Mystic Beginnings: A Hogwarts Story (wlw)

A New Year

Aurora Stonee was quite the introverted young witch, indeed. Consistency was her forte - she diligently pursued her studies and completed her work with ease. After all, she had been homeschooled in the ways of wizardry for four long years. Aurora was not one to venture out much, and as a result, she often went unnoticed by her peers. However, as she embarked on a new school year at Hogwarts, the cloud of obscurity that had shrouded her would soon dissipate. For it was to be her first year attending the renowned school publicly - a turning point in her young life.

As she pondered the adventures that lay ahead, a sense of apprehension crept over her. Would her fellow students view her as peculiar, friendless, or an outsider? These considerations swirled in her head as she readied herself. The missive delivered by owl had informed her that she would be starting her fifth year at the school, with no familiar faces in sight. She was, in essence, the new kid on the block. To deny her trepidation about the impending occasion would be disingenuous. No matter. I'll just lie low.

Aurora surveyed her straight, black hair in the mirror, debating whether to wear it up or down. As she twisted a lock of hair between her fingers, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that perhaps she shouldn't go at all. Still, she took a deep breath and fashioned her hair into a low bun, leaving a few strands loose in front. She scrutinized her reflection, hoping her hairdo looked presentable. Despite her efforts, she couldn't shake off her apprehension about attending the event.

Swiftly, she glided into her bedroom and, with a deft flick of her wand, her garments underwent a wondrous transformation, assuming the form of a somber brown leather robe devoid of any house emblem that she would soon be decided at the sorting ceremony. Gazing at her reflection in the bedroom mirror, she marveled at the unfamiliar sight of herself draped in such attire. A peculiar thrill coursed through her, yet a faint trace of fear clung to her being.

Taking a deep breath, she reassured herself in a hushed tone, "Fear not, Aurora. You shall be just fine." While endeavoring to calm her nerves, something brushed against her robe. Lowering her gaze, she beheld her faithful companion, Caesar. He bore the appearance of an ordinary black feline, but his voice betrayed an uncharacteristic cadence.

"Are you excited?" he inquired, his voice laced with a low and mischievous tone that hinted at teasing.

"I am composed, Caesar," she replied, lifting him and extending him before her. "Yet I am a bit worried."

The cat scoffed, his retort dripping with derision. "No cause for concern, my dear. The school year shall prove...memorable."

Aurora rolled her eyes, offering a dismissive gesture. "I am not referring to the school, but to you."

Caesar recoiled slightly, his pride wounded. "Me!?"

Aurora's solemn expression gave way to a slight giggle. "Indeed, you. Familiars are not meant to engage in conversation. You must maintain silence and comport yourself as...well...a feline."

He let out a sigh, conceding defeat. "Very well then. Release me," he relented. Aurora beamed at her friend, lowering him to the ground. He scurried out of the room, announcing, "I'll wait for you by the entrance."

A final glance in the mirror confirmed Aurora's satisfaction with her appearance. She gathered her suitcase, wand, and satchel before making her way to the living room. Her mother and Caesar sat on the couch, admiration in her mother's eyes, reminiscent of Aurora's first year at Hogwarts.

"You look splendid, dear," her mother remarked, rising from her seat to plant a kiss on Aurora's forehead. "Now hurry, you mustn't be late." Opening the door, Aurora revealed her mentor, Professor Fig, awaiting her on the other side. He stood tall and slim, with a mane of gray hair and an ever-growing beard. Caesar hopped into her satchel as Aurora prepared to depart.