have our own family vault somewhere safe, which is connected to my pouch. So whenever I need some money, all I need to do is grab some from this pouch.¡±

    ¡°Wow!!! I never knew you had this kind of pouch, uncle. But I thought the currency for the Indian magical community is different from the British one. Then how are you taking out galleons from that pouch?¡± Arnit asked, confusion featuring on his face.

    ¡°First of all, there¡¯s nothing special about the pouch. The special part is our family vault, which has so much; you won''t be able to spend it your whole life. And that''s just one of the perks of being part of a family whose history dates back thousands of years. Now on your second question. Yes, almost every community has its own currency, just like in the muggle world. But you know that in the muggle world, just like how most of the international transactions happen in the US dollar, the same way galleons are used in the western part of the magical world since it''s not a dominating currency in the eastern magical communities like the Indian subcontinent, Chinese magical community, Japanese, Korean, and all the other ASEAN magical societies. But then how am I taking out galleons after galleons from this pouch? Well, because your grandfather had signed a contract with Gringotts that will convert the Indian currency into galleons, sickles, or knuts as per your needs at a substantial fee." Vedant explained the whole thing while standing in front of the shop.

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    ¡°This is Madam Malkin''s Robes for All Occasions. Here, take this pouch and go inside and buy some robes for yourself while I deliver your letter to Hogwarts. I''ll also buy a pet owl as per our discussion. If I am not here by the time you come out, directly go to Flourish & Blotts to buy the books. Buy any book you want there.¡± After saying his piece, Vedant walked towards the Eeylops Owl Emporium.

    After seeing his uncle going away, he turned his attention towards the shop in front of him. ¡®Okay, Arnit, here goes nothing.¡¯ He took a deep breath and entered the shop.

    A soft chime rang as Arnit pushed open the door to Madam Malkin¡¯s robe shop. It smelt of fresh fabric and faintly of lavender, the air filled with the gentle hum of magic as enchanted needles stitched robes without assistance. Rows of Hogwarts uniforms hung neatly on racks, and enchanted measuring tapes zipped through the air like impatient hummingbirds.

    Arnit hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight. It was his first true step into the magical world beyond the secrecy of his childhood, and the sheer oddity of it all made him both excited and wary. Before he could dwell on it, a plump woman in a deep mauve robe bustled forward.

    "Ah! Another Hogwarts student! Step right up, dear," Madam Malkin chirped, ushering him toward a fitting stool. "Let¡¯s get you measured!"

    As Arnit stepped up, a voice beside him caught his attention.

    "Looks like we¡¯ll be in the same robes soon," the boy said with an easy grin. He was standing on a similar stool, arms slightly raised as magical tapes flitted around him. He had light brown hair, striking grey eyes, and a warm, confident air about him.

    Arnit returned the smile, relieved to see another student his age. "Looks like it. First year?"

    "Yeah," the boy nodded. "I¡¯m Cedric Diggory."

    "Arnit Shukla," he replied, shaking Cedric¡¯s outstretched hand.

    Cedric studied him curiously. "Are you new to the wizarding world?"

    Arnit hesitated, debating how much to say. "Sort of," he admitted. "I didn¡¯t grow up around many wizards."

    Cedric nodded thoughtfully. "It can be a lot to take in. But Hogwarts is brilliant¡ªyou¡¯ll love it."

    Arnit glanced around at the bustling shop, still feeling like an outsider looking in. "I hope so."

    "You got a house in mind?" Cedric asked, eyes glinting with curiosity.

    Arnit had read about the houses, but he truly had no idea where he belonged. "Not sure. You?"

    "Dunno yet, but my dad was a Hufflepuff," Cedric said. "Wouldn¡¯t mind that. What about you?"

    Before Arnit could answer, Madam Malkin clapped her hands. "All done, dear! You¡¯ll fit right in at Hogwarts," she said with a kind smile.

    A floating mirror positioned itself in front of Arnit, and he caught sight of himself in his crisp black Hogwarts robes. For the first time, the reality of his journey fully sank in. He was going to Hogwarts.

    Cedric stepped down from his stool, adjusting his new robes. "Well, guess we¡¯ll find our houses soon enough," he said with a grin. "See you on the train?"

    Arnit nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, see you there.¡±

    After giving his address to Madam Malkin for the delivery of the robes, he went to Flourish & Blotts for the books.

    When he was at the end of his book shopping spree, Vedant entered the shop while carrying a dusky eagle-owl, a powerful owl species with piercing yellow eyes and a commanding presence.

    Arnit turned towards his uncle and was surprised to see a majestic big brown owl peacefully sitting inside a cage. It didn''t take long for him to fall in love with his pet.

    ¡°Wow, Uncle, it''s quite amazing for an owl to have this kind of presence. Which species is this?¡± He asked his uncle, his eyes not leaving the owl, totally captivated by its presence.

    ¡°It''s a Dusky Eagle-Owl, often associated with guardianship and spiritual guidance, fitting for your journey,¡± explained Vedant to his nephew.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you name your companion?¡± Vedant asked eagerly.

    ¡°I have already thought of an appropriate name¡ªMeghdoot, messenger of the clouds.¡±

 Chapter 3: Wand Shopping

    After buying everything on the list, all that was left was a wand, which Ollivander¡¯s wand shop is the go-to shop in all of the British magical community. So they went to their destination.

    ¡°Uncle, do I really need to buy a wand? I already have my ring as a conduit. Isn''t that enough?¡± Arnit asked while playing with his pet Meghdoot. His uncle has also bought some expensive snacks for the bird, which he was feeding to it.

    ¡°Hmm, a ring is perfectly normal as a medium for magic, which is common in the east and some parts of Africa. Here, in Britain and basically the whole western part of the world, wands are used as a common magic conduit. But I will highly advise you to increase your proficiency in chantless magic without the use of any conduit; only then can you call yourself a powerful wizard.¡±

    Arnit continued feeding his pet while his ears were in full attention to his uncle''s words.

    ¡®I can already do a few normal spells chantless without this ring¡¯ arnit thought, his fingers caressing an old silver ring in his index finger. It has several runes inscribed all around the outer surface of it.

    ¡°Aah, this is the famous Ollivander¡¯s wand shop.¡± Suddenly, Vedant exclaimed, looking towards a slightly crooked establishment that seems to have endured vicissitudes of a lifetime.

    The shopfront is made of dark, weathered wood, with gold lettering across the top reading, Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.

    ¡°Arnit, remember a few months ago your grandfather sent you some magical woods and a few body parts of some magical animals?¡± Vedant suddenly asked, looking towards his nephew.

    It took Arnit a few seconds to register his uncle¡¯s words. He slowly turned his head, facing his uncle, and said, ¡°Yeah, if I remember correctly, it was around 10 months ago when you suddenly interrupted my sleep and made me stand in front of a bunch of things and asked me to select from them according to my instincts or feelings. Later you told me those things were sent by grandfather for my gift¡­¡± Arnit recalled the event, trailing at the end, realising the significance of the event.

    ¡°Those bunch of things were for my wand!!¡± Arnit exclaimed loudly, garnering a few stares from his surroundings.

    He looked around, the corners of his ears turning red from embarrassment.

    He lowered his voice and asked his uncle in a whisper, ¡°You knew I would take admission in Hogwarts?¡±

    ¡°Well, I was 95 percent sure that I would convince you to join Hogwarts. And I wasn''t wrong about that.¡± Vedant said with a cheeky smile.

    ¡°Now go, your wand must be ready. This should be your special moment, so I''ll wait outside.¡± Vedant, said Arnit, urging him to go inside. Arnit turned and went towards the shop.

    As Arnit stepped into Ollivander¡¯s Wand Shop, the bell above the door chimed softly, its sound lost in the overwhelming hush of the room. The air was thick with the scent of old wood, parchment, and a hint of something electric, as if raw magic itself lingered in the atmosphere.

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    The shop was narrow and dimly lit, with dusty shelves stacked to the ceiling, each crammed with hundreds¡ªperhaps thousands¡ªof slender wand boxes. The shelves seemed to sway slightly, almost as if they were alive, waiting, listening. A soft golden light flickered from a series of floating candles, their flames casting wavering shadows across the walls.

    At the far end of the room stood a tall, spindly counter, polished smooth from centuries of use. Behind it, more rows of wand boxes climbed the walls, some looking as though they hadn''t been disturbed in decades. The entire shop had an otherworldly quiet, broken only by the occasional creak of the wood and the faint rustle of parchment as a draft stirred loose notes scattered across the counter.

    Arnit could feel it¡ªthe weight of history, the hum of magic woven into every fibre of this place. The moment he entered, a shiver ran down his spine, not out of fear but of something deeper¡ªa recognition, as if the shop itself was aware of his presence.

    Just as he took another step forward, there was a soft rustling sound, followed by a voice as ancient as the wood around him.

    ¡°Ah¡­ another new student,¡± came a whispery yet firm voice. From the shadows between the shelves, Mr. Ollivander emerged, his silver eyes gleaming as he peered at Arnit with unsettling intensity.

    ¡°I was wondering when I¡¯d be seeing you, Mr. Shukla¡­¡± He continued, still looking towards Arnit with the same intensity.

    ¡°How do you know who I am when it''s my first time meeting you?¡± arnit asked with some genuine curiosity, slightly perturbed under the shop owner¡¯s stare.

    ¡°How? Yes, yes¡­ you see, I invested my last few making a custom wand for you, as per your uncle¡¯s wishes. He already gave me everything I need to make a wand. And right now I can feel in my bones the need for that wand to meet its lifelong companion, to make itself complete. Wait a moment!¡± Ollivander said in a slow, whispery voice and walked up to a shelf. From there, he brought a box, which looked quite new compared to the other boxes.

    He opened the box and showed it to Arnit.

    Inside lay a deep, dark brown to black wand.

    Even before opening the box, Arnit already felt a strong sense of connection to the wand. But after seeing it for the first time, he became sure that there was a resonance between his magic and this wand. Although he can feel a different level of resonance with the other wands on those shelves, the strongest one was definitely this one. It has the same level of connection with him as the ring on his finger has, which was specially made using Arnit¡¯s blood.

    ¡°12 and three-quarter inches¡ªlong enough for flexibility but not unwieldy. Mixture of Himalayan cedar wood and sandalwood combined with astral phoenix feather as its core. Cedar wands often choose those with strong destiny and protective instinct, symbolising eternal wisdom, endurance, and a strong will. Sandalwood, ideal for wizards with a strong moral compass and a pure heart. Astral phoenix feather as its core enhances all the magic related to the soul and is perfect for a wizard with a strong purpose and a path intertwined with fate.¡± Ollivander said with a soft but firm voice.

    He continued, ¡°Before I hand over the wand to you, I must tell you that this was my first time working with an Astral Phoenix feather, which is rarer than a normal phoenix, which is already very rare in this part of the world. It is a rare Phoenix species said to appear only during cosmic alignments. So I must thank you for giving me this opportunity to work with such rare material. Here, take it and give it a swoosh." He took the wand out of the box with care and handed it to Arnit, who took it with the same level of care.

    The moment Arnit¡¯s left hand touched the base of the wand, it felt like the whole shop was bathed in some kind of holy light, which has a subtle warmth to it, like a mother¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°Aah¡­ this is why I love making wands,¡± the shop owner, Ollivander, let out a satisfied sigh and murmured to himself in a low voice.

 Chapter 4: The Path to Sagehood

    It''s been more than one month since Arnit went to Diagon Alley for the first time. Right now, when there are still a few minutes before the sun rays will touch the earth, he is inside his room, sitting in lotus position, doing meditation with the help of an artefact gifted to him on his fifth birthday by his father. This artefact ¨C lotus beads ¨C was one of the prized possessions of his father when he was alive. Now this belongs to him. This artefact helps the wearer in easing his way into a meditative state and helps in building occlumency shields. It can also turn into a bracelet which resists Legilimency. Even a master legilimens will find it very hard to enter the mind of the wearer of this artefact. This artefact was created by his great-grandfather, the legendary alchemist <i>Dhruvketu Shukla</i>, who was famous all over the world, just like the alchemist Nicolas Flamel. Although he was more in the eastern part of the world, just like how Nicolas Flamel was more famous in the West. This is all according to his uncle, by the way.

    Although Arnit never had any problems going into a meditative state. His mind has always been clearer and faster than any other person he has come across. Although he had this realisation when he was around seven, he never confronted this with his parents. It was only last year when he asked his uncle about this ¨C

    <b>FLASHBACK STARTS</b>

    It was night time. Vedant was reading a book in his free time alone in his room when he heard a knock. Of course, who could it be if not Arnit, his nephew?

    ¡°Come in, Arnit,¡± he called loudly. It has been a year since he started living with his nephew because of that incident. It was only recently when his nephew had started practising magic again. It took some time, but he managed to convince the boy.

    ¡°Uncle,¡± Arnit called out softly. He was so lost in thought that he didn''t even realise when the boy stood in front of him.

    He turned and looked towards the boy. Now that he was looking at his nephew, he realised that the boy was taller and more fit compared to his peers. He looked at his face, and it didn''t take a genius to figure out that the boy wanted to ask something but was hesitating.

    ¡°You don''t need to hesitate to ask something from me. I am here to answer your every query. Now tell me, what do you want to ask?¡± Vedant said in full confidence.

    ¡°Well, you know that I have always been smarter than my peers, including the adults. It also feels like my mind works faster than others, but I don''t have any problem with that. The problem is I never exercised holistically, but I can tell that even if I have to run ten kms, I won''t get tired. I am faster than all of my peers; hell, even some adults. My reflexes are so good that it feels scary sometimes. I feel like there¡¯s so much energy inside of me that only after exhausting my whole magical energy do I feel relieved. And the weirder part is, it always feels like something is guiding me, like a particular feeling or, you could say, an instinct that helps me figure things out. That''s why I was never able to make a friend while living in the Muggle world. What is happening, Uncle? I want to know. Why am I so different from others? Is it solely because of magic, or is there something else?¡± After saying all of that, he sighed in relief like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

    His uncle just stared at him for a few moments before answering, ¡°You are worrying way too much for nothing. You should feel lucky ¨C¡±

    ¡°Uncle, please stop,¡± Arnit interrupted his uncle midway, before continuing, ¡°I don''t know why you are not telling me the full truth. But I can tell that you are holding some information back. If you don''t want to tell me, then it''s all right. I don''t want to pressure you into doing something you are unwilling to do.¡±

    Vedant closed the book he was reading and put it away so he could give his full attention to the boy. He put his right hand on his hair, smoothing it, and exhaled simultaneously.

    He took some moments to gather his thoughts before replying, ¡°Fine, come here, sit beside me. It''s going to be a long night.¡± He gestured for Arnit to sit beside him on the sofa. Arnit obeyed his uncle silently.

    ¡°Let''s start with a history lesson first. Do you know who we consider the forefathers of Indian magicals (witches & wizards)?¡± asked Vedant.

    ¡°Yes, the <i>Saptarishi</i> (seven sages) who were known to live during the early Vedic period around 1500 to 1100 BCE, if I am not wrong.¡± Arnit replied immediately.

    He then continued, ¡°and their descendants still live today as royalties. The 7 royal families, descendants of the saptarishi, are considered the top families in all of the Indian subcontinent. There are more than 100 noble families all around the subcontinent, but they are still considered beneath the 7 royal families. Although most of them considered themselves superior because of their ¡®noble¡¯ blood. Basically, a lot of them are blood supremacists. Our family, the <i>Vashishtha</i>, is one of those 7 families.¡±

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    ¡°Yep! You are absolutely correct.¡± Vedant praised Arnit earnestly, which brought a smile to Arnit¡¯s face.

    ¡°Now, you don''t believe in this bogus blood supremacy, right?¡± Vedant asked with some concern.

    ¡°No, absolutely not!¡± Arnit exclaimed loudly before continuing, ¡°I don''t believe in these misleading theories like blood supremacy and all. It''s appalling to think that some people believe themselves to be superior just because of their blood. It''s quite similar to the caste system in the Muggle world. I even find the term ¡®muggle¡¯ somewhat derogatory. Must be people like those who coined this term.¡± He ranted, expressing his frustration.

    ¡°You are right about all that. I too don''t believe in these fraudulent theories." Vedant further strengthened Arnit¡¯s beliefs.

    ¡°But why do you think that even after 3 millennia, the 7 royal families are constant while other ¡®noble¡¯ families change every decade or so?¡± Vedant asked suddenly, creating a sombre atmosphere.

    Arnit took just a few seconds to gather his thoughts before replying, ¡°because of their accumulated wealth and legacy magic.¡±

    The smile on Vedant¡¯s face gave away the answer. ¡°But to remind you that their definition of wealth might be different from your understanding of wealth. They have so much money that they don''t care about it anymore. Their definition of wealth is the rare artefacts, ingredients and potion recipes that they have accumulated all these years and which they guard jealously. These families have their own personal vaults somewhere around the world, buried underground at one of their personal islands, unseen to the whole magical and muggle world." Vedant explained all that in a few breaths, happy to see an expression of amazement on his nephew¡¯s face.

    ¡°But what I don''t understand is how this is related to my initial question?¡± Arnit asked his uncle in some confusion.

    ¡°Take a guess yourself,¡± Vedant replied cheekily, annoying the hell out of Arnit.

    ¡°Hmph, I''ll give you your answer in a minute.¡± Arnit humped and started thinking deeply. Meanwhile, Vedant summoned a bottle of water, effortlessly, mind you, without any incantations, like it was a normal occurrence in the house.

    ¡°I think I got your answer,¡± replied Arnit after some time.

    ¡°Okay then, tell me, what do you think?¡± Vedant said with some anticipation.

    ¡°You first started your explanation with history. So if I am thinking right, it has something to do with the history of the 7 ¡®royal¡¯ families, which our family is a part of. Then you lead your explanation towards the ¡®wealth¡¯ of those families, especially clarifying my understanding of ¡®wealth¡¯. So, if I am guessing right, my condition has something to do with the ¡®wealth¡¯ of our family. My bet is on some kind of secret potion recipe, which I must have consumed in my infancy because my parents will never use obliviate spells on me. And it is not an artefact on my body; otherwise, I would have realised it sooner." Arnit explained all of this in a few breaths, exhaling softly in the end.

    He stood in front of his uncle, completely sure and proud of his detailed logical explanation, if the smile on his uncle¡¯s face is any positive indication.

    ¡°Yep, you are again absolutely correct. I am so proud of you.¡± Vedant said proudly, holding one side of Arnit''s shoulders.

    ¡°It was ¡®Potion of the Eternal Warrior¡¯ or, as some call it, ¡®Elixir of the Awakened Mind¡¯. The name doesn''t matter, but what it does.¡± Vedant suddenly said in a low voice after some time.

    ¡°Never heard of it!¡± Arnit said swiftly.

    ¡°Of course, it would be weird if you had heard of it. It is a special potion of our family invented by our ancestor<i> Sage Vashishta</i> himself. Just like the other six families have their own from their own ancestors,¡± Vedant said something which completely gobsmacked Arnit.

    ¡°You are telling me that there is a secret recipe directly from <i>Sage Vashishta</i>. I bet the ingredients must be rare and expensive at the very least. Otherwise there would be a line of talented battle mages in our family. But why were you hesitating in telling me all of this?¡± Arnit asked tentatively, suppressing his amazement.

    ¡°Let me talk for a second. I''ll come to the point eventually." Vedant replied, giving a tired sigh.

    ¡°So as I was saying, yes, it is a very precious potion, so obviously the ingredients required in making the potion will be precious. I''ll just give you the name of a single ingredient, and that would be enough to show the value and rarity of other ingredients,¡± Vedant said slowly, trying to create a mysterious atmosphere.

    ¡°And that is,¡± Arnit continued with bated breath.

    ¡°<i>Elixir of Amrit</i> or Nectar of Immortality, whatever you want to say,¡± Vedant said in a low voice, keeping an eye on his nephew¡¯s expression.

    When no reply came from Arnit, he smiled and asked again, ¡°You don''t believe me?¡±

    Arnit shook his head sideways.

    Vedant thought for a second before asking again, ¡°Do you know about Nicolas Flamel?¡± for which Arnit again replied by shaking his head sideways.

    ¡°He is the creator of the legendary Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡± Vedant said loudly.

    ¡°The same stone which is said to turn any metal into gold, right?¡±

    Vedant simply nodded and continued, ¡°and created the Elixir of Life, which extends his life indefinitely.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Arnit asked, still not believing completely.

    ¡°Of course, you can find his name after a bit of searching in history books, and he is still living to this day with his wife somewhere in France, I guess. He has become obscured for the present generation; that''s why you won''t be able to find out about him so easily. He and his wife must be around 600 years old if I am not wrong.¡±

    Arnit had his mouth open in amazement. ¡®That means the nectar of immortality is real,¡¯ he came to the conclusion on his own.

    ¡°Well, you made me deviate from my original topic.¡± Vedant continued, ¡°So as I was saying, yes, the rarity of the ingredients for the potion is on the same level as the elixir of immortality. And not just anyone can brew this potion. It was only because your grandfather is a grand master potioneer who made this potion possible. But the reason I was hesitant in telling you about this is because of another ingredient, which is actually one of the rarest flora found in the magical world. It''s called <i>Brahma Kamal</i> (lotus of divine knowledge), which only grows near the newborn babies who are meant to use them. And nobody else can use it. It will be just a normal lotus in another''s hand. But the main reason why it''s so precious is because it opens the gate into attaining Sagehood. The last known location of this <i>Brahma Kamal</i> was in Nepal when a boy named <i>Siddhartha Gautama</i>, most commonly referred to as ¡®the Buddha¡¯ was born.¡±

    Now Arnit was definitely flabbergasted with all this information. Various emotions were raging inside his heart but he kept his mouth shut, letting his uncle complete his explanation.

    ¡°But the problem is that it''s a double-edged sword. What I meant to say is that while it will open the path into sagehood for you, there will also be numerous obstacles which will stand in your way. And right now, you are still very young; hell, you haven''t even reached your adulthood, and I didn''t want to burden you with all this information. But then I thought, to hell with it. I can see that you are already mature enough for all of this.¡±

    Vedant stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath, he continued, ¡°Here, that''s my whole detailed explanation of your initial question. Now it''s already late enough for your sleep, and I am also getting tired. So, think about all this in your own room, at your own leisure. Go, go, go¡­¡± Vedant ended his explanation while pushing his nephew out of his room. After that he slammed the door in Arnit''s face.

    <b>FLASHBACK ENDS</b>

 Chapter 5: Echoes of the Past

    The first rays of dawn painted the sky in shades of soft gold and deep violet, yet Arnit remained still, seated in the lotus position atop his bed. His breathing was steady, his mind calm, the lotus beads wrapped around his wrist glowing faintly as they helped him ease into his meditative state.

    The world outside was beginning to stir, but inside this quiet moment, Arnit focused only on the rhythmic ebb and flow of his magic. He could feel it, pulsating gently beneath his skin, flowing in sync with his breath. It was in moments like these that he felt truly connected¡ªto himself, to the world, and to something far greater than either.

    This went on for about two hours when a soft knock on the door disrupted the stillness, followed by a familiar voice.

    ¡°Still meditating, birthday boy?¡± Vedant¡¯s tone carried its usual amusement, but there was something softer underneath today.

    Arnit opened his eyes, blinking away the haze of deep focus. He turned toward the door just as Vedant stepped inside, holding two steaming cups of chai.

    ¡°Happy Birthday, kid,¡± his uncle said, walking over and handing him a cup.

    Arnit smiled at his uncle¡¯s gesture. He took the cup from Vedant¡¯s still outstretched arm, fingers warming against the ceramic. ¡°Thanks, Uncle.¡±

    Vedant sat beside him on the bed, sipping his tea thoughtfully. ¡°Eleven years old today. Feels like just yesterday you were running around the house, trying to levitate everything in sight.¡±

    Arnit smirked, taking a careful sip of his tea. ¡°You say that as if I ever stopped.¡±

    Vedant chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°That¡¯s true. But still, another year older, another year wiser. Any grand revelations during your meditation session today?¡±

    Arnit considered for a moment before replying, ¡°Nothing new. Just¡­ a feeling. Like I¡¯m standing on the edge of something big. Like things are going to change soon. It is very likely that soon I''ll be able to use our lineage magic.¡±

    Now, the statement coming from arnit''s mouth might sound casual but it was anything but that for Vedant.

    Vedant became so stunned by this revelation that it took him some time to be coherent in his speech, ¡°That¡­ would be an occasion for a grand celebration, arnit.¡±

    Contrary to Vedant¡¯s excitement, Arnit was calm, though happy.

    Seeing his nephew¡¯s level of excitement, he immediately said, ¡°You might not be realising the importance of this achievement. For context, your great-grandfather, Dhruvketu, managed to achieve the equilibrium between soul, mind and body at the age of 25, and he was considered one of the best alchemists to have ever lived. Although I am sure he is still alive somewhere.¡±

    ¡°How are you so sure of him being alive?¡± Arnit asked, intrigued.

    Vedant deliberated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before replying, ¡°Well¡­ firstly, he never died. He just left one day after the sudden death of one of his wives, your great-grandmother, Ayesha Azmara,-¡±

    ¡°Wait! Wait a second! What do you mean by ¡®one of his wives¡¯? Did great-grandpa have more than one wife?¡± Arnit suddenly asked, stopping his uncle midway.

    ¡°Your great-grandfather had two wives. Didn''t you know about this? My brother never told you?¡± Vedant asked Arnit seriously.

    Arnit shook his head negatively.

    Vedant stayed quiet for a second, thinking deeply.

    ¡°That means¡­ er, you also don''t know why your parents, or you for that matter, never lived in your ancestral home?¡± Vedant asked softly.

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    ¡°All I know is that there was some kind of fight between Father and Grandmother, which led to Father leaving his home with my mother. That''s all my parents told me when I asked about the reason. That is also why, I think, I never got any birthday gifts from my grandmother or any other family members, besides you and grandfather, of course,¡± said Arnit, uttering the last few words in a sad little voice.

    Vedant sighed heavily in regret. Regret in making his nephew sad on his birthday.

    ¡°You know what? I always go off on a tangent whenever I talk to you. That''s why I''ll try to explain the matter in a concise way, so listen carefully.¡± replied Vedant in a firm voice.

    ¡°Firstly, yes! There was a fight, verbally, for further clarification. But your grandmother regretted it after your parents died. Now she is ashamed to meet you. Mind you, she might be very orthodox and rigid in nature, but she is not a bad person at heart. It''s just that her upbringing was done in a very conservative family. So, be happy; she doesn''t hate you.¡±

    Arnit listened to his uncle in full concentration, forgetting his earlier sadness.

    Vedant continued, ¡°As for the reason for their fight, it is a bit complicated, so to understand that matter, you must know another thing. I''ll come to that later. Now, the reason behind your great-grandfather¡¯s two wives is because of a family custom. And the custom ¨C the first marriage of the heir of the family must be with a girl whose both parents are magicals. After that, it''s his choice to marry as many times as he wants with anyone. But it''s only applied to the heir of the family. So, the father of Dhruvketu, who was also a very greedy person, promised the marriage of the future heir to a daughter of another one of the 7 families with a binding magical contract for political reasons. Dhruvketu was just an infant at that time. So he had no choice in that matter." By the end, Vedant¡¯s expression was kind of weird.

    ¡°What kind of weird custom is that? And how can they arrange the marriage of an infant?¡± Arnit¡¯s replied with some indignation, his face contorting in confusion.

    ¡°I know, right! They say it is to make the bloodline stronger. I don''t know when this custom started, but I think it was beneficial for those who believe in blood purity; that''s why no one ever bothered to change it. And the arranged marriage thing is pretty common in Indian culture. Even in the Muggle world.¡±

    Arnit nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with his uncle.

    ¡°So, after listening to all that, you must have already guessed the reason behind the fight between your father and grandmother,¡± said Vedant, after letting his nephew digest all that information.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Arnit nodded, continuing afterwards, ¡°it''s because Mother was a muggle-born.¡±

    Vedant nodded, looking outside the window.

    They both sat there peacefully, listening to the chirping of a bird outside, looking lost in their thoughts.

    ¡°Oh no!¡± Vedant exclaimed suddenly, looking towards their cups, now containing lukewarm tea.

    Arnit turned towards his uncle, then towards the cups, irritated for breaking a peaceful atmosphere.

    ¡°What? You are a wizard, for god¡¯s sake. Use the warming charm to make it hot again. Here, let me do it.¡± said Arnit with some irritation.

    Arnit simply waved his hand and muttered softly, ¡°<i>Thermolius</i>!¡± and immediately steam could be seen coming out of the cup.

    ¡°Seriously, how can you forget that you are a wizard?¡± said Arnit in an accusatory tone, looking towards his uncle.

    In return, Vedant just gave a sheepish smile to his nephew.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Vedant whined, ¡°Cut me some slack, will you?  You know that I spent most of my time in the Muggle world. Teaching mathematics to the students at your age. I was basically living a muggle life before you came. And before you ask anything, I am very happy with my life." Arnit closed his mouth after listening to his uncle¡¯s last statement.

    ¡°It is only recently that I applied to the British Ministry of Magic so that you can use your magic freely, under my supervision, of course,¡± Vedant added.

    ¡°Aah, yes! I have read about this in one of the books I bought from Diagon Alley. It''s called trace magic, right? To make sure underage wizards and witches don''t use magic in front of the muggles, to uphold the statue of secrecy.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are right about the trace magic, though I don''t know when they apply trace on children. Since It''s not a problem for those children who live in a magical society or are surrounded by adult wizards and witches. But the children who live in the Muggle world have to apply to the Ministry to freely use the magic, only when they are at a place devoid of any Muggle. Of course, their parents are exceptions.¡± Vedant explained in detail.

    ¡°You know about this rule because you yourself are a wizard. But what about the muggle-born witches or wizards? How do they know about this rule and where to apply for it? And what about the orphans?¡± asked Arnit immediately, finding a loophole in this.

    ¡°Every muggle-born is visited by a professor from Hogwarts after getting the confirmation letter from the student. It''s their responsibility to explain everything about the magical world to them. They also help the parents of the muggle-born in getting permission from the ministry. Unfortunately, nothing can be done for orphans. They basically convince the orphanage by giving them a decent reason or directly using the confundus charm on them.¡° Vedant explained patiently.

    ¡°But when do they apply the trace on a student''s body?¡± Arnit muttered, mostly to himself.

    After that, they continued chatting about some normal topics while sipping their tea from time to time.

 Chapter 6: The Scarlet Express Awaits

    King¡¯s Cross Station was alive with the sounds of chattering commuters, rolling suitcases, and the distant whistle of a departing train. Arnit trailed behind his uncle, scanning the platform signs while trying not to bump into passersby. His trunk rattled behind him, and his pet owl, Meghdoot, hooted softly from inside his cage.

    Vedant scratched his head, looking at his surroundings. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve found Platform Nine¡­ and there¡¯s Ten. So where in Saptrishi¡¯s name is¡ª¡±

    Arnit wasn¡¯t listening. His gaze was fixed on the seemingly ordinary pillar made of brick ahead.  Except, to him, it wasn¡¯t ordinary at all. The bricks shimmered faintly, as if they weren¡¯t quite solid. Thin, delicate rune-like structures which he has seen in his father¡¯s notes, nearly invisible to the untrained eye, pulsed softly across the surface in a language he didn¡¯t recognise. It was as if magic itself had been woven into the wall, making it a gateway rather than a barrier. He looked towards his uncle and pointed to the pillar.

    ¡°You don¡¯t see that?¡± Arnit asked, mesmerised by the magic.

    Vedant frowned. ¡°See what?¡±

    ¡°The runes. The magic. It¡¯s like the wall of that pillar is shifting,¡± Arnit murmured, watching the symbols rearrange themselves like moving script.

    Seeing his uncle¡¯s blank face, he frowned, ¡®Looks like Uncle is unable to see the magical glow coming out of the pillar.  But why do I see it?  This has never happened before! Maybe this is the result of my lineage magic, which I am on the cusp of learning.  All I need is just a little trigger of some kind.  Or there might be a whole other reason behind it which I am completely unaware of.

    Suddenly, a cheerful voice interrupted Arnit¡¯s musings.

    ¡°Ah, first time, dears?¡±

    Arnit turned to see a plump, kind-looking woman with fiery red hair smiling warmly at them. She was surrounded by children, all with the same unmistakable red hair. Two identical boys, about Arnit¡¯s age, were practically bouncing with excitement, while an older boy stood beside them, looking more composed. There were two more, a girl and a boy, both looking younger than the twins, but clearly the girl was the youngest one. She was clutching her mother¡¯s robes, looking slightly wistful, a bit of jealousy in her eyes; she might be waiting for her chance to attend Hogwarts. The boy, on the other hand, looked thin and lanky with lots of freckles and was quite eager but nervous seeing his older siblings go to Hogwarts.

    Hearing the woman¡¯s question, Vedant turned towards her and answered.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he admitted, giving her a sheepish smile. ¡°Not exactly sure how this works.¡±

    The woman chuckled. ¡°Not to worry. It¡¯s easy once you know how. Just walk straight at the barrier¡ªdon¡¯t hesitate, and don¡¯t stop halfway. If you¡¯re nervous, it helps to run a little.¡±

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    Arnit glanced at the twin boys, who looked like they were up to no good.

    ¡°You two going in together?¡± Arnit asked.

    One of them grinned mischievously. ¡°Of course! We¡¯re trying to see if we can go through at the exact same time.¡±

    The other twin nodded. ¡°What if we get stuck in the middle?¡±

    Their mother sighed. ¡°Fred, George, don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±

    Arnit smirked. He already liked these two.

    The oldest boy, Percy, stepped forward first. Without hesitation, he walked straight into the wall. For a split second, the runes on the surface glowed brighter, shifting like ripples in a pond, and then¡ªhe was gone.

    ¡°Whoaa!!!¡± came an involuntary sound of amazement from Arnit.

    Vedant just smiled softly, seeing his nephew finally acting like a kid.

    The twins turned to Arnit. ¡°You next,¡± Fred (or maybe George) said with a grin.

    Vedant clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Go on, kid. I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡±

    Arnit took a deep breath, gripping his trolley tightly. As he stepped toward the barrier, he felt a soft hum in the air, like a whisper just beyond hearing. The moment he touched the bricks, the world twisted¡ª

    And then, he was standing on a completely different platform.

    Steam curled through the air from the magnificent scarlet train before him, having a quite magical feel to it. The sign overhead read:

    Platform 9?

    A moment later, Fred and George appeared beside him, both laughing triumphantly.

    Vedant stumbled through after them, looking slightly ruffled. ¡°That was¡­ odd.¡±

    Mrs Weasley followed, her other two children following her, then ruffled the twins¡¯ hair affectionately. ¡°There now, all safe and sound.¡±

    Vedant turned towards Mrs Weasley and said in gratitude, ¡°Thank you very much for your help, ma¡¯am. We don''t want to take much of your precious time, so I''ll be taking your leave. Again, thank you.¡±

    Mrs Weasley smiled kindly and said in a jovial tone, ¡°Oh, come on! It was nothing. You don''t have to thank me for this.¡±

    They chatted a bit more before leaving for the train.

    They reached and stopped at the entry point of the train.  After that Vedant turned towards his nephew, who was clearly eager to ride the train.

    ¡°You have packed everything, right? Nothing is left behind, right?¡± He grabbed the boy¡¯s shoulder and asked in a slightly nervous tone.

    ¡°Don''t worry, Uncle. Everything is packed.  There was nothing left which I''ll need in school,¡± Arnit replied, placating his uncle to ease his worries.

    ¡°What about the pendant your grandparents gifted you?¡± Vedant asked in a slightly lower voice, after making sure no one was listening to them.

    Arnit touched the old and weary pendant hanging on his neck. To an outsider, it was just an old normal-looking pendant, but only the uncle and nephew knew the true value of this unassuming pendant.

    ¡°I am wearing it. And please, try not to behave like a smuggler. You are creating unnecessary suspicion.¡± Arnit said with a smirk, trying not to chuckle.

    ¡°Fine, fine. Just keep it safe, all right,¡± Vedant said with a sigh.

    ¡°Of course I''ll keep it safe.  Firstly, it''s a very valuable artefact. Secondly, this is the first gift which is sent by grandfather and grandmother, jointly.¡± said Arnit joyfully, clearly in a happy mood after reconciling with his grandmother.

    On his birthday, after hearing everything from his uncle, he decided that he would meet his grandmother on the same day. So his uncle contacted his grandfather with the help of a two-way mirror. With their help and with the help of the artefact, he talked to his grandmother for the first time. Of course, all of this happened secretly, trying not to alert anyone. After the death of his parents, his communication with his grandfather became very rare. Only when there is an emergency or at a specific time decided beforehand.

    After knowing that it was his birthday, they decided to send a joint gift, which is definitely more valuable than any other gift he got to date.

    Suddenly he heard a loud horn from the train, ready to depart, waking him up from his daydreaming.

    He glanced at the train, then turned towards his uncle, still looking slightly nervous.

    ¡°That¡¯s my cue, I guess.¡± he said lightly and immediately touched his uncle¡¯s feet as a sign of respect and to get his blessings.

    Vedant just smiled at his action.

    ¡°All right, then. Go on, and don''t forget to write me a letter after settling down properly,¡± Vedant said, lightly patting his nephew¡¯s shoulders.

    He looked towards his trunk. Flicking his fingers lightly, he muttered, ¡°<i>Leviorus</i>¡±, instantly making his trunk lighter.

    He beamed at his uncle, showing off his magic. Vedant just smiled at his nephew¡¯s antics.

    After taking his trunk off the ground, Arnit glanced up at the Hogwarts Express, excitement swelling in his chest. This was it. His journey into the magical world had truly begun.

 Chapter 7: Laughter on the Hogwarts Express

    Cedric sat alone in the compartment, gazing out of the window as the platform along with his parents blurred past. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels filled the silence, interrupted only by the occasional bursts of laughter from nearby compartments. Despite the excitement bubbling in his chest, there was still a sense of nervous anticipation. Hogwarts. It was finally happening. He has been waiting for this day as far as he can remember.

    His father had told him endless stories about the castle¡ªthe grandeur of the Great Hall, the moving staircases, the magical creatures that roamed the grounds of forbidden forest. Yet, despite all that knowledge, Cedric still felt the weight of the unknown pressing on his shoulders. Would he make friends? Would he be sorted into Hufflepuff like his father, or somewhere unexpected? His father has always bragged about him, whatever the chance he got- his neighbours, his friends or his colleagues from the Ministry of magic. Although sometimes he felt embarrassed, seeing the pride and smile on his parents faces, he can definitely handle that.

    A slight creak of the door pulled him from his thoughts.

    Standing in the doorway was a boy about his age¡ªtall for an eleven-year-old, with smooth black hair and sharp hazel eyes that held a quiet confidence. He carried his trunk effortlessly, as if it weighed nothing, and behind him, an owl in a cage ruffled its feathers. It took him a moment, but he recognised that face from the Madam Malkin¡¯s robe shop. He has a presence about him that demands attention, even when he is standing there doing nothing.

    "Hey, I know you!" the boy said, a sense of recognition in his eyes, his voice cheerful yet polite. "Cedric Diggory, right? We met at the robe shop. Mind if I sit here? Every other compartment is already full."

    Cedric blinked, then smiled warmly. "Oh, hey! Glad you remembered me. Your name is¡­. Arnit Shukla, if i am not wrong. And yeah, of course! Plenty of space."

    The boy gave a nod of thanks and heaved his trunk into the luggage rack before settling across from Cedric. His owl let out a soft hoot, as if approving of the choice.

    "Glad to meet you again." the boy, Arnit, said after making himself comfortable.

    "Pleasure is all mine." Cedric replied, extending a hand. Arnit shook it firmly.

    There was a brief moment of silence, but not an awkward one. Cedric could tell that Arnit wasn¡¯t the type to speak just to fill the air¡ªthere was a sharpness to his gaze, an observant nature that made it seem like he was quietly assessing everything.

    "Are you excited?" Cedric asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

    Arnit gave a small smile. "Yeah. Though I suppose ¡®curious¡¯ is a better word. There¡¯s a lot to figure out."

    Cedric nodded in understanding. "Same here. My dad¡¯s told me loads about Hogwarts, but I guess nothing beats actually being there. So, have you thought about which house you¡¯ll be in, after our last conversation?"

    "The last time I met you, I was ignorant about Hogwarts and the British Magical community in general, but since then, I have read every book I could find on hogwarts. After reading all that, I could say that I would definitely like to be in Ravenclaw, " Arnit said, looking thoughtful. "But I suppose the Sorting Hat will have the final say."

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    ¡°Aah..huh¡­ sorting hat?¡± Cedric reacted slowly after Arnit''s words. He asked tentatively in a puzzling voice, ¡°what''s that?¡±

    ¡®Why is he looking at me like that, like I am stupid or something?¡¯ Cedric thought seeing Arnit¡¯s judging eyes.

    Suddenly there is a smile on Arnit¡¯s lips, so sweet that one can squeeze honey from it.

    ¡°Oh, nothing. A mad rambling.¡± arnit said, looking downward. When he turned his face upwards, facing Cedric again, the sweet smile was gone, instead it was again that cheery smile with which he had greeted Cedric.

    Cedric has some suspicions, but he let it go, seeing Arnit go quiet.

    After that, they both looked outside the window,  and the peaceful countryside of Scotland came into full view, which mesmerised both of them, especially Arnit.

    The peaceful atmosphere was broken by a dramatic bang on the compartment door, making them both jump.

    "Oi, oi, what do we ¡®ave here, George? Two firsties sittin¡¯ all serious-like, lookin¡¯ like they¡¯re ponderin¡¯ the meaning of life?"

    "Tragic, Fred. Absolutely tragic. Can¡¯t be havin¡¯ that. It¡¯s a long ride to Hogwarts¡ªgloom and doom won¡¯t do."

    Two identical red-haired boys stepped inside, grins wide, eyes twinkling with mischief. Their Hogwarts robes were already slightly messy, as if they¡¯d been up to no good before even boarding the train.

    Cedric, who had heard plenty about the Weasley family, grinned. "You must be Fred and George."

    The twins looked at each other in mock astonishment.

    "Blimey, Fred, d¡¯you hear that?" George said, clutching his chest. "We¡¯re famous already!"

    "Proper legendary, mate," Fred agreed, pretending to wipe away a tear. "Warms me heart, it does."

    Arnit smirked but remained quiet, watching them with an amused glint in his eye. He had already seen their antics at the station, so he was not surprised by their dramatic display.

    Fred and George plopped down onto the seats, completely unbothered by the fact that they hadn¡¯t been invited.

    "So," Fred began, looking between Cedric and Arnit. "What d¡¯you reckon, lads? Excited? Nervous? Plottin¡¯ a coup to overthrow the Ministry?"

    Cedric chuckled. "We haven¡¯t even arrived yet!"

    "Details, details," George waved a hand. "Now, tell us, d¡¯you two ¡®ave a decent sense of humour? ¡®Cause it¡¯s a vital requirement for survivin¡¯ at Hogwarts. No joke, mate¡ªdull wizards don¡¯t last long."

    Cedric and Arnit exchanged an amused glance before turning back to the twins.

    Cedric barely registered the flick of Arnit¡¯s wrist and his soft muttering before the twins suddenly started dancing uncontrollably. Their legs jerked and kicked in rhythm, their arms flailing as if they were possessed by an invisible force.

    "Oi! What the bloody hell¡ª"

    "Merlin¡¯s saggy socks! I can''t stop!"

    It took Cedric only a second to realize that Arnit had just cast a spell¡ªwithout a wand. His sharp gaze snapped back to his compartment mate, who still wore a smirk.

    "Hope that¡¯s enough humour to survive, yeah?" Arnit asked dramatically, his tone playful but laced with challenge.

    The twins, instead of panicking or demanding the spell be reversed, burst out laughing¡ªwhile still spinning and kicking like lunatics.

    "Blimey, George¡ªhe¡¯s got a right wicked streak, this one!"

    "Proper legend in the makin¡¯, Fred!"

    Instead of asking for the spell to be lifted, they leaned into it, competing against each other in an impromptu dance-off.

    Cedric, unable to hold back his laughter, watched them spin around like bewitched marionettes.

    After a few more ridiculous moves, Arnit flicked his wrist again and muttered, "<i>Finite</i> <i>Incantatem</i>."

    The twins stumbled to a stop, slightly out of breath but grinning wider than ever.

    "Well, well, we¡¯ve been out-Weasleyd, George."

    "Painful to admit, Fred, but it¡¯s true. We concede defeat."

    Arnit chuckled and shrugged. "Sorry if I offended you by using a spell without asking."

    Fred and George turned to each other, their eyes gleaming in that mischievous twin way.

    Then, without warning, they slung an arm around each of Arnit¡¯s shoulders.

    "Apology accepted¡ªon one condition."

    "Yeah, mate, you gotta teach us that spell."

    Cedric grinned at Arnit, his curiosity getting the better of him.

    "I wanna learn that too. But¡ª" he hesitated, eyeing Arnit carefully. "How¡¯d you do that without a wand?"

    Fred and George suddenly paused, their grins fading slightly as they looked down at Arnit¡¯s empty hands.

    *"Hang on a mo¡¯¡ª" George started.

    "You weren¡¯t holdin¡¯ your wand?" Fred finished.

    The twins stared at him, their expressions shifting from playful to intrigued.

    ¡°Well¡­ I don''t mind teaching you guys the spell. And¡­¡± said Arnit, shifting under their staring eyes, ¡°the reason I didn''t use a wand is because of the ring.¡± he put forward his left hand, showing them an old silver ring.

    ¡°As you can infer from my english accent and my skin color, i am not from here. I have lived most of my life in India, where wizards use rings as a conduit instead of wand. But that doesnt mean i don''t have a wand. It''s just, for simpler and easier spells, I don''t need a wand.¡± explained arnit to others present in that compartment.

    After that he continued telling them about the Indian magical community to the best of his ability while others shared their stories and cultures of the British wizarding world. That''s how they spent their whole train journey.

 Chapter 8: Welcome to Hogwarts

    The sky had transformed into a rich indigo, the final hints of orange slowly disappearing beyond the horizon. The air was invigorating, filled with the earthy aroma of wet soil and a subtle, enigmatic musk wafting from the Forbidden Forest nearby. As the first-year students disembarked from the train onto the chilly, shadowy platform of Hogsmeade Station, a buzz of nervous anticipation rippled through the crowd.

    Arnit straightened his robe, absorbing the scene around him. The soft glow of the lanterns flickered, creating long, haunting shadows that danced among the assembled students. Suddenly, a powerful, resonant voice cut through the murmur.

    "Firs¡¯-years! Firs¡¯-years, over here!"

    A massive figure loomed over the students, standing head and shoulders above the tallest among them. The man had a wild mane of shaggy black hair, a thick beard that nearly obscured his kindly face, and beetle-black eyes that twinkled warmly in the lantern light.

    "Blimey," muttered Cedric beside Arnit, tilting his head up. "He¡¯s huge!"

    "That¡¯s not just huge," Arnit whispered, "That¡¯s unnatural."

    ¡®He must be somehow related to the giants.¡¯ thought Arnit.

    The towering man grinned down at them, waving a massive hand to usher the students forward.

    "Come along now, no dawdlin¡¯! Boats are waitin¡¯ fer yeh!"

    The crowd of first-years murmured in awe as they followed. Arnit, Cedric, and the Weasley twins walked together, watching as the giant man moved with surprising gentleness, ensuring that every student was accounted for.

    "Oi, Fred," George whispered, "Reckon he wrestles mountain trolls for fun?"

    "Or eats ¡®em for breakfast," Fred quipped, grinning.

    Arnit smirked but kept his focus on Hagrid. His presence was intimidating, yet oddly comforting. There was something about him¡ªan aura of trust, strength, and genuine care.

    As they approached the water¡¯s edge, the first-years gasped in unison. Before them stretched a vast, black lake, its glassy surface reflecting the pinpricks of stars above. But what stole their breath away was what lay beyond¡ªthe distant silhouette of a castle, perched atop a great mountain, its many towers and turrets glowing softly with golden light.

    "Welcome ter Hogwarts," Hagrid said, smiling proudly as the students took in the sight.

    The twins let out low whistles. "Now that¡¯s proper magical, that is."

    Arnit''s heart raced within his chest. He had poured over tales of Hogwarts, envisioned it countless times in his mind, yet nothing¡ªneither the books nor the legends¡ªcould truly convey the reality of this moment. What left him even more amazed was the familiar magic he sensed, reminiscent of the enchantment from the pendant he received as a gift. This realization hinted that Hogwarts was constructed with ancient magic, a secret that few modern wizards and witches were aware of.

    ¡®The whole castle feels alive. Well, it looks like I did the right thing by coming here.

    "Right then! Four ter a boat!" Hagrid bellowed, gesturing toward the small wooden boats bobbing near the shore.

    Arnit climbed into a boat with Cedric and the Weasley twins.. As soon as all the students were seated, the boats moved forward on their own, gliding smoothly across the lake.

    ¡®Hmm, the boats are enchanted too.¡¯ arnit tried look deep inside the lake but due to darkness, he can''t see much. But he has a feeling that there is something huge inside this lake, and it''s magical.

    Cedric exhaled, leaning back slightly. "I think this is the best night of my life."

    Arnit smiled, but his hazel eyes remained fixed on Hogwarts, looming larger with every second.

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    The boats glided effortlessly over the surface of the Black Lake, enchanted to navigate without the need for oars. As they approached the majestic outline of Hogwarts Castle, the first-years were captivated, unable to look away. The warm glow from the windows shimmered on the water, casting dancing reflections on their astonished faces.

    Arnit sat quietly in his boat, his hazel eyes following the towering spires and turrets that rose above them. He sensed the magic in the atmosphere, a soft hum that felt like a presence either welcoming them or observing their arrival.

    As the boats drew closer to the shore, stone steps emerged, leading from the lake up to the castle.

    "Keep yer heads down!" Hagrid shouted, just as they passed under a curtain of ivy that draped over an arched entrance in the cliff.

    One by one, the boats arrived at a small underground dock. Hagrid was the first to step onto the platform, his large boots thudding heavily against the stone. He turned around, raising a lantern high.

    "Everyone out now! Mind yer step!"

    The first-years climbed out, some shivering from the cool night air. Arnit adjusted his cloak as he stepped onto solid ground, his heart pounding faster now.

    Hagrid led them up a narrow stone passageway, damp with the scent of moss and lake water. The path twisted upwards, the echoes of their footsteps bouncing off the ancient walls. Then, quite suddenly¡ª

    They emerged into the open.

    A vast lawn spread out before them, bathed in moonlight, with the massive, towering wooden doors of Hogwarts standing just ahead. The castle seemed even grander up close, its high windows twinkling like a sky full of stars.

    And standing before the entrance, waiting with a stern expression, was Professor McGonagall.

    She was tall, dressed in deep emerald robes, her sharp gaze scanning the gathered first-years with quiet authority. Her presence alone demanded attention.

    "Thank you, Hagrid," she said, her voice crisp yet controlled.

    Hagrid nodded. "I¡¯ll be off then¡ªsorting¡¯s ¡®bout ter start soon." With a last look at the students, he turned and strode away toward another entrance, leaving them alone with McGonagall. She showed the first years into a small, empty chamber of the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.

    Professor McGonagall let the silence stretch for a moment, then clasped her hands together.

    "Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice firm and clear. "In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and enter the Great Hall, where you will be sorted into your houses."

    A murmur ran through the first-years. Arnit exchanged a quick glance with Cedric, who looked just as curious as he was.

    McGonagall continued, "The Sorting Ceremony is one of the most important traditions at Hogwarts. Your house will be your home for the next seven years. It will be like your family. You will sleep in your house dormitory, take lessons with your housemates, and earn points for your house. However," she added, her gaze sharpening, "misbehavior will cost your house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup."

    She let her words sink in before continuing.

    "The four houses of Hogwarts are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."

    She paused slightly on the last name, as if expecting a reaction¡ªand she got one. Some students whispered nervously at the mention of Slytherin.

    McGonagall¡¯s expression remained neutral. "Each house has its own unique qualities and values, and I trust you will all do your best to bring honor to the house you are placed in."

    Arnit listened intently, filing away every detail. He had read about the Sorting Hat, but now that the moment was actually here, the reality of it made his stomach tighten.

    McGonagall straightened. "Now, follow me."

    The large doors creaked open, and the first-years stepped inside following the professor.

    A wave of warmth greeted them, along with the rich scent of candle wax and old parchment. The Great Hall was breathtaking¡ªa vast chamber with floating candles suspended in mid-air, their soft glow illuminating the long tables where students were seated. The ceiling, enchanted to mirror the sky outside, shimmered with deep indigo, speckled with stars.

    The older students, already seated at their house tables, turned to watch as the new arrivals entered. Some smiled encouragingly, others whispered among themselves.

    At the far end of the hall, beneath an elaborate golden chair, stood a wooden stool¡ªand on top of it sat the Sorting Hat.

    The ancient hat looked worn and patched, but even from where he stood, Arnit could feel the magic emanating from it.

    Cedric leaned into Arnit''s shoulders, whispering in his ears, ¡°you knew about this beforehand, right? The sorting hat! And here I thought professors will ask puzzles to distribute students into their houses. I even bought so many books of puzzles to read. How wasteful.¡±

    Arnit just sniggered at Cedric¡¯s misery.

    ¡°HaHa, how funny!¡± quipped cedric from the side.

    McGonagall led them to a stop before the staff table, where Professor Dumbledore sat in the center, his half-moon glasses twinkling as he watched the first-years with quiet amusement. There is only one word in Arnit¡¯s mind after seeing Dumbledore for the first time, powerful.

    ¡®It feels like there¡¯s so much magic trapped inside the headmaster, waiting to be unleashed. It''s comparable to my grandfather. While grandfather¡¯s magic feels like a calm and gentle breeze, headmaster¡¯s magic feels like a calm before the storm.¡¯ thought Arnit in wonder.

    Suddenly the hat on the stool twitched and made a voice like it''s clearing its throat-

    ¡®It''s enchanted! No wonder¡­¡¯

    And started singing-

    ?

    <i>Oh, you may think I¡¯m just a hat,</i>

    <i>All battered, old, and worn,</i>

    <i>But I¡¯ve sorted minds both sharp and bright</i>

    <i>Since Hogwarts first was born!</i>

    <i>So gather ¡®round and lend an ear,</i>

    <i>For now it¡¯s time to see¡ª</i>

    <i>Which house shall shape your fate and path?</i>

    <i>Come, place your trust in me!</i>

    ---

    <i>Brave Gryffindor, so bold and true,</i>

    <i>Where courage lights the way,</i>

    <i>With daring hearts and fearless minds,</i>

    <i>They rise to face the fray.</i>

    <i>Or wise old Ravenclaw awaits,</i>

    <i>For those who seek to know,</i>

    <i>With wit and learning sharp as steel,</i>

    <i>Their knowledge shall only grow.</i>

    <i>Then Hufflepuff, so kind and strong,</i>

    <i>With patience tried and true,</i>

    <i>Where loyalty and honest hearts</i>

    <i>Will always welcome you.</i>

    <i>And sly Slytherin, so shrewd and keen,</i>

    <i>With cunning, charm, and guile,</i>

    <i>They carve their way through fate itself,</i>

    <i>With ambition all the while.</i>

    <i>---</i>

    <i>Yet heed my words, oh young and bright,</i>

    <i>For houses are but names,</i>

    <i>It¡¯s how you choose to wield your gifts</i>

    <i>That shapes your life¡¯s great game.</i>

    <i>So sit you down and try me on,</i>

    <i>Don¡¯t tremble, fret, or fear¡ª</i>

    <i>For I shall read the depths within,</i>

    <i>And place you true and clear!</i>

    ?

    The hall erupts into applause as the Sorting Hat finishes its song, before McGonagall steps forward and turns to the students. "When I call your name, you will step forward, sit on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will determine which house you belong to."

    She unrolled a parchment scroll and began calling names.

 Chapter 9: Dreams beyond Hogwarts

    Sorting has started and all the first years were quite nervous. Arnit looked around and there were around 29 students which was quite lower than his expectation. ¡®I guess war  with the recent dark lord might be the reason behind this.¡¯

    How funny it is that while living in India, he had never heard about this war. Not just the war, but the information about the whole western magical communities is quite scarce. Same thing is here too. Hardly anyone shows interest in eastern magical communities or the other magical communities in general. Although there is ICW, still the sharing of information has always been quite low.

    The sorting hat has started doing its job by distributing the first years into different houses. When it was Cedric''s turn, he was sorted into the Hufflepuff house.

    ¡®How is the sorting hat doing this? It checks their personality by doing what? Mind reading? Cunning for slytherin, bravery for gryffindor, smartness for ravenclaw and loyalty for Hufflepuff. But what if a student has two or more of these qualities? Does the hat even consider a student''s preference? What if someone wants to go Ravenclaw but has qualities of Hufflepuff?¡¯

    While arnit was daydreaming, other students were getting sorted. Suddenly he heard his name called out. He looked towards professor McGonagall, then at the sorting hat and took a deep breath.

    As Arnit approached the stool, his heart pounded¡ªnot out of fear, but anticipation. The Great Hall was silent except for the flickering of a thousand floating candles and the curious murmurs of students watching the new first-years. Professor McGonagall held out the ancient, patched Sorting Hat, and Arnit hesitated for just a second before taking a deep breath and placing it on his head.

    As Arnit placed the ancient, tattered Sorting Hat on his head, the noise of the Great Hall faded into silence, replaced by a deep, knowing voice inside his mind.

    ¡°Ahh¡­ the most intriguing mind we have here. I can tell that you are actually letting me inside your mind to talk. We have definitely gotten a guarded mind here,¡± the hat purred. ¡°This is going to be a difficult decision.¡±

    Arnit remained quiet, waiting for the Sorting Hat to continue.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ Bravery? Certainly. A sharp mind? Without question. Loyalty? Stronger than most. Ambition? Oh, it burns within you¡­ yes, yes, you would do very well in Slytherin.¡±

    Arnit frowned slightly. Slytherin?

    ¡°Why not? You are cunning enough to conceal your true self, ambitious enough to forge your own legacy, and intelligent enough to outmaneuver your rivals. You could shape the world from the shadows, you know¡­ and the best way to predict the future is to create it.¡±

    "I don''t want to rule from the shadows," Arnit countered. "I seek knowledge not for power, but for its own sake¡ªfor understanding, wisdom, and truth. Yet, knowledge carries power, whether sought or not. Those who chase power for its own sake are unworthy of it.¡±

    The hat chuckled. ¡°Ho, ho,ho¡­ wise beyond age, eh. You have a mind that seeks the unknown, a curiosity that could be most useful in Ravenclaw as well¡­¡±

    "Ravenclaw?" Arnit straightened slightly. "I like the sound of that."

    ¡°Oh, I bet you do.¡± The hat chuckled. ¡°A sharp mind like yours belongs well among the thinkers, the philosophers, the visionaries. But you wouldn¡¯t just fit there, would you? No, no¡­ you would thrive.¡±

    Arnit nodded slowly, but the Sorting Hat wasn¡¯t finished.

    ¡°Yet¡­ yet¡­ you would also do well in Gryffindor.¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Arnit blinked in mild surprise. Gryffindor?

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t act so shocked,¡± the hat teased. ¡°You have courage in spades. You would fight for what is right, push beyond your limits, challenge injustice without hesitation. With your natural leadership, you could become the heart of Gryffindor House.¡±

    "Fighting blindly is foolish," Arnit countered. "Courage without intelligence is recklessness. I don¡¯t just rush into battles without strategy."

    The Sorting Hat hummed. ¡°That is exactly why you would excel there¡ªyour bravery is controlled, guided by logic. A rare kind of lion.¡±

    Arnit exhaled, nodding his head. "I won''t mind at all. After all, headmaster Dumbledore himself was in this house once."

    The hat sighed dramatically. ¡°But don''t forget the Hufflepuff.¡±

    "Hufflepuff?" Arnit tilted his head slightly.

    ¡°Ah, yes. Don¡¯t underestimate them. You have a strong work ethic, a loyal heart, and a sense of fairness that would make Helga Hufflepuff herself proud. Hufflepuff would accept you for who you are¡ªno judgment, no hidden motives.¡±

    "Well, I do admire loyalty," Arnit admitted. "So¡­ I wont mind the Hufflepuff too."

    The hat fell silent for a moment, before chuckling.

    ¡°You truly do have the makings of all four houses.¡±

    "I suppose I do," Arnit mused. "But ultimately, I have a preference."

    ¡°Ahhh¡­ you do, don¡¯t you?¡± The hat¡¯s voice was tinged with amusement. ¡°And let me guess¡ªthe highest tower in the castle and a private room where you won¡¯t be disturbed?¡±

    Arnit smirked slightly. "That does sound quite perfect, doesn¡¯t it?"

    ¡°You value knowledge above all¡ªnot just for power, not just for recognition, but for the joy of understanding the world. Very well, then¡­ better be¡ª¡±

    The hat¡¯s voice rang out through the Great Hall:

    "RAVENCLAW!"

    As the Ravenclaw table erupted into cheers, Arnit removed the Sorting Hat, a satisfied smile on his face.

    He went to his house table where the other students congratulated him. While he was happy about getting into Ravenclaw, there was one more reason he was happy. He found the source of the trace.

    ¡®so it''s the sorting hat! No wonder, every underage wizards and witches has it. Should i remove it? Will that alert the authorities? Hmm, well right now there is no need to worry, I''ll think of this topic some other time.¡¯

    After arnit, the sorting continued, putting the Weasley twins in the Gryffindor.

    ¡®Well, there whole family is gryffindor, but their prejudices against slytherin is quite apparent. Well, I won''t deny that stereotypes are earned but to label the whole house as bad might be too far fetched.¡¯

    He looked towards the slytherin table, them being happy just like any other student of this school.

    ¡®I guess, being the members of the pureblood families, it''s natural that the values and ideals will reflect on these kids. I wonder, would I also have become someone like that if my parents were pureblood fanatics? Well, no point thinking about it now.¡¯

    After the sorting ceremony, the headmaster himself gave a small speech about school rules and other important stuff. The moment his speech finished, there was a buffet in front of the students.

    ¡°Whoa!!!¡± came a collective sound out of the first year student¡¯s mouth.

    ¡®Amazing! I have read about the elves working in the Hogwarts kitchen. I would definitely like to meet them.¡¯

    Everyone started eating, while trying to learn about each other. Arnit got to know many other students, irrespective of their years. One thing became quite apparent to arnit after talking to his seniors. Most of them were quite good at their subjects but have a slightly reserved nature. Not like a full blown loner, but a few of them will not bother socialising if they can spend their time with their books. He also got to meet many ghosts roaming all over the hall and peeves which he has heard so much about from the twins. It took Arnit just a glance to tell the difference between the ghosts and peeves, the poltergeist. While the ghosts are souls of the deceased, peeves is an embodiment of chaos and mischief energy of the magical children residing in the school.

    Many students were interested in arnit because of his interest and knowledge of other magical communities. So he also entertained them with his knowledge without revealing much about himself.

    Suddenly a boy named Roger Davies, who was also a first year, spoke up, ¡°so you''re telling me that there is a school older than Hogwarts somewhere called india?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it''s in India called Takshashila Academy of Arcane Arts which has its main school in the lower himalayan regions, while there are many branches of that school all over the Indian subcontinent. It was built around 300 BCE. China also had their own magic school built during that time, and so has Japan. You must already be aware about the schools in France, America and the school named Durmstrang. There is one in Egypt, Russia, Uganda, Brazil, Indonesia and the one in Australia which was built 200 years ago. Actually, there are many more big-small schools all around the world which are not registered with ICW. There are many magical communities and tribes hidden from the world. It''s my dream to travel around the world, to visit these obscure magical schools, communities and tribes, learn their magic, culture and everything in between which are lost to the whole world. And not magical but non-magical too. The world is way bigger than our magical world. It will truly be a shame to not see the wonders this planet has to offer.¡± said arnit with passion in his voice. His words really made an impact on all those students who were listening to him.

    ¡°After listening to you, I too wanna travel the world.¡± said a third year girl named Penelope Clearwater. Others also chimed in agreement.

    ¡°While it''s great to travel the world, you will need money for that. And lets not forget that everyone has their own wishes and desires, some want to pursue their career in a specific field, some want to live a stable life instead of roaming all over the world and some want to start their own family, and there''s nothing wrong with that. So don''t let my words get to you, I am not saying my ambition is better than yours or anything. I am sorry if someone got offended by my words.¡± explained arnit with an apologetic smile.

    After that, the students continued their chatter while dinner was ongoing.

    After the completion of the feast, students were given their schedule by the head of their respective houses. For Ravenclaw, it was Professor Fillius Flitwick, who was also the charms teacher. After that, they were told to follow their house prefects, who will lead them to their dorms.

    When arnit reached his personal dorm room, he first greeted his owl by giving him some treats, then he plopped onto his bed, his head buried in the pillow. ¡®Finally, Hogwarts¡­¡¯

 Chapter 10: First day at Hogwarts

    Arnit opened his eyes, momentarily disoriented before he remembered¡ªhe was at Hogwarts.

    A small smile tugged at his lips. Finally.

    He sat up, stretching, and glanced around his personal dormitory¡ªa perk of being a first-year in Ravenclaw. His trunk was neatly placed by the bed, his owl, Meghdoot, perched by the window, ruffling his feathers. The sky outside was still dark, the castle was still asleep, waiting for the dawn light, painting the high, domed ceiling with hues of gold and blue.

    He waved his hand to cast a magic spell, ¡®<i>TEMPUS</i>¡¯, but without his wand and incantation. After ensuring that it was indeed 5 a.m. he got up for his morning exercise. After using <i>¡®Purifico Dentis</i>¡¯ on his teeth and ¡®<i>Lavatio</i>¡¯ on his body to clean himself, he got outside of his dorm room.

    There was a pin drop silence in the corridor. After applying a  disillusionment charm on himself casually, so that he won''t get caught by the caretaker, he made his way outside, to the Hogwarts grounds near Black Lake. The Ravenclaw Tower is one of the highest points in the castle, meaning Arnit would have to carefully descend the spiral staircase without waking anyone.

    ¡®It must be Rowena Ravenclaw who designed these spiral staircases to give the students some mental exercises early in the morning. The whole castle is brimming with ancient magic, which I really want to explore. But it''s still my first day here at Hogwarts, I should settle down first properly. And try not to get into any trouble.¡¯

    He continued his journey, passing through the empty corridors, only the soft flicker of torches lighting his way. On his way, he encountered the ¡®Grey Lady¡¯ of Ravenclaw House, so he cancelled his disillusionment charm to greet her. Her face was expressionless, though a slight flicker of curiosity was there. She asked him his destination and the reason for his early rise.

    ¡°I usually get up at 5 a.m. for my exercises. I have been doing this for the last five years, I guess. Now it has become a routine and if i dont go for my morning run, I will feel restless the whole day." Arnit replied with a bashful smile on his face.

    The grey lady studied him for a second before flying away. ¡®Well, that was a nice encounter.¡¯ He again applied the disillusionment charm and went on his way. He encountered a few students who woke early. Some were going for quidditch practice, few were ravenclaw students already started going through their books and also some couples hiding in a corner or behind the bushes, kissing like they will suck out each other''s soul through their mouth like a dementor. ¡®It really needs some dedication to wake up early, just so they can kiss the hell out of each other. And the way their hands were moving all around their partner¡¯s body¡­ quite an explorer, i must say.¡¯

    When he reached his destination, he took some moments to savour the scene in front of him. ¡®Wow! Just¡­ wow!¡¯ He took a deep breath and canceled his invisible charm.

    Then he applied a gravity charm, named Gravira, on his body to increase the pressure his body has to endure during his run. He had developed this spell just four months ago after studying extensively. He had made sure that spell won''t have any long lasting effect on his body, like stunting his height.

    After all that, he started his exercise with stretches first, then a morning run. Then he transfigured a nearby stone into a soft mattress for yoga. He continued his morning routine till 7:15 a.m.

    ¡®Breakfast will start at 7:30, I should be going now.¡¯ Since he has been swimming inside the black lake, he didn''t feel any need for a morning shower. So after applying ¡®Levatio¡¯, a full body cleaning charm, again on his body, he walked towards the castle.

    ---

    After freshening up and putting on his Hogwarts robes, Arnit descended the spiraling staircases of the Ravenclaw Tower, where he met a few first-years gathering to head down for breakfast. He also noticed that a few students were looking at his way and whispering something.

    The Great Hall was already bustling, the enchanted ceiling reflecting a clear morning sky. Golden plates shimmered, piled high with food as students from all four houses ate and chatted.

    As Arnit took his seat at the Ravenclaw table, he noticed Cedric Diggory waving at him from the Hufflepuff table. He returned the gesture before turning to his fellow housemates.

    ¡°Sleep well?¡± a third-year Ravenclaw, Penelope Clearwater, asked.

    ¡°Quite well, actually,¡± Arnit responded, helping himself to some toast and orange juice. ¡°The castle feels... different in the morning. Almost as if it¡¯s shifting while we sleep.¡±

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    A few older students exchanged knowing glances.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve noticed that already?¡± said a fifth-year student, his tone amused. ¡°Hogwarts is alive, in a way. You¡¯ll see.¡±

    Arnit hummed in thought. Another mystery to uncover.

    ¡°By the way, did something happen? I feel like some students were staring at me." Arnit asked his housemates.

    ¡°Well, if a first year student wakes at 5 a.m. to exercise, it won''t take long to spread the news.¡± said a boy with brown hair and greenish eyes, named Rowan St. James, a fellow Ravenclaw and a first year.

    ¡°You don''t need to worry about all of this. Students have a very short memory, once they hear about another exciting gossip, everyone will forget about you.¡± said Penelope, assuring arnit.

    ¡ª

    Arnit¡¯s first class was charms with Gryffindor. He took the books and stationary to his class.

    Professor Filius Flitwick, a half-goblin wizard with a cheerful disposition, greeted them with an enthusiastic clap of his hands. He introduced the basic principles of Charms, explaining how magic is influenced by intent, pronunciation, and wand movement.

    ¡°For your first spell, we¡¯ll be practicing Wingardium Leviosa, a simple but essential Levitation Charm.¡±

    Arnit watched as some students struggled with the swish-and-flick motion. He himself hesitated at first, whether to show his true capabilities or not. But then he just went with it. ¡®What''s the point in holding back for such a simple spell.¡¯

    ¡°Wingardium Leviosa,¡± he muttered, flicking his wand over a feather.

    To Professor¡¯s delight, it rose smoothly into the air, hovering effortlessly.

    ¡°Excellent control, Mr. Shukla!¡± Professor Flitwick beamed. ¡°A natural at Charms, I see. Five points to ravenclaw.¡±

    Arnit simply nodded, though in his mind, he was thinking about what he should do since he already knew most of the spells upto fourth year. ¡®I think I should hone it to perfection,all the spells, without using any conduit. There are still a few spells for which I need my ring or wand.¡¯

    ¡°How did you do that?¡± a soft voice of a girl with short black hair called out to arnit. He turned towards her and said casually, ¡°it was just a swish and a flick.¡±

    ¡°If it was that easy, everyone would have done it on their first try.¡± said the girl, Vera Sinclair, sarcastically.

    ¡°Fine! Show me your levitation charm first.¡± said arnit to the girl.

    She recited the incantation while moving her wand exaggeratedly. Again nothing happened.

    ¡°You don''t need to move your wand like this. Just a small swish and flick will do the charm. Otherwise everything else is good. Here, let me show you.¡± he then showed her levitation charm.

    ¡°See, simple movements will be enough.¡±

    Vera tried it herself while copying arnit movements, making it slow and subtle. The feather in front of her started levitating.

    ¡°Good, now keep your intent steady.¡± arnit instructed from the side.

    Vera followed his instructions, floating her feather higher.

    ¡°Good, good miss Sinclair. Keep it up.¡± professor Flitwick commented from the side seeing her succeeding in her second try.

    ¡°You too Mr Shukla. Two points for Ravenclaw for helping a fellow student.¡± After that he went away to help other students.

    After some time, other students also started succeeding in their spell. Eddie Carmichael from the ravenclaw was the first one to do so. Then it was weasley twins, then few others also able to do this, albeit barely.

    ---

    Between Charms and their next lesson, Arnit wandered through the corridors, observing the castle¡¯s enchantments. Moving staircases, enchanted paintings, and the occasional ghost gliding past¡ªHogwarts truly was unlike anything he had ever seen.

    ¡®The great hall must have been the creation of Helga Hufflepuff. It must be her idea to make sure students have their food together in a single hall.¡¯

    At one point, he stumbled across Peeves the Poltergeist, who was upside-down in midair, tossing ink bottles at passing students.

    ¡°Ah, a fresh little Ravenclaw, are we?¡± Peeves cackled. ¡°Let¡¯s see if your brain is quick enough to dodge THIS!¡±

    With a flick of his hand, Arnit muttered a soft shield charm, causing the ink bottle to bounce off harmlessly.

    Peeves narrowed his eyes. ¡°Oho! Quick reflexes! I¡¯ll be watchin¡¯ you, smarty-pants!¡±

    As the poltergeist zoomed away, Arnit smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡±

    ---

    Professor Severus Snape entered the dimly lit dungeon classroom with his usual imposing presence. The moment he swept past the students, the air grew tense.

    ¡°There will be no foolish wand-waving in this class,¡± he said silkily, eyes scanning the students. ¡°I do not expect many of you to truly understand the subtle art of potion-making, but those who possess¡­ keen minds may yet learn.¡±

    Arnit felt Snape¡¯s gaze linger on him for half a second before moving away.

    They began brewing a simple Boil-Curing Draught, and while many students struggled, Arnit found himself instinctively measuring ingredients, following the precise instructions like a practiced alchemist. Although he never had any formal training in potion making before, he has precise control over his body and magic. He can feel his instincts guiding him too. ¡®Really, these instincts are very much useful in any situation.¡¯

    By the end of class, his potion shimmered the correct shade of turquoise. Snape paused by his cauldron, observing his work.

    ¡°Hmph. It seems at least one student knows how to read instructions properly,¡± he murmured before sweeping away.

    Arnit raised an eyebrow. He definitely didn''t want to badmouth any professor so early on but this snape guy feels like a trouble. Not helping any other students besides his own house is shit way of teaching.

    ¡®I hope his attitude changes overtime.¡¯

    ---

    Lunch was lively in the Great Hall, with friendly chatter and a few playful rivalries forming between houses.

    Fred and George Weasley passed by the Ravenclaw table, grinning mischievously.

    ¡°Oi, Arnit, how¡¯s life in the ¡®tower of know-it-alls¡¯?¡± Fred teased.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Arnit smirked. ¡°What¡¯s life like for the ¡®court jesters of Gryffindor¡¯?¡±

    George gasped dramatically. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s got wit! We approve.¡±

    ¡°Watch yourself, mate,¡± Fred winked. ¡°You might be Ravenclaw, but you¡¯ve got a bit of prankster in you.¡±

    Arnit chuckled as they walked away.

    ---

    The last class of the day was History of magic, which is as boring as it can get. That''s what Arnit has heard from his seniors at least. But listening to Professor Binns monotonous voice for a few minutes was enough to realise how right they were. Seeing other students simply napping in the class, he also started doing meditation. ¡®No point in wasting my time. I have already completed upto second year. Better use this time for meditation.¡¯

    ---

    That evening, back in the Ravenclaw common room, Arnit settled into a cozy chair near the enchanted windows, flipping through a book on advanced Charms. After the classes were over for the day, he spent his entire free time in the library reading whatever he could find.

    The view from the tower was breathtaking¡ªHogwarts sprawled below, the Forbidden Forest dark and mysterious beyond the castle grounds.

    ¡°Long day?¡± Penelope Clearwater asked, sitting across from him.

    Arnit just smiled at her. ¡°Long, but interesting.¡±

    As the stars twinkled outside, he leaned back, exhaling deeply.

    His journey had only just begun.

 Chapter 11: The first thread of Fate

    The castle remained shrouded in shadows when Arnit awoke, his internal clock alerting him to the exact hour of 5 AM. He propped himself up, stretching while listening to the gentle hoots of Meghdoot, his owl, who had been quietly observing him from a perch by the window.

    ¡°Day two¡­ let¡¯s make it worthwhile.¡±

    After casting "Purifico Dentis" to freshen his teeth and using "Lavatio" to wash up, he swiftly donned his workout robes. Before stepping outside, he cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself¡ªjust in case he crossed paths with Filch or Mrs. Norris. He had no desire to be caught wandering the halls before dawn.

    Navigating the winding staircases of Ravenclaw Tower had become a bit easier, though they still seemed to shift just as he was making his descent. ¡®Rowena Ravenclaw must have had a fondness for puzzles,¡¯ he mused as he reached the final landing.

    As he walked through the dimly lit corridors, he once again came across the Grey Lady. She appeared almost out of thin air, her ethereal form gliding silently.

    ¡°Back at it again?¡± she inquired, her tone calm and measured.

    Arnit dismissed his Disillusionment Charm, offering her a slight nod. ¡°I always kick off my day with some exercise, milady.¡±

    The Grey Lady tilted her head, her ghostly eyes scrutinizing him. ¡°Most Ravenclaws prefer to engage their minds rather than their bodies.¡±

    Arnit grinned. ¡°A keen mind is of little use without a strong body to back it up.¡±

    She studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. ¡°An intriguing viewpoint¡­ You remind me of someone.¡±

    Before he could inquire further, she vanished like a wisp of smoke in the breeze.

    He shook his head and stepped outside. As he approached the Hogwarts grounds by the Black Lake, he caught sight of some movement among the bushes. Though his instincts urged him to look away, his curiosity proved too strong to resist.

    It was another pair of students¡ªdeep in each other¡¯s arms, lost in the world of snogging.

    ¡®Again?¡¯ he thought with amusement. This was the second time he''d come across lovestruck couples sneaking around before sunrise. The way their hands roamed, gripping each other as if trying to fuse into one, was frankly impressive.

    ¡®The dedication to wake up early for this is¡­ admirable,¡¯ he mused, shaking his head and continuing toward the lake.

    Upon reaching his favorite spot, he dispelled his invisibility charm, took a few moments to stretch, and then cast "Gravira" on himself to add weight to his body. The increased gravity turned every movement into a struggle, but it was precisely the challenge he craved.

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    After completing his run and all of his routine exercises, he plunged into the Black Lake, the cold water invigorating his senses. As he broke the surface, he felt a presence watching him¡ªsomething substantial lurking beneath the depths.

    ¡®There¡¯s definitely something down there¡­¡¯

    He couldn¡¯t identify what it was, but he was aware that the lake was home to creatures that most students would prefer to avoid. He made a mental note to explore further later on.

    Once he was done, he dried off with "Levatio," changed into his school robes, and headed back inside for breakfast.

    The first class of the day was Herbology, shared with the Hufflepuffs, and took place in Greenhouse Three. The atmosphere was warm and humid, infused with the earthy aromas of soil and a variety of unusual, exotic plants.

    ¡ª

    Professor Pomona Sprout, a robust woman with a nurturing demeanor and robes speckled with dirt, welcomed the students with a friendly smile.

    ¡°Alright, first-years! Today, we¡¯re going to explore the vital role Herbology plays in the lives of wizards.¡±

    She proceeded to explain its significance in potion crafting, healing practices, caring for magical creatures, and even in defending against the Dark Arts. She categorized the magical plants into three groups: beneficial, dangerous, and neutral. After emphasizing the importance of safety protocols, she prepared the class for their first hands-on activity.

    ¡ª

    This was the class that piqued Arnit''s curiosity the most¡ªnot due to the subject matter, but because of the instructor. He had heard whispers about the notorious position at Hogwarts and was intrigued to see who would dare to take on such a role, fully aware of its perils.

    As soon as Professor Vale entered the room, Arnit''s instincts kicked in, subtly but unmistakably, warning him that this man could pose a threat.

    Vale was tall and had sharp features, moving with a grace that seemed rehearsed. His dark robes flowed behind him as he confidently approached the front of the classroom, his intense gray eyes scanning the students as if he were assessing each one.

    ¡°Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts,¡± he began, his voice smooth and measured. ¡°This is a subject that distinguishes those who comprehend power from those who succumb to it.¡±

    ¡°Before we delve into spells or the nature of dark creatures, it¡¯s crucial to understand what you¡¯re facing. To defend yourself against the dark arts, you must first grasp their essence. So, tell me, what are the dark arts? How do they differ from other forms of magic?¡± Professor Vale inquired, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized the students from his position at the podium.

    There was a weight to his words, something subtle yet disquieting. Arnit maintained a neutral expression, but his mind was already dissecting every gesture Vale made.

    A Ravenclaw student named Eddie raised his hand, casting a challenging glance at Arnit, but Arnit remained focused solely on the Professor.

    There was something unsettling about this instructor, and Arnit was wise enough to heed his instincts.

    ¡ª

    Professor McGonagall wasted no time in asserting her authority. As soon as they stepped inside, she shot them a sharp, expectant glance.

    ¡°Transfiguration is not for the faint-hearted,¡± she declared. ¡°It demands complexity, precision, and can be perilous if done carelessly.¡±

    With a swift flick of her wand, she turned a desk into a pig.

    The entire class gasped in astonishment.

    ¡°By the time you graduate from Hogwarts, I expect you to execute transfigurations with the same level of skill.¡±

    Arnit was instantly intrigued. The idea of transforming one object into another was utterly captivating. While he had the ability to replicate Professor McGonagall''s demonstration, he saw no need to flaunt his skills so soon. After all, Transfiguration is one of the most challenging branches of magic, requiring exact intent, unwavering focus, and significant magical energy. Errors can lead to incomplete transformations, lasting damage, or even hazardous consequences.

    As anticipated, many students struggled to change their matchsticks into needles. However, Arnit succeeded on his first try. To his surprise, he wasn¡¯t the only one; his benchmate, Vera Sinclair, also managed the transformation. She turned to Arnit with a smug expression, and he simply smiled back at her challenge.

    McGonagall offered both of them a rare nod of approval. ¡°Outstanding concentration, Mr. Shukla and Miss Sinclair. Five points to each of you.¡±

    Fred and George, who were also in the class, gave him an exaggerated salute.

    ¡°Oi, Arnit, have you ever thought about transfiguring Eddie¡¯s jealousy into something useful?¡± Fred quipped.

    ¡°Like a personality?¡± George chimed in.

    Eddie, who had been glaring at Arnit¡¯s success the whole time, muttered something under his breath and returned to stabbing his matchstick.

    ¡ª

    At the stroke of midnight, Arnit and his fellow first-years ascended the Astronomy Tower, their breaths forming misty clouds in the crisp night air.

    Professor Sinistra, an elegant figure draped in dark robes adorned with celestial patterns, guided them in the art of star charting.

    ¡°Magic extends beyond our earthly realm,¡± she proclaimed. ¡°It reaches out into the very stars.¡±

    Arnit felt himself captivated by the infinite expanse of the sky.

    As he traced the constellations, he pondered¡ªhow many ancient spells were inscribed among the stars?

    What forgotten secrets lay hidden?

    His adventure at Hogwarts was just beginning¡­

    And there was an entire universe of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.

 Chapter 12: Letter to Uncle

    Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

    Ravenclaw Tower, Scotland

    8th September 1989

    Dear Uncle Vedant,

    I hope you''re doing well. It''s been a full week since I arrived at Hogwarts, and I have so much to tell you. If I tried to fit everything into one letter, I¡¯d probably need an enchanted scroll to keep writing endlessly. But I¡¯ll try my best to keep it somewhat coherent.

    First of all, I was sorted into Ravenclaw! The Sorting Hat actually took its sweet time deciding, saying I had traits that fit all four houses. It seriously considered putting me in Slytherin, though. Apparently, I have the cunning and ambition to thrive there. I won¡¯t lie¡ªhearing that was¡­ interesting. But in the end, I chose Ravenclaw. A private room, a separate library, and the highest tower? How could I refuse? You know, how much i love my privacy.

    The Ravenclaw common room is beautiful, Uncle. Enchanted ceilings that mirror the sky, wide bookshelves filled with knowledge, and a fireplace that flickers with blue flames. Oh, and the entrance? No passwords¡ªjust riddles. It¡¯s fun but also annoying, especially when you get one wrong and have to wait for someone else to answer. I got stuck outside on my second night because I overcomplicated the answer. Lesson learned¡ªsometimes the simplest answer is the right one.

    Now, onto the people I¡¯ve met. Cedric Diggory, the guy I met in the robe shop, is in Hufflepuff, and we¡¯ve been getting along well. The Weasley twins are a walking disaster, but in the best way possible. They are sorted into gryffindor, which I must say is totally justified. They already tried sneaking into the kitchens and pranked Peeves on their second day.

    They¡¯re convinced I have the ¡°prankster spirit¡± in me. I¡¯m not sure if I should take that as a compliment or a warning. They also managed to find a secret passage and are hellbent on finding more. They are a literal nightmare for our caretaker Mr Filch. Although I do not see much of them outside of our joint class, whenever I do see them, they are always upto something.

    Then there are my housemates. Roger Davies, a first-year, has decided that he doesn¡¯t like me, though he hides it well under polite smiles. I think it¡¯s because, and I quote from a conversation I overheard, ¡°It¡¯s annoying how someone can be smart, athletic, and good-looking all at once.¡± I didn¡¯t realize my face was such a problem for him, but here we are.

    Then there¡¯s Eddie Carmichael, another Ravenclaw first-year, who seemed friendly at first but has now taken an interest in competing with me in every single class. He was the top student among first-years for all of two days¡ªuntil I started answering more questions and perfecting spells faster. Now, he acts like I¡¯m his greatest rival. Honestly, I don¡¯t know whether to find it amusing or exhausting.

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    Academically, Hogwarts is exactly how I imagined it¡ªfascinating, challenging, and completely chaotic.

    Professor Flitwick is brilliant and quite possibly the only teacher who smiles in every class.

    Snape¡­ well, let¡¯s just say the dungeons feel colder when he walks by. He didn¡¯t single me out in Potions, but I could feel his gaze. I think he¡¯s evaluating me, waiting for a reason to be either impressed or disappointed. He is especially biased towards slytherin, his own house, which is quite evident in the potion class too.

    History of magic taught by Professor Binns, a ghost, is one of the most boring classes I have ever attended. It''s so boring, students take naps for the whole class period. Professor Sprout¡¯s herbology class is definitely a fun class. I never had much experience with magical plants and herbs despite grandfather being a healer, so I am loving the experience.

    Professor Vale is the one that really intrigues me. Something about him feels¡­ off. He¡¯s charismatic, well-spoken, but something feels off about him. My instincts are telling me something but I can''t figure it out. I¡¯ll be careful around him.

    But the one thing that topped all of these is the library of hogwarts. It¡¯s so vast and amazing that I will not mind spending months inside it. I spend most of my free time there. Sometimes alone, other times with someone else.

    Oh, and the castle itself feels alive. The staircases move, the portraits whisper, and the walls seem to shift when you¡¯re not looking. I had a run-in with Peeves, who tried throwing ink at me, but I blocked it with a Shield Charm. Now, he calls me ¡°Smarty-Pants Shukla.¡± I guess I should consider it an honor?

    You¡¯ll be happy to know that I¡¯ve kept up my morning training. Waking up at 5 AM has already made me a school-wide rumor. Apparently, some students are calling me "the insane first-year who exercises before sunrise." A few older students have started watching me, and I¡¯ve overheard whispers about me being "different." I suppose that was inevitable.

    Now, about my first flying lesson¡ªUncle, I think I was born for this!

    Madam Hooch started with the basics, teaching us how to summon our brooms. Some students struggled to even get their brooms to move, but mine shot into my hand like it had been waiting for me. When we finally got off the ground, I realized something¡ªflying feels natural to me. It was like my instincts already knew how to move, how to control the broom without conscious thought. I felt the wind rushing past me, the thrill of the height, and I knew¡ªthis was something I could truly enjoy.

    Even Madam Hooch seemed surprised. She said I had "remarkable natural control" for a first-year. I wasn¡¯t the only one who caught her attention, though. Cedric is also a natural flier¡ªwe might end up competing for a spot on our house teams in the future.

    Eddie was, of course, watching me like a hawk, and I could practically feel his jealousy radiating from across the field. He is not good at flying as he is in study. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he started training extra hours just to beat me at this too.

    Roger Davies, on the other hand, was actually good too. I think he was hoping to be one of the more admired first-years, but having another first-year outshine him in both magic and flying must be driving him mad.

    The moment we landed, Fred and George Weasley came running up, dramatically placing their hands on my shoulders.

    "Oi, Arnit, you ever thought about a career in Quidditch?" Fred asked.

    "Aye, mate, you¡¯d be wasted anywhere else," George added.

    I laughed, but I¡¯m definitely considering trying out for the Ravenclaw team next year. If nothing else, flying is freeing, Uncle. It¡¯s like¡­ for those moments in the air, nothing else matters.

    One last thing¡ªyou were absolutely right, Uncle. Coming to Hogwarts was the right decision. There¡¯s so much magic here, so much to learn, so much to uncover. I still have a thousand questions, but I know one thing for sure¡ªI belong here.

    Write back soon. And tell Meghdoot to stop eyeing my quill like it¡¯s a snack.

    Your nephew,

    Arnit

 Chapter 13: The art of Transfiguration

    The Ravenclaw common room was unusually quiet that evening, save for the gentle crackling of the fireplace and the occasional rustle of parchment as students pored over their books. Moonlight filtered through the tall, arched windows, casting a silvery glow on the room¡¯s blue and bronze decor. A few students were whispering in the corners, absorbed in their own academic pursuits, but in the center of the room, Vera Sinclair sat at a table, frustration clear on her face.

    Before her lay a ceramic teapot, stubbornly refusing to turn into a tortoise. Her wand was gripped tightly in her hand, her brow furrowed in determination. She flicked her wand once more and muttered, "Veraverto."

    The teapot shuddered violently, its spout retracting slightly, but instead of morphing into a shell, it simply quivered and emitted a faint squeaking noise.

    Vera groaned and dropped her forehead onto the open pages of Intermediate Transfiguration: A Practical Guide. "This is ridiculous," she muttered into the book.

    A soft chuckle made her look up. Arnit Shukla had taken the seat beside her, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think that¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve ever heard a teapot beg for mercy," he said, leaning in to inspect her work.

    Vera rolled her eyes but couldn¡¯t help a small smile. "If I were you, I¡¯d be impressed by my ability to make a teapot squeak instead of transform."

    ¡°But you have already started learning intermediate transfiguration. You must be really gifted in transfiguration," Arnit said smoothly, praising her.

    ¡°Says the boy who can do it all!¡± replied Vera in sarcasm.

    ¡°Hey! It''s not my fault that I am so talented.¡± siad arnit in a mock pride, his nose high in the air. Vera burst out laughing seeing Arnit''s antics.

    After stopping her laugh, she turned toward arnit and said in a serious voice, ¡°after studying for one month beside you, one thing became quite clear to me that you are the best wizard, at least in our year. So, many students are trying to surpass you. After all, we are Ravenclaws. We pride ourselves on being the best academically. And in my case, while I am average at best in other subjects, in transfiguration, I will surpass you.¡±

    Arnit had a sheepish smile the whole time while listening to Vera.

    After listening to her, he sighed, but faced her with some serious expression, ¡°Fine. But I must tell you, it will not be easy. And don''t expect any kind of mercy for me when trying to challenge me.¡±

    ¡°Never expected it.¡± Vera retorted

    ¡°But I will never shy away from helping anyone. Even that person hates my guts. So let me help you .¡± Arnit said sincerely, a smile on his face.

    ¡°Fine!¡± sighed Vera. ¡°Tell me, what''s wrong with my process then?¡±

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    Arnit tapped a finger against the page of her book. "You¡¯re overthinking the process," he said. "You¡¯re focusing too much on what the teapot was rather than what it should become."

    Vera frowned. "That¡¯s the point, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m trying to force it into the shape of a tortoise¡ª"

    "And that¡¯s exactly the problem," Arnit interrupted gently. "Transfiguration isn¡¯t about forcing an object into another form. It¡¯s about guiding the magic in a way that allows the object to accept the transformation naturally."

    He took out his wand and gestured toward the teapot. "Watch carefully." With a precise, fluid motion, he flicked his wand and said, "Veraverto."

    Immediately, the teapot shimmered, its porcelain surface rippling like water. In a matter of seconds, its spout receded, the handle flattened into four tiny legs, and the entire structure reshaped into a small tortoise. The creature blinked lazily up at them.

    Vera sighed. "It looks so easy when you do it."

    "It is easy once you understand it," Arnit said. "You¡¯re tensing up before casting, which means you¡¯re unconsciously resisting the change. Try it again, but this time, visualize the tortoise first, not the teapot."

    She bit her lip but nodded, taking a deep breath. She held her wand a little looser this time and let the image of a tortoise settle in her mind¡ªits shape, its texture, the way it moved. Then, with a smooth flick, she said, "Veraverto."

    The teapot trembled for a moment before its form melted and reshaped. The transformation was slower than Arnit¡¯s, but soon enough, a small, slightly lopsided tortoise with faint traces of a porcelain sheen sat on the table.

    Vera¡¯s eyes widened. "I did it!"

    Arnit grinned. "You did."

    The tortoise blinked at her before suddenly twitching¡ªand, with a pop, its shell sprouted a tiny porcelain lid.

    Vera groaned. "Oh, come on."

    Arnit chuckled. "Well, it¡¯s progress. At least it¡¯s a tortoise with a teapot lid, not a teapot with tiny legs."

    Vera let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Thanks, Arnit. You really do make this seem easy."

    He shrugged. "That¡¯s what friends are for. And besides, Transfiguration is just as much about patience as it is about skill." He tapped the tortoise¡¯s shell lightly. "Try again, and this time, no lid."

    Vera smirked. "Challenge accepted."

    Again Vera tried the spell and this time it was better than her previous attempts. But again the teapot reverted back to its original form after a few seconds.

    He spoke after observing her attempts.

    ¡°You know the principles and theories behind the process, right?¡± Arnit asked suddenly.

    Vera faced arnit, blinked twice before turning her face. ¡°No!¡± came out a soft reply from her mouth. Arnit sighed again.

    ¡°You know that magic theory is as important as its practical.¡± Arnit rebuked her, his voice still soft.

    ¡°But I managed to do it, right?¡± Vera said in defiance, her voice is low with no confidence.

    ¡°You might achieve this small feat but in the long run, it will create problems.¡± explained Arnit to Vera.

    ¡°Let''s start with the basic, Gamp¡¯s law of Elemental Transfiguration.¡± said Arnit.

    ¡°I know that!¡± said Vera with indignation. She continued, ¡°Law dictates that certain things, like food and life, have magical limitations.¡±

    Arnit nodded at her explanation, while further elaborating, ¡°since a teapot is an inanimate object and a tortoise is a living creature, the transformation is not just a change in shape but also involves the introduction of life. This suggests that the magic involved doesn''t create a true living tortoise but rather a temporary, animated version with tortoise-like qualities.¡±

    After letting her digest the knowledge, he spoke again, ¡°Do you know about the principle of correspondence?¡±

    Vera nodded, explaining, ¡°this principle states that objects with similar properties can be transformed more easily.¡±

    Arnit smiled at her answer, nodding, ¡°and that''s why it''s easier to transform a teapot into a tortoise because of its similar shape.¡±

    He continued ¡°What about Conservation of mass and volume? How do you think that applied here?¡±

    Vera answered slowly, her brows scrunching in concentration while thinking about the answer, ¡°I think the teapot and the tortoise must maintain roughly the same mass during the transformation.¡±

    ¡°Yes, if the teapot is too large or too small compared to a tortoise, the transformation might fail or result in an unnatural-looking creature.¡± explained Arnit patiently.

    ¡°You should know that the spell does not truly create life but rather mimics biological function through enchantment. Magic does not create something out of nothing; it repurposes existing energy and matter. It also depends on materials. Some materials are more resistant to Transfiguration than others. The ceramic, the one you are using, might be easier to transform than a metal one because ceramic has more natural flexibility in magical transformations. But the most important thing in transfiguration is visualization and intent. If your intent is strong enough, you can transform things without any spell, just like Professor McGonagall.¡±

    Vera was nodding all this time while twirling her wand in her fingers.

    And with that, the two continued their study session, the flickering firelight casting long shadows as they practiced Transfiguration well into the night.