《Scars of White》


 Prologue

    This world houses many wonders and fantastical phenomena, both beauty and disgust lurk behind each and every corner of the globe. This is true for either world, both the magical and non-magical.


    Neither world is a stranger to the utmost heights of depravity. Whether its muggles massaging their own hubris and moving countries for their own selfish ambitions. Or if it¡¯s the magical folk which persecute those different from themselves. Both worlds are so different, yet just the same they mirror each other. A perfect counterpart to the other.


    That was just how they were so long ago. Mirrors. Like the reflection in a lake, an unobtrusive world within which the viewer can only see not touch. That voyeuristic sense was instilled in us for generations in the past, after all how could you enter into the world of a mirror?


    "What if that mirror world were real?"


    That''d be the first hurdle, right?


    "But even if that were the case how could you even travel between them?"


    Just make an entrance, right?


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    So simple and easy when written on paper, but in practice impossible.


    Or so you''d think.


    How does a miracle occur?


    Most people would say either coincidence or belief.


    I tend to lean on the latter side myself. Belief, words, sentiment. Power lies in these fundamental principles. Humans being the social creatures they are, they rely heavily on these things even in daily life. To connect with others requires these concepts.


    If humans can use these principles to connect with each other, its no surprise when they also connect to a higher power. The belief and collective unconsciousness of the human species has coalesced and created a terminal between the Magical and non-magical worlds. Following the advent of human psychology becoming more dynamic, has given strength to the power of collective thought.


    These thoughts collect and sediment becoming a rather enticing source for feeding. It was inevitable. A magical ecosystem would eventually find this world, free for the taking and form a mutualistic relationship with the Earth itself. Like a great tree, it sprouts its roots and they delve into the flesh of the Earth creating an inseparable bond.


    The merging of these entities is the marriage of two worlds previously separated by a plane, known as the "mirror". Thus, the interaction between the worlds is only a matter of time. The reflection is no more, instead they stand side by side.


    But how will they embrace each other?


    If your reflection suddenly stepped out of the mirror? If your shadow suddenly protruded from the ground silently?


    What would be your reaction?


    I think there''s only one real reaction... the general consensus...


    Fear and War.

 Gnome-lympics

    "Oi, get back here you blasted little-!" an adolescent ginger boy ran through the field reaching after the elusive figure.


    The small, hunched over creature giggled wildly, enjoying the chase. Weaving in and out between the rows of wheat spread all around the farmland. Catching such a deft target would be difficult enough in regular conditions, it remains increasingly trying when trudging through a murky field.


    "Taka it''s coming your way, get ready!" The boy''s twin shouted to seemingly no one.


    The creature remained unaware and swiftly proceeded, only to be snatched by its coattails in the broad fields. Angrily, the small-statured creature beckoned its hunched head and shoulders, exaggeratedly glaring at the figure behind his capture. Only to quickly whimper and renege eye contact with the boy.


    His luminescent Golden eyes traced over the creature, domineering, enhancing the helplessness of the creature''s escape. Resignedly giving in to the captor, the skulking figure dejectedly looked down and closed its eyes, accepting its fate.


    Despite its resignation, the boy continued to peer at the creature. Absorbing its figure, the feel of its cloth and skin, the strange weightlessness of its mass. Everything was a new sensation which the boy hadn''t had the pleasure of experiencing before.


    Silently, the boy waited. Stoically holding the creature until its fate is sealed.


    "Nice one, Taka. You really know how to skulk around." The twins sarcastically congratulated the expressionless young boy.


    "We know just what to do with this little runt!" A look of glee and mischief immediately crept upon the faces of the twins as they continued to approach the boy and his prey.


    "C''mon Taka, carry him back to the barn. We''re gonna'' play a game." Intrigued the boy simply followed his benefactors back to the barn, awaiting whatever machinations the two pranksters were no doubt concocting.


    "Alright! Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the annual gnome throwing Olympics! In the left corner coming from the proud East, a city boy with ice in his veins. Its Ayanokouji Kiyotaka!!!"


    "In the right corner we have the reigning champ! Returning to grace us once again with a wonderful performance, he''s a bumpkin with strength to match. A penchant for trouble and my own twin brother, George Weasley!!!"


    The one making a sports mock-commentary was Fred Weasley another of the Weasley family, which had the same proclivity for mischief as his twin. The apathetic young man didn''t seem to take much notice on the surface, but inside held a small measure of curiosity to the two troublemakers.


    "For this competition we need a volunteer from the crowd. Hmm... You, young man. It''s your lucky day. You will be the umpire for such a great battle!"


    The boy looked towards the small, runty boy which was picked for the task. There he found a short-statured young boy, freckles and red-hair to match. The characteristic of the Weasley family. This was their youngest brother, Ronald Weasley. He was quiet and subdued, likely a trait from growing up with 4 older brothers.


    "Can''t... Got to care for the chickens. You know mum''ll have us for it."


    "Oh, don''t say that you big baby. If mum says anything, I''ll say you were forced into it, c''mon have some fun."


    Practically forcing the young boy into participation, he simply relented and joined the trio in their games.


    "And our wonderful volunteer joins us, you know the drill young man. Set this target up a distance away and judge the incoming throws. Off you go!" Handing the boy a wooden target, it seems easy to carry, but isn''t it too small for this competition?


    "Now, the two contestants will take turns throwing the gnome at the target, however they must not take any steps out of this circle and of course, no magic is allowed. You may take a running start and prepare in any other ways so long as you stay in the circle. The best score in three throws will win! Any questions?"


    The curious boy spoke for the first time since reaching the barn.


    "What''s in it for me?" His golden eyes pierced the commentator, practically looking straight through him.


    "I''d say pride and a sense of victory, but I guess that''s boring. Hmm... tell you what, I''ll give you a choice of one item from our workshop if you win. Is that fair?"


    "Who''s first?" Seemingly satisfied the young boy immediately turns in the direction of the field, still holding the gnome.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "We''ll have our reigning champ take the first shot, show you how its done."


    Handing the gnome over to the other competitor as if passing a ball, the boy stepped outside the circle. Simply watching, observing his competition.


    A ways in the field Ron had set the target down, where it had then grown several sizes. So that was why it was so small...


    "Ready, begin!"


    George immediately begun swinging in a circular motion, like throwing a hammer. He tried using the weight of the gnome to counterbalance and build momentum and eventually released the creature. The gnome made a loud squeal and propelled towards the target, lightly brushing the side of it, but not making a dint in the fabric.


    "Aww... So unlucky, terribly close for a first attempt though! That''s why he''s the champ folks, what wonderful technique. I''m sure he''ll be making adjustments in his throws from here."


    Ron quickly came running back to the group after having retrieved the unconscious gnome from the floor. He quickly handed it to the apathetic boy and ran back to the target, like a mouse scurrying back to its nest.


    "Well, you''ve seen the basic rules in practice. Time to give it a shot Taka, don''t feel too discouraged when you lose though." George felt it was necessary to egg the boy on, hoping to see some discomfort from the boy.


    To no avail, the boy simply shrugged the taunt off and stepped inside the circle, preparing for his own turn. He stood there silently, simply looking at the surroundings.


    After several moments went by...


    "May I throw it?" It seems Fred had forgotten to give the order in his stupor.


    "Oh... Yeah, ready, begin!"


    Against the boys'' expectations Ayanokouji grabbed the gnome and slung it over his back. Simply taking a rather powerful few bounds towards the edge of the circle he thrust his hand overhead and accelerated forwards at an unprecedented rate. Lunging and hunching forward till reaching the apex of the circle he lets the gnome fly.


    Freely expelling all the air from its lungs the gnome screamed with immense vigor, nonetheless it hurtled towards the target , towards its impending demise.


    No sooner than the gnome left his hands had it propelled through the center of the target, crumbling its base and collapsing from the immense strength with which it had been thrown.


    "Holy cra-!"


    "Boys! What do you think you''re doing. You should be cleaning the fields before dinner, get back to work or there''ll be consequences!" That commanding voice was none other than the matron head of the house Mrs. Weasley the Mother of the Weasley siblings and a strict guardian.


    "Ah, seems we don''t have time for another round. We''ll settle this with Taka''s win."


    "Whew... nice throw Taka, not bad for a beginner. You sure you haven''t done that before? You''ve got some serious skills."


    "No, must be beginner''s luck."


    "Either way, that''s some strength. You might be a decent beater when you come to school. Still got lucky, if Mum hadn''t come I''d give you a run for your money." George exclaimed excitedly, finding a rival in the young man.


    "Coincidences are freaky, huh?" Having said his piece the boy simply turned from them and continued on with his own work. Clearing the hay bales in the barn.


    "Hey, Ron get rid of that gnome whilst you''re over there will you!" Paying no further attention to their younger brother they also come over to the barn and begin moving hay bales and tidying the barn.


    It seems they were intent on leaving their younger brother with his chores and a portion of their own work. Noticing this Ayanokouji treads over to the chicken coop and begins tending to them.


    The youngest brother, still skulking enters the coop. Out of breath and in a tizzy.


    "Oh... its fine... I''ll take care of this, I imagine my brothers probably want you..." He said this under his breath and rather resignedly. Although his murmurings were picked up on perfectly, Ayanokouji still made no noticeable movements.


    "Umm... seriously I''ll take care of it, don''t worry about it..." Yet the boy still showed no sign of moving.


    He slowly let out a rather quiet sigh.


    "The work needs doing, it isn''t exactly fair to leave more things to you. Especially seeing as we dragged you into the game."


    "Don''t worry... my brother''s are usually like that..."


    "That doesn''t exactly make things better, you know."


    "You can say that again..."


    "So, what exactly do I do with the chickens?"


    "Oh, right. You haven''t been shown..."


    The atmosphere was desolate, a standoff. Almost as if the two were in competition to hear a pin drop. Unfortunately, there would be no such thing. The only recompense would be communication derived from their own choice.


    Each as inept as the other in terms of communication, and despite this lack of ability. Both yearn for it as much as the other. One through sheer lack of understanding and the other through fear and anxiety. This stalemate could only be overturned by stretching out their hand.


    Ayanokouji clumsily extended his, it was up to his partner to return the offering.


    Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head and stumbling towards the chickens he offers his aid.


    "I suppose I should show you... then..."


    Quietly the boy begins gathering the eggs laid by the chickens and restocking the feed dispensers. Ayanokouji, follows after and shadows Ron. Working efficiently in silence the duo finish this task and begin a head count.


    Ensuring everything is done they slowly descend from the coop.


    "Thanks... for the help I mean."


    "Don''t worry about it. Like I said, it was our fault in the first place."


    "C''mon boys, dinner''s ready!" Mrs. Weasley shouted out of the kitchen window of the main house.


    "Taka I''ll race you, double or nothing. Whoever, get''s to the door first is the winner"


    "George, don''t even bother. We''ll think of another challenge some other time. We''ll sort out your prize later, Taka."


    The twins clambered out of the barn and rushed towards the house, having finished their business.


    "What... sort of prize did you get..?"


    Slowly the boy turned towards the youngest brother, who quickly jumped back and averted his eyes. Averse to confrontation.


    "A choice of item from their workshop."


    "No way! I''ve never really seen it, I bet they have some cool stuff there!" His eyes lit up and the somberness in his voice was immediately replaced with a jovial tone.


    "I don''t really know what to pick... How about you come with me?"


    "WHAT?! No way. If they wanted me there, they would have told me..."


    "I don''t know about that. But you''d be doing me favor, I''d appreciate it."


    "Uh... let me think about it after dinner..."


    "Alright."


    With that they made way to the house in relative silence.

 Family dinner + 1

    A large spread, over encumbered despite the family''s trying times is displayed on the dining table with 10 seats situated.


    The Weasley family is a large family with 9 members, 2 currently out of the house and working. The extra seat must be for guests. Surmising the seating situation, I opt to move towards an empty seat and waited.


    "What''s wrong, dear?"


    "May I sit?"


    "Oh, of course, no need to ask. Treat this house as you own." I see, that''s an unfamiliar feeling...


    The family members seem to be looking in my direction and no one has started eating yet. I wait for whatever may be coming.


    Everyone then begins closing their eyes and look slightly downwards without making any noise. Meditation, prayer or an equivalent I''d wager.


    Although it seems some aren''t too concerned with it...


    Fred and George were opening their eyes, making faces and even reaching towards the food at some moments. Eventually, their act came crashing down when one of the younger siblings and my fellow coop compatriot snickered at their antics.


    Mrs. Weasley silently looked up from the head of the table, eyes dark and frightening.


    "How many times have I told you brats to keep quiet during grace?"


    "Uh... It was Ron. Honest." Both Fred and Georg wanted to throw their brother under the bus. Suppose someone has to be the sacrificial lamb for today...


    "... I''m sor-..."


    "Apologies, I haven''t had dinner with others in a long time. I was simply overjoyed..."


    "This is you happy?!"


    "Could''ve fooled me!" Fred and George said atop each other, practically scrambling over the dinner table.


    These guys don''t know when to stop whilst they''re ahead.


    "Will you two give it a rest? Honestly."


    Mrs. Weasley''s look of pure mirth shifted into an adorable smile and laughed heartily.


    "Oh, dear you don''t need to cover for this lot."


    "Now then, let¡¯s begin the meal, shall we?"


    With that the entire family begun to dig into the feast. The boys ate like hungry animals, apart from Percy the oldest sibling currently in the house, he ate rather reservedly and had good manners. The same could be said for Mrs. Weasley who also ate with rather good table manners. Mr. Weasley ate just like the other three brothers and greedily grabbed the meat or any other thing that caught his eye. Ginny on the one hand hadn''t touched any of the food and instead warily stole glances towards me. I''m intruding, aren''t I?


    Most of this is new to me. Some of the foods are simply Western in design so I haven''t tested them before, but there are also some strange concoctions which may be traditionally magical dishes.


    For example, some of the vegetables on the plate are very clearly strange. Whether it¡¯s the colour or the shape. If you had shown these to other people, they might say they were genetically modified or exotic in nature. Like the carrot shaped thing, which is currently glowing rather brightly, or what looks like a genuinely terrifying plant shaped child head in the soup. What even is that?


    Yeah, I''ll be staying away from whatever that is.


    Then the enchanted foods which either hummed a tune, danced or flown around were another beast entirely. Seriously, is this just magic or are these things still alive and conscious?


    Just how does this magic thing work? I was itching to test it out.


    Apparently, I have the ability to use it. However, when it was brought up to me some things didn''t line up. Like making unexplainable events occur during childhood. I might have some different traits compared to others, but I can confidently state for sure that nothing inexplicable occurred during my childhood. Everything occurred according to the current understanding of the laws of physics and reality.


    So that begs the question: Can I really use it?


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    What happens to me if I can''t?


    I have to go back to that life again?


    Would they still allow me to keep my memories of this world? Would knowing be worse than not?


    So many questions I could ponder over for hours but get no closer to the answer. If it were decided by a single person, I might be able to decipher an accurate answer, but alas this might be something the entire institution comes to know. In which case even the few connections I do have wouldn''t be enough to convincingly overturn a sentiment.


    "Do you find things to your taste?"


    Mrs. Weasley brought my thoughts back out of that crevice to the world of the living.


    "Some things are strange... but it''s interesting and rather pleasant."


    "I''m glad to hear that, dear... Is no one going to try the mandrake soup?"


    "Oh. I''m suddenly so full I might explode. I''m afraid I can''t take another bite." George said whilst greedily stuffing the last morsel of a roast chicken leg into his mouth.


    "Yeah, same here mum." Fred repeated the sentiment.


    "Would you like some Ron?"


    "...Full."


    "Ginny?"


    The girl had already escaped from the table and retreated up the stairs, no doubt to hide herself in her room.


    "I''m sure Taka wants to give it a try, right?"


    "Yeah, yeah." Fred and George pushed the quite frankly unappetizing dish onto me.


    "Oh, thank you Kiyotaka. Come, me and Arthur will join you."


    Arthur also known as Mr. Weasley who had intended to retreat from the dinner table was stopped in his tracks.


    "...We will?"


    "Yes, is that a problem?"


    Uh oh.


    "I mean, it doesn''t really look appetizing darling..."


    "I will not waste food in this house, so get your backside over here and help us. I would not like to ask again."


    "On second thought, this looks really delicious." He pulled up a chair besides me and grabbed his utensils. Staring desolately at the small writhing face residing within the bowl.


    "Well then, it looks delicious right? You can take the first bite, my dear husband." Practically coercing the man into partaking, he quietly relents. Not without taking an audible gulp of hesitation.


    Slowly the spoon descends into the large pot and gathers the broth, Mr. Weasley then attempts to get this event over with quickly. Only to be stopped by Mrs. Weasley.


    "Wait. You need to get some of the roots in it as well. Need to savour the flavour, right dear?" The jovial smile still plastered on her face only made her visage more daunting. What a terrifying woman, using food as a weapon.


    "... Of course... let me just get one on it..." Mr. Weasley sent one final pleading look in my direction. I''m sorry... Your sacrifice won''t be forgotten soldier.


    Trying to pilfer the smallest root, which still looked rather demanding, he settled the spoon and acquiesced the demon. Engulfing the spoon all at once and leaving not a drop on the spoon followed by a few slow chews. Ending with a resoundingly hesitant swallow.


    "...Thank you for that honey... If you don''t mind me, I''ll just be heading to the restroom. Enjoy the rest with Kiyotaka here..." Mr. Weasley then calmly, or at least feigning calm, left the dining room.


    Of course, afterwards we heard the subsequent sprint upstairs to the bathroom followed by a loud slam of the door. I hope, she doesn''t want me to eat this still...


    A diabolically sweet chuckle escaped her lips as she turned to me.


    "Have you been enjoying your stay here, dear?" My life might depend on this answer.


    "Yes. It''s lovely here."


    "Such a stiff answer, no need to be worried dear." No, on the contrary I think I have every reason to be afraid.


    Just remain silent, never know when she might target me next...


    "You don''t have to worry about the soup. That was just payback for something they pulled a while ago."


    Phew. Lucky.


    "Honestly, do they think they''re the only ones that can pull a prank?" This might be closer to a crime than a prank.


    "Do you mind if I ask what they did?" I''m sure it was something dastardly if this is the recompense.


    "The idiots turned my apron into a portkey. It was difficult to get it off after they activated it. In short, I was dizzy beyond belief and fell face first into a hay bale in the barn. I was still pulling strands out from my clothes an hour after the incident."


    "Portkey?"


    "Oh, right. A portkey is a method of travel for magical folk. It transports them to a predetermined location, but its notorious for making people rather dizzy. Especially when used for prolonged periods. So, I was stuck hurtling in the air for a good minute or two."


    "I see. That certainly sounds uncomfortable." Yeah, they probably deserved this.


    "The boys aren''t advanced enough to do that yet. No doubt Arthur was involved." Yeah, that certainly adds up.


    "Doesn''t that mean the boys got away with it?" They definitely created the idea.


    "They mainly ate the chicken, right? That''s their favourite. So of course, I put something in it."


    Hmm. Didn''t Ron also eat some of the chicken...


    "Should have some peace and quiet for a bit, at the very least..." Don''t tell me she...


    "The effect should kick in any second now..." Oi, wait a minu-


    A rather loud bang came from upstairs. Is this woman crazy?


    Fred and George came running down the stairs. Although both seemed to be missing something...


    They were conversing with hand signals and banging the table rather loudly. The reason being...


    Their mouths were gone...


    "Now... That boys'' is for last week with the apron. Got anything to say for yourselves?"


    "Oh, what am I saying of course you don''t." Wow, low blow.


    The boys both looked at each other, shrugged and seemed to be smiling from their eyes as if to say, "We''ll get you back for this!". Although personally I think they got what was coming.


    The twins retreated back upstairs, no doubt plotting their next spot of mischief.


    "It''ll revert in a few hours."


    "Didn''t Ron eat some? Was he a part of the incident as well?"


    "No need to worry about him, I told him beforehand. He only ate a few so as not to tip off the others. Should''ve seen his face. Brightest I''ve seen him smile in a long time."


    Wow. I don''t even have words...


    That''s rather frightening. I hope all women aren''t this scary, the thought of a future Mrs. Ayanokouji pulling something like this has my stomach shrink with anxiety.


    "Now then. Would you be a dear and help me with washing the dishes and cleaning the table?"


    I think I''ll stay on her good side...


    Wait, now that I think of it... How did she know I wouldn''t eat any of the chicken? Did she just not care if I did?


    I think I''ll have to re-evaluate just how dangerous this house is.

 Little workshop of wonders

    "In here Taka. Hurry up Ron, c''mon." Me and Ron were currently following the twins to their workshop where all manners of mischief and mayhem are no doubt currently bubbling.


    "Watch your step, the roots get thicker the further you get in." Meandering through the outback woods a wander away from the farm lay a quaint little treehouse which the brothers use as their creative space.


    Some of the tree roots even uproot themselves and twist and twirl like snakes.


    "Those are roods, nasty little gits."


    "Roods?" What a strange name.


    "Well, that''s just what people usually call ''em. You''ll see why..."


    I continued on the predetermined pathway. Roots gradually got in the way more and more and tried to upend me as I took a step forward. I see...


    Root and rude. Certainly, an apt name. They don''t seem too dangerous though... More interestingly; what is their ecology? Is the whole tree the same entity or does something possess the root body? How do they get nourishment when they constantly interfere with travellers?


    Crash!


    Oh dear. It seems Ron has fell prey to their machinations.


    "Bloody hell! I''m alright." He dusts his pants off after picking himself up. The roods can''t make audible laughs, but from their movements you can practically hear the cacophonous laughter.


    "Here we are. All in one piece."


    "Fred, if you would."


    "Of course, my dear brother." Fred procured a key from his shoe. Rather than using it on the hatch of the treehouse he instead knocked on the tree trunk revealing a keyhole. After inserting and twisting the key, something shifts. Not the treehouse or the tree either but the large rock formation several meters behind it splits apart and a large section opens up filled with lab equipment and countless "muggle" items. How did they manage this? Is magic like this easy to use and apply?


    "Impressive, isn''t it? It''s our pride and joy. Took ages to get Dad around to doing it. A little incentive goes a long way." Now it makes sense.


    "The ''muggle'' items you store I take it?"


    "Ding-ding. Hit the nail on the head. Mum hates the clutter around the house with how much dad collects them. We store them for him and get a workspace in return, pretty good deal for us. Especially when investigating, muggles make some interesting things. Been the inspiration for more than a few items."


    "The muggle items will be off limits, I''m afraid they aren''t ours so unless you want my dad''s fury aimed at you..."


    With some money and time, I could get any of these items, so they aren''t really a problem. What really interests me are the magic implements they might''ve made. Something that could make up for my lack of knowledge. Ideally, I could get at least a few good uses out of it...


    I''ll take a quick look around...


    This shelf has all sorts of foodstuffs on it, mainly snacks. Is this for when they''re hungry in here or?...


    "These are all trial products for now, try at your own risk."


    I need them to be reliable, so most of these can be crossed off. Although I am curious as to what each might do.


    I examine each of the candies and treats picking up a random box.


    "Those are puking pastilles, unfortunately we can''t control how sick they make you yet. Poor George was throwing up for a good hour, the noises were not pleasant."


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    A bit drastic, not like I need to feign illness either. Even accounting for that there are better ways to go about it.


    "Hmm... ''Animal crackers''. What do these do?"


    "These are actually safe, we''re just researching them for now. Why don''t you try one?" He said with an intriguing grin, George also perked up. I don''t like how they''re looking at me right now.


    "Ron, do you know what these are?"


    "They''re animal crackers, they make you imitate the sound of whichever animal you end up eating."


    "Goddamnit Ron, he might''ve eaten it. It would''ve been hilarious to see that blank face change." Fred and George were dismayed.


    I can''t see why that would be so amusing, but they neglected to say how long the effect lasts. I think I''ll refrain from those. Although, this does give me an idea for the future...


    "How exactly do you go about researching these items?"


    "Haha... well we can''t exactly go out giving business secrets can we Taka?" Should''ve expected that.


    "...Are these tarot cards?"


    "I suppose divination is a muggle superstition as well. Yeah, they are."


    "Is there any difference between them and normal tarot cards?"


    "Who knows? They can shuffle themselves and apparently can tell the future of the user... But who knows whether they''re more accurate than a muggle''s set."


    "Is divination not a common principle in magic studies?"


    "It''s more of a joke or superstition to most wizards, hardly any backing with research and very few psychics give reliable predictions. It''s a bit of a dead topic really."


    "Before I choose... Is there anything in the treehouse?"


    Fred and George open the trapdoor allowing our group to enter the confines of the treehouse. It''s rather run down, seeing as it isn''t their main base of operations. Random equipment lay strewn around the floor; ropes, vials, boxes. Nothing with much apparent use.


    On a work desk in the corner lay a controller, similar to a remote-control car. Next to it what looks to be a rather large aphid or grasshopper, that being said it could still easily fit in the palm of a hand. Could this be...?


    "Oh! George, I completely forgot we left this up here."


    "Oh, the Control Critter Mk. I! I was wondering where we left that."


    "Am I right in assuming this is what I think it is?"


    "It''s a remote control alright, decent idea. Thank God for muggles, may have never gotten the inspiration otherwise."


    "You guys made this?" Impressive.


    "Yeah, this one''s a failure though. the controls are too complicated. It could be smaller, and it doesn''t give visual feedback to the user. There''s a whole host of issues we plan on cranking out in the next couple models. But it likely won''t be operational for a long time. Got other projects in the works."


    Still, this is pioneering. Majority of magic society frown upon muggles, thus they lack technological advancement.


    "Does it need a battery, or equivalent for use?"


    "No that''s the major success for this model, just need to give it light and some grass for it to feed. But like I said before in all other aspects it''s a failure. Just a prototype, to get an idea for production."


    It has some issues, but...


    "I''ll take this then."


    "Oi! Are you sure you want this? I already said it has its problems, right? Not to mention the controls are ridiculous, half the time you can''t get it to move in the right direction never mind flying!" If anything, this is good for them. I take a bad item, and they repaid the favour, unless I''m missing something?


    "Isn''t that good for you guys then?"


    "You beat us fair and square, I won''t let you choose some crap item after that." George is insistent on that fact. I send a glance towards Fred.


    "Now, now brother. You''ve made it clear, but it seems Taka wants this one. Is that right?"


    "It intrigued me the most."


    "Hmm... Tell you what we''ll let you have this, then when we finish the actual model, we''ll give you a copy of that as well. Sound fair?"


    If anything, that''s too good to me.


    "In return you''ll provide any insights or changes made to the current version to us for research."


    Yeah, that makes sense. I''ll basically be the clinical trial for the future product. Works best for both of us that way.


    "Deal."


    With business finished I exited from the treehouse with my prize in hand.


    "Ah, wait for me!" Ron exclaimed fumbling out of the treehouse.


    Nearly tripping over the roods as he came running up to the back of me.


    "You asked me to come but I wasn''t really much help, you know?"


    "You helped plenty, I imagine I may have become the butt of the joke thanks to your brothers. Plus, I don''t know how long the crackers might''ve lasted, if I were impersonating animals for too long, I might''ve cursed your brothers after."


    "...Believe me that is not a problem." Ron whispered under his breath.


    "Well. We''ve got this now, want to try it out?"


    "Wicked. Yeah, let''s give it a go!"


    -----


    "Are you sure we should''ve given him that?"


    "Yeah, I have a feeling he''ll put it to good use. Besides we''ll be getting to see how he changes it over time. He''s a muggle-born, so he might be more accustomed."


    "I suppose so, you reckon he''ll actually make any changes?"


    "Definitely. Call it a hunch, but I think a new troublemaker will be coming on campus."


    "Haha! I hope you''re right!"


    "Well then, we can''t get outdone. We need to plan something big for when we go back, maybe even play a little prank on Taka?"


    "I like the way think brother."


    Conjuring a small parchment from his pocket they both begin chanting in unison.


    "I do solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

 Diagon Alley

    "Alright now, stick together please. Fred and George keep an eye on Ginny and Ron."


    "Alright." They both lazily replied, affirming out of obligation rather than any concern.


    "Dearie, you come with me. We need to make a visit to Gringotts. Arthur, make sure you watch those two troublemakers."


    "Aye, aye. ma''am." She really is like a drill sergeant.


    "Come dear, we need to get your things after this as well."


    I assume Gringotts is a bank, but what exactly are we going to do there? Get a loan? I can''t imagine the Weasleys have the excess to pay for me. I suppose he might''ve done something. Surely, he could''ve just left the Weasleys with the money though...


    A marble white building sits at the edge of the street with large imposing doors at the front. This must be it. Pushing open the door, which required less effort than it should''ve revealed a hall filled with many small people. Their visage was rather grotesque, saggy skin and shrivelled features with rather large pointy ears.


    "Goblins. They''re a rather proud race so watch your tone. They handle Gringotts, all wealth in the wizarding world is handled through the Gringotts'' company." All of the wizarding world depends on goblins for their economy. There must be several advantages to this, or it''d never stick. Perhaps they have traits or specific magics that are suited to the role?


    At the end of the hallway lay a lectern where one goblin sat above the rest, currently reading through a scroll of parchment and writing using a quill. It certainly feels magical, but isn''t it a bit outdated? I can''t imagine how much of a mess logistics would be without electronics.


    Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat twice to get the attention of the goblin residing above us.


    "Yes?"


    "Mr. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would like to make a withdrawal from his vault."


    "I see... And does he have his key?" The goblin peered over his parchment getting a good look at the both of us.


    "Yes, I have it here." Presenting a small bronze key from her pocket.


    "And a letter of recognition from his guardian?"


    "Yes. He has been left in my care for the time being." Mrs. Weasley finished whilst also handing a sealed envelope over to the goblin. The front addressed Gringotts and had a sender of Albus Dumbledore, my current guardian.


    "Very well. See them to the vault."


    "Understood." Another goblin came at the behest of the overseer, snapping quickly to the left and opening dual wooden doors and descending down the steps. Mrs. Weasley and I trot along, matching our pace to the goblin''s.


    At the end of the pathway lay a minecart sort of contraption, albeit slightly more complicated. It was enclosed and looked more like a theme park ride.


    "Please board the cart."


    We set foot into the cart first and settled, after which the goblin also joined and closed the hatch loudly proclaiming, "Vault section HP Number 401".


    "HP. Is that supposed to mean something?"


    "Hogwarts Program, sir. Due to your specific circumstances this is the vault you''ll be using."


    I''m guessing due to the lack of a family registry or the like in this country. Does this mean I have full control of the account? I suppose it doesn''t matter seeing as I don''t have any money for now, but that might be a concern in the future.


    The minecart shot off at a shocking speed, I haven''t felt the thrill of a theme park ride before, this is the closest I can imagine to it. It was rather liberating, if not a bit frightening. Leaving my mortality in the hands of an unknown contraption isn''t exactly reassuring.


    The hatch opened and the goblin stepped out followed by Mrs. Weasley and me.


    "Lamp and key please." Mrs. Weasley and I handed the respective items over to the goblin who then inspected the vault; touching various surfaces and eventually plunging the key into its rightful place.


    The vault doors slowly opened themselves and lay bare the meager confines. Well, I say meager but this is physical precious metal so maybe this is actually quite a lot?


    There were several stacks of different metals all assorted by their properties, they were similar and may in fact be bronze, silver and gold respectively. I imagine the worth of each is ascending in that order. The gold pile, or well single golden coin rest up above on a cupboard away from all others.


    "What''s the conversion of these currencies?"


    "The bronze are called knuts, dear. 100 of them to every sickle- the silver coins, and 100 of those sickles to every galleon. The golden coin sat over there." That''s a rather simple conversion, judging by the pile here I still can''t tell whether that''s a lot or not. Still there are more than enough silver and bronze to make at least one more galleon, I suppose it is much easier to utilize the smaller currencies for change, strange, nonetheless.


    "...And what''s the conversion rate to muggle money? British Pounds specifically." I pointed this question to the goblin.


    "Currently 1 knut is roughly 10 pence, within recent years thanks to the advent of relations between the muggles and magicals the economy was also reshuffled."


    Is he saying they arbitrarily altered currency conversions? I suppose that would be possible if all the wealth concentrated into a single place, like Gringotts... There''d still need to be some magic at play to do something so grand scale. There would also need to be diplomacy between the muggles for this to even occur. In fact, wouldn''t they be able to...


    Even given all those beneficial circumstances is something like that possible?


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "...Is this the first time that''s been done?"


    "Hmm. No, every so often Gringotts will repurpose currency to reflect the state of the world. Even with complicated conversions, Arithmancy has always been a tool close kept by our kind. Although, this is the first time it was spread to muggles as well."


    Even though magical it seems some resources are finite, does this mean magic also adheres to physical laws? Arithmancy? The magic of calculation, interesting. To think even magic has study steeped in fact and statistical reasoning, I assumed most of it would be trial and error or complete fantasy without explanation.


    "Has anything ever been stolen from here?"


    "...Why do you ask boy?" The plain face of the goblin in question immediately shown a trace of ire towards the idea.


    "I''ll likely be using the Gringotts''s service myself, thus I''d like to know of its security history."


    "...We''ve had attempts. But that''s all they are. Every one of them is thwarted in the end. No exceptions. In fact, just recently there was an attempt, which resulted in the same conclusion."


    "How exactly did that occur? Did they ever lay a hand on the merchandise?"


    "Pfft. Such a typical human child. The most anyone could ever manage is laying a hand on the merchandise. Even if they were to escape a vault''s confines, they would never resurface at the ground floor. In fact, that incident was just the same. The vault in question was emptied before the incident even occurred. It''s more likely the managers were testing security given the timeliness of it all."


    I see... That is a strange time occurrence, but why would they even bother emptying it beforehand? If they truly were testing security, wouldn''t it make more sense to leave the contents and confidently drive back the intruder? The fact he presumes it was the bank itself also assumes that no perpetrator was caught... Something more is going on here, but is it important? I could always just keep my own finances in check outside of the school system, after all compression and expansion charms clearly exist and money can easily be stored if conveniently exchanged. I might just be worrying about this unnecessarily.


    "Well then, we have the list so we should be needing roughly 100 sickles. That should cover everything with some change. You can just keep the leftover as pocket money, dearie. I''m sure Dumbledore won''t mind." Does she really have the authority to decide that? The goblin accompanying us didn''t show any sign of disagreement so maybe this was decided beforehand.


    100 sickles- roughly ¡ê1000 by the given conversion rates. That should be more than enough to get equipment, still I have no idea as to how expensive wizarding equipment could possibly be.


    "C''mon dear, let¡¯s get to the other stores. Still need to get you looking the part." A gentle smile enveloped Mrs. Weasley''s face as she gestured to the cart.


    Looking the part?


    I have a feeling this is going to be tiresome...


    ---


    I wasn''t wrong about that statement.


    Although the people, shops and items were all interesting, standing in line and waiting for service was soul-crushing. Plenty of aspiring students and their families come and go between the busy shops, most of which on this street are essential for continuing students.


    The last 2 or 3 hours consisted of waiting in line to buy textbooks a trunk for storage and equipment for alchemy. All of which was snugly packed into the trunk with several extension or compression charms imbedded inside. Very convenient and confusing. How is the space managed? I thought magic followed physical laws, yet space itself is distorted? What could be the explanation- different dimensions, teleportation, etc. etc. My intrigue was spiked by a few different items, silently compelling my continued withstanding of the otherwise mind-numbing boredom.


    Eventually we came to Madam Malkin''s Robes for All Occasions. Presumably the school uniform and dress robes needed for attendance would be sold here.


    The door chimed a little thanks to the bell placed above, slowly we walked onto the shop floor.


    "How may I help you two today?" The woman approached and said with an element of grace and poise. This might be the supposed Madam Malkin.


    I turned to look at Mrs. Weasley, my acting guardian to explain.


    "Hello Madam, we''d like him measured for a Hogwarts school uniform, two dress robes, a cloak and the assorted duelling outfit and shoes."


    "The whole package then, right we''ll get you sorted young man. And what might your name be?"


    "Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Madam." I bowed slightly when saying such. Etiquette wasn''t lost on me, I just didn''t always see it as necessity.


    "Please stand atop this box and spread your arms by each side. Don''t worry you''re in good hands here Mr. Ayanokouji." I appreciate the sentiment, but I can''t say being called that pleases me.


    I complied with Madam Malkin''s instructions as she took detailed measurements of my body to ascribe the tailored outfits.


    Following this several robes were placed over my shoulders and the fit scrutinized by my caretaker and Madam Malkin herself. Eventually settling on a set of brown and some dark blue robes, It¡¯s not too dissimilar to a gown. I found it to be rather natural within a short time wearing it. The travelling cloak was a simple black and sleek design. The school uniform was, as any uniform is, conformed to a certain standard. It was actually more modern than I would''ve imagined. Simple trousers, a button up white dress shirt and assorted layers such as a jersey. The robes were then lay atop these for the completed look. At least the weather here is subtle compared to the heats back home, I just hope I don''t develop heatstroke wearing so many layers.


    "Well here comes the fun part."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Dueling apparel is special. Eventually the witches and wizards may become famous figures in the future. In this case we take special requests and individual specifications for the combat gear. As an opportunity to spread the glory of their names." As well as free marketing I assume.


    "...Is this purely cosmetic or can this include functionable changes?"


    "Cosmetic for the most part. Embedding charms or wards resisting spells would become completely unfair in a duel and would simply make the sport an act of investment."


    "That being said. Cosmetic changes can often have an effect on combat ability. Loose, flowy fabric can become a detriment in certain circumstance, yet in others it can be a perfectly placed diversion for the enemy."


    "What''s the standard attire?"


    "A padded and guarded tailor fit t-shirt with an individual design, a designed robe, combat pants, combat boots and assorted accessories such as capes or jewellery." That all seems rather modern for wizards. That goblin earlier did say that relations had increased between wizards and non-magicals, perhaps that''s the reason.


    "...I see. Can changes be made later in the future?"


    "Of course. It would require a separate payment depending on the request, though. Do you have any ideas for the time being?"


    Without knowledge of the battlegrounds specifically or even what is possible with magic makes it rather cumbersome to decide.


    "Not that I can think of at the moment..."


    "No problem, dear, I may have sprung it on you out of the blue."


    "Would you mind taking my recommendation instead? You could change the design later, just tell me if anything isn''t to your liking."


    "That would be preferred."


    Saying as such the woman circles me a few times muttering my name under her breath, whilst overlooking my figure. Apparently trying to find some sort of inspiration.


    "What are the definitions of your name?"


    "Ayanokouji is composed of the characters for design and alley. Kiyotaka by the characters for pure and noble or prosperous." What a presumptuous name.


    "...Hm. Are there any animals or creatures which share a similar name?"


    "Another meaning for Taka would be the hawk."


    "The noble hawk... prosperous by design. Pure and unfettered... Okay, I have an idea now."


    The madam rushed over as graciously as humanly possible to an empty parchment and begun to draw a design of the proposed uniform.


    The results were as expected of a professional. Within a few minutes she had completed her design and brought it into my view.


    "This is what I propose."


    Hmm. A bit gaudy, showy if I were being generous. Not exactly my type, still I could see the use of such equipment.


    "That suffices. My only request is to make those detachable." Pointing to the desired elements of the attire.


    "...Certainly, that wouldn''t be against any duelling regulations. Other competitors also use some accessories similarly. You might just be a duellist yet. I look forward to what you bring to the stage."


    ...To think I would don white for combat. Certainly not a colour suited to fighting, purity isn''t synonymous with such conflict. Although, the prospect of magical duelling tickles my heart. I wonder if it could be accomplished on that stage...

 Magical Menagerie

    The prospect of keeping and caring for a pet has always intrigued me, in fact I was quite taken with the idea a time in the past. Of course, my caretakers at the time forbade such an action.


    However, the thought always remained in the back of my mind. If I were to get a pet, what would I choose?


    You may ask; what brought this sudden ponderance? The answer is my current location, Magical Menagerie. A pet store for all sorts of magical and non-magical animals. Well, actually maybe they''re all magical. Some just look like ordinary dogs and the like. Of course, odd creatures were also mixed in.


    Whenever the thought struck my mind in the past the animal was always a dog, of course I never knew other such creatures existed. Yet, even with them before me keeping them as a pet still doesn''t seem realistic. Why? Isn''t it just an animal like any other? I suppose more time might be needed to fully adjust to this situation.


    The raucous screeching of the myriad creatures drawn my consciousness from the inner most thoughts currently causing turmoil.


    "Are there any restrictions on pets?" Directing my query to Mrs. Weasley who accompanied me.


    "There used to be dear, now it¡¯s just a question of the size or breed of the animal. Creatures known for destructive tendencies or dangerous behaviour obviously aren''t allowed, but otherwise basically any creature is allowed."


    The whimpering of the small pups towards the center of the shop drawn my attention. If I want a pet, it makes sense to pick whatever interests me the most, I just hope this interest isn''t for the reason I believe it to be.


    I''m not greatly versed in specifics such as dog pedigree or even the most common breeds by geography, my interest came from the benefits a person may get and the development they may feel when taking in a dependent. In other words, I wanted to care for a pet. That being said, these all looked like stereotypical ''muggle'' dogs.


    A brief glance over the small pups separated into cages didn''t betray that original assumption. "You want a dog, boy?" The weathered old man managing the shop came to me in silence, asking with a rather disgusted tone of voice. I hadn''t done anything to offend the man, at least in my memory.


    "...Are these magical in some way? Or are they just normal dogs?" He snorted in recognition of the question. I''m sorry, I''m new to this.


    "Who knows? Who cares? Filthy animals just like the Lycanthropes that stem from them. They make for good guards, alarms and they''re stupidly loyal. Incredibly useful, disgusting nonetheless." It''s just a dog though, right? Lycanthropes, huh?... They must cause quite the controversy if even common dogs are persecuted alongside them.


    With that revelation I''m slightly disgruntled now. A dog is the only pet I had in mind for a long time, for that choice to be taboo is rather unfortunate. Perhaps prejudice against the Canid family isn''t widespread? That would be ideal.


    If I attract attention due to this choice alone, then that''d be rather annoying to say the least. On the other hand, is there even a point getting an animal I haven''t even the slightest inclination towards?


    I spare a glance towards Mrs. Weasley behind me, as she looks down at the dogs not smiling but instead looking in recognition and resignation. So, the hate isn''t seeded in all people, but persecution is indeed commonplace.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Most of the dogs barked excitedly and jumped around as we approached the cages, I can only imagine the ways in which each will be treated by their future prospective owners. Perhaps their joy will only last for this brief moment of time, instead forever subjugated to a leash in the future. No joy, no companionship, only servitude. Duty above all else, or rather duty is the only existence for them.


    I''ve made up my mind.


    A small pitch-black pup lay down yawning towards the back of its enclosure, despite the pup''s youth and situation it seemed to be cognizant. Even as I approached, the dog only eyed me whilst looking over its paws. The small fox-like ears of the animal perked up as I approached ever closer to the cage, nonetheless it remained static only following my movements with its eyes. The puffy fur of the dogs face had a semblance of a bear cub. Overall, what I wanted to say is that it¡¯s cute. Like a little furball, plus the attitude is amicable.


    "I''d stay away from that one if I were you lad. That visage is the grim. Terrible fates await wizards and witches plagued by the grim." I suppose most customers didn''t interact with it, maybe that''s the reason it reacts that way. Doesn''t matter, I''ve already decided.


    "I''ll have this one please."


    "Don''t listen do you, brat? Got a death wish? Or do you just get a kick out of messing with people?"


    "Provided I can pay for it, how much is it?"


    "And if I said it was 1 galleon?"


    "I suppose I''d have to come back another day..."


    "But it isn''t actually 1 galleon, is it?" Of course that was rhetorical, I don''t feel like buying any of the other animals here, this one piqued my interest.


    "Hmph. I''m trying to do you a favour here, kid... Forget it, just take the thing out of the store it was scaring customers anyway."


    "...And how much for it?"


    "...Just take the damn thing, it would rest on my conscience if I took money from you for that thing." I see, he really was just warning me about it. At least both parties win with this settlement, I wouldn''t be surprised if omen like this caused business to slow. After all, superstition in this world is entirely more warranted than the non-magical. Although, that just makes me wonder why he kept it here in the first place...


    With that he unlocked the cage and let the tiny beast out. It slowly lifted its head off of its front legs before stretching and eventually emerging from the confines of the cage out into the store centre. Cautiously it looks around the room and at the three of us, focusing on myself in the middle.


    I decide to sit in front of the dog and show my intentions. Leaving my hands by my side and simply allowing the dog to wander around me, eventually after sniffing all around my body it decides to sit in my lap and lay down. My hand almost immediately started to pat its head and stroke the soft fluffy fur of the dog, what a nice feeling. This is quite cathartic.


    "Well, if you''re done, go and get out of my store. And for Merlin''s sake don''t go taking the thing into other shops. Don''t need you causing a fuss."


    "I understand. Thank you, sir."


    "Tch. Whatever, just get going."


    "Isn''t that nice? Well then, dear have you given thought to a name?" Mrs. Weasley spoke up after her long-term silence, seeing the dogs must have upset her.


    Isn''t it amazing that complete freedom sometimes feels so restricting? Now that the opportunity arises, something as simple as a name, a mere moniker to address something escapes me. While a name may not seem important at first glance, it actually has many profound effects on a person from socialization to physiological growth. In fact, researchers even speculate that the reason names fit faces for so many people is due to the plasticity of the human body in response to the bestowed name, meaning a stranger could estimate or accurately guess another random person¡¯s name with a non-zero percent accuracy. Of course, this is research directed towards humans so whether this applies to other animals is suspect at best. Still, I would like to imagine the name matters. To ensure I hold an existence which will one day become precious to me in my arms, the name should also be equally valuable.


    From the appearance Kage, Kuro or even Kuma thanks to the cub-like face of the young pup would all fit. Or if I really wanted to cause some trouble Grim is an option as well... But I''d much rather avoid that catastrophe. Dark shadows of the past should be left where they are, instead I should be looking forward.


    This could in fact be the first step towards dispersing the thick fog that had forever loomed over my head. As such I think I have made my decision...


    "...Hikari."


    Let this step be the guiding light of my future.

 Ollivanders

    "Now dear, this might be the moment you''ve been waiting for the longest. Saving the best for last and all that." Oh, does that mean what I think it does?


    "Are we perhaps getting a wand now?"


    "Indeed, we are. And what a perfect time to, I see Ron is just about to get his. We''ll meet with the rest of the family before we buy them." As she said that Mrs. Weasley walked towards the ensemble cast that was the Weasley family meandering towards a shop labeled Ollivander''s. Master wand craftsmen since 382 BC. That''s a long lineage, I wonder how they even record from that far back. A magic version of carbon dating? I suppose with magic its easier to preserve information compared to the stunted advancement of non-magicals throughout time. But this raises interesting questions...


    Is magic only possible with a wand? In that case are wizards just conduits for the magic within the wand or are both necessary? No, that shouldn''t be the case. If so, muggles could cast magic so long as a wand were within their grasp. The little magic I''ve seen performed during my stay has been produced with the implement in hand, so I have little idea as to whether wandless magic is even a possibility.


    But in that case what are wands made from? And how are they made at all? Assuming magic is needed to forge the wand then how would the first wand be created? A chicken and the egg situation.


    If I were to speculate the construction of a wand it would basically be a fancy piece of wood. Likely some sort of magical tree or even common wood with some magical core contained inside; such as materials from magical creatures. That''s what typical fantasy would dictate.


    "Hey Taka, having fun being dragged around by Mum?"


    "I couldn''t ask for better company." Navigating Diagon Alley with Mrs. Weasley was a treat compared to the trouble that would no doubt arise when travelling with the twins.


    "It''s a shame we couldn''t come with, needed to get the goods for that squirt." George pointed over his shoulder to Ron, who was quietly clutching his belonging as well as a trunk as he moved towards us.


    "Well, he isn''t the only one. Did you guys not need any new stuff?"


    "Nah, we''ll just use Percy''s old books. Other than that, just new robes, ours are getting a little small." Both the twins were rather tall and lean, probably due to the lifestyle they lead at the Burrow on the farmstead. As they were indeed a head or so taller than average for their age.


    "Won''t that mean you have to share the entire year?"


    "Yeah, but we have all the same classes anyway. Not worth spending the coin." Is the economic situation of the family worse than I had anticipated? For them to make concession on the books. I mean they were somewhat expensive, however they are magic tomes so I can''t really tell whether they were overpriced.


    Hmm... Are wands expensive? If so, I wonder how Ron intends to get one? Maybe the family pooled together by saving on expenses like the books to buy one for him. If they went to such lengths, then I imagine that wand and wizard compatibility must have a profound effect on magic performance. Can a wizard or witch perform magic with any wand in hand? Or does it have to be accustomed/specific to the wizard?


    "Still, I''m quite excited to see what happens in the shop." Fred calmly stated with a chuckle.


    "What do you mean by that?" I don''t like the way he worded that.


    "I''ll leave it for you to find out." That''s rather cryptic.


    "C''mon then, let''s go and get your wands and then some food. I''m utterly famished with all the running about." Mr. Weasley rushed both of us along into the store with the rest of the family joining inside.


    I appreciate the support but due to the confines of the store, having so many customers at once makes it rather claustrophobic. Strangely enough no one was at the desk in the store, I suppose you can''t be waiting here all day for customers. Mr. Weasley cleared his throat rather loudly aiming to summon the shopkeeper for business.


    In response a rather aged, owl-like man slid across the towering storage bookshelves and looked towards us.


    "Ah, customers yes. I''ll be but a moment." Despite the man''s seniority he moved quickly down the ladder betraying his supposed visage.


    "Is that young Arthur and Molly? What a pleasure, have you come to get a wand for one of the youngsters? Or perhaps is it just this young man I''ll be serving today?" Apparently the Weasley are also return customers to this shop. I didn''t see any other wand makers on the way so that seems likely.


    "Hello Ollivander, a wand for my youngest boy and this young man as well."


    "I see. It seems your family grows larger every time I see you. Don''t tell me you''ve taken another one in?"


    "He''s just in our care for a while. That being said you can think of him as family, that goes for you as well Kiyotaka." How welcoming, I knew they were hospitable, but we haven''t known each other for long. I wonder how tall a tale he spun to result in this treatment...


    "Well then, shall we get you measured up first? Having done it for your family before this should be quick. Step on up and let me get a good look at you." He pointed to Ron and ushered him forward. Nervousness and excitement were evident upon Ron''s. He quietly stepped forward to the desk.


    "Hmm. Hmm. Yes, I see." Ollivander continued to look down upon the boy almost as if inspecting merchandise.


    "A bit unconventional. Try this one." Saying as such he whips around and grabs a box protruding from one of the shelves. What a crazy memory to know where that is. Or is he just grabbing them at random? Are we getting scammed, pranked maybe? I''d rather we didn''t have more Fred and George''s. They''re interesting don''t get me wrong. But I want no part in excess chaos.


    He hands Ron a lengthy oak wooden stick, straight and narrow. What looks to be about 9.5 to 10 inches in length.


    "Give it a wave then, boy." He urges Ron to swing the implement.


    Ron randomly targets the lamp at the back of the store. Of course, the lamp spontaneously explodes and graces the floor with its shattered remains. Was that good or bad? Did he mean to do that, if so, that would be good? Right?


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Nope, definitely not that one."


    I guess that wasn''t intended then.


    "Hmm. Perhaps this one then." Handing Ron another box containing a wand he then grasps it in hand. A surge of wind swirled around him only to suddenly make a shrieking hiss which swept across the entire room.


    "Indeed, that seems appropriate."


    "Are you sure they''re compatible Mr. Ollivander?" That question came from Mr. Weasley. Apparently, that also wasn''t an ideal reaction.


    "The wand chooses the wizard as always. However, it seems you also have to prove your worth young man. Work hard to become a wizard that the wand can be proud in, do that and everything else shall fall into place."


    "...I''ll do my best, sir."


    "That you should. Black Walnut it is. 11 inches, long and crooked yet thin. A unicorn hair as the core. Black walnut are known for their temperamentality, they can often sense the turmoil within us. They only ask that it be resolved so they can also thrive. Pair that with the unicorn hair makes an incredibly loyal and trusting partner. However, that trust can only be completed when the wielder accepts themselves."


    Indeed, that does sound temperamental. After all most people suffer from some sort of internal conflict throughout life, the topic simply interchanges for another.


    "Work towards your goals without distractions and the wand will follow."


    Ron stepped back after that. Bewildered, but clear excitement grown across his face.


    It seems the designated wand will be assigned rather abstractly, I suppose I shouldn''t have assumed any differently. That being said does this work off of cold reading or an equivalent? After all, Ollivander had immediately chosen wands which seemed contrary to the rest of his family and surmised Ron''s own mental state. That begets the question; Does Ollivander read the person or make conclusions based on the complementary wand characteristics? For example, psychological issues can be addressed by a Rorschach''s test or through exhibited characteristics. The conclusion might remain the same but the methods to reach it can cause several changes during the journey.


    "Well then young man, would you step forward so I can get a good look at you?"


    Ushered on by the wise old owl, I take a step forward to the counter and meet his eyes. To which he peers inside without a hint of nervousness only curiosity lies within those gaping orbs.


    "What is your name?"


    "Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, sir."


    "...Interesting. Interesting. I must say it''s not every day I get a customer like you. This will be difficult... But I always love a challenge. Wait but a moment, boy."


    Was my previous hypothesis, correct? The blank facade constantly plastered across my face might have prevented proper cold reading. I suppose experience and trial and error are the only option after that.


    After a moment Ollivander returned clutching a rather unkempt box to his chest and placed it onto the desk, the size was several times larger than those housing a single wand. I guess he wants to brute force it then...


    "We''ll start with this one first..." He hands me a lengthy birch stick, straight and narrow.


    "Before you start... Arthur, ward just in case."


    "Huh... Understood. Protego." A thin veil slowly envelops the family behind me as the word was uttered, some sort of forcefield? Ollivander had also chanted the same.


    "Give it a go."


    Not knowing exactly what to do, I simply perform a small flick pointed at the ground a distance from me. Aiming to minimize the damage to the surroundings. Only to be surprised by the fact that nothing... nothing happened... were my previous misgivings, correct? Can I even perform magic in the first place?


    "Ha... Haha, I didn''t think it were possible! How peculiar. Although, it also makes sense now..." Ollivander was in his own little world following the events or rather lack of any event whatsoever.


    "Mr. Ollivander, what''s going on?"


    "...It was a bit of a gamble. But I wanted to see if my ideas were true! I''ve never met a single customer like this in all my time! Amazing, simply incredible."


    "You''re not explaining anything, Ollivander. What''s going on?" Mr. Weasley seemed to be tired of Ollivander''s rampant whisperings.


    "Oh, right... Of course. That right there boy, is a rogue wand. It was used by and is loyal to another master. So much so that it often missuses the magic of any channelling its power. Meaning even the most seasoned witch or wizard would have difficulty preventing an outburst. You, however managed to prevent any leakage whatsoever. That is what''s so peculiar."


    "Unfortunately, I''m not surprised. After all I may not even be able to perform magic."


    "What makes you say that, boy?"


    "I''ve never encountered any situation which couldn''t be explained, I''ve never caused magic to happen nor seen it my entire life. It would be strange for that to occur, no?"


    "Strange but not impossible. Besides, an invitation to Hogwarts cannot be extended to muggles. The school itself will reject the notion."


    I had thought that myself, but I wouldn''t be surprised if Dumbledore pulled some strings behind the scenes. My situation isn''t exactly common. Not that that''s something I should discuss here.


    "None the matter. That has proven it. Competence above all else, one could say that is the true measure of a wizard."


    "I was right to save this wand all these years. This right here, I would like you to take young Ayanokouji. Fulfil its conditions and take this wand to even greater heights."


    A well-maintained box was presented before me, despite the care taken it was clear the box and contents themselves were quite aged. Inside the box lay a particularly wild looking stick with many ministrations along its length.


    "This is a wand inherited before my time. Hawthorn, 8 inches, rigid, overgrown. To many this wand is simply unwieldly. It was experimental which also makes it highly temperamental. The core is thestral tail hair which is known for its own peculiarities. The ivy decorating the hilt was also a study on the effects of woods as an accessory and pairs with the thestral hair core. Wands of this calibre will only lend themselves to the worthy, those willing to face dangers head on. Please, take it."


    "Hmm. Shouldn''t you place the barrier again?"


    "That''s unnecessary this time."


    "...?"


    "You''ll see what I mean when you take it in arm."


    Picking up the strange overgrown twig in hand the ivy slowly clasped around my hand hugging tightly with the wand. Slowly protrusions had erupted from the hilt directly through my hand further increasing the intensity of the joining between them. Blood erupted from my hand and slowly lifted in the air. The liquid arranged itself into text before me, forming kanji. It can even tell the language of the user? Or is this to purposely exempt the others in the room?


    Appearing before me the text reads:


    Shadows will be cast upon you, relegated to the abyss is a shame upon us. Illuminate these figures, that is the first step.


    How ominous.


    It was all over as quickly as it had begun.


    "Dear? Is your hand alright!?" Mrs. Weasley had ran over and caused a fuss. It didn''t really matter much, I''m sure magic can heal it rather quickly.


    "Huh!? Kiyotaka, when did you learn to do that?" What did I say. Although I wasn''t expecting to get healed without an incantation.


    "Hmm. I didn''t do anything though?" I assumed one of them did it.


    "Such fast and intricate healing isn''t possible without an experienced wizard." True, the wound was rapidly closing, and no feeling of anaemia was noticeable, traces of steam rose from the hand but the blood in the air dissipated and the wound fully closed looking good as new. The ivy and protrusions had also retracted and allowed my hand to let go of the wand.


    "Mr. Ollivander, what is happening? Did you know this would injure him?" Mrs. Weasley looked livid.


    "No... I assure you. Every person to have tried the wand was rejected before this. It can only mean the wand has decided on its user. However, this might also cause some trouble for you, young Ayanokouji."


    "How so?"


    "Your magical control is restricted, which means you won''t unnecessarily leak power or cause accidents. However, it also means performing magic at all without a wand''s allegiance will be all but impossible. Especially as the two of you are blood bonded now."


    So, magic can be cast without a wand, good to know. Even if I can''t do it myself it¡¯s an important facet of knowledge.


    "For now, I would focus on fulfilling the conditions the wand has set and gaining its trust."


    "...Understood, thank you Mr. Ollivander."


    "No, thank you Ayanokouji. Truly what an interesting day."


    "...Hah... Well, that''s over with. Shall we go get some food now?" Is food the only thing on this man''s mind?

 A private discussion

    "Oh, I wasn''t expecting your company so soon."  An imposing, elderly man apparated inside the room without nary a sound.


    "I trust you found it to be entertaining."


    "Yes. Truly I haven''t encountered such an interesting young man in a long time. How did you know they would be compatible?"


    "I was also once enamoured with that field of study. Not so much as you but let¡¯s just say some things are never forgotten. I could never think of a more fitting recipient. Out of curiosity, what was the first instruction?"


    "Unfortunately, the text was in another language. I wanted to ask him, but I figured it would be better as a surprise. This year you have quite the promising bunch it seems."


    "Indeed, it isn''t just him. Several of the other students seem to be promising."


    "Not to mention the boy who lived. He acted exactly like his mother, resembled his father more though. Choosing his wand was a privilege of the highest order. That reminds me, he was also chosen by a rather peculiar wand in particular..."


    "So, it was as I thought... No matter that can be solved with time, let us hope that those were the only similarities."


    "That would be for the best."


    "Onto business then... Was everything exactly as predicted?"


    "For the most part, the extent of restriction was even more pronounced than I thought possible. Honestly, I think without that wand he may not be able to perform magic at all."


    "I trust you mean the first?"


    "Well, yes... But strangely enough the other was quite restrained as well. It took that problematic wand to overturn the tides. Otherwise, his magic was, how to say... lacklustre compared to his parents. I suppose time will tell."


    "I see, that is troubling to know. Especially when you consider who might be returning."


    "True enough, it is concerning. All we can do is offer our services when they are needed. I imagine things will be even tougher for you, make sure you take caution."


    "Of course, it isn''t just myself I need to protect."


    "You truly have been put into a rough position. I suppose it would be difficult for anyone else to handle."


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "It''s reassuring to know I have your understanding."


    "Of course, I''ll offer my services whenever they are needed. You need just say the word."


    "...How long do you think it''ll take for him to complete the first task?"


    "I couldn''t even hope to guess without seeing the instructions."


    "I see."


    "That being said; I have a single premonition."


    "Which is?"


    "This is also a word of caution to you as well. That boy will complete the tasks, likely before you are ready."


    "How can you be so sure?"


    "The wand would not have picked him without assuming he had a modicum of success. In fact it likely wouldn''t have picked him at all if it wasn''t extremely likely. The wand picks the wizard, that is the first and foremost tenant we live by. You know that more than anyone else. I can only hope your efforts bear fruit."


    "Was he that worrying to you?"


    "You know as much as I do that given the chance, he could grow into trouble given time. The past has taught you that mistake, I''m sure."


    "...Yes. I suppose it has. However, the past is just that. Things are different now. I am different now."


    "Be that as it may, history oft repeats itself. It is up to those in the know to protect the future generations."


    "Is he not a part of the future generation?"


    "Personally, I''m not against weeding out the bad seeds before they taint the field. Those bad seedlings might bring a plague not just produce sour fruit. There isn''t a day that passes where I wish a different path was taken. So much life lost for nothing."


    "You know that we can''t just be rid of them. As ideal as that solution may seem. Besides the first will be preoccupied for the time being."


    "In which case I would certainly not give them the means to oppose us in the future."


    "What would you have me do? Eventually that would fall in his hands or perhaps in even worse hands in the future. Is this not the ideal choice at the moment?"


    "I don''t have to remind you who else I regret giving a wand. I would rather not feel that way ever again."


    "I understand believe me, I do. However, the future requires nurtured strength this was the only option which might increase that. In any other case he would be an enemy or uninvolved. Simply put, as we are now, we can''t hope to compete in the future without taking this gamble."


    "A gamble it is. I just can''t help but feel wary whenever he''s in the picture."


    "What exactly did you see in the boy?"


    "Nothing. Absolutely nothing at all. That should be telling enough. That boy will not show any care for your ideals or at least not in the straightforward way you assume he will."


    "That boy is anything but straightforward, so I never expected any different."


    "I''m talking about both of them."


    "...What do you mean?"


    "Peering beyond the veil, I fear they may share a link. He is amassing power sooner than perceived."


    "We already know he has amassed a following, various dealings with third parties. Resurgent''s from a war long passed. Nothing more than that surely?"


    "No, enough to shut me out entirely. I only managed to peer behind slightly, immediately the scar widened the gap."


    "...I have much to think about. Thank you, once again."


    The elderly magician apparated out of the room effortlessly, despite the ponderance he left with.


    "Still, where exactly did he find that wand? It was lost for ages... That and the design itself... Seems to have changed from the records. Honestly... The dark and the light. Sometimes they can seem almost interchangeable."


    "Two problematic wands and similar wielders for each. That accompanying the fact of the twin feather core finally finding its owner... Truly, dark times are encroaching once more."

 Departing

    "Hurry along now children, we can''t go missing the train now!" Mrs. Weasley was leading the pack to Hogwarts express platform.


    The remaining stopgap that existed until the inevitable school year had quickly diminished until the day of departure had finally arrived for us students. As such, I and the Weasley family had made our way to the Kings Cross station in London to board the Hogwarts express housed on Platform 9 and 3/4. To the average person that might seem like a joke but knowing the briefest extensions of the application of magic make it all the more feasible. After all, isn''t magic about seeing the unseen and attaining the untenable?


    The hustle and bustle of the train station was incredibly stifling, incessant chatter and noise permeated throughout the entire structure. The close proximity causing vast shuffling, collisions and all-about mayhem. The increased crowds could allow for the magical population to slip through their gazes more easily, that hidden within plain sight is often harder to pinpoint. That being said the opposite is also true; if the worst were to happen then wouldn''t magic be completely exposed to the masses of muggles present? I imagine an innumerable swath of factors and protective legislation has been implemented to prevent this, however, it''s hard to imagine exactly what these methods are without knowing the confines of what is and isn''t possible with magic. Unfortunately, even with the opportune time given to me before our departure there was very little information which could be perused with this in mind. My own textbooks had some information on the topics practiced at Hogwarts, however, even I can tell they barely scratch the surface. Paired with the inability to practice magic outside of the Hogwarts premises only exacerbates the lack of practical knowledge of the subject.


    That being said I still worry about the length at which this pragmatic wand will prevent the usage of magic. If it simply allows for the usage of small charms with weak power that would be one thing, however, I doubt that''s the case. After all, I had already attempted to execute a few simple charms at opportune times when one of the Weasley family were nearby, giving plausible deniability if an issue ever arose from it. I found that even copying the forms and word usage for successful incantation still hadn''t borne any fruit. In which case I can only follow the instructions left to me in Ollivander''s shop.


    Still... shadows cast upon us? That could refer to many things so it¡¯s hard to pinpoint the exact meaning of the statement. Without a doubt it means during the school year, my opportunity to wrestle with these so-called shadows would be diminished heavily outside of school. All I need to do is shine light on them? In most cases that would mean revealing a person or aspect of them that was previously concealed.


    This begs the question of how these conditions are even established? Does the wand make decisions based on a desirable outcome for itself? Or perhaps its magnanimous in providing simple challenges for the user? In which case does this mean conflict against this shadow should be avoided due to their inherent strength? If thwarting a threat were the goal it would simply have stated to destroy or defeat these figures as opposed to exposing them. Whatever the case I should assume that defeating them is either impractical or impossible for me at this stage. The option that the wand simply doesn''t care which outcome occurs is also possible. After all I could simply defeat the shadow and then expose its identity.


    Sigh. Without any more information I''ll only end up running circles within my own mind. Better to just focus on the immediate problems. For example, what happens if I can''t use magic when in class? If this problem persists for too long, would I be expelled? Apparently, Hogwarts the institution itself can decipher magical ability which means they can already parse the magical and non-magical communities. However, if no magical qualities or abilities are exhibited over a long period of time by a wizard isn''t that the same as being a muggle to them? The school may not throw them aside, but the teachers themselves could definitely make a decision instead.


    Hahhh. I could always specialize in one area so much so that others couldn''t compete, that would completely reduce the teacher''s and institution''s ability or even desire to remove me. Although that might involve quite a bit of reading ahead on this year''s material.


    Eventually, the entire congregation had managed to reach the elusive platform. Despite several difficulties mainly stemming from Mr. Weasley. Getting caught at a turnstile without using his pass, parking the family car incorrectly outside the station just to name a few. Hasn''t he come here before, how does he still manage to mess this up?


    Directly between the platforms 9 and 10 at the third archway is where we found ourselves. Now, how exactly do we enter?


    "Alright, everyone has everything? Good, I love you all. Have a good year and don''t cause any trouble, you two especially." I don''t even have to tell you who Mrs. Weasley meant.


    "You first Percy." Mr. Weasley directed the present eldest to enter the platform. Surprisingly he simply walked directly into the wall, phasing through it and disappearing from our sight alongside his belongings. Although it was somewhat difficult to tell, his entire body had disappeared as one entity meaning standard transportation magic had enacted rather than compression or the like. Otherwise, his body would have gradually disappeared rather than his head and furthest arm vanishing simultaneously.


    "Alright now you George, then Fred." Mrs. Weasley points to one of the twins.


    "But Mum, I''m Fred!"


    "Oh... Alright, I''m sorry go-ahead Fred."


    "Honestly... You call yourself my mother..."


    "I''m sorry dear."


    "It''s okay Mum..." The downcast look on his face quickly morphed into a smirk.


    "I''m George after all." George had a look of glee on his face even as he ran straight into the wall.


    The real Fred laughed after seeing this interaction, quickly following his brother onto the platform after the revelation.


    "...Those boys will be the death of me." Mrs. Weasley didn''t look pleased to say the least.


    "Now then, why don''t you go in Kiyotaka, dear? If you''re nervous might be best to give it a good run." If I run, I might miss something interesting though...


    I simply walk into the wall, as soon as my body makes contact with the archway it peers through to the other side as if it were never there. For the briefest of moments, a dark expanse converges in my vision only to be immediately substituted by a familiar scenery of a railway station with a steam train of all things on the track. Lovingly labelled the Hogwarts Express along the top ridge of the carts.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "C''mon Taka, let''s go find some seats. We''ll introduce you to a few friends." Are they not worried about Ron? I guess they plan to leave him to his own devices. I could be giving them too much credit, it''s more likely that they simply forgot about him unintentionally.


    I''m sure he''ll manage by himself, after all he seemed to be searching in the crowd for someone earlier, perhaps a friend?


    "...2, 3, 4. Alright this is the cart." Fred then looks towards the large clock situated on the wall behind us. As soon as the clock strikes 8:54 the cart we stood outside had erupted with a noxious, repulsive green effervescence which quite simply smelled revolting. The seated students rapidly fled from the scene leaving the cart desolate as can be.


    "Easiest way to get seats, this particular smell dissipates in the air within a few seconds. More than enough to clear the way for us for the time being." So, a collaborator done this? I imagine this was agreed upon earlier.


    "Won''t a teacher interfere with this?"


    "Maybe if the circumstances were more serious, but they''ll just treat something at this level like a joke between kids, plus it''d be too much trouble to try and assign blame and a punishment for this. After all, this isn''t Lee''s first time." Oh god, there''s more of them.


    "Enough of that Fred, let''s get a booth before the brats come back."


    "True enough, brother."


    Boarding the train provides a scenery not dissimilar to steam trains of old. The facilities inside were kept to a great standard and looked as good as new. I do however begin to wonder how this was constructed. Do wizards have the technical know-how to construct this? My understanding of magicians at this stage hedges on the implication that most wizards don''t care for technology or advancements in engineering. The Weasley family in general seem to be an outlier compared to other witches and wizards in that regard.


    To disdain and sneer at the non-magical only to profit off of and rely on their inventions as travel implements is almost laughable. Integration between magical and muggle society has only recently come to the forefront, even then they remain ignorant to one another. One due to obfuscation and the other through a mixture of hubris and ignorance. Although that has no bearing on the situation currently, still it always makes me wonder... Magic has only just been introduced to me, needless to say it completely shifted my world view even now the limits with what magic makes possible is still obscured. If technology and magic were to meet, who''s to say what the limits would be?


    Fred and George flagrantly push open the door to a booth, in which a boy is already seated. Apparently waiting for the two to join him.


    "Hey, Lee how''s it going man?"


    "Great, those stink bombs work even better than I thought! You guys have perfected it this time, for sure!" So, this is the collaborator they were talking about. Lee. He was a young black boy the same age as Fred and George but noticeably shorter than the twins. His naturally curly hair was braided into long dreadlocks that gathered on his shoulders.


    "Yeah, we should move onto the next venture soon. I''m thinking something more useful in classes..."


    "...That can wait for later. Who''s this? You didn''t mention anything in the last letter, got another new brother?"


    "Haha! Even magic wouldn''t make that possible. Nah, it''s a bit complicated. But the gist of it is that program they introduced a while ago, an application of that."


    Program?


    "Oh... OH! I get you, that makes more sense. He good staying with us? Wouldn''t he prefer to meet some of his own year?"


    "Hmm... Yeah, actually we should give him a chance to meet them. Actually, I think I have a few ideas for that." Trouble is sure to follow, then.


    "How about it Taka? I know, we just got seats, but it would be a good chance to meet your year. Should probably check on Ron as well." Fred seemed to have finally remembered his younger brother despite the excitement.


    "Weren''t the first years in these cabs?" It would''ve saved a lot of time if they held back.


    Fred and George sweat dropped in remark to that comment.


    "...Never mind that. I have a few ideas of some great company, he joins this year right George?"


    "Who?... OH! Yeah, about time we had a bit of fun. I''m sure we can give them an unforgettable experience."


    "Lee, got any more of those stink bombs by any chance?" Won''t they be on high alert for those?


    "Yeah, I kept 2 more as back up in case the first time didn''t work out."


    "Great. Lee, have a look for potential snakes in the grass."


    "Gotcha!" Lee sprinted out of the door and began to check the different cabs and booths to find the targets.


    Snakes? I assume they mean students, other than that I couldn''t begin to guess without further information.


    "...Who joined this year?"


    "You wouldn''t know. I think I''ll leave it as a surprise for ya!"


    Nothing good can come from that.


    The carriage door bursts open again as Lee returns.


    "Found him! Could''ve noticed the telltale signs anywhere, that and he was practically announcing himself in the next cart!"


    That would certainly make things easier.


    "Nice. Much quicker than I would''ve thought."


    "Announcing himself, huh. Sounds like he needs to be humbled a bit, what do you say?"


    "Wonderful idea, brother. I think we''ll have Taka land the final blow."


    Do I even get a choice in the matter?


    Fred beckons us to huddle in closer.


    "...Alright, here''s how we''ll go about it..."


    ...


    That''s rather meticulous for such a juvenile prank.


    "You in Taka?"


    "If you say no we''ll blame the stink bomb on you." Fred finished with a small smile. I don''t doubt this man for a second.


    Ah well. It isn''t like the fallback from this could be drastic. I''ll just go along.


    I simply nod in his direction.


    "Cool. We''ll support you, just do as we planned, and you''ll be fine."


    The four of us escape from the carriage and move two carts over towards the front of the train. Apparently, these seats were taken by students which arrived early as well as some premium seats which their families paid more for.


    Some small groups were gathered at the booths. The only thing out of order was a rather large group of students congregated around a single stall at the end of the carriage. At that end stood a few students likely the same age as me were throwing what looked to be food and snacks to all the other students which were present in the carriage. At the head was a young boy with slicked back, almost bleached white hair with a snake draped over his shoulder.


    The student amicably threw snacks towards the students which greedily reached into the air and grasped them, almost fighting with each other over their favorites. Their attentions were solely focused on that commotion. It was only at this moment I realised the twins had stayed in the last cart to aid with the plan. I can''t really stand here forever, I''ll just attract attention.


    With that thought in mind I slowly walk towards the commotion hoping not to draw any eyes towards myself. Blending into the crowd and reaching for the snacks that continued to rain down towards us, subtly emptying and then filling my pockets with the dispensed goods.


    Suddenly the signal was given. I had a few seconds to complete my objective and leave before the dust settles.


    3.


    2.


    1.


    Now.


    I open the vial and allow the essence to leak slightly in the crowd. Suddenly, the crowd gets rowdy and notice the stench and a subsequent noise coming from the front of the cart. A much louder, raucous cacophony of flatulence continues to cry out from the leading, snake-draped student.


    "Oi, somebody check their pants!"


    "Dude, what the hell have you been eating!"


    "Hey, it isn''t me! It''s coming from the front, idiot!"


    The windows which had slowly been opened during the commotion made the smell rush into the crowd straight from the front or at least it seemed that way to them.


    At the same moment I empty the vial onto the floor and in the confusion knock the drinks of two nearby students out of their hands as well. As the confusion and fuss kicked up, I grab my other collaborator and make a break for the exit.


    "Oi! Maybe you had too many sweets Malfoy!"


    "Check your pants! Heir of Slytherin."


    "Hey! Don''t say that! Just wait until his father hears of this. Haha! No, I can''t!"


    "Seriously, did you shit yourself? God, I need some air!"


    Malfoy, or at least that seems to be his name was overjoyed by this reaction. As I''m sure you can imagine. His face developed into a deep crimson that could only be replicated by prolonged suffocation. Apologies, but it had to be done for the greater good.


    And by the greater good. I mean I was bribed and blackmailed into it. Unlucky, I guess.


    With a single look back. None of the crowd or the victim of this crime were any the wiser.

 Upperclassmen

    "Hahahahahaha... Hah. It''s been a while since I had that much fun!" The glee present on George''s face was a sight to behold, he was practically beaming. I''d respond with a smile of my own if not for these underdeveloped facial muscles.


    Lee was also joining the choir of roaring laughter, Fred by comparison was rather reserved simply chuckling into his robe as we continued down the hall to reach the booth we had ditched earlier.


    "Very good gentlemen, this calls for a break." Fred opened the door of the booth for the rest of us to enter. Although, I don''t think he''s realized...


    "Indeed, brother lets, we can enjoy the spoils of war!" George began grabbing packets of sweets from his pocket, apparently, he couldn''t show his face in front of Malfoy but had the gall to help himself to the snacks.


    "Umm... Guys."


    "What''s up Taka?" George with a mouthful of who knows what, managed to blurt out between stuffing his face.


    "There''s people in this booth." They really don''t have a care in the world, do they?


    "Oh, what do you know? Hey Katie, Wood! What brings you guys here?"


    "Don''t give us that, what did you do?" The girl in the booth asked with an aggressive tone.


    "I have absolutely no clue what you''re talking about?" Fred feigns ignorance, I never really expected any less.


    "Anytime you aren''t sat still, I just assume you''ve been up to something troublesome."


    "Ye'' of little faith."


    "So, are you saying nothing happened?"


    "That is what you could say." Fred told an absolute bald-faced lie.


    "I hope you aren''t getting our juniors involved in trouble for your own amusement." The boy (nicknamed?) Wood contributed to the argument.


    "Me? Pshh, I''d never do that. Lee though, Lee definitely would." Going with these guys was a mistake if he throws us under the bus this quickly.


    "Hey, what the hell man?" Lee was rightfully taken aback.


    "Different Lee."


    "You know another Lee in our year?


    "Yeah... Yeah, of course." Whilst telling this deviation from the truth he subtly shook his head in the direction of Katie. And seemed to have mouthed ''all him''.


    "I find that hard to-"


    "I swear I''ll curse whoever did this! Search the carts find whoever''s responsible, right now!" A rather high-pitched voice rang out through the cart. I guess there will be some trouble coming from this.


    Katie and Wood just looked in our direction without saying a word.


    "...Nothing, right?"


    "Wow, they sound mad. Whoever did that is in real big trouble." Is this compulsive lying, or is he still playing into the joke?


    "Should we be worried?"


    "Pshh. Nah, I''m just going to hide myself for no particular reason right now." Casting something I didn''t quite catch he flipped a veil from thin air and formed an almost airtight seam against the wall. If you just came into the room, you''d barely be able to see the difference.


    George was also gone before I had even realised, mostly because Fred''s antics caught my eye. Lee was a bit behind on the draw and was frantically looking around for somewhere to hide before climbing up and hiding comically behind the suitcases along the rails near the roof of the cabin. I suppose you wouldn''t see him if you didn''t look there...


    "...You gonna hide?"


    "We didn''t do anything so there''s no need to, right?" I mean it¡¯s not as if anything amazing happened, so it''s not exactly a lie.


    "I... Honestly, I can''t tell whether you''re telling the truth or not."


    "Well, if that''s the case then take a seat. A friend of my friend is a new friend after all." Nice, maybe I can get some reliable senpai, at least compared to those three trouble causers.


    "Hmph... Fine, I suppose we should introduce ourselves; I''m Katie Bell and this is Oliver Wood. We''re regrettably friends of those three stooges that have been dragging you around." Katie seems to be strait-laced and maybe the so-called mother of the group. She might dislike the twins'' actions, but it must not cause enough of a rift to dissuade their friendship. That or she simply sees it as a moral obligation to rein them in. Katie was probably around the same height as me and a bit slimmer. Her hair was bunched up into a ponytail at the back, making her  deep brown eyes or the birthmark on her neck the most prominent features to her portrait.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "No regrets here, they''re fun to have around!" Oliver seems like the happy go lucky type, he kind of just goes along with the flow and enjoys life like a leaf in the wind. I could learn a lot from him. From this day forth Oliver Wood will be the guiding post for where my life should be going. He was a boy with short-brown hair and a keen look in his eye. Amusement practically never left his face, was that just due to the situation or is it his neutral expression?


    "Please, you just say that because they do their job on the team properly."


    "Now, now that isn''t the only reason... They''re also very resourceful when it comes to the exam season."


    "Aren''t you just profiting off of their stupidity at that point?"


    "Hey, that''s a bit much don''t you think? But if they want to cause a ruckus, I won''t stop them."


    "Honestly, you might be just as bad as them."


    "Oh, come off it. As if you don''t get a kick out of them as well?"


    "...Sometimes they have their moments. Very few and far between though."


    I was beginning to feel a bit left out as the conversation continued to pass between the two players like a masterful game of catch.


    The cart door opened, and an older student appeared, I think he was in the front train car earlier.


    "Oi, you goblins. Where are the two ginger weasels?" He didn''t notice me? Good.


    "Why are you snakes here? Shouldn''t you go back to the train cart bought with daddy''s money?" Despite Katie''s admonishment earlier, she was the first to aggress the interloper.


    "Sorry my parents can actually afford me luxuries, unlike you two peasants. Still riding around on those horrid brooms. I think I''ve seen newer models in Filch''s closet." Still bizarre why they choose to fly with brooms. Surely other vehicles would be safer and more convenient. Like the Weasley''s car.


    "Oh, wow. Do tell more, why exactly were you in Filch''s closet? Hell, you''ve been closeted the entire last year, I''m surprised you even came out now." Closeted?


    "Mark my words, when I see you ingrates on the field again, it''ll be a massacre." His face turned from displeasure to pure hatred in the span of a second.


    "Looking forward to it buddy!" Wood had a pleasant smile on his face all the while this back and forth took place.


    "Whatever!" The angry boy quickly slammed the door shut and begun searching deeper into the train carts.


    "A friend of yours?"


    "Of course, you can just tell by how these scaredy-cats turned tail and ran before he came!"


    Ah, this is sarcasm. Honestly, can''t tell whether I like it being directed back at me. What a strange feeling.


    "...Honestly, what a pain. You guys he''s gone now, you can come back out." Katie tried and failed to get the attention of the troublemakers. All three remained steadfast in their hiding spots, without a single hitch. Not even the most visible, Lee, made any effort to get back up. Whether that was fear of being caught by the aforementioned snakes or Katie''s divine judgement is up to anyone interpretation.


    "Haha! Doesn''t seem as if they''re coming out any time soon, why don''t you try and meet some people from your year?" That''s a worrying proposition, I mean how do I even initiate contact?


    It isn''t as simple as a "Hey, how''s it going. [Insert name here]. Nice to meet you." What if I interrupt someone as they''re having a conversation, that''d be a serious social blunder. As one person rejects me so will the crowd and word could spread from that alone. Granted even if we got past the introduction stage, where would I even take the conversation after? Just hope they say something I can latch onto, what if they expect me to bring up a topic of conversation?


    I mean, if you talk to someone there must always be an underlying reason, right? To discuss, get their opinion, meet a new person for a different purpose, increase connections, network. There''s any number of reasons people meet each other. But it all leads to the same questions again...


    What is a friend? Why do I want to talk to these people? No, is that even what I want? How are friends made? Am I friends with Oliver just because he said it? Is there some greater ritual that needs to take place for that to be the case?


    My mind was clouded, I wanted growth, but I couldn''t pinpoint exactly what constituted as said growth. I was directionless, given free reign in a desert. Would I wander in the direction of an oasis by chance? Or shrivel up, battered by the elements until my inevitable demise draws ever closer?


    "...Hey, are you nervous? We can come along if you need us..." What an angel. Fate has blessed me once again. I take it back. Katie is the best member of this group. But... No, that would just make me remain the same. I can do this much by myself at least.


    "I appreciate it, but I''ll manage at least this much on my own." I need to take some steps for myself, else it''ll never change.


    "Attaboy! If look has it, we might see you on the pitch in the future, hopefully it''s as teammates." We''ll have to see if I can even fly before that happens...


    "I wouldn''t mind that. Only the future can tell I suppose." I finally decided to say my farewells and mingle with my own year. Shutting the door to the cart, there was no turning back... I''d really like to turn back, though!


    Where even are the first years? The front car is a no-go, I don''t want to get involved with that fiasco from earlier anymore. I guess just walk in the opposite direction. When exactly do I stop though? Do I just stop as soon as someone interesting meets my eye? Is that the right way to meet people, isn''t that just presumptuous that someone that agrees with my vision holds value? Reason would dictate that means the opposite scenario is also true, every person I pass wasn''t deemed worthy of my time or connection. Based on what, physical attributes? Surely more substance is needed to make valuable connections, how does one ascertain that before meeting friends and acquaintances? Is it just a long game of tag? Continuously meeting people until the ''right'' crowd has been found?


    Am I just stalling, lying even to myself?


    As that question attacked me, I had finally drawn to a stop outside a cart that immediately caught my interest. Nothing about the cart was specifically interesting, it was the inhabitants that did. One of which I was already familiar. Did my body already know this? Acting on impulse to find the only ''safe option''. Gunning for the acquaintance I already held in mind and preventing any missteps in the way...


    It''s amazing what the body and mind will do to avoid discomfort, huh? Well, I''m already outside the cart. It''d just be strange to up and leave if they notice now.


    Besides, I do know one passenger but the other is a new face. In this way I can take a small step in the right direction. No, small enough to call it a shuffle, not even half a step. But progress nonetheless, that''s how I have to think of it.

 Friends (in the making)

    I raise my arm to knock on the glass before opening the door of the cart. The two inhabitants turn to face me, both with surprise evident on their faces. Opening the cart, I wasn''t sure what to say, my breath hitched in my throat.


    "There you are, I assumed my brothers ran off with you. Come and take a seat, there''s plenty of room." Well, if we were to ignore the current litter plastered all over the room and seats. Ron begun to move some of the rubbish to make room for me.


    Over the past few weeks, I had begun to get a bit closer to Ron, both of us felt like outcasts in the same house. As an obvious interloper it was nice to relate to someone else in that same aspect, rough for Ron that he felt that way at all. Still, this was more assertive than he usually behaved. Perhaps rebranding himself in school?


    "Thanks, yeah they were up to some stuff earlier."


    "No doubt bad. I''ll introduce you guys."


    "This is my roommate who''s currently staying with us, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji."


    "Oh, I see. Pleasure to meet you. Why exactly is it you''re staying with Ron''s family?"


    "..."


    "Uh, it''s a bit complicated. He only really found out he was a wizard recently and there was some other trouble. But he''s been with us for a month now."


    "I''m sorry! It was a bit rude to just ask that."


    "...It''s no problem. Ron and his family have been really accommodating towards me I''m grateful for them."


    "...Sorry, and you are?"


    "Oh, this is Harry Potter. The Harry Potter. You know the boy that lived. Crazy, right?"


    Boy that lived, what''s that? All I could do was tilt my head as if verbalizing my own confusion.


    "Look he''s got the scar and everything!" The bespectacled boy quickly parted his hair and revealed an intriguing scar in the shape of a lightning bolt on his forehead. No doubt related to the titular ''lived'' of his signifier. Lived through what is the question? Also, when did this event take place, boy could mean any part of his life from birth till now. I mean we were only just entering the school, at most he would be 11 years old.


    "...Right. Sorry, I don''t know you."


    "...Weren''t you there when we talked about it in the house?" I have no recollection of this conversation, and my memory is pretty solid.


    "I don''t believe so?"


    "...Strange I could''ve sworn the whole family was there, plus you''re usually around the house..."


    The only time I was absent from the house were trips with other family members or the one occurrence I had met with my guardian prior to our Gringotts''s visit. That''s the only possibility unless I missed the cult meeting whilst I was asleep.


    "What exactly was the meeting about?" It makes sense why he was interested, after all the topic of conversation was literally about him.


    "I mean that you were coming to the school this year, you''re basically a hero to most people y''know. That and what house you would end up in, my money''s on Gryffindor. It''s what I''m aiming for myself."


    "Sorry, house? What do you mean?" Harry had asked.


    My understanding of this system was basically that they were like forms or classes. The actual information that the other brother''s had given me was pretty non-descript. Often accompanied by a phrase like ''I''m leaving it as a surprise'' or ''you''ll know when you get there''.


    "Do you seriously not know anything about Hogwarts?"


    "No. I only found out I was a wizard two months ago, just before my birthday."


    "Wow, so it''s like you were raised by a muggle family till now?"


    "...Yeah, I suppose so."


    "You should get along with Taka then, he''s in the same boat for the most part."


    That was my cue to carry on the conversation, I can''t afford to lose ground now.


    "Yeah, although I suppose the added time at the Weasley''s house might make me a month or so ahead."


    "Cool. How is a wizard''s house?"


    "Pretty interesting, they live on a farm, so we tend to animals and the like. But for the most part I think it''s the same as typical country lifestyle stuff. You know just add flying stuff and magic to the equation."


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "And do they tend to magical animals?"


    "Surprisingly no. Though there are a few magical pests on the farm..."


    "Pests, like what?" I looked towards Ron for him to continue, he''s more informed on the topic after all.


    "...All sorts really. We have the gnomes, goblins, roods, periwrinkles. The list goes on and on."


    "Periwrinkles? Like the flowers?"


    "Not so nice unfortunately. They''re actually pretty rare, you really don''t want one on a farm especially."


    "Why, what do they do?" This I was particularly interested in as I hadn''t heard of these creatures before either.


    "Well, they look like the flower but it''s actually a disguise. They often move onto lavish land and suck up immense amounts of nutrition. Usually, the crop cycle and animals in the area can starve. In worse scenarios sometimes they can even lead to degradation of land forming deserts."


    "What''s the wrinkle part for?"


    "It used to be that a farmer would gain a new wrinkle whenever they encountered one. After all, it could spell disaster for them. No harvest means the past few months may go down the drain, plus whatever livestock you have could be affected. It actually caused a few famines in history. Thankfully, they aren''t as dangerous nowadays. In fact, they''re super rare."


    Grabbing one of sweet packages surrounding the two labelled a ''chocolate frog''.


    "It''d be like pulling one of the creators'' of the four houses from these."


    "Really that rare?"


    "Yeah, there were only a few hundred or so printed of those guys. It''s practically a collector''s item. It''s one of the few things that''ll stop me ever completing the collection."


    "...I was going to ask, is that a real frog?"


    "Nah, just a simple charm. It wears off after a few second, usually after they jump the first time. You missed Harry''s frog''s great escape, straight out the window."


    At least it isn''t a live animal, I guess.


    "They don''t look like chocolate though, is that one faulty?"


    "Hmm?"


    I point directly at Ron''s foot where a typical toad is currently residing.


    "Ahh! When the bloody hell did that get there?" Quickly raising his foot and perching on the seat away from the creature.


    "...It must''ve come in whilst the door was open. It definitely isn''t a chocolate frog, it looks nothing alike." Harry was quick to scoop up the toad in his hand and begin petting it.


    "I guess someone''s lost a toad."


    "Is there a difference?"


    "Generally, some of the anatomy is different between them. But if you just want a simple difference, toads have bumpy coarse skin whilst frogs are slippery and smooth." Some basic biology taught me the difference between these species.


    "You like animals Kiyotaka?"


    "Somewhat, I''ve never really been allowed to have them before. But I suppose that changes this year."


    "Oh, cool. What pet did you end up getting?"


    "A dog."


    "Is he with you? What''s his name? What breed is it?" My head was thrown for a loop. Breed? I actually have no idea, does it matter? I mean behaviour can be presupposed by breed, but the most important factors shouldn''t really change that much. They still eat mostly the same things and drink the same, require similar levels of training and physical exercise. It should be fine.


    "The larger animals were sent with luggage, so I wasn''t allowed to bring him on the train. I''m not sure exactly what breed it is, but his name is Hikari."


    "Cool, let me see him when we get there."


    "Sure, anytime."


    The conversation lulled for a moment. The rat in Ron''s pocket emerged and begun to move about, ravaging the leftover contents of the packages strewn about the room.


    "Is that yours Ron?"


    "Yeah, Scabbers. He''s a bit pathetic ain''t he?"


    "...Only a little."


    "What about you Harry, got a pet as well?"


    "Yeah, an owl named Hedwig. She got sent ahead. I could show you guys later if you want."


    Without purchase the door opened to reveal a girl with curly long brown hair entering the cart.


    "Excuse me, have any of you seen a toad. Neville''s lost it... I don''t suppose that''s yours, is it?" Pointing at the small toad currently residing in Harry''s lap.


    "No actually, we just found this in the cart a minute ago."


    "I see. Hermione Granger by the way, nice to meet yo- Goodness, your Harry Potter, aren''t you?"


    "Th-that''s right, how''d you know?"


    "I can see the scar. You should take better care of your things, those glasses are hardly in good condition."


    "...Yeah, I need to get them fixed."


    "Nonsense, you''re a wizard, aren''t you? Observe. Occulus reparo." Miraculously the glasses mended, both the strained frame and the cracked lenses themselves. How exactly does that spell work? If we just assumed definitions of the words, then it would repair any lens. But how does the wizard dictate what would truly repair the lens? If the original caster doesn''t know the strength of said lens, then how could they repair it. That and does the spell only work on lenses for refraction, would it work on glass windows, Perspex etc.?


    How is magic made? If the words can be mismatched to create different phenomena¡¯s, then there must be a lexicon that magic is derived from. Similar enough to Latin but still removed from any actual practiced human language. Even further than that, magic can be cast wordlessly. Therefore, there must be some structure which allows magic itself to be tempered without the use of language. Maybe the words themselves are a sort of guide like an earthing wire. It prevents magic going awry whilst the person has little control, in exchange the versatility is reduced due to the constraints.


    How were words grafted into magic then? There must be some distinction between the spoken words and most human languages otherwise magic may spring forth during normal conversation. That poses another question; what about other countries? Do they use the same faux language or are there more versions of the same?


    "And you two are?" The haughty girl stood once again turning to face the two of us.


    "Kiyotaka Ayanokouji."


    "You... It isn''t until later is it...?" Is she talking to me?


    I look at her nonplussed.


    "No, I suppose it doesn''t matter. And your name?"


    "Ron Weasley."


    "Pleasure... Is that a rat?"


    "Yeah, c''mere Scabbers."


    "...Charming. Whatever, I suggest you all get ready to leave. We''ll be arriving soon after all." Like a hurricane the girl left, probably to get this ''Neville''.


    "...Not very charming yourself." Ron said under his breath to no-one in particular.


    I''m still wondering what exactly is supposed to happen later, I have no doubt another headache awaits. All three of us prepare to grab our things for eventual departure. A boy soon comes to the cart and grabs his toad back from Harry, thanking him all the while. Neville Longbottom, apparently. He seems friendly enough despite the unfortunate name.


    Through the window I can see the castle and town gradually approach from the horizon. Soon enough. Although my heart wants it to arrive even faster...

 House sorting

    An announcement sounds throughout the speeding locomotive.


    ¡°Please depart from the train. Attendants await your journey towards Hogwarts academy. Please ensure all hand luggage has been gathered and the spaces cleaned before leaving the premises. First years please report to groundsman Rubeus Hagrid. Second years and above should find the group of the headless hunt.¡± The voice died down after that, it wasn¡¯t quite the static of an intercom like I expected, perhaps the use of magic? Or they actually have modern technology implemented in the train? Though that seems strange to modify the train for that purpose, wouldn¡¯t it make more sense to just get a modern train instead? I¡¯m asking too many questions that don¡¯t matter¡­


    ¡°Headless hunt? What¡¯s that Ron?¡± Is it something to do with Dullahan maybe? Assuming folklore and mythology are based somewhat on reality would explain a lot. After all the magic and muggle worlds have been interacting infrequently throughout time, it wouldn¡¯t be crazy to assume some things have been seen by either side.


    ¡°A band of ghosts! All of them were beheaded. Brutal, I¡¯m telling ya.¡± How long have they been around if they were killed by beheading. As far as I¡¯m aware beheading was abolished in the early 19<sup>th</sup> century and instead hanging was used as a form of capital punishment for crimes of such severity.


    ¡°Wait. Ghosts exist?!¡± Harry exclaimed the shock that couldn¡¯t manifest in my own body. I wonder how long they stay around. The number of people that have died throughout all time should mean we should¡¯ve at least encountered one in our lifetime up to this point. Unless they can decide whether they want to be seen. Or perhaps there are conditions necessary for a ghost to remain clinging to the human world? In media often unresolved desires are the reason for their conviction to stay in the world of the living.


    ¡°Yeah. I mean dragons exist. Magic exists, surely ghosts aren¡¯t that far-fetched?¡± Ron stated matter-of-factly. He has a point.


    ¡°Whoa! Dragons as well?!¡± I wonder when the initial magic will rub off. Pun intended. Will there come a day when things just don¡¯t surprise me anymore in terms of magic? At this point I can confidently say I doubt it. Who¡¯s to say what the future has in store.


    ¡°Yeah, actually my brother¡¯s been working with them the past year. He¡¯s been in Romania studying them.¡± Ron slowly looked down and twiddled with his thumbs, a nervous habit he often exhibited.


    ¡°Cool. Have you ever seen one?¡± A childlike wonder sparkled in Harry¡¯s eyes as he continued to interrogate Ron about the magical world.


    ¡°Have I hell! Rare creatures dragons, that¡¯s actually the reason that Bill¡¯s working with them. They have to be specially raised in captivity. They very rarely mate naturally, that and add poaching in the mix. The number¡¯s drop rapidly¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised they manage to get poached. You know when I imagine dragons they¡¯re kinda this unstoppable force.¡± How would you even face a dragon? A simple flick of its tail could destroy the body, its breath could destroy entire villages. Practically a walking calamity, let¡¯s hope I don¡¯t encounter one under those circumstances¡­


    ¡°You aren¡¯t wrong. But magic can do plenty of things, nothing¡¯s faultless. That being said it isn¡¯t that poaching happens all the time, it¡¯s just the number of dragon¡¯s themselves are so low that each individual case is shocking.¡±


    ¡°I see. So, they¡¯re super rare then.¡±


    ¡°I told you about the house creator cards right? There are a few hundred of each in the world. There¡¯re probably fewer individual dragons in the entire world than there are copies of one of the house founders.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if I¡¯ll ever get to see one?¡± Harry pondered whilst looking out the window.


    ¡°Just between you guys, I¡¯m gonna try to convince Charlie to take me one day to see them.¡± Should I try and hitch a ride for that? Unquestionable, obviously I should.


    ¡°I¡¯m jealous, make sure you get pictures!¡± A beautiful friendship was blooming here between the two boys. I only hoped my lacklustre responses could also plant such seeds.


    ¡°Already ahead of you. I plan on framing the memory, if only I could get a pensieve that¡¯d be awesome.¡± I assumed he meant by taking a picture, but his words leant towards something else instead.


    ¡°Pensieve?¡± Perhaps something to filter out memories or thoughts, using the sieve in the word. What the prefix refers to I¡¯m not sure. I can only assume that¡¯s the kind of item Ron has in mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a pool where you can view memories supposedly, I¡¯ve heard those are super rare. Real ancient magic used to create them, so very few people have them. Usually, the super-rich or super powerful wizards. Although, I suppose one tends to the other in those cases.¡± Power and fame usually tend to come with wealth.


    The two continued chatting enthusiastically as we departed from the train with the few possessions we held in hand. The majority of our luggage like animals and the trunks with school supplies were handled earlier. Apparently, they were rather strict with the things that can be taken onto the campus. So, they were already awaiting in the castle. I hope Hikari hasn¡¯t gotten hungry or bored in the meanwhile, I¡¯m sure the staff of the school will take care of it for the day at least.


    Departing from the rustic steam train, my feet reached a concrete platform with a small village or perhaps hamlet is more appropriate, not far away. Signs on the wall depicted this stop as Hogwarts academy pointing to the large winding road that led to a looming castle visible even across the great expansive lake between us. Another road led to the village centre dubbed Hogsmeade.


    Small places used to be named after specialties and the like, so is this village peculiar for its alcohol and food? I¡¯d have to investigate that later. Well, the latter more than anything. When your age is barely in the double digits, drinking is hardly a concern.


    Dull thuds reverberated on the platform as I looked around whilst following Harry and Ron. The noises were distinguishable even amongst the avid chatter and excitement of a full train of excited children. A large figure approached our group, his shadow easily loomed over the entire entourage of first year students happily chatting. As the hairy figure got closer the noise died down further and further until barely a whisper could be heard. He looked over the crowd formed silently until his gaze widened a tick.


    ¡°¡¯Arry you¡¯re ¡®ere! Good t¡¯ see you made it in one piece!¡± He had a rather thick accent, not posh or formal. If anything, the exact opposite of it. The large boom of his voice still made the words easily distinguishable despite his characteristic way of talking.


    ¡°Hagrid!¡± I guess they were familiar with each other. I thought he had only just become familiar with the wizarding world. How does he know Hogwarts staff intimately? Judging by their familiarity and body language they seem rather comfortable with each other. Harry is a notable name in the wizarding world, is it nepotism? No there are plenty of wealthy students among the crowd some among the first train cart they would also be familiar with him. He¡¯s an employee of Hogwarts as a school, meaning he answers to Dumbledore. I¡¯m guessing this has to do with that, in which case that means due to Harry¡¯s unique circumstances he has assistance from Dumbledore and his followers. That must also mean Harry doesn¡¯t have any involved family members or friends seeing as someone unrelated has to brought into the fray. Dumbledore trusts this Hagrid then, at least to an extent. Has he said anything about me?


    ¡°Well then introduce me, who are your friends?¡± If he¡¯s playing dumb, then he¡¯s doing it well. Although, he might¡¯ve only just heard my name if anything at all was mentioned to him¡­


    ¡°This is Ron Weasley. And this is Kiyotaka Ainakoji.¡± He looked rather proud of himself; I didn¡¯t want to let him know that he absolutely butchered the pronunciation. But it should be expected from a child unfamiliar with my language. It isn¡¯t exactly a linguistic exercise that the English language practiced often. He got the first name right, that¡¯s more than good enough.


    ¡°Bit ¡®o a mouthful. Got a nickname feller¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Just Taka¡¯s fine, Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°Right¡¯o well pleasure meetin¡¯ ya.¡±


    ¡°Likewise.¡± The look in his eyes said he didn¡¯t recognise my name or face. Meaning I should be able to dismiss the possibility of Dumbledore telling him anything. In normal circumstances¡­


    I¡¯m overthinking things, there¡¯s better options. I doubt he would¡¯ve gone to all the trouble.


    ¡°¡¯Riiight. All you first years, gather round! We¡¯re off to the shore, a nice relaxing boat ride to the castle. Pair up, groups of three to a boat each. Whoever¡¯s left can join with me.¡± I only hoped I wouldn¡¯t be the person left behind; I¡¯d rather avoid that embarrassing scenario.


    As the three of us had already shared a carriage before this the choice seemed obvious¡­ Hopefully¡­ They aren¡¯t going to replace me, are they?


    ¡°C¡¯mon Taka, let¡¯s get going!¡± Ron had already sped off towards direction pointed by Hagrid.


    ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t wait to get to the castle!¡± Harry following quickly behind him. Honestly sometimes, I thought that I lacked the energy to keep up with the typical child.


    The two of them rushed forwards to the shore not a great distance away. A small wave of relief rushed along my body accompanied by the evening breeze. They hadn¡¯t even thought about it¡­ That was nice.


    The groups had all formed and gathered in front of a small paddle boat each. Neville was left to pair with Hagrid and join his boat. I actually felt a little bad for him, he was a nice boy. If we had enough room, I imagined Harry and Ron would also request he join us.


    In the back of my mind, I was also glad that they immediately chose me for their group. I wasn¡¯t quite selfless enough to offer him my place. I was glad even if superficially that these two valued me higher than another they had met at the school. Almost immediately I felt the thought as natural, despite being a bit disgusted with my own thought process in the moment.


    ¡°Everyone, get in yer¡¯ boats, make sure ya¡¯ keep your ¡®ands and feet in the boat. We don¡¯t need to lose one o¡¯ ya this early into the year.¡± Well, that¡¯s awfully comforting to know. The fact he said that so easily must mean things of that nature happen semi-frequently. If that¡¯s the case I¡¯m surprised this school remains open.


    Every student approached the boats and had taken the warning apparently to heart as they all carefully sat in the centre of the boat. Not even daring to approach the edge of the vessel. I guess even with the excitement they still want to ensure safety, I half expected some of them to completely ignore that warning.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Without warning as every student sunk into the vessel, they all miraculously pushed off into the lake and paddled the oars automatically without any intervention from the students or Hagrid himself. Was this his doing or was it some sort of charm which was embedded in the boats themselves? How curious.


    As it was currently the beginning of winter, the air was crisp and the night dark. The moon a luminescent orb that hung in the balance. Shedding a beautiful glow along the surface of the lake. That light permeated slowly beneath the ripples of the water where shadows could be seen gathering beneath the waves.


    ¡°Hey! Taka, Ron you see that?¡±


    ¡°Sirens. What are they doing?¡± The same from old sailor stories? If the legends were anything to go off they were reasonably dangerous to approach. Perhaps that¡¯s why Hagrid had warned us. If that¡¯s the case, are they going to attempt to draw us towards them? Would the allure of a female beauty even work against developing children? I suppose the harmony of whatever song they sing might. I was quietly anticipating what they might be concocting. I can hardly imagine that it was anything dangerous to the students seeing as this is the path they planned to take us first year students.


    Abruptly soft yet resounding hums reached the ears of all the students up above in the boats, no discernible lyrics were ever uttered instead hums and vocalisations that reached a harmony regardless of language or interpretation could be enjoyed. It was a rhythm enjoyable by any and all.


    As the pace picked up a large structure raised from the lake, atop it a choir of these denizens of the lake stood. Before the students had even realised, we were surrounded by sirens with tridents along the runway. They remained static in the water a measured distance from the boats and each other, almost militaristically.


    In the centre of the choir lay a figure with more clearly distinctive clothing, some sort of noble figure for the tribe. She had an appearance more seemingly human than the others. Rather than scales on the face it was the same porcelain quality evident in the monarchy of times long gone by. She was extremely youthful not just from the vocalist integrity but also in expression.


    Gasps escaped from the students due to the grand display. Despite the arrival of the Mer people, they had no intention of stopping us. We simply continued drifting in our vessels past the welcoming party towards the castle. The look of enjoyment never leaving the faces of the choir as we continued. Almost as if we were simple passers-by to the show, they would¡¯ve continued in their own amusement either way.


    It gave the impression that this wasn¡¯t some favour to or for the school in any way. Were they simple inhabitants of the land? Where exactly does the jurisdiction of Hogwarts lie? Do they own and control all of the land and settlements here? My mind wandered over possibilities that likely wouldn¡¯t hold any importance over my actions.


    The sound of the siren¡¯s song had all students in a stupor. None of them said a word until the song died down due to our distance. By which we had reached the small landing pad that was supposed to be our destination. Immediately ropes extended to our rowboats and pulled each and every one aboard, like¡­ well, like magic.


    The students excitedly chattered between themselves whilst disembarking from the shore up a large staircase into a grand entrance of the castle. Seriously this place is huge, cleaning it would be a lot easier with magic. In fact, that had me wonder how difficult it was to clean such large monuments. The Sistine Chapel probably had some gnarly cobwebs on the ceiling¡­


    What a drab thought.


    Surprisingly both Harry and Ron had been as quiet as me, simply taking in the sights as we approached a large door. A noticeable cacophony of noise was present just further beyond.


    Hagrid who had been guiding us the entire way had told us to sit still for a minute as he wandered off who knows where.


    A familiar face, well to me, approached the trio of myself, Harry and Ron.


    ¡°Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived. Draco. Draco Malfoy. These are Crabbe and Goyle, say hello.¡± The two boys both murmured a greeting to Harry in particular. Apparently, Ron and myself weren¡¯t a part of this conversation.


    ¡°You see Potter, there¡¯s a certain difference between wizards I¡¯d say. You should pick your friends wisely, whilst here. As such, how about we get better acquainted?¡±


    ¡°Buzz off Malfoy.¡± Ron had stepped in between Harry and the student, still harbouring a snake over his shoulders.


    ¡°Heh. Handy-down robes. Bright-red hair, like a baboon¡¯s arse. Let me guess¡­ You¡¯re a Weasley, right? What am I saying, the stench of poverty made it pretty obvious.¡± Ron simply looked down in response to his provocation. I couldn¡¯t exactly allow the family I owe to be talked down like that¡­


    ¡°I can make my own judge of that, thanks though.¡± Before I had gotten out a word. Harry had already given a polite refusal to his advice.


    ¡°I¡¯d think twice of that if I were y-¡° The clack of boots across the floor stopped that sentence from being uttered. An elderly woman confidently strode towards the group of first years wearing emerald-green robes and the same hat witches worn in various media. The fact that some tropes were followed so accurately honestly made everything seem like more of a joke than anything. Like it was cosplay instead.


    ¡°First years. I am Professor McGonagall, deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please prepare yourselves we¡¯ll be attending the housing ceremony immediately.¡± Without another word she turned on her feet and flicked her wand opening the doors to a large hall. Several large tables with innumerable students stretched out in my view. The ceiling had the uncanny semblance of the night sky spread about it, some sort of illusion. Candles floated in the air and spectres floated around the room. If you were to try and capture the essence of magic in a single scene then this would be it. By design I¡¯d wager.


    ¡°That ceiling is an illusion. I read about it in ¡®Hogwarts, a history¡¯.¡± The brunette from the train, Hermione had said that to another female student. Although they basically dismissed her words, eagerly looking about the hall instead.


    Our entire group followed the strutting professor along the straight pathway to the front of the hall where a podium stood and further behind it a congregation of what I assume are some of the staff of this institution. In fact, Hagrid along with another familiar face were present.


    He was there in the centre seat. Presiding over the entire hall, his presence unmistakable.


    Harry and Hagrid shared a small wave between each other as we approached. I guess he doesn¡¯t know Dumbledore personally or is closer with Hagrid? Thankfully, my guardian was also restraining himself from acknowledging my presence. Although, whether that was conscious or required any effort was debatable. Either way I was thankful for it.


    Our group stopped in front of the podium where a single chair stood, a large hat resting atop the furniture. Strangely enough the folds in the hat gave the appearance of a face, particularly a dastardly grimace. Whatever personality that hat had, was probably not particularly agreeable.


    ¡°Here we are Headmaster.¡±


    The aged wizard raised ceremoniously from his seat and ushered the crowd into silence.


    ¡°Quiet. Quiet, please everyone. The new first year students have arrived. Without further ado let the sorting ceremony commence. Minerva, please do the honour of announcing the students.¡± It felt strange that he didn¡¯t refer to a fellow colleague by her surname or title. Was he uninterested in such etiquette? It at least showed some aspect of closeness between the two, I suppose that was inevitable given they had the two highest seats of authority at this academy. Still, it registered in my mind.


    ¡°When I call your name, please approach the stand and place the hat on your head. Hannah Abbott!¡± A small mousy looking girl approached the seat and placed the large hat on her head. The folds of the hat immediately shifted and creased in ways to show the hat deliberating, voicing something. Yet no audible cues were present. After a few moments the hat simply shouted ¡°Hufflepuff!¡±.


    The girl was then guided to a large bench where the students were all clapping and awaiting her arrival.


    The fact that the hat was needed must mean that there is a process and therefore some sort of requirements or attributes which complemented the different houses. The question was; what?


    Was there a reason to hope for a certain house? What house would they automatically seat me in? Did I have any influence on that decision?


    More students passed by and sat on the chair as I deliberated my observations. The lack of information I have on each student couldn¡¯t help me fill in the gaps. Before I could attempt to ask one of the other two what the houses meant, one had been taken from the group.


    ¡°Ron Weasley!¡± The red head gulped in response and took a few timid steps towards the platform. Placing the hat slowly on his head. The faint imagery of a guillotine appeared in my head. I imagined the fallout wouldn¡¯t be as bad as that, but if Ron were picked for any other house, it¡¯d cement his place as an outcast in his family. From what he was saying earlier I think his entire family has been in Gryffindor. That¡¯s a lot of pressure.


    The hat¡¯s face twisted into a diabolical smirk, apparently taking satisfaction in the fear and dread Ron was no doubt feeling. What a sadist.


    ¡°Another Weasley, huh? Hmm. I know just what to do with you¡­ Gryffindor!¡± Relief flashed over the young Weasley¡¯s face as he quickly run to join his brothers at the Gryffindor table.


    Looking around I was now aware of the different banners for the houses.


    Gryffindor had a deep red almost reminiscent of nobles or monarch emblems. Along with the imagery of a lion. They seemed to value pride or strength, courage. Something like that from the choices. The Weasley brothers would have fit that mould to some extent. Next was the Hufflepuffs, as they were called. Yellow/amber colouring and the image of a badger on the banner. Honey badgers were known for being relentless and unwavering, but that didn¡¯t match the energy from the table or the dichotomy with Gryffindor. The houses would serve too similar a purpose. So, I can only assume its something else¡­ They seem friendly, almost as if connection were the most important aspect of them. Badgers form burrows, they create interconnecting tunnels and establish a community. Above all they are a social animal, relying on teamwork. When compared to the other houses they are the most cooperative animal. Lions form prides but one always stands above, snakes are lone predators. Birds do form large gatherings; the rest of my assumption depends on the type of bird the moniker comes from¡­


    ¡°Michael Corner!¡± A thin boy with curly raven hair approached the stand rather silently. His face with a small smile as he reached for the hat. It barely moved at all, only the word ¡°Ravenclaw!¡± erupted from it as the boy placed it on the chair once again.


    Ravenclaw was the name then¡­


    Crows are generally solitary creatures whereas ravens can work individually but also form small groups as well. They can generally be seen in pairs; they also tend to partner for life.


    Why am I so particular about birds and their patterns?


    Well, soaring high in the sky seems freeing. Given a free moment it¡¯s the first thing I find myself watching¡­ without thinking too much about it.


    ¡°Draco Malfoy!¡± The snake-clad student sauntered over to the chair as if he owned the place. Before the hat could even rest atop his head it immediately screamed out ¡°Slytherin!¡±.


    Without even bothering to sit in the chair he walked off once again, this time in the direction of the table with a snake banner, painted with a royal green. Although I was confused slightly, Draco exhibited excessive pride which was what I assumed would place him in Gryffindor. Maybe it¡¯s the difference between confidence and narcissism? Or perhaps the direction of their pride? Draco didn¡¯t seem one for cooperative thought, instead it was his way or the highway as they said. Perhaps that¡¯s the greatest difference. Does that mean Slytherin is a den of snakes as its emblem represents? Immediately assuming all the members are the same simply from the attributes of an individual and a banner would be mere conjecture, and wholly inaccurate.


    I was unsure. Not only of what house I would be placed in, but also which I should hope to be put in. My first thought was to hope I joined the few people I had met already. In which case it was all but chosen for me already. That irked me. As if it were out of my control.


    ¡°Harry Potter!¡± The youth beside me was stunned silent. Especially as the noise of the hall died down to search for the figure of my newly made friend. Seeing him freeze, I imperceptibly urged him forward to the chair.


    Nearly stumbling as he approached the steps, he reached the chair and settled the hat atop his head. Following it the hat seemed to go on a lengthy diatribe which was inaudible to the rest of us in the audience. What I could make out though, was a few words from Harry¡¯s own mouth.


    ¡°Not Slytherin.¡± Repeated again and again. After a while the hat relented and shouted once again.


    ¡°Gryffindor!¡± Harry jumped up from his seat and rushed towards the Gryffindor table which had erupted in the densest applause and cheering the entire evening had seen thus far.


    More names continued to be called by the deputy headmistress. The other faces I was familiar with assorted into their houses. Hermione and Neville among them which were sorted into Gryffindor. That cemented it.


    ¡°Kiyotaka Ayanokouji!¡± The hall descended in a calmer silence, not as terse as when Harry was called prior. Likely the only reason was due to the obviously different name I carried compared to the other students. After all this was a primarily English attended school, I was an outsider in that regard.


    Step by step I approached the chair and placed the hat atop my head.


    ¡°Well, what do we have here? What a candidate! A strong body, unwavering in the face of danger. Courage unlike anything I¡¯ve seen before. A great mind, the likes unimaginable to the mere man. The ability to lead or follow at will. But beneath it all¡­ There is an urge, to prove yourself. Not to anyone else, just to yourself... Your competence is in spades, young man. Ask yourself, what did you come to this academy for? You could do with some allies, no? In that case I already have a place in mind.¡±


    ¡°Gr-!¡±


    ¡°Ravenclaw.¡± A voice coldly interrupted the hat before he could make his judgement.


    My own.


    Without awaiting the instruction of the hat or a teacher, I walked towards the bench which held my new home. Ravenclaw.

 New cellmates

    ¡°Follow me first-years! This way to the Ravenclaw common room.¡± The entire cast of the students which were just allocated into the Ravenclaw followed behind an older student. The prefect of our house. Basically, he was a reliable upperclassman who enforced the rules of the school and ensured the students were on the right path. I imagined his influence was just below the teachers and staff of the school, greater than a standard student anyway.


    Corridors upon corridors passed by in my vision as we continued the pathway determined by our guide. Eventually reaching several sets of stairs in a large spacious room, the stairways constantly shifting between branching pathways. How inconvenient.


    Our group waited whilst the prefect directed our gazes to the different portraits painted across the walls of the room. Funnily enough each and every one of them was moving as if they were alive. Do ghosts possess them? Are these real people? Or is it just magic?


    I had seen similar tricks before in the daily bugle. A newspaper service which covered recent turns of events for the wizarding world. Now and again Mr. Weasley would leave his newspaper on the table after finishing breakfast. However, the pictures in that were short recordings of events, they would replay endlessly. They didn¡¯t have a conscience or will to make choices. These pictures are completely the opposite of my previous understanding.


    There were people from all different time periods. Yet they even seemed to interact with one another. They talked to the students outside of the frame and also to paintings adjacent from one another. A certain knight had even stepped over into a different painting and begun to fraternise with the inhabitants. Can they come out of the frame altogether? Can I go into the picture frame world? Would I be able to get out if I did?


    My mind was hazy with the number of questions currently scrambling inside looking for an answer. Before I could ask anything, our entourage was once again on the move. This time up the stairs, going ever higher, step after step.


    Each and every child stuck to the larger prefect¡¯s last steps, whether that was to make sure they didn¡¯t get lost or because they were trying to avoid me, I wasn¡¯t sure. My first meal at this school was a bit of a lonely one. Despite being at the same table I felt as if I were completely isolated, once again. It was a far cry from the hospitality I had become accustomed to at the Weasley household. But there wasn¡¯t much I could do about that. My interruption in the ceremony set them on edge, even the older students didn¡¯t make much of an effort to get to know me. I can only assume they had observed my actions as impudent or unruly. I can¡¯t particularly blame them for those feelings, this was the only way it could be.


    I had a hunch about the sorting ceremony. Many things didn¡¯t line up and I figured I would get more insight to this retrospectively. Depending on a few factors when I get in the common room, I think they should be all but confirmed.


    In a tower of the castle lay a single door with a golden knocker in the shape of an eagle. The prefect knocked thrice on the door. A haggard old voice resounded from within.


    ¡°Where is the best place to hide a tree?¡±


    ¡°In the forest.¡± A simple enough riddle. I assume that was just for show with the first years being present. If it were this simple for every student that came by then members of other houses could easily try and infiltrate others. I wonder if each house uses riddles. It¡¯s worth looking into, yet another concern¡­


    The door swung open after a small delay. A large open room complete with a fire, several armchairs, sofas and windows to look out from the tower were within the luxuriously clad common room.


    ¡°Over there you will see two separate staircases. The left is for the boy¡¯s dormitories, the right for the girls¡¯. Curfew is 10 o¡¯clock at night, so long as you¡¯re within dorm bounds or, in very peculiar circumstances, with a teacher. Then there will be no problems. Ensure you don¡¯t break the curfew rules and keep to school regulation, or we¡¯ll lose house points. That¡¯s it for my explanation. You¡¯re each four to a room, the rooms have already been decided. If there are any problems with the allocation, then bring them to a prefect and we¡¯ll try and rectify it. For now, you should go and ensure all of your baggage is in your room. Mistakes are unlikely, but it would be best to be sure.¡± He looked slightly over towards me as he said that. I was glad someone else shared my same scepticism.


    Quickly the students my age split apart to find their rooms and no doubt their belongings. Since pets are allowed, most would have them I wager. That was also the thing I was looking forward to for now, seeing Hikari wasn¡¯t the only reason though. Leaving the students with a minute or two as a head start, I attempted to follow behind.


    ¡°You. Come here, it¡¯ll only take a moment.¡± The prefect gestured for me to come closer.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Answering as innocuously as I could.


    ¡°What exactly possessed you to do that in the hall?¡± He asked in a whisper, not wanting to gather the attention of the other students. Unfortunately, being the only first year still around made me stick out like a sore thumb.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I wasn¡¯t clueless, but I wasn¡¯t going to tell him that.


    ¡°As far as I¡¯m aware no one has decided to interrupt the sorting hat before.¡± Did he think I was being rude? It wasn¡¯t surprising it seemed like that, but it was the only way I could ensure my placement.


    ¡°If it was against the school rules, the teachers would¡¯ve rectified it.¡± My answer lies somewhere within those lines.


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you as a prefect¡­ I ask as another student.¡± So, I wasn¡¯t looking at any punishment? That¡¯s a relief. Without intimate knowledge of the rules or the authority that prefects hold, I was fighting a blind battle.


    ¡°I thought Ravenclaw would be a good fit for me. In fact, it was the house I was most interested in. I didn¡¯t want the place I¡¯d spend the next seven years to be chosen by a hat of all things¡­¡± I wasn¡¯t sure exactly how much he¡¯d reveal to others, so I opted for this avenue. I was only a 10-year-old child, he would understand the anxiety and excitement of coming to Hogwarts. My actions could easily be writ off as induced by anxiety.


    ¡°I see¡­ In which case welcome to Ravenclaw. I¡¯m glad you chose our house. Just let me know if you need anything.¡± He was very accommodating, which I was grateful for. But it was clear he was on his guard still. I gave a simple bow and made way to the staircase.


    Ascending the left staircase and continuing past doors with the occupants beholden on a plaque. I finally came to my own room. Apparently, I was sharing with; ¡°Michael Corner¡±, ¡°Terry Boot¡± and ¡°Anthony Goldstein¡±. The only one of which that stood out to me was that first name. He was the first Ravenclaw selected, his sorting was almost immediate. The sorting hat had barely sat atop his head before deciding on his allocation. From the words that the hat shared with me I can confirm that it sees something inside the user. Whether they were all their memories or simple statistics of what the person were capable I wasn¡¯t sure. If I were to compare the things I know with the only other student who was immediately chosen, Draco Malfoy. It must mean those individuals have such qualities that make it almost impossible to place them in a different house¡­ If I find the absolute characteristics of Ravenclaw then I can gain an understanding of him.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    I was contemplating whether I should knock before entering, seeing it as unnecessary I decided to open the door quietly. This was my own room after all, if I acted like I were intruding I¡¯d be even more of an outcast.


    Despite my efforts to remain silent, the rustic doors were prone to groaning. My fellow roommates all looked towards the direction of the noise. An awkward silence spread over the room. Looks of apprehension spread over their faces, all but one. The raven black haired student, his face was gaunt, and he was rather slim. Michael Corner. His eyes swam with understanding, he quickly looked away apparently done with his assessment of me.


    ¡°¡­¡± I don¡¯t think they were planning on speaking any time soon. And I wasn¡¯t exactly sure how to carry this conversation. Do I just introduce myself? I mean we all just introduced ourselves in the hall, plus the door has a plaque and all the other members are here. Obviously, that would make me Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, add in the fact that I¡¯m probably one of the only Japanese students here, and it¡¯d be stranger not to assume that¡¯s who I am¡­ Do I say that I¡¯m excited to live with them? That doesn¡¯t feel appropriate either, I don¡¯t know any of them after all. Whilst my mind was racing from the social pressure, I noticed my baggage in a corner of the room near what I assume is my own bed. My feet naturally carried me in that direction. Hikari was there, he looked unsettled which was odd. He didn¡¯t particularly get bothered being around people, he was a rather unusual dog in that sense. I wondered about the possibility of one of my housemates messing with him, but they instead seemed to be avoiding him.


    The Grim¡­ I thought those superstitions weren¡¯t as prevalent, given how divination is looked down upon. It could just be because he¡¯s a dog in general, I was reminded of the menagerie and its treatment of the canid family. Would that mean they had magical upbringings? Normal people or muggles as they call him, would find it strange to be averse to dogs. Outside of a personal trauma regarding them, I suppose.


    Hmm?


    The shapes don¡¯t match¡­ They haven¡¯t moved it have they? Looking back towards the group, my eyes met Michael¡¯s. A small smile lit up on his face, followed by a very slight shake of his head. If you blinked, you would¡¯ve missed it¡­


    Ravenclaw. Bird¡¯s eye view¡­ That was an idiom often attributed to those that had a clear view of the situation. It was a perspective which factored in the possible variables and allowed the thinker to take the inside and outside of the box into account. Was that why he was taken into this house? If he noticed some of the same things as I did, then it wouldn¡¯t have been an overexaggeration to say he deserved it.


    ¡°Hey, you speak English, don¡¯t you?¡± The tall blonde boy in the group decided to initiate conversation with me.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Amazing social skills me. Well done.


    ¡°Well, nice to meet you. We¡¯re roommates so we should all get along, right? I¡¯m Anthony Goldstein.¡± He was a few inches taller than me and seemed relatively approachable. I was glad to have such a convenient person as a roommate. He could carry my metaphorical slack. Conversationally, anyway. Which was my main concern. He nudged his friend beside him slightly with his elbow.


    ¡°Uh- Hey, Terry Boot. Nice to meet you.¡± He was timid unlike his friend. Whether that was because he was talking to me specifically or this was his usual attitude, I couldn¡¯t discern yet. Terry was a few inches shorter than me and had red hair. Not quite as striking as the blinding ginger, emblematic of the Weasley family, but noticeable.


    ¡°Likewise.¡± I looked towards the last person to introduce themselves.


    ¡°Michael Corner. Pleasure.¡± He was curt and short. His words were polite enough, but straight and to the point. Was he hiding distaste or was he just disinterested in etiquette? I can¡¯t really complain, what with my own lack of manners. But¡­


    ¡°Before I butcher your name, you got a nickname or something? So long as you don¡¯t mind us addressing you like that.¡± The charismatic blonde asked.


    ¡°Other¡¯s have been calling me Taka whilst I¡¯ve been here. You¡¯re free to call me that, or anything else if it¡¯s easier.¡± I was used to responding to any number of names, so it didn¡¯t matter too much.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ How about-¡° Anthony was humming whilst massaging his chin. The action was discordant with his apparent age, so I found it rather bizarre.


    ¡°Ayy! Ayyyy! That¡¯s his name now.¡± Within reason I should¡¯ve said. That suggestion came from Michael. I was surprised considering how standoffish he was just a moment ago.


    ¡°Denied. Sounds like you¡¯re calling a dog.¡± Shouting like that outside would just be confusing. Other people could assume he¡¯s calling at them.


    ¡°Fine, fine. In Japan they call by last name first, right? Ayanokouji. Kouji¡­ Ji. That¡¯s it Jiji!¡± Is this the fabled banter, I¡¯ve heard of? Whatever it was I didn¡¯t want to be called an old man when I haven¡¯t even celebrated my 11<sup>th</sup> birthday yet.


    ¡°Denied.¡± This time I answered in Japanese.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what he said, but I¡¯m almost certain that he agrees with the nickname.¡± Try again Michael.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you know any Japanese, it¡¯s not exactly a language that¡¯s used commonly here.¡± It was incredibly unlikely he had chosen that name by accident.


    ¡°Just from late night anime and stuff. You pick up some words here and there.¡± I guess Japanese media had an audience across the globe as well.


    ¡°Fascinating. I¡¯m still not being called an old man.¡± I felt pathetic for arguing this point with a child. Wait, I¡¯m a child as well. Would this be appropriate behaviour then? Filing that thought away for another time.


    ¡°Hey, you said we could call you what we want. You aren¡¯t showing much gratitude for my amazing nicknames.¡± Michael put on a little pout, pretending to be affected by my disapproval.


    ¡°Hahaha! That being the case, we need to find a name. How about Koji? Is that good with you guys?¡± I didn¡¯t quite understand why they hadn¡¯t decided to just call me Taka like other people. But it wasn¡¯t much of a problem, so I just decided to go with it.


    Following that the conversation devolved into smaller, less interesting topics. Slowly I was beginning to understand how other people interacted normally. Whilst I couldn¡¯t quite imitate their fascination with mundane topics or intimately understand the point of conversation without a pretence. It was still enjoyable. The four of us continued to talk (myself very little) until it was an appropriate time for bed. Having already stuffed ourselves from the buffet, the natural urge to sleep kicked in.


    I was surprised and glad enough to find they did implement infrastructure for modern hygiene. If they had continued to live in the past to conserve the magical character of the school, I would¡¯ve been exceptionally worried. Floating books and writing with a quill were more than enough for me. Having to use the magical cure for dysentery every week just to feel like a wizard didn¡¯t spark much interest in me.


    After using the common bathroom, a large space for all the boys in the house to bathe and complete morning and night routines. We had returned to our respective rooms. Like that a few hours passed, the gentle lull of snoring from one side and the resting breaths on the other side complemented the serene atmosphere well. I was slightly too excited to sleep, so I had the urge to read at night. The only problem remaining were the eyes currently resting on me behind a fa?ade of rest. If he wanted to talk, I wasn¡¯t against it¡­ But something told me this was a little bit different.


    Peering to my immediate left I had seen that Hikari was still awake. Judging that I wouldn¡¯t make much progress with the book, I opted to spend some time with Hikari instead. Today had been a day with very little time for the two of us to bond, over time I planned to strengthen the ties between us. Just like a normal relationship.


    Resting the fluffy pup in my lap I stroked the soft fur of his head and neck. He yawned happily in my lap.


    ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t pay much attention to you today, Hikari. I was busy making my first friends in Ravenclaw.¡± He nuzzled his head into my palm as I spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m just glad they¡¯re nice people. After the sorting ceremony everyone wouldn¡¯t talk to me around the dinner table. I haven¡¯t felt like a ghost in a long time¡­¡± Hikari licked my hand and begun to get restless, sensing discomfort in my words.


    ¡°No need to get jumpy. It was my own fault. I was so anxious during that time. The hat was talking about Slytherin. I didn¡¯t want to be put in there since the train incident happened. But then he said something about Ravenclaw. Even I don¡¯t know why he put the idea in my head. But it was like he wanted me to say something, like he¡¯d put me in a bad situation if I didn¡¯t.¡± His small body continued to trail in circles around my lap, attempting to find the optimal resting position.


    ¡°I got a good room. Would any of the others have tried to involve me in the conversation? I guess I owe Anthony for that. No, I owe all of them¡­ Let¡¯s do our best from now, Hikari.¡± A small yip accompanied my vow.


    The gaze directed at me, previously unflinching. Finally relented and closed his eyes. I continued petting and exchanging random words with Hikari at irregular intervals. I let an hour pass by until finally leaving my body to the warm embrace of sleep.

 A new dawns malice

    The dawn of a new day greeted me as my eyelids fluttered open, blinded by the brightening dawn sky. Slightly shuffling the covers off of my body, I raised my back from the comfy mattress and surveyed my surroundings. It was early. My roommates were all still asleep. Not even the intruding gaze of last night remained, probably satisfied with the show I gave yesterday. Hikari was sound asleep by my side, my left arm still entrapped by the soft creature. With no reason to move yet, I simply watched him as he dozed peacefully.


    A few minutes passed by serenely. The only noticeable difference was the variant cadence of the resting breaths in the room. A symphony of circadian rhythm, unfortunately one of the performers was out of tune. A deafening silence spread through the room. His fa?ade purposely broken by a slight murmur and rubbing of the eyes. Slowly he looked around the room, his eyes eventually resting on me. Acting as if it was the first time, he asked ¡°Koji, what time is it?¡± His voice a bit deeper due to just awaking.


    ¡°Not sure. Probably around 6:00. Judging by the window.¡± I had noticed there were no visible clocks or alarms in the room. Which I found to be quite odd. We haven¡¯t any modern implements like phones on the school premises. How were we supposed to remain punctual without them?


    ¡°Oh. Have you been awake long?¡± You already know for the last few minutes, I mused internally.


    ¡°No. I just awoke myself.¡± He gave little recognition to my reply as he gave a very long stretch and yawn in response.


    ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s a bit early to wake these guys¡­ Think we can get breakfast now?¡± I wasn¡¯t against eating so early, but I was under the impression it might be a bit rude to leave the other two given we had only just become acquainted. I relished the opportunity to get to know them a bit better. I heard having a meal together was a good way to do so. After all, eating is one of the most vulnerable things one could do in front of another. It is an unguarded gesture, even subconsciously.


    It¡¯s very possible I was thinking too deeply about it. Yesterday made it quite apparent that both Anthony and Terry knew each other before attending this school. They had called each other by their first name, that by itself isn¡¯t strange, in fact that¡¯s the norm for English custom especially when considering close acquaintances. The strange turn came when they referred to both me and Michael Corner by our surnames. I had initially thought that they referred to my own (although by the nickname ¡®Koji¡¯) to make me feel comfortable. To plant a reminiscent feeling of home. But that made little sense when considering they did the same for Michael as well. Previously I hadn¡¯t thought that etiquette like this would be prevalent in informal settings between common youths, something told me another thing was at play. They had insisted on calling me by a moniker based on my family name, despite giving them an alternative that I was used to. I can only assume that, that distinction was important enough to consider. Did they just not judge us as close enough to start calling by first names? It was possible. Was it an early warning not to try and get close to them? I doubt it. Anthony¡¯s friendliness and approachability was all-encroaching, it didn¡¯t feel like an act. Terry¡¯s nervousness and closed off behaviour could be interpreted as a step in that direction. However, as he opened up slightly last night and joined the conversation, I can assume that to be dead-end as well. Taking Ron and Harry¡¯s behaviour wouldn¡¯t help much in that regard either. Ron, I had known for a month already and shared a home with, it would be strange enough for him to call me by anything less than my given name. Harry on the other hand wasn¡¯t at all familiar with magical customs.


    Magical customs. That was probably it. Michael didn¡¯t show much reaction when called by his family name. If I make supplementary conclusions from that, then the fact they were all from magical families and had an idea of magical society before getting their acceptance letter. That would mean lineage and bloodline were regarded heavily in this place¡­ That conversation before the sorting ceremony would certainly indicate that as well¡­ It was a bit early to say without a doubt. It was also possible that it was a by-product of attending Hogwarts, by all accounts a highly acclaimed academy if the Weasley¡¯s words held any water.


    That just led to more questions; how would the Weasley family be able to send each and every child to Hogwarts given their economic situation? Did they have financial aid from another? Or was the tuition still surprisingly affordable, despite the notoriety it enjoys?


    I couldn¡¯t very well ignore the invitation extended to me. ¡°I suppose we could at least check. Maybe one of the prefects will be awake at this time.¡± I motioned to release my hand from the soft clutches of my own personal Grim. A small, tired yip escaped from the creature in return. As quickly as Hikari looked at my arm he fell back on the bed, immediately allowing sleep to take him once more.


    ¡°He¡¯s rather relaxed isn¡¯t he¡­ Probably best not to take him to the cafeteria.¡± He said whilst turning to the dozing dog.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t scared of him?¡±


    ¡°Dogs don¡¯t particularly scare me.¡± That made sense for a muggle, not for someone with magical knowledge. Chalking it up to his unique disposition, I shifted the topic.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have classes today; does it matter what we wear?¡± Not a topic that weighed heavily on my mind, I was more concerned with the washing and laundry of said goods than the use of them.


    ¡°Probably not. I¡¯d wear the robes just to be sure. I¡¯m not too familiar with the school rules regarding that.¡± He said whilst turning away and searching through his trunk for the school robes he folded away last night.


    Figuring it would be a pain if I were turned back from the hall on account of my clothing, I agreed. It wasn¡¯t like I had an extensive wardrobe after all, just some basic bits that I had collected over the extended stay at The Burrow. Donning the same robes of yesterday we leisurely made our way to the common room after finishing our respective morning rituals.


    Michael leading the way, abruptly halted a few steps from the end of the staircase. His eyes focused on the couch by the fire, which sat a single student. His head a rather familiar memory of the day before. Our guide. I heard a brief low sound, like the grinding of two abrasive rocks.


    ¡°Good morning. If I¡¯m not mistaken you, are our prefect; Daniel Whitworth, correct?¡± The irony of his name wasn¡¯t lost on me.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He blurted out as he looked up from the book he hovered his nose over. ¡°Ah, yes. I believe you were Michael Corner and Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, right?¡± He asked whilst straightening his back. A knowing look in his eye. Was he waiting?


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that an accomplished student remembered our names, on the very first day no less. I¡¯m honoured.¡± He said with full sincerity, that only made me question Michael¡¯s motive more.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t every year you get sorted immediately. More so when someone sorted themselves. It would be impudent of me not to.¡± Michael snorted in retort.


    ¡°So, what can we do for you Mr. Whitworth?¡± Five-year age gap¡­ Still, there it is again.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong! It¡¯s what I can do for the two of you, after all I am an acting prefect.¡± Reminding us of his vertical superiority, the prefect aimed a rather pleasant smile towards us.


    ¡°We were intending on getting an early breakfast.¡± After a second or two of deliberation Michael gave a polite answer. I was beginning to feel like the weakest link, with my lack of dialogue the entire time.


    ¡°The castle is a large place, let me guide the way.¡± It was more of an order than any sort of request.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. But what about the other students, won¡¯t they get lost?¡± Something told me that Michael wouldn¡¯t have minded getting lost on his way. In fact, I would¡¯ve been more surprised if his intentions were to immediately travel to the great hall.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the only prefect, the others will be around before long. They can manage the larger groups.¡± He said whilst closing his book once and for all, placing it on a nearby desk and gesturing towards us. ¡°Besides there isn¡¯t much on the agenda today. If they get lost, so be it.¡± All of us were keenly aware of the contradictory words that left his mouth. Yet, no one was the first to breach that topic. Instead, we filtered out of the room in single file. He strongarmed the conversation and our response, something only possible due to his own position of undetermined influence. It would be best to comply, not that I had any other plans. If anything, this was convenient.


    He was moving much quicker than I originally stipulated, it gave me the brief thought that it was preparation. For what? I had no idea. This very meeting, our supposed interaction. It was all predetermined. Now all I needed was the reason, which would soon be revealed. No actions from me necessary.


    ¡°As I was saying earlier. You two interested me, that was why I offered this invitation.¡± Invitation, so he says.


    ¡°With all due respect, I¡¯m flattered. But I¡¯m unsure as to why you would have found interest in me. My friend I could understand.¡± He played the part of the ignorant but well-mannered friend very well. Too well.


    ¡°Only a fool wouldn¡¯t give you credit for your achievement. Do you take me for a fool, Mr. Corner?¡± Daniel asked, indignation rising in his tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what I¡¯ve accomplished, it¡¯s impossible in such a short time.¡± Apparently he did take him for one.


    ¡°The very sorting itself.¡± He said with a measure of finality.


    ¡°¡­¡± At that Michael grew quiet. Any words would backfire. A look of amusement did flash across his face quickly, however.


    ¡°The very fact that you were immediately sent to our house is the key. The hat barely sat on your head, and you didn¡¯t look too surprised. I¡¯m glad you aren¡¯t forthcoming, it¡¯s the mark of humility. I¡¯m sure that will serve you well in the future. However, too much is a poison. At the very least you can assume that your fellow housemates see it as a celebration.¡± It depended on the individual. Competence could breed jealousy. Seated in this house pedestalising intelligence, I believed it was natural to worry.


    ¡°I see-¡° Before Michael could finish his thought, he was interrupted by further words from the older boy.


    ¡°It¡¯s a whole other kettle of fish to sort yourself, regardless of what the hat said. That was seriously impressive, Mr. Ayanokouji.¡± I was averse to attention, even if it was genuine praise. My eyes escaped to my friend, only for the prefect¡¯s to do the same. Michael seemed unperturbed. His steps remaining constant and steady, whilst his face seemed distant.


    ¡°I was worried. That¡¯s what it came down to.¡± I answered for the first time.


    ¡°Worried? About what, the school¡¯s plenty safe.¡± I had my doubts about that, especially given Hagrid¡¯s warning during our travel just yesterday.


    ¡°¡­The same as I told you yesterday. I didn¡¯t want to get stuck in a house just because some hat told me to.¡± Was I the aim of his relentless barrage, or was it Michael? It could very well be both.


    ¡°You never did say why you thought Ravenclaw would be a good fit.¡±


    ¡°The same reason I told you yesterday. It was the house I was most interested in, is that not an appropriate reason?¡±


    ¡°Pop quiz: Who¡¯s the founder of the Ravenclaw house?¡± The houses had founders. I suppose that made sense. It wasn¡¯t long ago we bought our textbooks, I hadn¡¯t the leisure of skimming them. Meaning almost all the information that in-the-know students had was absent from my brain. I could assume that the surname might be the same as the house name, other than that I wasn¡¯t particularly privy to the information.


    ¡°¡­¡± My only response would be silence in that case. Michael also peered over at me in retaliation. Glad that he was out of the spotlight.


    ¡°The real reason?¡± He posed another question as if expecting that response.


    ¡°¡­The hat convinced me.¡± That isn¡¯t incorrect.


    ¡°The hat chooses, it doesn¡¯t give you agency.¡± He replied, not missing a beat.


    ¡°It¡¯s choices could certainly make you want to rebel though¡­¡±


    ¡°What did it tell you?¡± Unaware of the possible ramifications I didn¡¯t want to outright deny a question by a superior.


    ¡°It said that I could fit in Slytherin¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it so bad if you did? I can¡¯t say that they don¡¯t have their problems, but that isn¡¯t good enough reason to reject the decision.¡± So, hatred for Slytherin wasn¡¯t omnipresent¡­ Perhaps a feud between Gryffindor and Slytherin specifically?


    ¡°¡­¡± We continued walking through the corridors and staircases as I reneged any eye contact instead focusing on the floor in front of me. Acknowledging my silence, Daniel decided to alter his angle.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you pick one of the other houses?¡± I couldn¡¯t say it was pressure of the moment. People had seen me and Ron, not to mention Harry together. It would strike them as strange if I didn¡¯t immediately say Gryffindor in that moment.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really hold much courage and I¡¯m not the most social creature on the planet. That left Ravenclaw.¡± Even if I didn¡¯t know the founders, it wasn¡¯t surprising for me to know the basic characteristics of the chosen houses.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say I¡¯m happy being the process of elimination... I disagree partially. It would take a bit of courage to speak up in that hall. I can¡¯t help but feel like there¡¯s more you aren¡¯t mentioning.¡± While Daniel did his best to provide the helping hand expected of a reliable prefect, I could only stifle my suspicions.


    ¡°¡­Even if that¡¯s the case, I don¡¯t feel comfortable sharing more. Please understand.¡± I wasn¡¯t about to give sensitive information away so readily. Such discussions were for private settings.


    ¡°I see. Sorry about that. I¡¯m a prefect at the end of the day, I need to make sure you guys are taken care of. On that topic, if you have any issues just give me a call. I can¡¯t promise I¡¯ll be able to resolve it, but I¡¯ll try my best to get it to the right people.¡± That eloquent speech rounded up our walk. The doors to the great hall were just ahead, already ajar with few students sat among the large tables for each respective house. ¡°Oh, it seems we¡¯ve arrived. Remember to come to me if you have any problems. I¡¯ll get back to duty.¡± Daniel turned without so much as a look back, leaving as soon as we stepped through the large archway.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    He was a convenient, comfortable and amicable upperclassman. Soon enough. His goals with this intervention were clear. He would regard us as uncertain variables on the board. Pieces without rigid patterns until he learnt better. The question was whether this was independently concocted or another¡¯s machinations. I couldn¡¯t help but feel his questioning was more insistent than the previous night. Was it the location change? What was different between the drawling corridors and the common room of our own house?


    ¡°Felt like we were on trial, huh?¡± He muttered. I wondered if he would still play pretend.


    ¡°You can say that again.¡±


    ¡°Felt like we were on trial, huh?¡± Wow. That may actually be the funniest thing I¡¯ve ever heard. What¡¯s this my lips are actually turning upwards at the ends. Is this a smile?


    ¡°Hey! Stop looking at me like that! I¡¯m not something you stepped in, man!¡± My smile must not have been reaching him, I¡¯d have to make it more obvious.


    ¡°Sorry, you said something so funny I just had to let you know.¡±


    ¡°¡­You looked at me like something you picked up off of the floor.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s where the bar is.¡± That¡¯s a real joke.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re the funny guy now, huh?¡± Always have been. Sarcasm was my number one specialty. Quickly followed by everything else. It was quite fitting given the location I currently resided.


    Exchanging quite frankly unimportant topics of conversation we found a desolate stretch of the Ravenclaw dining table. Magically, food appeared in front of us. I wasn¡¯t a particularly picky eater, but I did wonder how they handled those with dietary restrictions. Did the food come accustomed to preferences when a person sat? That would involve all sorts of complicated problems, not just having all kinds of food on standby for that event. I was tempted to simply wave it off as ¡®it¡¯s magic¡¯ but in that case what was this school even going to teach us? Theory was just as important as practical learning; we should be learning the exact mechanism of spells.


    Not only that. This couldn¡¯t possibly be an active spell¡­ In the sense that this wasn¡¯t cast by a person as soon as I entered and sat at the table, it must be a process that works automatically. Otherwise at least a single person or entity let¡¯s say, must be present at all times and ensure the correct meals are delivered without a single mistake. Human error existed, even in magic folk.


    ¡°You had a full muggle upbringing, didn¡¯t you?¡± That question came across the table whilst we both begun to eat.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve only known about magic for a month or so. That obvious?¡±


    ¡°Not knowing the house founders certainly doesn¡¯t help you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­a good point.¡± Before a silence could creep between us, he initiated another question.


    ¡°Shifting topic a little bit. You were in the boat with Harry Potter weren¡¯t you, how did you end up meeting him?¡± An abrupt change. To knock me off balance?


    ¡°I found him in a train cart with Ron.¡± My inept response shown his hand. Willingly. He was done with the fa?ade, for now.


    ¡°I see, I take it you knew Weasley before departing on the train?¡± Safe to say my guess was correct. He also must have been paying attention to the year¡¯s roster.


    ¡°Yeah, actually. How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Judging by the fact we could barely get a word out of you when we first met, it¡¯s not too hard to imagine you having trouble initiating if you didn¡¯t know either of them. How come you were split up from Weasley?¡± He asked innocuously, taking a bite of toast as if to punctuate the normality. He could¡¯ve easily added that the Weasley was a pure-blood family, if family lineage mattered. Which made me rethink that hypothesis for a moment. Annoying. It was as if he was purposely doing it. Smoke and mirrors if I were being deceptive and direct confrontation if I were guileless. It was a layered assault.


    ¡°That¡­ Sorry, I¡¯d rather forget.¡±


    ¡°I see, sorry for asking so much. I was curious. I take it that was why you took the decision into your own hands.¡±


    ¡°¡­You aren¡¯t wron-¡° I cut off and immediately redirected my gaze from the door, instead looking down to my platter. I wasn¡¯t expecting him here so early. It made it look much more natural though. Michael following his original thought track looked towards the door in his peripheries. A snake-clad student appeared in grand fashion, stalking towards the Slytherin table with two boys following quickly behind.


    ¡°Koji.¡± I looked up to meet his face once again. ¡°My bad, I brought up a sour topic. I apologise.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You were just curious. I¡¯m just hoping I don¡¯t get much more attention.¡±


    ¡°Being the first man on the moon does that to you.¡±


    ¡°Hardly that impressive. The closest example would be the first chimp in space. Few should even remember the name.¡±


    ¡°Still in space, it¡¯s no wonder it got some attention. I think you¡¯ll be fine. After all, there¡¯s the announcement today. It should take people¡¯s minds off of it.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right.¡± Our conversation truly did devolve after that. Continuing for a good half hour until the hall was much louder and the capacity increased. Only for another headache to cross the horizon.


    ¡°TAKA!¡± A pair of red-haired devils encroached from the Gryffindor table all the way to where I was sitting. That was enough to grab a bit of attention from the surrounding students, which quickly turned back to what they were doing. A serpent¡¯s eyes rest on our gathering, in wait to strike at the opportune moment. A momentous occasion I was remiss to avoid.


    ¡°Fred. George. I have a bad feeling about whatever you have going on in those heads of yours.¡±


    ¡°Oh! No need to be so excited at our arrival, honorary brother! We have need of your services once more.¡± I was unsure whether the title referred to our housing situation or their more nefarious tendencies.


    A pompous voice sounded out behind us. ¡°What¡¯s this an honorary Weasley? Now that¡¯s an oxymoron if I¡¯ve ever heard one.¡± With enough volume to gain the attention of a good portion of the table. Intentionally.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the infant dragon. I heard a funny rumour of you just yesterday y¡¯know. What was it brother? He ran for office?¡± George said purposely scratching his head, making up some inane lie.


    ¡°Oh, I know what you mean dear brother. He had the runs in front of an audience. That¡¯s what I think you mean.¡± The students nearby stifled a snicker at their antics.


    ¡°There was no such thing! It was you two gangly twats. And no wonder with the company you keep, surprised you can even take in another with the meagre earnings your family makes. Manage to get a deluxe bed with the chickens, jap?¡± Fancying his luck more against an unresisting opponent, such provocation came my way.


    ¡°What makes you think it was us?¡± The twins answered in sync. ¡°Couldn¡¯t be us. Never us. We¡¯re too scared of your father when he hears of this.¡± Their voices immediately taking on a higher pitch towards the end of the sentence.


    ¡°The common insult, only because your father can¡¯t change anything. He has no power. If you want to play it that way. Here.¡± A solid mass dropped onto my unfinished plate. The students nearby shuddered away and tried to get some distance between them. The mass wriggled and writhed, hissing erupting from its mouth. ¡°Honorary Gryffindor, right? I just love it when that so called confidence and courage is stained by the pathetic display of you right now. So, what sort of reaction will you show me?¡±


    The twins and Michael reached for their wands discreetly trying not to incite the creature as it slowly spiralled and inched closer towards me. None of my aids attempting a hex or curse for fear of inadvertently harming me.


    It swayed hypnotically, as it reached closer and closer towards me. Staring into my eyes as it neared my face. My body was stock still, the only movement being of my chest as my lungs heaved breath after breath into my body. The moment that lasted a lifetime.


    The snake stopped approaching, simply looking into my eyes. Waiting for something. Probably its master to take him back. Injuring me on campus should¡¯ve been an obvious demerit, and it wasn¡¯t venomous, so it wasn¡¯t the end of the world. Is what the logical portion of my brain was saying anyway.


    The silence breathed through the hall, all eyes on the Ravenclaw table as the incident progressed. The infant dragon as he was called, simply scooped up the snake looking warily between myself and the animal all the while.


    ¡°That was pretty Gryffindor to me. How about you brother?¡± The resident pranksters jovially talked to each other.


    ¡°You expect anything else from Taka?¡±


    Attempting to regain any semblance of power the Malfoy heir quickly turned once again to insults. ¡°What¡¯s up, you end up shitting yourself? Haha! Should¡¯ve expected that from a Weasley in all but name, relying on the destitute to shelter you. Should be ashamed of yourself¡­¡± Unsure of whether I was ignoring him or not, he surprisingly walked back to his table with little more than an incident. His eyes focused on the snake whilst he retreated, muttering something along the lines of ¡®them not being worth my time¡¯.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Koji? You good?¡± Michael looked fairly concerned over the other side of the table. Fred and George however looked to be entertained beyond all belief.


    Silence continued to spread over the hall, like a dense fog.


    ¡°¡­I was paralyzed from the fear.¡± The entire hall roared out in laughter. Whether that was at my pathetic display or not I was unsure. It wasn¡¯t very kind, though.


    I could feel the same venomous gaze resting on my head once again. I had gained an admirer, one that I was all too displeased to have.


    ¡°Haha! Koji, I think you might¡¯ve been a shoe in for Gryffindor.¡± Michael said whilst chuckling to himself.


    ¡°Seconded.¡± Both of the twins exclaimed in unison.


    My sincere actions as a confused and scared student only received abundant guffaws and laughter from the audience. Vitriol and scorn were soon to come from the opposition. This would hardly be the last of this incident. Of that, I was sure.


    Students nearby took to turning to their respective groups, no doubt discussing the event that just transpired. I was just thankful to have less eyes on me. The immediate problem now was the watchful gaze of my new friend. Who was slowly forming his own conclusions on my actions. Filing away my behaviour and forming his own plan of action going forward. No doubt questions roamed in his head. One could practically see the text appear behind his eyes. Why Ravenclaw? Was that fear or apathy? What was his relationship with the Weasley family? Most importantly; did he share my same concerns? Was he an enemy?


    In due time I would lead him to answers to all of those questions. I was already well on my way to do so.


    Vigilance could only last so long. The conclusion you find yourself is the most trustworthy. That was my advantage.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you ended up in a different house though, Taka.¡±


    ¡°Did you not want to be in the same house?¡± Michael seemed genuinely confused, they were different years so it wasn¡¯t likely we would be directly competing against each other often. Different houses must mean some sort of competition between them, otherwise there¡¯d be no need for the distinction. Class syllabus wasn¡¯t varied by house from my knowledge, so it was clear that competition was the goal. The very fact the dinner hall was split by house to discourage interhouse mingling was evidence for this. There wasn¡¯t a strict seating plan, but it was clearly discouraged.


    ¡°Oh, we would¡¯ve been more than fine if he were in Gryffindor. I can¡¯t lie. It¡¯ll be more fun against him, though.¡± George had a competitive streak whilst we stayed at The Burrow. Fred wasn¡¯t nearly as enthusiastic to openly compete with me, but also never shied away from the action. Quickly supporting his brother whenever the opportunity appeared.


    ¡°Restrain yourselves a bit. Half of the reason I escaped to Ravenclaw was to avoid whatever pranks you plan on pulling.¡± Calling it an escape wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. It was clear I belonged anywhere but Gryffindor.


    ¡°Y-You tricky little git!¡± I doubted they could openly cause distress to a student of a different house, especially in a lower year without repercussions.


    ¡°Careful, Taka. That just means we can¡¯t be obvious about it. Don¡¯t think that¡¯s a failsafe.¡± Fred as always was quick on the uptake.


    ¡°¡­Now you understand why I picked Ravenclaw?¡± Michael merely nodded in understanding.


    ¡°They can¡¯t be that bad, right?... Right?¡± I didn¡¯t bother answering that question. The twins simply laughed ominously before turning back to their home table. They approached the two friends I had met on the ride aboard the Hogwarts express. The raven haired and red headed boys both threw a quick wave my way as they continued to chow down on their breakfast. They should be fine, Ron had Harry, so he¡¯d manage. Harry had, well as far as I know the entirety of wizarding Britain at his behest. Safe to say he could take care of himself or find several hundred people willing to take care of him. I was more worried about myself at the moment. Aforementioned concern would continue for some time, no doubt.


    Gradually it seemed as if the entire hall was filled with students. Nearly no space was present on any of the house tables. Anthony and Terry had also joined us soon enough. Whilst Michael filled them in on the activities of this morning. I couldn¡¯t help but notice the anticipation of a few teachers at the staff table. Some of the older students mirrored this behaviour. One of which was Daniel Whitworth who had joined the hall once again after guiding the first years to breakfast. Although there weren¡¯t any direct orders not to leave the hall, it was clearly discouraged. For one the doors to the great halls were closed once again. The watchful eyes of the teachers surveying the students as they continued their meal.


    When the majority of students had finished eating and the noise from neighbouring conversations reached a new height, the headmaster arose from his seat. Gesturing to the lectern, approaching steadily. Conversations immediately dying in response to the movement.


    ¡°I trust you all had a good night¡¯s sleep. Thank you to all the prefects, instructing the new first-years. Now that everyone is present and had their fill, we shall start the first announcement.¡± He said calmly, ensuring he provided eye contact to every house over time. ¡°It is my great pleasure to announce that with the success of the previous year¡¯s, our sister school will return to Hogwarts once more. Their arrival is mere moments away, please do give them a warm welcome.¡± His eyes glinted with interest as he addressed the crowd. He waved his hand lazily towards the centre of the room a recognisable seat and hat appeared in the centre of the room.


    Sister school? Why wasn¡¯t I notified of this? Is it a new programme? Why didn¡¯t they arrive yesterday?


    The headmaster¡¯s arm flicked towards the far wall. The great doors to the hall flung open with a gust and the¡­ environment was different. A great expanse of crystal-clear water appeared beyond the door, several Torii gates cascading like dominoes in a blank expanse. A group emerged in the expanse; each time they passed a Torii gate they became exponentially closer to the entrance. The small dot on the horizon was quickly becoming a visible group of students of a particular origin. Japanese students. If I think of it that way¡­ A few more things line up now. Number one amongst them; my attendance is related to their presence.


    Students roughly my age along with a few around the twins¡¯ age were escorted by a slew of staff. Nearly all of them with distinct Japanese features.


    ¡°My students, welcome our sister school Advanced Nurturing High School. You will be taking classes together with these students for the next year.¡± A warm small applause reached the crowd from the staff table, slowly followed by the students of each house, resulting in a large wave of applause swallowing the entire hall.


    There weren¡¯t many students, not nearly as many as the first years from Britain anyway. Especially when considering there were multiple year groups involved.


    ¡°Greetings, Director Sakayanagi. I trust you had no issues with the transport.¡±


    ¡°It was smooth sailing to say the least. 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> years join your respective tables. 1<sup>st</sup> years prepare for the sorting ceremony.¡± An older man with a distinctive shade of white hair said whilst approaching the staff table, where a single seat stood beside the headmaster¡¯s. ¡°Mashima-sensei, you have the floor.¡± Strangely enough, despite knowing and understanding both I couldn¡¯t distinguish whether English or Japanese was being spoken.


    The stocky man approached the centre a few strides from the hat and stated authoritatively. ¡°Approach when I call your name. Sakayanagi Arisu!¡± The same name, first no less. That can¡¯t be coincidence.


    A small girl holding a cane approached the seat. Reservedly removing the beret that neatly sat above her hair she scooted the sorting hat onto the silver-lilac locks adorning her head. The hat muttered to itself before eventually settling on a final choice. ¡°Gryffindor!¡±


    Her speed approaching the Gryffindor table was slow, on account of her condition. She was received with a quick round of applause and cheers. Sinking onto the bench with poise she was immediately accosted by the girls nearby that attempted to have a conversation.


    ¡°Ichinose Honami!¡± Long hair fluttered by as she approached the stand. What appeared to be blue butterflies appeared in the air around her as she sat. ¡°Hufflepuff!¡± Erupted from the hat almost instantly. My gaze focused on her as she retreated to the house table. Why? I wasn¡¯t sure. My body felt compelled to. Even at the beginning of puberty I guess I wasn¡¯t immune to thoughts and fancies.


    ¡°Ryuuen Kakeru!¡± A boy with a defiant look in his eyes slinked towards the chair whilst chuckling to himself. ¡°Slytherin!¡± I guess that was to be expected¡­


    Several other names came one by one as they switched between the respective houses. Including one, the only one student with glaringly different characteristics. A young black student joined the Slytherin house.


    ¡°Shiina Hiyori!¡± What could best be described as some sort of human sized fairy walked to the stand. White hair that cascaded down her back in curls and eyes that reflected like gems in the light. Her head cocked to the side musingly as she stuck the hat on looking out at the crowd. ¡°Ravenclaw!¡± Practically skipping to the table, she took an empty space near the edge and looked back to the sorting ceremony.


    ¡°Horikita Suzune!¡± A young girl with black hair approached the stand with a cold, distant look on her face. A growing personification of the Yamato Nadeshiko. Grace and duty were practically etched into her features. I noticed the faint whisperings she uttered whilst placing the hat on her head. ¡°Gryffindor!¡± A repressed smile gripped the edge of her lips, before once again being drowned out by the stoic cold.


    As the last few names drawn to a close, I couldn¡¯t help but notice a pattern. 15 first years. 4 for Gryffindor, Slytherin and Hufflepuff respectively. 3 in Ravenclaw. The ratio of male to female almost completely even in each house.


    My misgivings were correct. It was a conspiracy. The board was set. An unknown game beginning. My heart rate accelerated slightly. The only thing left to discover; what will be their opening move?


    I couldn¡¯t wait to find out.

 Newfound resolve

    ¡°Silence.¡± The towering sorcerer briefly waved his hand as the crowd once again turned towards the staff table. The previous chattering between the English and Japanese exchange students instantly ended.


    ¡°As much as I would like to enjoy the festivities further, we have a few things to see to. First, as we¡¯ve all gathered now. The Forbidden Forest and the entire 3<sup>rd</sup> floor of this castle is off bounds to any student who does not seek a most horrible and tragic death. You have been warned.¡± What a change in mood. The aged wizards¡¯ eyes were completely clear as he uttered those words, it was meant with the utmost sincerity. That just made me all the more curious as to what horrors awaited in those depths. His voice altered, in a much lighter tone as he continued.


    ¡°On a lighter note, the house competition will be starting tomorrow, immediately. Everyone, keep on your best behaviour and contribute as much as you can to the glory of your houses. I expect much of all of you. Director Sakayanagi, feel free to take the stage.¡± His right hand gestured to the much younger, yet still mature man.


    ¡°Thank you, Professor.¡± The older gentleman wearing thick rimmed glasses, characterised by his shade of peculiar white hair approached.


    ¡°With the great success of previous years, it is my hope to keep this agreement between our schools in effect for years to come. As such it is my great pleasure to announce that the prize for this year¡¯s house cup winners will be; exclusive use of the room of requirement. The house that wins this year will have exclusive ownership rights to its usage for the entirety of next year.¡± All of the students started whispering excitedly to each other. Assuming the facilities were as special as the crowd made it seem that an entire year¡¯s worth of use is certainly a big deal. Could I assume the room was specialised to whatever the user needed? The name itself was a bit suspicious. I couldn¡¯t imagine that the room only had one use otherwise there would be students that wouldn¡¯t care for it. Rather, every student that wasn¡¯t from my batch was also showing the same enthused look. But what would the final year students get in reward? They wouldn¡¯t have any stake in the competition if they didn¡¯t see the fruits of their labour. I suppose they might be too busy preparing to enter the working world to contribute much.


    ¡°Finally, it is my great pleasure to introduce the homeroom teachers for this year¡¯s respective houses. Step forward and introduce yourselves.¡± The director gestured with his right arm towards a group of four Japanese adults. Two men and two women. Once again, a perfect ratio.


    The man who previously announced the Japanese students for sorting stepped forward. He had a large frame and strict presence. His eyes hovered over the entire hall as he approached and introduced himself. ¡°My name is Mashima Tomonari. You may address me as Professor Mashima. I¡¯ll be taking instruction of the first year Gryffindors.¡± With a quick bow he stepped back for the next in the line.


    A woman with curly hazelnut hair stepped forward, generous proportions visible even through her robes gave the impression of a maternal figure. With a cheery smile she introduced herself. ¡°Hoshinomiya Chie, it¡¯s a pleasure to get to know you all. I¡¯ll be taking instruction of the first-year Hufflepuffs. Let¡¯s all get along!¡± A pop in her step she retreated to allow the next teacher forward.


    A man with sunken cheeks and a hollow expression. He nudged his glasses further up his nose as he introduced himself indifferently. ¡°Sakagami Kazuma. I¡¯ll be taking instruction of the Slytherins this year.¡± He stepped backwards immediately, not caring to add anymore.


    The final in the group stepped forward. A woman with black hair that flowed down to her mid back, styled into a ponytail. Her expression was indifferent, her gaze immediately narrowing in on our table. Venom practically seeped out of her voice. ¡°Chabashira Sae. Ravenclaw first-years.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. These staff members will also be responsible for muggle studies and the foundational subjects that will be studied.¡± Foundational? Like maths and science? How would they manage to fit everything in the schedule? Either magic was much easier to learn than I expected, or perhaps magic folk had formal education for these foundational topics. Meaning we didn¡¯t need to study them as rigorously.


    I was curious how the childhood of most magicians was conducted. Did they have early educations consisting of purely magical topics? If so, they would be far ahead of any muggle born wizards and witches. I was curious but couldn¡¯t risk asking the question. One reason being finding the right time to ask it, the other because it would inevitably result in questions being directed back at me. That wasn¡¯t something I was prepared for. I wasn¡¯t aware of how the average wizard spent their childhood; the average muggle-born was on the same pedestal. They were too far removed from the monotony that was my past. If I were asked what we were taught as a child, then I would quickly become the target of scrutiny. Or would it be stranger if I didn¡¯t ask any questions?


    Michael¡¯s eyes met my own before he asked a question: ¡°Foundational skills? You know what they¡¯re talking about, Koji?¡± It was more a question for the others I thought. The fact he knew what anime was and watched it often must mean he had a somewhat familiar grasp of a muggle lifestyle. Now that I thought about it¡­ Did wizards and witches¡¯ have their own version of television and entertainment? Did they have their own anime? I was once again reminded by just how little I actually knew about the magical world.


    Despite the current year, any such implements were absent from the Weasley¡¯s house. I assumed that was because their family was in the red. Plus they had the country farm lifestyle often busy with chores, so I never thought much of it.


    ¡°The usual subjects; Science, Mathematics, History. Japanese or well English in your case, I guess. Those sorts of things, are wizards taught the same?¡± After being prompted it was less natural to show no interest in how magic folk are brought up. In trying to avoid questions I would only invite more of them onto me. However, with this I¡¯ve established a connection. It was now natural and even encouraged to ask questions regarding schooling and upbringing. Something I lacked a clear vision of.


    ¡°We were both brought up mostly magical. We¡¯ve visited muggle settlements and spent time in their company. But we went to magical primary academies.¡± Anthony said whilst pointing between himself and Terry. They grew up together.


    He continued. ¡°We did magical history and fundamental laws of magic. Other than that, arithmancy and basic literacy took most of our time.¡±


    ¡°Did you do magic before coming here?¡± I was confused, I thought it was outlawed for such young children to perform magic, unless on accident or in the case of self-defence. Not only that, but wands also weren¡¯t typically bought until starting at a school like Hogwarts.


    ¡°Of course not! It was basically all theory work. A lot of the time we were just getting more accustomed with magic society, specific locations. Learning laws that apply to the general citizens. Basically, it was preparing us for this.¡± Anthony never bothered asking Michael why he asked about the subjects. I was assuming he understood his intentions of explaining the situation to them in a natural way.


    It was different. Wizards had their own academies for the young. Ron and the Weasley¡¯s in general were all homeschooled until they came to the eligible age to attend Hogwarts. I imagine this was for several reasons, the most major one being economics. In which case I probably had more in common with them than I did with the other students here.


    Well, that was pointless to think about. Even if our circumstances were somewhat similar, the people we became after couldn¡¯t be more different. The most express example of that was Ron. Antisocial and lacking in self-esteem before we left for the Hogwarts express. A feature of growing with 5 older brothers, I mused. That led to him having little confidence as he was overshined by those siblings. That was his honest self. In contrast that was how I chose to exist. How would he react after coming here?


    The almost fated meeting with Harry Potter, an influential figure in the wizarding world¡­ I could see his attitude overcorrecting in real time. Too much of an antidote became a poison to the patient in the end. This was a product of that same idea. Well, it was a bit unfair to predict this sort of thing before it played out. We had seven years ahead of us. The growth, regression, reclamation and metamorphosis that would occur in each and every student was something I was looking forward to.


    Who knows? Maybe, I¡¯ll also be irreversibly changed by the time I leave this place.


    I don¡¯t know whether that would be a good thing¡­


    Would I even want that?


    Coming here wasn¡¯t even my choice in the first place. The circumstances dictated it. By chance I was experiencing the same thing that my last roommate¡­ cellmate would be more appropriate, had shared with me.


    Chance, huh?


    I had always been taught to control chance, to leave no variable in the hands of fate. Yet here I was. Grasped firmly in its hand. The strings that made me work in the hands of innumerable disjointed figures.


    Him. This school. ANHS. This wand. The Weasleys. The boy who lived. Dark forces. And Dumbledore himself.


    There were too many confounding variables. Too many forces at play. Who was the enemy? Who could be turned into an ally?


    As always, a stark, clear answer remained in my mind.


    ¡°With the announcements out of the way, please enjoy the rest of this free day. Schedules will be provided in the common rooms of your houses, ask a nearby prefect if there are any issues regarding them. Any final thoughts Headmaster Dumbledore?¡± The Director regarded the rest of the students. A full free day. I wonder how the other planned to spend it?


    ¡°Ah. A warm welcome to Professor Quirrell. He will be taking charge of magical beast studies.¡± Dumbledore affably gestured to a nervous looking man at the end of the staff table. A large purple turban draped over his head. Upon the attention, he quickly dropped his fork under the table. Jittering and immediately reaching for it his head disappeared under the table. A few seconds after his fiasco his head emerged from the table, the cloth draped over it caught on one of the chairs¡¯ arms.


    Slowly the turban became unfurled, in a depraved sense of comedic voyeurism the students nearby gleamed at him with interest. As the bare skin of his cranium became closer to the surface, I could see some sort of dark mark just under the fabric, though I couldn¡¯t make out just what it was¡­


    ¡°A-A-AHHH! P-P-PLEASURE T-TO M-MEET Y-YOU ALL!¡± Frantically grabbing the headdress and gathering it in a ball to hide his head. He slunk once again into the chair, with a deep crimson blush on his face.


    A few of the students nearby shrugged with disinterest, whilst others apparently felt cheated out of seeing some spectacle. Strangely enough I also felt the same. Just what exactly was under the turban played at my mind. Originally, I thought it was religious, or he was bald underneath, but there was something¡­


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Did he have tattoos? In which case a lot of places of employment did look down on them in the workplace, especially on visible areas like the head. I imagined the fact he would be working with children was also a contributing factor. I¡¯m speculating too much about it¡­


    For some reason it just wasn¡¯t leaving my mind, it ached on it. ¡®Revealing shadows that are cast upon me¡¯. That was precisely why I felt so strange given this sudden accident. I hated making assumptions, especially when information was precisely given to me.


    Just like that headdress didn¡¯t fully expose the secret beneath it, I too didn¡¯t believe that the Director or Dumbledore had shown their full hand with the announcements. It felt too¡­ contrived. Telling a bunch of children not to go somewhere was like placing a sweet in front of them and expecting them not to eat it.


    If I were to reveal anything, it would have to be hidden in the first place. Too convenient. I half expected the man to give me a sly wink and smile as he sat in his throne at the end of the hall. Alas, there was no such gaudy display of knowledge. No, if he knew then he was very satisfied with the fact that I didn¡¯t know that he did. At the very least I wouldn¡¯t be able to move forward if I didn¡¯t at least investigate those areas. The question was how much did he know? It would all rely on how much Ollivander or the Weasley family had relayed to him. I was in the Weasley family care so they no doubt had regular contact with Dumbledore, but they didn¡¯t understand Japanese. I also hadn¡¯t told them what exactly my objective was, in the off chance they intended to. That still left Ollivander, an aged and experienced wizard. It was possible he knew Japanese, though he¡¯d still have to transpose the image in his head and translate it.


    It was pointless to remain on that topic any longer, I could make as many assumptions as I wanted, I¡¯d likely never get a straight answer from Dumbledore. He¡¯d probably tell me exactly what I needed or wanted to hear in the moment. It was more prudent to spend my time getting more familiar with the area.


    If I wanted to discover the third floor or the forbidden forest I needed to know the routes, when I could roam about them and what exactly I needed in terms of defence when I decided to look around them. If mortality was in danger, then why? It meant something important was there. That was even more apparent by using an area within the castle. It could be used for more storage or teaching facilities, why take an entire floor for no apparent reason other than a death trap, when there are children around? The verbal warning also made it very apparent that there wouldn¡¯t be constant surveillance in that area, after all why bother making that threat when you could simply prevent them from physically approaching?


    The more I thought about it, the more obvious bait it became. The only question that remained was: who is the trap for? If I believed Ollivander understood the task, then it was me. But, what if he didn¡¯t? Wouldn¡¯t this trap be designed for someone else? Who?


    My eyes tracked along the distant Gryffindor table. Resting on a particular raven-haired boy with a unique scar. Too soon to say. But he was the most important individual to have joined the school this year. The convenient nature of it made me ponder it all the more.


    Whilst my mind wandered, the assembly was over and the students were free to explore the facilities, before we would begin classes tomorrow, the first Monday. The first week of school. I was excited all things considered; equal parts anxious as well.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± My housemates excitedly began chattering amongst each other, deciding just where in the castle they would take their search parties.


    ¡°Where do you want to check out first?¡±


    ¡°Earth to Kouji? You got any ideas?¡± Michael asked whilst prodding my shoulder gently.


    ¡°Anywhere is fine.¡± Glancing briefly at him, I replied.


    ¡°Boring. You¡¯re in a magical castle, there has to be something you want to see.¡± He flapped his hand from side to side, waiting for me to elaborate.


    ¡°It¡¯s more like I want to see everything, so my mind isn¡¯t made up.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha, gotcha. I guess we¡¯ll wander for now.¡± The four of us stood from the table, wandering around the castle for a few hours looking at random halls and classrooms. Wandering around the courtyard as other students did the same, until eventually deciding we wanted to take a break in the common room.


    The castle was much more lively compared to our morning stroll, even as we approached the Ravenclaw common room up one of the top spires. The four of us approached the rather meagre looking wooden door. Michael grasped the knocker in hand and begun to rasp on the wood.


    Knock, knock.


    ¡°What gets wetter the more it dries?¡± An aged, indeterminably human voice answered.


    Are you kidding me? This is our security measure? I might as well throw my belongings into the hall and tell anyone they can have their pick.


    ¡°A towel.¡± Michael said in a disinterested tone.


    The inside was rather well populated, apparently other students had desired a break as well. I imagine there was also some intrigue regarding the schedules for classes tomorrow.


    I approached the nearby prefect, someone I became more familiar with today. Daniel Whitworth. He had waited or rather ambushed us this morning just before breakfast. Michael didn¡¯t show much of a visible reaction, though I imagined that was because he was on his guard. Once again, I registered that same noise, the grinding of two surfaces. Quiet and small, but existent enough to grab my attention. It stopped as quickly as it started. Michael¡¯s jaw slackened and he regarded the upperclassmen with respect as he approached.


    ¡°Ahh. Mr. Ayanokouji and Mr. Corner. And these are?¡± The older boy regarded our other two roommates with a warm gaze.


    ¡°We¡¯re roommates. Anthony Goldstein, and this is my friend Terry Boot. Pleased to meet you.¡±


    ¡°As am I. Daniel Whitworth.¡± He held a firm handshake with Anthony. ¡°Here are your schedules. Pretty much all the first years have the same one. Lessons only change in your third year with electives.¡± I was probably over thinking it¡­ That meant that I¡¯d at least have partners for class with these guys.


    Looking down at the small handbook, I could finally get a decent grasp of what magic entailed. Variations of the same lessons in altered patterns, some days begun with potions and ended with astronomy, whilst others begun with defence against the dark arts and ended with potions.


    The schedule was blocked into weeks, each day had at least 5 lessons. Depending on the day the lessons had a variable length, the shortest being an hour long. Potions and Herbology were the most common classes which tiptoed over that line. Most of their lessons were in 2-hour blocks.


    Noticing a certain piece of text appended by the first week I couldn¡¯t contain a sigh.


    ¡°Talk about bad luck.¡± Michael looked up from his schedule, a smile tugging at his lips slyly.


    ¡°Why, what¡¯s up?¡± Anthony asked as Michael made an exaggerated show of being depressed. I didn¡¯t look like that.


    ¡°Hisss¡­¡± His hands pressed together as they bent and twisted in a crude squirming motion.


    ¡°Stop overreacting, he can¡¯t do anything in the classroom.¡± Anthony attempted to reassure me. Meanwhile, Michael continued his goading.


    ¡°Potions. First as well¡­¡± Daniel looked over the schedule, appearing to be muttering to himself. I knew differently.


    ¡°Is there a problem with that, Mr. Whitworth?¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s just¡­ Be careful with the teacher, Professor Snape. He can be a piece of work, and he¡¯s Slytherin¡¯s head of house.¡±


    ¡°Surely he can¡¯t show favouritism in lessons.¡± Anthony was quick on the uptake in these situations. Fair to say that the entire competition would be fa?ade f there was obvious favouritism. Though, I suppose you could argue that it would balance out if all of the house heads were biased.


    Still, it was a valid concern.


    ¡°Hmmm. I wouldn¡¯t go that far. Still, I¡¯d just be careful.¡± Scratching the small stubble of his chin, Daniel appeared to be mulling it over.


    ¡°¡­I see. I¡¯ll take it to heart.¡± Anthony gracefully bowed his head briefly at Daniel. The formality was really throwing me off. The month I had spent with the Weasley¡¯s was almost entirely incongruent with this image. It was strange.


    In reality, this level of etiquette was more inline with what I was used to, yet this brief month had adjusted me to a different way of life. How strange. I guess it was just an application of human plasticity.


    Looking at the next week I was relieved to see that I would be seeing Ron and Harry somewhat soon at least. Not like I couldn¡¯t see them during other times, just¡­ I felt a bit uncomfortable moving between tables in the great hall. That feeling would only deepen as the competition became more ingrained in the students.


    Would they refuse to hang out with me because of the competition? I couldn¡¯t tell. I didn¡¯t think so, but what advantage would they get from seeing me?


    They could get information or attempt it at least. Though that would risk leaking information to the enemy. Maybe they wouldn¡¯t care that much about the competition, after all most of it will be sporting events and behaviour. It isn¡¯t like I¡¯d be able to do much if that were the case.


    ¡°¡­The last week is weird¡­¡± A quiet utterance came from behind. Terry was always rather languid and silent. It wasn¡¯t as if he never had anything to say, no I never had that impression. If anything, I felt it was the opposite. He had too much to say, too much to comment. That was precisely why he rarely spoke.


    My eyes looked at the final week, slightly narrowing as they hovered over each day. Then remaining on the bottom of the page. There were no appendices like the other weeks. This was a week with only our house. Why?


    From a learning and staffing perspective this didn¡¯t make much sense. You could teach twice as many students with a single teacher, you would take half as many classrooms. This week focused on the foundational subjects which the Japanese teachers were responsible for as well as independent study.


    This wasn¡¯t optimal learning, it¡¯s strange.


    If the foundational subjects were simply being treated as an afterthought, then that would be fine. But this is neither. They¡¯ve been given a full week to learn at the expense of magical subjects, but they¡¯ll be relegated to a single week of learning in one month.


    Learning required consistent efforts, sleep and challenging practice. On this schedule we wouldn¡¯t see any math for 3 weeks of a month and be expected to return to studying that subject immediately. It seemed almost nonsensical. Was this why we were separated by house, so the teacher could spend more time on each student? That would increase learning efficiency, though something still felt as if it were missing.


    ¡°Oh, right. You need to take these.¡± He held four slips in his hand, presenting each to the four of us.


    What now?


    I gingerly grabbed the paper, with the utmost caution. I wasn¡¯t about to be pranked, was I? It wouldn¡¯t suddenly combust or¡­ I don¡¯t know, make me bald or something would it? My mind raced back to dinner at the Weasley¡¯s. Can I even trust food again at this point? Fred and George¡¯s mouths were removed through a simple meal. I could only hope that such machination never came my way, else I too would find myself with no mouth to scream.


    Kiyotaka Ayanokouji,


    As established by the Hogwarts-ANHS act shall have an assigned study buddy. Hermione Granger will act as the stipulated study buddy. Every week four hours of time spent studying must be completed and verified by a prefect or teacher. These meetings are to be discussed and chosen in mediation with a teacher.


    The contents of study are in decision of the students. However, English skills of a certain standard are expected, should these become an obstacle in further learning then suspension or expulsion may become a possibility.


    Sincerely on behalf of the ANHS institute.


    Even more self-study¡­ I have an annoying feeling.


    ¡°Is this during free time?¡± Michael immediately turned to the older boy. His tone was cordial, but the words had certainly lost that reverent feeling.


    ¡°Haha¡­ No getting past you, huh?¡± Daniel raised his hands in a placating gesture.


    ¡°Is everyone a part of this system?¡± Anthony asked, sceptically.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m sure you noticed the emphasis on English skills.¡± Daniel said whilst regarding us all with a blank smile.


    ¡°I see. I wonder why they decided to pick us?¡± It was all of us in a room, it felt too deliberate to be coincidence.


    ¡°I¡¯d take it as a compliment, it probably means they¡¯re expecting good things from you.¡± One could make that assumption, but it felt off.


    ¡°Who are you guys partnered with?¡± Michael displayed his as he regarded the rest of us.


    Shiina Hiyori. That was the peculiar girl that joined our house.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got Masumi Kamuro. She¡¯s in this house, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, same as mine. What about you, Boot?¡± Michael turned to the shorter boy.


    ¡°¡­Yuki Himeno. Was she in this house as well?¡± He asked quietly, averting eye contact as he did.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Who do you have Kouji? There aren¡¯t any more Ravenclaws in this year.¡±


    ¡°Hermione Granger.¡± I showed them the slip in my hand. ¡°I suppose they never said it would be a member of our own house.¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­ You think it¡¯ll be a problem?¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be. I¡¯ve met her once before, she seemed serious enough. Might even be useful for me.¡± Although this practically confirmed any doubt, I had that the sorting ceremony was a conspiracy. Problems may rear their head from now, but I was correct in my decision of escaping to a different house.


    I just wonder how things would¡¯ve changed if I had chosen a different house. Not that it matters¡­


    Control the sorting hat and you could control the environment. That means whoever was behind the sorting hat was responsible in part for the plot.


    Such an obvious trail led to the height of the school¡¯s staff. Meaning I had questions for the headmaster. Was the director involved? It¡¯d be safe to assume he would have some knowledge, the extent of it is questionable¡­


    One thing was for certain though. I¡¯d have to think what this meant, the reasons why he wanted me in that house. And just what I should be doing in retaliation.


    White had moved first, now it was my turn¡­

 Alchemy or Chemistry?

    Bang! The thick wooden door behind us crashed as it was burst open roughly.


    A shadowy figure emerged through the open door. Taking us students by surprise as he appeared. Our professor for Potions. Professor Snape. He had a crooked nose and jet-black hair that emitted a slight sheen by the slivers of light cast through the tiny slit window. I couldn¡¯t tell whether it was a deliberate fashion choice or just a side effect of not bathing for a long time.


    ¡°There will be no incessant wand waving or ridiculous incantation within this classroom.¡± His nasally voice drawled with utter contempt for the students within the classroom. He reeked of distaste and exhibited a sense of nihilism. He stood sneering down at us from the teacher¡¯s podium at the very front of the class. His gaze which had soared from the ascension had now dived down onto us like a bird of prey.


    ¡°I don¡¯t expect most of you to understand or appreciate the art and subtle science that is potion making.¡± He paused, attracting the audience¡¯s attention. ¡°But to those select few of you that have the aptitude¡­¡± His eyes slowly levelled at a Slytherin student; his slicked back blonde hair made it clear who he was even from behind. ¡°I can teach you to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper in death itself.¡±


    I wondered just how much of that was true. At times some things seemed almost incongruent with the promises of magic. For example, many aged professors wore glasses, you¡¯d think that could be healed in some way. In that same vein a certain student came to mind. The daughter of the ANHS director. She walked with a cane; some sort of congenital disease must¡¯ve been the cause. From what Fred and George had told me broken or even limbs absent of their bones could be healed, repaired even grown back. Apparently, George had broken his leg during quidditch last year, not an uncommon occurrence. What made her problem different? If I were born blind, then could I become able to see with magic?


    With those thoughts in mind, I found my attention waning from the class. Instead focusing on just where the boundaries for what was possible with magic lay. For example, if I were blind and the problem was present in my eyes. Rather than treating the eye, could I not remove them and grow them back in the same way that bones were? Or would they continue to have the same problem as the formula was derived from the person¡¯s immutable genetics?


    ¡°Get out your textbooks. Open to page 56.¡±


    On one hand he operated with a systematic strictness expected of a seasoned professor, on the other he also didn¡¯t adhere to societal etiquette. On a dime his presence flickered from determined and professional to ghastly and spiteful.


    ¡°Today we will be concocting a green thumb¡¯s extract. You. Can you tell me what the use of the green thumb¡¯s extract is?¡± He directed that question to a student a few seats ahead of me. He was a Slytherin student. One I was acquainted with¡­ reluctantly.


    ¡°Increases the rate of growth of plants and herbs doused with it.¡± The boy stroked the snake still draped over his shoulders. Did he have separation anxiety? I haven¡¯t seen him without that snake even once.


    ¡°Correct. Well done, Draco. Five points to Slytherin house.¡± The blonde turned smugly to his persistent retinue. Both boys chortling at the gesture.


    ¡°Now, can anyone tell me the role that Canis root takes in the solution? You.¡± He pointed to a Ravenclaw student this time. Terry Boot, one of my roommates.


    ¡°¡­Uh, ah¡­¡± Terry always seemed withdrawn, apparently, he was quick to fold under the pressure. Professor Snape on the other hand operated on the understanding that pressure made diamonds and had no sympathy for those that cracked. He¡¯d get along with my father.


    ¡°What is it? Speak boy, I don¡¯t have all day.¡± Despite his pale visage it almost seemed that fire would spew from those nostrils if Terry delayed any longer.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°¡­No, sir.¡±


    ¡°That simply isn¡¯t good enough. And you will address me as Professor. Am I understood?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, professor.¡±


    ¡°Ten points from Ravenclaw for lack of basic manners and knowledge. Canis root is used to reinforce the roots of the subject¡¯s. All plants grow from their connection to the earth. Even if we accelerate the growth, it cannot only grow in one direction. The plant still needs to adhere to the laws of magic. Re familiarise yourself with Gamp¡¯s Principal Exceptions.¡± Application questions were much harder than simple memorisation. My fingers brushed over the explanation of green thumb¡¯s extract on the page. I noted that an explanation for Canis root¡¯s purpose in the solution was absent for a few pages. Terry seemed to be full of bad luck, well it seemed that way. Inadvertently I had gained some useful information, there were exceptions to some fundamental system, which meant there was a fundamental system present.


    That there were principal laws which magic couldn¡¯t deviate from. Rules and regulation made a system grounded; by grounding the system I can work out the structure of the whole thing. I needed to learn those fundamental laws as soon as possible.


    ¡°Gather your ingredients and follow the instructions I¡¯m about to write on the board. Any mistakes and I¡¯ll deduct house points. Gather around a cauldron in groups of three.¡±


    Looking to my left I noticed that all of my roommates had already formed a group. Michael shrugged his shoulders as if to say, ¡®take care of it yourself¡¯. How utterly heartless. Fortunately, Anthony was at least pretending to make an effort, approaching me. I simply shook my head. I could manage this much at least.


    I can do this. I just need to find someone that was equally as lonely as me¡­ Okay, I might be searching for a while.


    But there should be someone. I mean, surely just by numbers these people would reveal themselves. Though the idea of being the last to sort would be embarrassing. It¡¯d make you feel like the leftovers, as if you weren¡¯t good enough.


    I did have a somewhat safe bet. The other Japanese students. I hadn¡¯t spoken to any of them yet, but there were four in each house. I could hope to find at least two others¡­ Hmm¡­


    8/3 was a remainder of two¡­ Then there was the possibility they didn¡¯t form all Japanese groups¡­ I¡¯m going to get left alone, aren¡¯t I?


    With my spirit severely weakened and my heart heavy I looked around the room for any students that hadn¡¯t formed a group yet.


    One utterly conspicuous character stood in the centre of the room. He towered a head or two taller than most other students, he was probably as tall or taller than Fred and George. Even in this dimly lit room he wore those same sunglasses as he did at his sorting ceremony.


    I was debating approaching him. Evidently, he was left out of the group of Japanese students. Did I have a better chance talking to him in English or Japanese? I assumed it was either his limitations in the language or the other students being scared of him that made them exclude him. In that fashion I felt a small sense of kinship. Just as I was about to make my way over, a girl approached him. That same fairy-like girl that was a member of my house. Even in this dank and dark room she shone quite brightly. I wasn¡¯t sure if that was a trick of my mind or something else entirely.


    Ah, no good. I need to hurry, or they¡¯ll form a full group and I¡¯ll be left all alone. Before I could even take another step forward the girl did an about turn. Staring at me for a few seconds, then tilting her head to the side slightly. In what I was assuming was visible confusion or a strange gesture to draw me closer.


    Swallowing my nervousness, I approached the two of them.


    ¡°Good morning. Do you mind if I join your group?¡± It felt strange to start with that greeting, but I should greet them somehow, right? Or maybe I should¡¯ve introduced myself and asked for their names?


    ¡°I was going to ask you.¡± Those words came from the girl, rather confusingly.


    ¡°You were?¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± Apparently, she wasn¡¯t one for speaking much. I was still interested in why she was going to ask me, but pushing at this stage would probably be more troublesome.


    ¡°Ah¡­ What are your names, I¡¯m Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.¡± I asked as if I wasn¡¯t already aware.


    ¡°Shiina Hiyori.¡± Her eyes glittered as she stared blankly at me. She had decent English skills but reverted to introducing herself in the typical Japanese manner.


    My head turned to the left, inclining so I could meet the gaze of the taller African boy. Or where I assume his eyes were, I couldn¡¯t see anything past those sunglasses.


    ¡°Albert Yamada.¡± From how he introduced himself, I guess that English would be the way to go about speaking to him.


    Mentally I appalled at my situation. I was the most talkative of our group. As you can imagine that means we were cursed in terms of communication. Three brick walls would¡¯ve had more engaging conversations between themselves. I just had to make sure I wouldn¡¯t be the wall that caved in so to speak. I doubted Snape would be too hard on a group with a Slytherin student present, though that was just a guess. I could easily be wrong about that. Better to just not give him anything to complain about.


    I could easily become a target for frustration in Ravenclaw house if I was already getting points deducted, it was hardly conducive to the efforts of the house competition. My eyes shifted to Terry Boot. He was likely to become an outcast if this continued on¡­ It just depends on other teachers¡¯ strictness and willingness to give deductions. Though I found it hard to believe that many other teachers could retain the same bleak outlook and obvious hatred for the human condition as Snape did.


    My eyes narrowed on the cauldron in front of us, specifically the hands stirring it.


    ¡°Um, Shiina-san?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what is it Ayanokouji-kun?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help but notice that you¡¯re stirring the wrong way¡­¡± Though I doubted the importance of such a step I also pondered that it wouldn¡¯t have been specified if it wasn¡¯t pertinent.


    ¡°Is it my clockwise or your clockwise?¡±


    ¡°¡­That isn¡¯t how that works.¡± She made a cute expression as if flipping a clock face in her own mind.


    ¡°¡­Ah, so you say. Apologies.¡± Her smile never faltered at all, but she made an eloquent bow.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine let it settle, and we¡¯ll stir again.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure just how reactionary these potions were, for all I know it might explode. Spells and experiments often had unexpected effects in failure, or so I had been told.


    ¡°Albert, would you mind handing me the next ingredient on the list?¡± The giant nimbly grabbed the next strange looking vegetation, a mushroom like thing with small spiky structures protruding along the bulbous head.


    After adding the next ingredient, I begun stirring in the correct direction this time. For now, it looked like nothing particularly wrong was happening, let¡¯s hope that would continue.


    ¡°And the next one please, Albert. Shiina-san would you mind taking over stirring, in the meanwhile.¡± I said whilst looking over the textbook once more, I had already memorised the steps on the board. Right now, I was just trying to distinguish if there were any notes on direction of stirring. Believe me I know. A magic school and here I am looking for a dissertation on the effects of stirring clockwise. How magical.


    Before I could find any information on the topic I looked up to the cauldron and fortunately just in time. Albert had grabbed the wrong ingredient to add.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Hold on. It should be this instead.¡± Albert stopped and looked over to me. I was holding a similar looking root vegetable. They had similar shapes and sizes though the colour difference was so obvious it made me wonder how anyone could¡¯ve misidentified them. It was then that I looked back at his sunglasses.


    ¡°Can you manage with them on?¡± It was confusing to me just why he hadn¡¯t taken them off by now, so I could only assume it was something unrelated to the lesson.


    ¡°¡­¡± He didn¡¯t make a sound though he did nod to me and grabbed the correct ingredient this time. I resisted shaking my head, at least Shiina was actually stirring the clockwise now. The time for the last step was fast approaching. Increasing the flame and allowing the mixture to simmer. The flame beneath was brought to a roar with bellows, Albert operated the device with such strength that I feared the cauldron might melt. Thankfully, that wasn¡¯t the case.


    30 seconds or so passed by with the intense heat and a sudden smell suffocated the dark damp room.


    ¡°Which of you fools can¡¯t follow simple instructions?¡± The professor quietly uttered from the front of the room. He descended like a pale shadow, walking about each and every cauldron coming to ours last, as if he already knew.


    ¡°Would the fools give their names?¡±


    ¡°¡­Kiyotaka Ayanokouji.¡± Shiina and Albert added their name to the list of fools.


    ¡°I expected more from my own house. But well, I suppose these things do happen¡­ on rare occasion. Do you know why you have failed so spectacularly?¡± As the other two were less than compelled to speak, I chose to do so.


    ¡°We stirred counterclockwise instead of clockwise for the first three steps.¡±


    ¡°Ah, even fools can have redemption. So, you knew about this error and still continued?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡°I see. 20 points from Ravenclaw. For blatant stupidity and lack of respect for your teacher¡¯s instruction. 5 points from Slytherin for complacency.¡±


    ¡°Professor, is that not too harsh?¡± Anthony raised his hand and asked in a polite tone, his face was barely hiding a grimace.


    ¡°Not at all. 5 points for the girl¡¯s complacency as well, 15 points for the boy¡¯s lack of understanding and respect. I¡¯m beginning to see a trend in this year¡¯s Ravenclaw students. And you¡¯d do well to focus on your own assignment before I add detentions to that list.¡± Understanding that words would do nothing at this stage Anthony forced his eyes back to his own cauldron.


    ¡°Everyone dispense your mixtures into the vials provided and prepare to collect your things for the next class.¡± He changed from his quiet, whispering, dreadful voice and addressed the entire class. ¡°Not you three, I will not have that stinking up my room. Drain that cauldron down that grate and then get out of my classroom.¡± He held constant eye contact with me, whilst he admonished our group. I felt a strange tinge of discomfort as his eyes narrowed in on me. Rather than waste more time I grabbed the still hot cauldron with some gloves and tipped it into the grate with Albert¡¯s help.


    I grabbed my things, notably taking less time than the others still dispensing into vials. Only after leaving the room did, I notice the others had waited outside the door. I guessed they were waiting for friends that were still working.


    I walked past them and down the hallway to our next class. They stepped in line with me and followed by either side of me. Curiously, I stopped abruptly. And they followed.


    Is this some new form of bullying?


    ¡°Were you waiting for me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Shiina answered, Albert responded with his signature nod.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± It wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected, but those words should¡¯ve come from me not her.


    ¡°¡­I trust you¡¯ve learnt the difference between clockwise and anticlockwise now?¡±


    Without speaking she tilted her head and smiled slightly. Turning and looking towards the next classroom.


    ¡­Was that planned? With a weary sigh I also looked towards the next classroom, hoping that the next professor would be more lenient. Realising immediately that that was a low bar to set.


    [Scars of White]


    ¡°Gather around first years. Listen up.¡± A woman nearing her 30¡¯s stood in front of the fireplace in the Ravenclaw common room. Beneath a black robe she wore a well-fitting suit, matching pants and a blazer. It was a rather corporate look, one which the other Japanese teachers also mimicked, a vivid contrast to the almost renaissance dress that the British staff often wore.


    I couldn¡¯t help but stifle in admiration at her cold, tuned efficiency. Perhaps her cold heart served to chill her even when wearing all those restricting layers.


    ¡°Yesterday you were all given one of these.¡± She gripped a small leather-bound journal. It was the same or at least similar in appearance to our student planners. It held our schedules and a calendar to jot down events, homework, assignments etc.


    She continued ¡°However, you have not been made aware of all of its functions. You should all be wondering why a certain few items have been withheld from your baggage when you arrived yesterday.¡± A few students nearby murmured between themselves.


    In reality I had been wondering why a certain gift I had received¡­ Or I suppose you could call it a prize¡­ Either way, a certain implement was missing from my baggage. For a short time, I had wondered whether one of my roommates had taken it, though that was short-lived. In the end I assumed it didn¡¯t agree with the school¡¯s protocols and was shipped back to the Weasley¡¯s farm, however from what she¡¯s saying it seems to be something else entirely.


    ¡°Grab your student planners and repeat after me. Ledger.¡± The book grew a few times in size and floated in front of the teacher. It looked like a typical, well ledger. The size alone made it more than large enough to accommodate several years¡¯ worth of accounts, especially for a single person, this was more the size of an actual businesses¡¯ ledger book.


    Every student had done as instructed and found a similarly large book floating in front of them, each and every one of them open to the very front page. I hadn¡¯t managed to cast any magic yet, courtesy of my wand. So, I was a little worried that nothing would happen should I chant the very non-magical sounding word. Muttering it under my breath I was surprised to see that it did in fact actually work.


    The first page revealed itself and shown some general information of the person. My name, birthdate, a portrait of me, the house I was a part of and even the school year.


    ¡°You¡¯ll notice some personal information on the front page already filled out. Ignore that for now and turn to the next page.¡± The sounds of pages ruffling filled the room as all the students followed the instructions. ¡°You¡¯ll notice the month¡¯s allowance subsection, the equivalent of one galleon has been deposited in every student¡¯s balance. That¡¯s the equivalent of ¡ê1000. Deposits will take place on the first of every month. Keep in mind the currency used on Hogwarts campus and Hogsmeade, whilst equivalent to the real thing. Can only be used on campus. Taking the money home for holiday will do you no good as it won¡¯t be accepted in any store. Transactions on campus can take place without cash by entering agreement with a store and noting it in the ledger. Tokens as they are often referred can be received from a few specialist locations on school grounds and will be deducted accordingly from the ledger. Are there any questions?¡±


    Too many to count.


    Michael raised his hand from the couch he was leisurely sat on. ¡°We start the house cup with 100 points, are these points related to the allowance in any way?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t verbally provided to the students, however in the main hall sat four hourglasses. Each of them held sand and a counter system that provided a numeral scale to the contents. Each house was even yesterday, 100 points at the start of the competition. It was understandable to come to the conclusion that they held some shared significance.


    ¡°And in what way do you mean that?¡± The teacher asked in sardonic tone.


    ¡°If we lose or gain points in the house cup competition, will we get a smaller or larger allowance respective to the point difference?¡± Michael¡¯s face held a sort of smug satisfaction for the entirety of the exchange, masquerading as a cordial smile.


    ¡°What gave you that idea?¡± Her face rose in slightly in intrigue, she was enjoying Michael¡¯s assertions. I had my own misgivings, especially her wording regarding the allowance. The whole thing stunk. The amount of money given to each student every month was ridiculous if it were true. Even with the assertion that this was a fake currency, the functions and goods provided were still very real.


    ¡°A galleon is equivalent to ¡ê1000, just ten times the starting points of each house. All houses would be at the same starting allowance which would make them all fair for the upcoming competition.¡± Michael finished his findings, with a small smile.


    ¡°I see. You have an active imagination, certainly not a bad thing. But you have my word that the house cup is not related to the allowance. Not at all.¡± Michael squinted his eyes in response. Even that rejection was worded very peculiarly, as if she were reading them off of a script.


    ¡°Any more questions?¡± She allowed an utterly expressive thousand-mile stare dead centre into the crowd as she asked.


    A girl with black twin tails spoke whilst sat in front of the sofa. Her eyes were dark with a few bags underneath. She had distinctively Japanese facial features. I believe her name was Himeno Yuki. Terry¡¯s study buddy. You would probably be able to hear a pin drop at any time in their meetings, not that mine would be any better.  ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of withdrawing tokens if stores take transaction through the ledger?¡±


    ¡°Good question. Admittedly there are few uses, however one of the most important requires it. Communal property for the common room and for use of the entire house will be bought using tokens, a catalogue for said items is in both my own and Professor Flitwick¡¯s office. The entire payment must be brought to either myself or Professor Flitwick, your Head of House. Additionally, you could borrow or buy textbooks and other resale goods from other students. However, if agreements aren¡¯t respected and fraud or bullying in the pursuit of profits are detected then the school will respond to such behaviour with impunity. Anyone else?¡± If anything, petty cash transactions just made it easier for bullying and fraud to slip through the cracks.


    The community property has me wary, just why was it so important and why require the additional barrier for entry by needing physical payment? Looking around, the common room was somewhat bare, it had the essentials though. Plenty places to sit, a warm fire, some decorations from the history of the house etc. Just what would be so important in the catalogue? My mind could only summon a single word: competition. Behaviour and sports were the bread and butter of the house cup, supposedly. If this was such a point of contention, then it could only mean a serious advantage could be gained from using it. Now how could that benefit the sports? Bribery or handicapping the opponent? It didn¡¯t seem in the spirit of fairness which everything else seems to be pursuing so far. Equipment? That seemed more of a possibility, though that raised its own issues.


    ¡°What kind of items are in the catalogue?¡± A student asked from the crowd behind the couch.


    ¡°Do I look like a book? There are too many items to repeat, anyone interested can visit Professor Flitwick¡¯s or my own office tomorrow.¡± The student shrunk back in the crowd from that lacklustre answer. Meanwhile I thanked my judgement for sparing me from asking the same question.


    Shiina, the fairy-like girl I had become somewhat acquainted with in potions class raised her hand serenely. ¡°Is it possible we could retrieve the things taken from our luggage? Those items were very dear to me.¡± She looked at the teacher with a faint shimmer in her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s possible. You¡¯ll have to talk to the deputy headmistress and the caretaker about that. Please do keep in mind all belongings will still be safe, however it is possible some of them will either be held in safe keeping or sent back to your guardians.¡± A possibility? The reveal of a monetary system just before this statement is definitely not unrelated. We had to pay for our own things? Even if this was fake money it was still a bit ridiculous, still this was their institution, it was within their right to adhere to a certain regulation.


    The better question was; why? Why weren¡¯t certain items allowed, and why could they be bought back? What determined the price of these items, was it market price or was it the usefulness in this institution? In either case I was worried just how much I would have to cough up for the retrieval of the lovably named Control Critter Mk.1. It was unclear just how much it would cost, it¡¯s potential was unresolved. It could very well be the most important, useful tool I had in my arsenal right now. Rather than being in use it was in the hands of the equivalent of magical TSA. I swear, bring a single electronic in my magic trunk and the wizarding world labels you as a terrorist almost instantly. I¡¯m innocent!


    My mind immediately wandered to what others would have lost in the baggage checks. Personal effects and the like were the most probable. Did Anthony, Michael and Terry all have something that was taken from their baggage? If this occurred to every student or even a majority there would have been outrage on the first day, yet there was nary a sound about it. That meant that not every student held something that was worth confiscating. The only reasons to do so were to keep the students impartial and to maintain fairness in the competition. Meaning the exposure to better facilities, advanced books, magical tools etc. would be the first under suspicion.


    It''s just¡­ Didn¡¯t this seem a bit far-fetched for a simple competition between houses? An entire closed economy was introduced to the campus, strictly checked baggage, controlled opposition through the sorting hat. Something wasn¡¯t quite adding up, it made me feel uneasy.


    ¡°Finally, some of you may worry that there¡¯s nothing stopping another person from writing in your ledger against your express will.¡± Chabashira-sensei grabbed a loose quill and dipped it within an inkpot scribbling across a page and turning it towards the audience¡­ The ink, it didn¡¯t take to the paper. It trickled uselessly across the page and down towards the floor, like water poured over porcelain, it ran to the floor, splodging and eventually setting.


    ¡°As you can see a normal quill will not make a mark upon the book. Instead run a finger across the spine of the ledger.¡± As she did a crimson quill rose from the spine and floated gracefully into her hand. ¡°This is a modified blood quill. The use of such a thing is unethical and usually outlawed. Instead, this takes a signature of the body, a mixture of fingerprint and genetic information to be specific to the individual. In short this can only be used by the owner. Of course, it also doesn¡¯t hurt the user.¡±


    Anthony raised his hand from behind Michael, leaning over the ridge of the sofa. ¡°What if a blood quill is used from one journal on a different journal?¡±


    ¡°Unless the individuals have entered an agreement which stipulates its use in another journal then it will be rejected and recorded. In the event that an unlawful entry occurs then the perpetrator will be punished accordingly.¡± A sort of alarm system? But this doesn¡¯t match with the choice to allow petty cash¡­ Just what are they planning?


    ¡°This agreement; does it have to be written, or can it be done verbally?¡± Michael asked, gaining his confidence back from the recent misstep.


    ¡°Short of a blood oath or bonding, then it can¡¯t be done verbally. The school needs some sort of record of the affair, as well as the ledgers. The ledgers work from a similar system of interconnected notes, essentially like one large directory. It¡¯s a primitive internet, in some ways.¡± I suppose advancement comes in all shapes and sizes.


    ¡°How does that work¡­?¡± Anthony asked, tilting his head quizzically.


    ¡°They are all paper formed from the same tree.¡± She said with a measure of finality.


    That explained both everything and nothing in one statement. I held the expectation that that would be a trend with this particular professor.


    Staring at the journal turned ledger in front of me. The contents of the first chapter entranced me for just a moment. I stared and it seemed as if the numbers reciprocated. I wondered just how fast this allowance would be drained. So many pages, there had to be a reason. Merely visiting the catalogue would force an implication I wouldn¡¯t appreciate all too much. Though refusing would paint an even worse picture. As far as I could see there were only a few ways out of that, though that would have to wait until after I retrieved my missing luggage.