Fated Adventure.

The morning light streamed through the enchanted windows of Ravenclaw Tower, casting a soft glow over the common room. The fire in the ornate fireplace crackled gently, and a few early risers were already settled in with books, sipping cups of tea. The tower had an air of quiet productivity, a stark contrast to the chaos that must have been unfolding in the other houses as students scrambled to get ready for their first day of classes.

I stretched as I stepped into the common room, Yue and Rachel following close behind. Despite our late arrival last night, we had settled in quickly, our private rooms proving to be a luxury that made the transition much smoother. The silence and solitude Rowena Ravenclaw had designed for her students made perfect sense—having personal space to think and study was a major advantage.

At the center of the common room, Penelope Clearwater, a fifth-year prefect, stood by a small table stacked neatly with parchment. Her pristine uniform and composed expression gave her an air of authority, though there was a hint of warmth in her eyes as she greeted us.

"Good morning, everyone," she announced once a fair number of first-years had gathered. "Before you head to breakfast, I'll be handing out your schedules and maps of the castle. These will help you find your way around, but if you get lost, don't hesitate to ask a prefect or a professor."

She started distributing the parchments, and I took mine, scanning over the list of classes.

Monday:

Breakfast

Charms

Transfiguration

Lunch

Defense Against the Dark Arts

Herbology

Not a bad schedule. I glanced at Yue and Rachel, who were checking theirs as well. Since we were in the same house and year, our schedules were identical, which was convenient.

Harry would likely have a similar timetable, though in Gryffindor. Speaking of which…

I turned slightly as Serenity materialized near me, her presence concealed from everyone else. Thanks to her training and abilities, she had no trouble moving around unnoticed.

"I'll be heading out," she whispered softly, her voice barely above a breath. "I'll be back before breakfast."

I nodded. "Be careful. Don't get caught."

She smirked slightly, then vanished into the shadows, slipping out of the common room with ease.

Penelope, unaware of this exchange, continued speaking. "One more thing—don't forget that Ravenclaw prides itself on wit and wisdom. If you ever need help, feel free to ask the older students. Now, head down to breakfast before the food disappears."

With that, students started moving toward the exit, eager for their first meal at Hogwarts. I pocketed my map and schedule, glancing at my two companions.

"Shall we?" I asked.

Yue nodded, slipping her arm through mine as Rachel rolled her eyes but followed close behind.

It was time to officially begin our journey at Hogwarts.

~~~

Serenity moved like a shadow through the corridors of Hogwarts, her steps silent as she made her way toward Gryffindor Tower. She remained unseen as she navigated the moving staircases and shifting passageways, expertly avoiding the early-rising students and ghosts wandering about.

Despite the school's reputation for security, it was no challenge for an assassin of her caliber. The enchantments meant to deter intruders were laughably ineffective against her Presence Concealment. Even Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist, passed within feet of her without noticing a thing.

Upon reaching the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, she observed a group of first-years making their way inside. A plan quickly formed in her mind.

With a subtle shift, her form shimmered, her Transformation skill activating as her body altered to take on the appearance of a red-haired, freckled first-year Gryffindor girl. She adjusted her robes to match before stepping forward, falling in line with the others.

The Fat Lady in the portrait guarding the entrance yawned. "Password?"

One of the students ahead of her answered, "Caput Draconis."

The portrait swung open, revealing the cozy warmth of the Gryffindor common room. Serenity stepped inside with practiced ease, her violet eyes scanning the room under the illusion of a Gryffindor disguise.

The common room was lively despite the early hour. A few students were scattered around, chatting or hurriedly finishing their homework. The crackling fireplace bathed the room in a golden glow, adding to its inviting atmosphere.

Her targets, however, were easy to find.

Fred and George Weasley were at a corner table, whispering to each other while occasionally glancing at a worn piece of parchment they had spread out between them. Even from a distance, Serenity could tell this was the Marauder's Map—the very thing she had come to retrieve.

She approached carefully, listening to their conversation.

"…it'll make sneaking into the kitchens a breeze," Fred muttered.

"Or pulling off the prank in Snape's classroom," George added with a grin.

Serenity smiled inwardly. This would be easier than expected. The twins were clever, but they were still just students. She just needed the right moment to strike.

As she moved closer, she reached into her robes, fingers brushing against a small vial of sleeping draught. A simple distraction, a bit of deception, and the map would be hers.

Now, all she had to do was wait for the perfect opportunity.

As Serenity observed the twins, her mind calculated the best way to retrieve the map. She needed only a moment of distraction.

And fate delivered.

A sudden crash echoed through the common room, followed by a startled yelp. A first-year boy had attempted to climb the stairs to the girls' dormitory, only to be flung back down by the enchantment protecting them. He landed in a heap at the bottom, groaning.

Laughter erupted across the common room, students turning to watch the scene unfold. Some of the older Gryffindors shook their heads knowingly, while the younger students chuckled at the boy's misfortune.

Fred and George immediately turned toward the commotion, grinning.

"Ah, a classic mistake," Fred said, crossing his arms.

"Truly, a rite of passage," George added with a smirk.

Their attention was fully on the scene before them—exactly the moment Serenity needed.

With a precise, fluid motion, she reached out, her fingers barely brushing the edge of the aged parchment before she slipped it into the folds of her robe. The map vanished in an instant, secured without so much as a rustle of fabric.

The twins, engrossed in their amusement, didn't notice a thing.

Serenity remained perfectly composed, casting a glance around to ensure no one was watching her too closely. Then, blending effortlessly with a group of Gryffindors heading toward the exit, she slipped through the portrait hole and into the corridor beyond.

As soon as she was a safe distance away, her form shimmered, the illusion dropping as she reverted to her true appearance.

She glanced down at the parchment in her hands and whispered, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Ink spread across the page, revealing a detailed map of Hogwarts—every corridor, every secret passage, and, most importantly, the precise locations of every person within the castle.

A small, satisfied smile touched her lips.

This wasn't the first or last thing she would snatch today.