Sparks In Fireworks | Fred Weasley

|Journey to Belonging|

The train rattled along the tracks, and with every passing moment, my excitement grew. Fred and George chatted animatedly, sharing tales of their past mischiefs at Hogwarts, while I listened, mesmerised by their energy.

As the landscape outside transformed into rolling hills and shimmering lakes, I felt a rush of anticipation. Hogwarts was drawing nearer, and with it, the beginning of my new life.

"Are you ready for the Sorting Ceremony?" Fred asked, turning to me with a serious yet playful expression. "It's the moment you find out which house you'll belong to."

"I'm a bit nervous," I admitted, biting my lip. "What if I don't fit in?"

Fred leaned closer, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You will fit in. Just be yourself. And remember, the Sorting Hat has a way of knowing where you belong. It's magical, just like you."

His words filled me with a sense of calm. "Thanks, Fred. I really appreciate it," I said, meeting his eyes. There was something comforting about his presence that made the world feel a little less daunting.

As the train approached Hogwarts, the castle came into view, perched majestically on the cliffs. It was even more magnificent than I had imagined, its towers reaching towards the sky, illuminated by the fading sunlight. My breath caught in my throat.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" George said, grinning at my reaction. "And just wait until you see the Great Hall. It's like something out of a fairy tale."

Once the train came to a halt, we all filed out, the excitement palpable in the air. The first-years were ushered towards the boats that would take us across the lake. Fred fell into step beside me, his presence both reassuring and thrilling.

"Look at the castle reflections on the water," I murmured, captivated by the view. "It's like a dream."

Fred smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Just wait until you see the inside. The ceiling of the Great Hall is enchanted to reflect the sky. It's breathtaking."

As we climbed into a boat, I felt a mixture of fear and excitement. The journey across the lake was magical, the castle looming ever closer. Fred sat beside me, his shoulder brushing against mine, sending a thrill through me.

When we reached the shore, we disembarked and were led into the Great Hall. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as we gathered in front of the staff table, where the Sorting Hat awaited. I could feel my heart racing.

Fred leaned in, whispering, "No matter what happens, just remember you've got friends here. You'll do great."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. The first years were called one by one, and I watched as my new classmates were sorted into houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin all welcomed their new members with cheers.

Finally, it was my turn. As I walked up to the stool, the Sorting Hat was placed on my head. I felt a rush of thoughts and emotions flood through me.

"Ah, a brave one," the hat mused. "But what do you truly desire? Courage, wisdom, or perhaps a hint of ambition?"

I concentrated, envisioning the kind of person I wanted to be. "I want to belong and make a difference," I thought, feeling a sense of determination.

"Very well," the hat said, its voice echoing in my mind. "Gryffindor it is!"

Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table, and as I took my seat, I spotted Fred waving enthusiastically. My heart soared. I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Fred leaned over, grinning from ear to ear. "I told you! Welcome to Gryffindor!"

In that moment, surrounded by new friends and the promise of adventure, I felt a warmth spread through me. Hogwarts was truly magical, and I was ready to embrace everything it had to offer.