INCEPTION.

Chapter Five - The New Student.

September 1st, 1993

I found out that the big, hairy man's name was Hagrid.

He saw me with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and was apparently quite fond of them— telling me how there were no better friends I could've made and I completely agreed.

We traveled across a black lake in little boats, all of us staring up at the great castle that was Hogwarts in mesmerized silence.

It was a very tranquil moment, and I almost forgot about how embarrassed I was for being amongst the ten-year-old First Years.

Once we arrived at the castle,  we were greeted by a very stern-looking older woman with emerald green robes. Her eyes immediately landed on me, being the tallest amongst the group.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said the woman, leading us inside to the entrance hall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important Ceremony because, while you are here, your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House Common Room."

The group was barely listening— too in awe by the interior of the castle.

The stone walls rose so high that the ceiling wasn't visible. There were flaming torches illuminating the corridors and marble staircases that led to the second floor.

"The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rulebreaking will lose House points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in just a few minutes in front of the rest of the school."

My eyes widened as I straightened my posture.

I was feeling so anxious I felt like I was going to yack.

I didn't want to become the laughingstock of the whole school for walking in with the First Years, and I especially didn't want to even fathom being sorted into a House that would rip me away from the friendships I already built.

"Now, form a line," the stern woman instructed us. "Quickly, quickly."

Before I could reposition myself, she approached me.

"You must be our American transfer. Welcome to Hogwarts. I'm Professor McGonagall, please stand at the front of the line. Come with me."

I didn't have the chance to introduce myself properly before she pulled me to the front. I was standing in front of a very familiar redheaded boy, who I recognized to be the kid I harassed for Harry's amusement back in Diagon Alley when we were searching for Ron.

"Hi, Ron" I smiled down at him— making him jump and glance at me nervously.

The pair of double doors in front of us opened and we soon entered the most incredible place I've ever seen.

The Great Hall was filled with billions of candles which were floating above four long tables where students were already seated.