Peaceful life in the wizarding world

The Gryffindor first-years followed Suhi and me back to the common room, chattering excitedly about the day's events. The flying lesson had been the highlight for most, though some, like Neville and Hermione, seemed less thrilled about their performance.

As we entered the common room, I noticed the cozy atmosphere had already begun to feel like home. The fire crackled in the hearth, and the soft glow of the enchanted candles illuminated the room. Students were scattered around, some lounging on the sofas, others already diving into their textbooks.

"Alright, everyone," I said, clapping my hands to get their attention. "Today's been a long day, so feel free to relax. But remember, tomorrow's our first real day of classes, so don't stay up too late."

"Yes, Captain," Ron said with a mock salute, earning a few chuckles from the group.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Just don't make me regret this position, alright?"

As the group dispersed, I found myself sitting by the fire with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Jane, and Suhi. Neville joined us shortly after, looking a little more confident than he had during the flying lesson.

"So, what do you think of Hogwarts so far?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

"It's amazing," Harry said, his eyes lighting up. "I mean, I knew it would be magical, but this… it's beyond anything I could've imagined."

"Same here," Ron agreed. "Though I could do without the stairs moving around. Nearly got lost twice today."

"You'll get used to it," Jane said with a grin. "I've heard the castle has a mind of its own. It likes to keep things interesting."

Hermione, who had been quietly flipping through her copy of Hogwarts: A History, looked up. "Did you know the castle was built over a thousand years ago? The enchantments on it are some of the most complex in the wizarding world."

"Of course, she knows," Ron muttered under his breath, earning a glare from Hermione.

I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "Well, I'm just glad we're here. It's been a wild ride so far, and it's only the first day."

"Speaking of wild rides," Suhi said, her eyes twinkling, "did you see Malfoy's face when Harry's broom shot up like that? Priceless."

Harry grinned. "Yeah, he looked like he'd swallowed a lemon."

The group laughed, and for a moment, it felt like we were just a bunch of normal kids, not wizards with destinies tied to a dark past. But the moment didn't last long.

"Hey, Ezzy," Neville said hesitantly, "do you think… do you think I'll ever get the hang of flying? I mean, I know I'm not the best at magic, but…"

I leaned forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Neville, you're doing just fine. Flying's not easy for everyone, but you'll get there. And if you need help, just ask. That's what we're here for."

He smiled, looking a little more reassured. "Thanks, Ezzy."

As the night wore on, the group slowly dispersed, heading to their dorms to get some rest. I stayed behind for a bit, staring into the fire, lost in thought.

"You okay?" a voice asked, pulling me out of my reverie.

I looked up to see Suhi standing there, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Yeah, just thinking," I said with a small smile. "Today's been… a lot."

She nodded, sitting down beside me. "I get that. It's a lot to take in, especially with everything that's happened."

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I heard about your stepfamily. Liam, right? He's… not exactly subtle."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, he's a piece of work. But I'm trying not to let it get to me. This is supposed to be a fresh start, right?"

"Right," she said, her voice soft. "And you're not alone, you know. We're all here for you."

I looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. "Thanks, Suhi. That means a lot."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the crackling fire the only sound in the room. Eventually, she stood up, stretching.

"Well, I should probably head to bed. Big day tomorrow."

"Yeah, me too," I said, standing as well. "Goodnight, Suhi."

"Goodnight, Ezzy."

As I made my way to my dorm, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. Despite the challenges, Hogwarts was starting to feel like home.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of Jane snoring loudly in the bed next to mine. Groaning, I rolled out of bed and grabbed my wand, casting a quick silencing charm on him.

"Thanks," I muttered to myself, heading to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

By the time I returned, Jane was awake, rubbing his eyes and looking around confusedly.

"Why is it so quiet?" he asked, his voice groggy.

"Because I silenced you," I said, tossing him his robes. "Now get up. We've got classes to get to."

After a quick breakfast in the Great Hall, the first-years gathered in the common room to receive their schedules. Prof. McGonagall handed them out, her usual stern expression in place.

"Your first class is Charms with Professor Flitwick," she said, looking over her glasses at us. "Follow the map on your telecrystals, and don't be late."

The group hurried out of the common room, following the glowing path on our telecrystals. As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the excitement in the air.

"Charms should be fun," Harry said, his eyes bright.

"Yeah, as long as we don't blow anything up," Ron added, earning a laugh from the group.

When we reached the Charms classroom, we found Professor Flitwick standing on a stack of books to reach the podium. He greeted us with a warm smile.

"Welcome, welcome! Today, we'll be starting with the basics—the Levitation Charm. Who can tell me the incantation?"

Hermione's hand shot up immediately. "It's Wingardium Leviosa, Professor."

"Excellent! Five points to Gryffindor," Flitwick said, beaming. "Now, let's give it a try."

We paired up, and I found myself working with Neville. He looked nervous, but I gave him an encouraging smile.

"You've got this, Neville. Just focus."

He nodded, gripping his wand tightly. "Wingardium Leviosa!"

The feather in front of us twitched but didn't lift.

"Almost there," I said, demonstrating the wand movement. "Try it again."

This time, the feather rose a few inches off the table before falling back down.

"I did it!" Neville exclaimed, his face lighting up.

"Great job!" I said, clapping him on the back.

The rest of the class went by in a blur of laughter and occasional mishaps. By the end of it, most of us had managed to levitate the feather, though Ron's attempt had sent it flying into Flitwick's face, earning him a stern look but no points deducted.

As we left the classroom, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This was just the beginning, and I was ready for whatever Hogwarts had in store for me.