Fated Adventure.

As the boats glided smoothly across the Great Lake, the reflection of Hogwarts shimmered under the night sky. The castle loomed closer with each passing moment, its glowing windows casting a warm and welcoming light. Even from here, it was an awe-inspiring sight. Rachel gazed up at it with a rare expression of wonder, and even Yue's usual calm demeanor held a hint of anticipation.

Hagrid guided us to the dock, where we all stepped out onto the rocky shore. "Firs' years, follow me!" he called, leading us up a winding path toward the massive front doors of the castle. The walk was filled with quiet murmurs of excitement, and even Harry looked caught between nervousness and fascination.

Waiting for us at the entrance was Professor McGonagall, her sharp gaze sweeping across the group of nervous first-years. She was exactly as I expected—poised, serious, and commanding respect without effort.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her tone firm but not unkind. "In a few moments, you will be sorted into your houses. Your house will be your family while you are here. You will live, eat, and study together. Any achievements you make will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will cost them."

She went on to explain the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. As she spoke, I caught Harry shifting nervously beside me, clearly worried about where he would end up.

After finishing her speech, McGonagall turned sharply. "Follow me."

We were led through the massive double doors into the Great Hall, and the sight was breathtaking. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the night sky, complete with twinkling stars. Hundreds of floating candles illuminated the hall, casting a warm glow over the four long tables where older students sat watching us curiously.

At the front of the hall stood a wooden stool with a patched and weathered hat resting atop it. The Sorting Hat.

McGonagall stepped forward with a long scroll. "When I call your name, come forward, sit on the stool, and place the hat on your head."

The sorting began, with students stepping forward one by one. Hermione was called early, and after a brief moment under the hat, she was sorted into Gryffindor.

Then, McGonagall called, "Ryan Grim!"

Stepping forward, I sat down and placed the Sorting Hat on my head.

There was silence.

Nothing.

After a few seconds, the hat finally spoke. "Strange… I can't read anything from you. This is most unusual. I suppose I'll just have to ask—where would you like to go?"

"Ravenclaw," I answered simply.

"If that is your choice, then… RAVENCLAW!"

Applause rang out from the Ravenclaw table as I made my way over and took a seat.

"Yue Grim!"

Yue confidently walked up to the stool, placed the hat on her head, and waited.

Again, silence.

"Another one… I cannot see into your mind either. Where do you wish to go?"

"Ravenclaw."

"As you wish. RAVENCLAW!"

Yue removed the hat and gracefully made her way to the Ravenclaw table, sitting beside me.

The sorting continued with Neville, who hesitated before placing the hat on his head. It took a moment longer than usual, but eventually, the hat called "GRYFFINDOR!" to the loud cheers of his housemates.

Then came the moment nearly everyone was waiting for.

"Harry Potter!"

Whispers spread throughout the Great Hall as Harry stepped forward, visibly nervous. He placed the hat on his head, and silence fell over the room.

"Ah, tricky… You have potential for greatness, but where to put you?" the hat mused.

"Not Slytherin," Harry muttered under his breath.

"Are you sure? You could do well there…"

"Not Slytherin," he repeated firmly.

"Very well… better be… GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers as Harry hurried over, looking relieved.

Finally, McGonagall called, "Rachel Roth!"

Rachel hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward and placing the hat on her head.

Silence.

"Yet another… How very peculiar. I cannot see anything from you either. Where do you wish to go?"

"Ravenclaw," Rachel answered without hesitation.

"Straight to the point. Very well—RAVENCLAW!"

Rachel quickly joined us at the Ravenclaw table. Yue smirked slightly, clearly satisfied with how things had played out.

With the sorting complete, Dumbledore stood, his kind blue eyes twinkling as he spread his arms wide.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Let the feast begin!"

With a wave of his hands, the empty plates on the tables filled with an assortment of delicious food. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pasties, and an array of colorful desserts appeared in front of us.

I grabbed a serving of roasted chicken and glanced at Yue and Rachel. They both seemed pleased, and I couldn't help but smile.

Once the feast was over, the Ravenclaw prefect, a tall seventh-year girl, gathered the new first-years. "Follow me, and I'll take you to the Ravenclaw Tower."

The trek up the grand staircase was long, and by the time we reached the entrance to Ravenclaw Tower, many of the other first-years were already winded. The entrance was marked by a large, arched wooden door with a bronze eagle-shaped knocker.

The prefect turned to face us. "Unlike other houses, Ravenclaw does not use a password to enter. Instead, you must answer a riddle." She then tapped the knocker, and a soft, melodic voice echoed, "I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?"

A few of the first-years looked panicked, but I immediately recognized the answer.

"A map," I answered.

The door swung open, and we entered the common room. It was breathtaking. A grand circular room with high, arched windows overlooked the grounds. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a massive fireplace sat at the center, illuminating the rich blue and bronze decor.

Unlike the other houses, each student had their own private room—a tradition established by Rowena Ravenclaw herself, believing that students needed a quiet place to study. My room was spacious, with a comfortable four-poster bed, a desk, and bookshelves already filled with useful texts.

I let out a breath, lying back on my bed.

Hogwarts had truly begun.