Mystic Beginnings: A Hogwarts Story (wlw)

Chapter Three

(This chapter is a bit longer, but we're finally getting into some good bits.)

As she made her way towards the entrance of Hogwarts, she caught a fleeting glimpse of an ephemeral trace of darkness hovering near one of her fellow classmates on the field.

Her brows furrowed in confusion, but the momentary sighting dissipated before she could fully register what she had witnessed. Questions swirled in her mind, but without further evidence, she had no means to ascertain the nature of the disturbance.

Resolving to seek answers later, Aurora took a deep breath, pushing aside her concerns for the time being. The anticipation of stepping into the magical halls of Hogwarts consumed her thoughts, leaving little room for anything else.

As Aurora entered the school, her eyes widened in awe. The sight before her left her speechless. Books floated near the ceiling, while the ethereal figures of departed ghosts glided through the walls, engaged in spirited swordplay. The portraits lining the walls appeared alive, their voices mingling with their movements.

"Whoa..." exclaimed Caesar, popping out from Aurora's satchel, captivated by the enchanting spectacle. Aurora cast a cautionary glance, silently urging him to retreat into the satchel. He nodded, mindful of the prohibition on speaking.

"Isn't this place amazing?" Poppy nudged Aurora, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Aurora nodded, acknowledging that it exceeded her imagination.

Lost in the mesmerizing atmosphere, Aurora failed to notice that they had strayed from their group. Hastily, she caught up to them, finding them clustered in front of two imposing double doors.

The professor stood poised before the doors, clearing their throat. "Before you lies the Great Hall, where the sorting ceremony shall occur." Excitement flickered across the students' faces, including Poppy and Aurora.

"Remember to maintain silence until the student is sorted. Then, feel free to applaud or cheer," the professor reminded them, before turning around and swinging open the grand doors, unveiling the splendor of the Great Hall. It was an immense chamber with lofty ceilings, large windows, and extended tables. The sight was unlike anything Aurora had ever beheld.

Each student appeared to know their desired place. Poppy grabbed Aurora's wrist and said, "You can sit with me until you're sorted." Aurora smiled, following her friend to a seat at one of the tables. As they waited for everyone to settle, a person approached and took a seat across from them.

"Poppy!" The newcomer was a boy with dark brown hair, his eyes mirroring the same shade. Poppy greeted him with a beaming smile. Aurora assumed he must be one of her friends.

"Hey there, Oliver," Poppy said. "How are You?"
"Good, good." The boy glanced at Aurora, raising an eyebrow. "And who might this be?"

Aurora extended her hand, introducing herself. "I'm Aurora."

Oliver responded with a disdainful expression. "I don't shake hands, never know where they've been."

Caught off guard, Aurora awkwardly withdrew her hand. The boy burst into laughter, further  confusing her. "Just messing with you," he chuckled, extending his hand. "Oliver Ravenwood, fifth-year. Pleasure to meet you." Aurora gladly shook his hand, saying, "You too."

Aurora surveyed her surroundings, observing that everyone had taken their seats. "So, when does this begin-" Her sentence was cut off by a loud voice resonating from the grand stage at the end of the Great Hall. Standing there was a man clad in black and dark green, his slicked-back black hair giving him an air of importance. He seems significant, Aurora thought to herself, taking note of the other adults who appeared to be teachers, including their guide who specialized in Charms.