When the Skies Fall - A Hogwarts Legacy Novel

ִ ࣪𖤐 Chapter Three - A Wizarding Welcome

Wooden oak doors towered over Elowyn, pointing to the heavens and marking the divide between the outside world and her new life at Hogwarts castle. Etched on the doors were four emblems, each containing a different animal, a snake, a badger, an eagle, and a lion. Centuries of education stood behind the doors, waiting for her, and that terrified the girl. Elowyn had no formal education, never set foot in such a grand space, and certainly never expected to meet so many eyes at once.

Professor Fig listened through the door. "Oh good–we haven't missed the sorting ceremony".

He looked Elowyn up and down at her raggedy white collared shirt, torn grey shirt and stockings. With a quick wave, he pulled out his wand and changed her clothing into a long black robe and plain dark underclothes. "I'm no expert, but that seems more appropriate."

Elowyn preferred not to stand out after the events she just went through. Though Fig fixed her clothing and had given her another Wiggenweld potion on the walk up to the castle, she could still feel caked blood underneath the garments from her cuts and bruises. An evening wash up to rid her of her traumatic day was much needed.

"Now, I need to study this locket as soon as I can, but first I must contact the Ministry. They need to know what happened to George and be warned of Ranrok. For the moment, I ask that you keep all that's happened this evening between you and me," Fig asked.

"Of course, sir," Elowyn promised. The old man was now the closest person she had to call a friend, and she trusted him as she would a grandfather. They had saved each other in a few perilous moments, and to her that promise of loyalty meant everything.

"Thank you," Fig clasped his hands, eyes twinkling. "Ready for the Sorting Ceremony?"

Fig peeked through the wooden doors, Elowyn only able to get glimpses of a few long tables and hear the chatter of voices. He looked back at her and sighed, "Phineas Nigellus Black. Prepare yourself to meet the Headmaster."

A man in all black formal attire met them. His caterpillar moustache was perfectly groomed, as was his dark beard and slicked back hair. He reminded Elowyn of how Alice described the Red Queen–with an air of power and pomp to him. He looked disappointed.

"Fig–" He barked, "Nice of you to join us. The Sorting Ceremony's over."

Fig looked apologetically to Elowyn, "There were–complications."

The Headmaster scoffed. "Complications?"

"It seems the goblins–"

With a groan, the Headmaster interrupted, "Enough. Goblins. I've no time for rumours, Fig. And I'm rapidly losing whatever patience I had left." He turned to Elowyn, "If you're lucky, we might still be able to get you sorted this evening."

With a quick turn, he marched through the doors. Elowyn followed him shortly behind, as Fig got out a "I'll be in touch."

Entering the large hall, Elowyn was greeted by the four tables she glimpsed earlier, now in full view with a feast fit to feed three times her farm town. Students by the dozens in robes like her own chatted away, passing food and laughing with one another. The hall was laced with the hum of magic, and above her floated an assembly of candles, lighting up a night sky...a sky indoors.

Elowyn attempted to ignore the gazes now landing on her as Black announced, "Professor Weasley! We've one more to be sorted."

Professor Weasley, who Elowyn remembered signed off the letter she received from Hogwarts, sat her in a wooden chair in the front of the hall. She brought a raggedy old hat to her head, which to her surprise began talking to her.