The Domino Effect (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 22: The Sorting

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" a large, big hairy face called out beaming to the first years when they unloaded from the train.

"Hi, there Hagrid!" Godric smiled at the big man.

"All right there, Godric?" He beamed at Godric.

"By the way Hagrid. These are my brother and sister, Harry and Iris. Harry, Iris, this is Hagrid. He's the gamekeeper at Hogwarts." Godric introduced them.

"Hi." Iris greeted them while Harry nodded at him.

Hagrid grinned. "Yes, I 'eard about them. Welcome back, Arry, Aris." The man then turned to the rest of the first years. "C'mon now, follow me! Any more firs' years? Mind yer step now!"

"Where are we going?" one of the first years asked as they walked down a narrow path, slipping and stumbling. They noticed that the higher years weren't with them. It was dark on either side with very thick trees that if it wasn't for Hagrid's lantern, would have been scary for eleven-year-olds.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight of Hogwarts in a sec, jus' round this bend here!" he called over his shoulders.

There were simultaneous "Ooooohhhhh!" and "Ahhhhhhh's" from the group.

The narrow path that they were walking opened up revealing a black lake overlooking a high mountain range where they could see a vast castle with many turrets and towers shining under the starry sky overlooking the cliff. Even Harry was amazed at the sight. He turned and see Iris looking at it with awe. Harry noticed that Iris' eyes have both turned green – which means she is using her "special sight" to see a different kind of Hogwarts.

"You'll let me see it?" Harry whispered.

"Yeah," Iris said as she hands out her hand in which Harry took. Harry closed his eyes and felt Iris's energy coming into him and he opened his eyes and was taken aback at what he saw. He saw magic circles all around the castle, the lake, and even the surroundings they are currently in. Most of them glow in golden rays. It was beautiful.

This was Iris's special gift and thanks to sight sharing – a type of magic they have learned the moment they got their wands (in which their uncle has crash coursed them with a lot of spells that they can manage safely), Harry can now see what Iris is seeing. Although sometimes he could just simply ask Iris to reveal those circles if she can it is still better through her eyes. Ironically, Harry could not easily do sight-sharing with his sister. Harry does not know why but when he attempted to do it, he always gets a blockade. Uncle Iggy told him not to worry as this is a rare talent or skill and also it is easier for his sister due to her more natural skill in Charms.

"Hey, you two. What are you doing!?" Godric called out. "Let's go!"

The rest of the first years were boarding on the boats. Harry and Iris joined Godric and Ron in the same boat. With Hagrid's shout, the boats started moving. The first years could all see the turrets and the lights much clearer as they reflected on the water. Harry isn't sure but he felt happy like there is deep-seated warmth that tells him he is home. Harry wasn't sure why but to him, the home was where Petunia, Dudley, Iris, Uncle Oggy, and Uncle Iggy are. Was there really something in Hogwarts he should know?

"Heads down!" Hagrid yelled as they bent their heads to avoid getting hit by the ceiling. Harry lifted his hands to push away the ivy curtain the boats are drying through. When they arrived at the underground harbor, Harry helped Iris out of the boat. She was wearing a skirt which was impractical in her opinion but since it was the first day, she thought of wearing it. But the boat and the ground are too slippery. Harry noticed the boys following his example with Blaise helping out the other girls in his boat. Harry went up to help him.