The six of us

New Beginnings

I bid farewell to my parents and boarded the bus. It was just like it is in the stories. Stan Shunpike with his queer accent, a small head hanging by the windscreen, and the driver Ernie.

"Take it away Ernie! It's going to be a bumpy ride!" yelled the small head and the bus bolted forward. With a blink of an eye, I was at the King's Cross. It took a while to find the right pillar that hid the magical platform behind. It was not long before I realized that I was running very late. The train was about to leave in three minutes! My brain was preparing for the worst, what if when I reach the platform and the train has already started moving? Would I have to run after the train expecting a handsome wizard to extend his hand out to help me on the train like the Bollywood movies (play DDLG instrumental here),

Shaking my silly thoughts away, I take the pillar third from the last and made it through the walls! I was on platform nine and three-quarters ladies and gentlemen! Thank heavens the train was still there; the guards were closing the doors. I rush towards the nearest compartment and board the train. Finding my seat, I sit and take out my phone to text my parents that have safely boarded the train. A very Pakistani thing to do.

What is this I find? Hogwarts Express has free Wi-Fi? Great!

I look around and find other students already dressed in uniforms, chatting, and catching up with each other. The train was exactly how it is described in the books and shown in the movies. My time was spent observing the surroundings and the view outside and in no time we were at Hogsmeade Train Station. Excited to see Hagrid waiting outside to receive us and escort us to the Castle, I collect my things and disembark the train.

Much to my dismay, there was no big man with a beard in sight instead, there was a young man clad in a three-piece suit with a long cloak. He ushered all the first years towards the boats that would lead us to the castle. He introduced himself as Adam Peterson. He looked like he could still be a student at Hogwarts.

I was in the boat with five other students whose expressions matched mine. The sight in front of us took our breath away! It was the magnificence of the castle that was twice more than how it is described in the story.

We reach the shore and were led inside the castle. I could see Hagrid's hut in the distance, the Whomping Willow, the outline of the Forbidden Forest. Everything was very real and tangible right in front of my eyes. Giddy with excitement, I follow the crowd and stick with the group I was in the boat with.

"It's just like in the movies isn't it?" said one of the girls

"Totally, I can't believe I am seeing it with my own eyes!" I reply

We chatted till the time we reached inside. It was not long before the five of us were in a deep conversation about how unbelievable it is for us to actually experience what we'd only imagined in our minds. We were concerned which house we'd get sorted into. I don't understand why do people assume they're Gryffindor by default? Every house is special with special qualities. I do have a preference but it's not Gryffindor just because Harry Potter was in it.

We heard someone clear their throat to get our attention, the crowd fell silent and looked towards the source of the noise and found a woman standing at the top of the staircase with a scarf wrapped around her head in a way that it almost covered her face but we could tell that she was smiling at us.

'Hello Children, my name is Elizabeth Gibson, I am deputy Headmistress of the School. Once I lead you into the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. Please maintain discipline and be patient.

Follow me"

Everyone starts walking after she and she lead us into the Great Hall. That was the moment I had to pinch myself to know if I were dreaming. The floating candles, long tables, the enchanted ceiling. Everything was very real. I looked up at the table where the Headmaster and the teachers sit. Expecting to see an old man with a long beard, soft eyes, and half-moon glasses, I see a middle-aged man in a blue suit with a cloak. And what is this I see? He was on his phone! Every now and then he would take a fleeting glance at the crowd and then at his phone. Hogwarts has upgraded on technology and fashion I must say.

The sorting starts and sooner than later my name is called. With shaky legs and sweaty palms, I make my way to the stage and sit on the hard stool. Professor Elizabeth places the sorting hat on my head and I start to think hard. Please let it be Ravenclaw. The hat is silent; I grow even more nervous

"Gah! I was going to put you there anyway. RAVENCLAW!" It booms

I let out a sigh of relief and move towards the Ravenclaw table. I see Adam, the guy who received us at the platform also sitting on the same table. Now I was on edge for the small group I met on the boat. We had something in common I could tell. I wondered in which house would they get sorted?

Anne gets sorted into Slytherin

Walter and Florence get sorted into Ravenclaw

Rebecca made it to Hufflepuff

We grinned and gave each other air high-fives. I could already sense that the five of us are going to have a lot of fun albeit the fact that we're in different houses.

The headmaster gets up and the hall goes silent.

"Welcome to Hogwarts! I am your headmaster Professor Timothy Ben Harrison, I have a few Start of the term notices that I wish to announce. First years please note, the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students. The fine young men and women you see in suits and cloaks are the interns. We expect you to listen to their instructions and maintain the decorum. They will be ready to help you in any matter.

Let the feast begin!"

The food magically appears on the table and we all dig in. I have never had these dishes that tasted so different and exquisite!