Chapter 3: James Smith

Christina and the other first-years made their way down to the boat, walking slowly as they reached the school. "Follow me, everyone, they're waiting for you," Hagrid said, stepping inside the castle, and the group followed. As they entered, they were greeted by a grand entrance with sweeping stone steps leading up to the main door. The castle's stunning view of the Scottish Highlands took their breath away. Rowan's eyes widened in amazement, her jaw dropping as she gazed up at the castle windows.

Christina was equally impressed, her gaze drifting to the grand staircases and corridors lined with portraits of former headmasters. Hagrid led the way, pointing to the staircase. "Alright, kiddos, just head up these stairs and you'll be in the main door, inside is the grand hall of students like you are waiting to see the first years. Professor McGonagall's waiting for you," he said with a warm smile.

Without hesitation, Christina and Rowan took the lead, the others following closely behind. As they climbed the stairs, they saw a massive door looming ahead, Christina and the other first-year students stood outside the dining room, where their future classmates eagerly awaited them. The door swung open, and a middle-aged woman emerged, her hands clasped together.

She walked with elegance, her eyes fixed on the newcomers. "Welcome to Hogwarts, my dear first-year students," she said. "In a few moments, you'll join your classmates inside. Before you do, let me introduce myself. I'm Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House, Transfiguration professor, and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. I'm delighted to welcome you to our academy, and I look forward to having you as my students. Good luck, first years!" As she finished speaking, the doors opened wide, and she turned to lead the way. A loud trumpet fanfare filled the air, accompanied by applause and cheers as the students rose from their seats.

"Welcome, first years!" And "Welcome to the academy!" echoed through the room. Professor McGonagall walked slowly inside, followed by the first-year students, who felt a warm sense of belonging wash over them as they smiled at the welcoming faces of their new classmates. The room fell silent as a man stood up and smiled at the first-years. "My dear first-years, I'm delighted to welcome you to Hogwarts and witness your journey throughout the years!" The crowd erupted into applause, and he continued, "I am Albus Dumbledore, your headmaster. I have an important announcement. First-years, please note that entering the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden."

He paused, his eyes twirling with seriousness. "One student has already broken this rule, and we'll be keeping a close eye on all of you, especially at night." Rowan leaned in, whispering, "I think he's talking about James. He went into the forest before he disappeared."

Christina leaned in too, her eyes fixed on Professor Dumbledore. "That's the rule he broke? I thought it was something serious. Why is the Dark Forest off-limits?" Rowan shrugged, but then her mother's words came back to her. "I don't know much about the Dark Forest, but Mum said it's forbidden because once you're in, you'll be lost with no way out." Christina's gaze was fixed on Dumbledore until she caught a man staring at her. When their eyes met, a sudden, intense pain shot through her head. She clenched her teeth, clutching her temples as a throbbing sensation pulsed through her skull.

"Ah... aw!" she whispered, her eyes squeezing shut. The pain was overwhelming, drowning out Dumbledore's words. She opened her eyes to see the man, his gaunt face and piercing black eyes searing into her. His sallow skin and hooked nose seemed to twist in her vision, making her stomach churn. She didn't notice that Professor Dumbledore already finish his speech and now Professor McGonagall was now talking with a scroll on her hand. "Now, once I call your names. Please step forward, and when you do, take a seat and a sorting hat will determine which house you will belong."

Christina struggled to stay upright, fighting the urge to faint. She tried to shake off the pain, but it only intensified. Suddenly, memories flashed before her eyes – a woman's blurry face, a voice whispering apologies... "Oh, Christina, dearest daughter of mine... I'm sorry..."

The images vanished as quickly as they appeared, leaving Christina disoriented. Who was that? "Christina Smith!" Christina didn't even hear her name was called. A gentle hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality. "Christina, your name is call. Professor McGonagall called you." Rowan whispers and nudging her forward. Christina's headache had disappeared, and she walked forward with a mix of anxiety and determination. As she approached, whispers spread among the students, mentioning her surname and speculating about her relation to James Smith, a boy who had broken rules and run away.

"Smith? I'm not mistaken right? Smith is her surname? Is she related to James Smith? The boy who run away after breaking the rules?"

"I hope she's not sort to our house, it will only bring shame to the Slytherin house!"

"She doesn't look like him, maybe just same surname?"

"How dare she come here, she will only cause trouble like her brother!"

The whispers were filled with doubt and concern, with some students hoping she wouldn't be sorted into Slytherin house. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat, silencing the whispers, and Professor McGonagall invited Christina to sit down. The sorting hat was placed on her head, then it spoke "Ah another Smith, Do you know that your brother once a Gryffindor too."

"I don't know, but if he was my brother, I'll never be like him. And I will also go to find him too." Christina said, her thoughts were running,, and the sorting house asked, "find him? What if he was kidnapped by a dangerous witch or wizard that is powerful and threaten you? Will you go after him?" and Christina response with resolute, "I'm not afraid of them, if he was in danger I will risk my life for him. He's my brother, I'm not leaving him alone." The sorting hat pondered, "Hmm... where should I put you, then?"

Christina closed her eyes, remembering a student who hated her, and whispered, "Anything but Slytherin. Not Slytherin, don't put me to the Slytherin house..." The sorting hat heard her, "Not Slytherin, eh? But you will gain determination in their house. Such high potential for success!" Christina shook her head, "No, no, not Slytherin." The sorting hat suggested, "What about Ravenclaw?"

Christina hesitated, "Ravenclaw is okay... I guess?" The room fell silent, awaiting the sorting hat's decision. "Then let it be... Gryffindor!!" and last the sorting house loudly announced the new student from Gryffindor.

The Slytherin students sighed in relief, while the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students clapped, and some Gryffindors cheered happily. Christina exhaled in relief and joined the Gryffindor table, where a young man welcomed her with a tap on the shoulder. "Welcome to Gryffindor!" "Thank you" Christina replied with a faint smile

"Rowan North." now, it was Rowan's turn to feel nervous, the whole school from Hogwarts knows that most of the family from North and Weasley are sorted to Gryffindor house, and this keep be going from their generations to generations. As Rowan took her turn to sat down to the chair. As soon Professor McGonagall place the hat on her head, the sorting hat declared, "Aha! Another North, just like the Weasley! I know where to put you... Gryffindor!" Rowan sign and smile in relieved while Christina and everyone was cheering and clapping.

Rowan left the chair and walk to the table of Gryffindor, and she sat down beside to Christina with a wide smile "Gosh, it's a good thing that we're in same house." Rowan said while sigh in relief and Christina can't help but also smile "me too I feel more comfortable even though we only knew each other for a while." Christina said feeling a sense of comfort. Roxanne Willow, a blonde girl with hazel eyes, smiled as she sat down, and the sorting hat declared, "Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers and applause as she joined her new housemates.

Next, Luke Black, a boy with dark hair and blue eyes, stepped forward. He hesitated, stopping just short of sitting down, and the sorting hat announced, "Ravenclaw!" without even being placed on his head. The Ravenclaw table cheered, and Luke took his seat. Rowan turned to Christina, whispering, "That's weird. He didn't even sit down, and the hat wasn't on his head yet." Christina replied, "I noticed. He looked at the sorting hat like he cast a spell or something. Something's off."

As the last first-year was sorted, Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Let the celebration begin! A feast for everyone!" With a snap of his fingers, the tables were laden with food. Everyone was surprised and amazed, the room erupted in a chorus of oohs and aahs as students gazed at the spread before them. Even Rowan and Christina exchanged wide-eyed glances, then eagerly began selecting their meals.

"Is this real?" Rowan breathed, her eyes locked on a succulent roasted chicken. "My favorite!" She took a bite, closing her eyes in rapture. "And it's delicious!"

Christina nodded vigorously, mouth full of cake. "Magic, maybe? Everything's amazing!" Her gaze roved the table, landing on a beef steak, which she promptly claimed. Just as Rowan reached for the chicken nuggets, a loud "BOOOOOO!" shattered the air. Christina and the others jumped, startled, while Rowan leapt from her seat, shrieking and scream loudly. A ghost materialized beside the food, chuckling heartily as he floated upwards. "Welcome, first-years!" he called out, beaming.

The other ghosts appeared, flying around the tables, greeting the new students. A kindly ghost floated above the Hufflepuff table, radiating warmth welcome "Ah, another first years! Is delighted to see more Hufflepuff!" he said with a warm smile as he looked to each of first years and also other Hufflepuff students, Meanwhile, a ghost of a woman swooped across the tables of Ravenclaw, "My darlings. A new Ravenclaw has been born. I am so happy to see you all, welcome to Hogwarts, first years!" the woman smile kindly to them, another ghost appeared follow by a sharp laugh with a swift of his sword. The ghost appeared on the table of Slytherin "Hey, it's Bloody Baron!" one of the Slytherin student said.

Rowan settled back into her seat, still looking shaken. Christina chuckled, teasing her, "Aww, calm down, Rowan. He just said hi. With a jump scare." Rowan glared at her friend. "Shut it, Christina! That was bloody scary! I thought both of my soul and heart left my body! I think I'll be forever traumatized!" Rowan response. Christina nodded towards the ghosts, now flying around the tables. "Hey, John. Who are they?" John, a fourth-year student, smiled knowingly. "They're the Hogwarts house ghosts."

He pointed them out one by one. "That's Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost. He's a bit goofy. He's also known as Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington" His gaze followed the elegant ghost floating above the Ravenclaws. "That's The Grey Lady, also known as Helena Ravenclaw, daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the Hogwart founders. Helena is one of the ghost from Ravenclaw house in Hogwarts."

Next, he nodded towards the intimidating figure with a sword. "That's The Bloody Baron, Slytherin's ghost. He's a bit intimidating and has a tragic backstory. He got a tragic backstory, even Nearly Headless Nick is afraid of him." Finally, he smiled at the jovial ghost beaming over the Hufflepuffs. "And that's The Fat Friar, Hufflepuff's ghost. He's as friendly as the Hufflepuff students. He is very gentle and kind man that even most student of Hogwarts take after him."

"Holy mother of grills! You're Christina Smith, James' baby sister!" Nick swooped in, and Christina looked up with a warm smile. "You don't look like him, but you've got the same vibe. James told me a lot about you."

Nick smiled with a wink. "So, what's my brother look like? Is he really that rebellious like everyone say he is?"

He paused, thinking it over. "Honestly, James was a good guy - kind, funny, always up for an adventure. damn that kid had high potential. But yeah, he was reckless and stubborn. I can't picture him going dark, though. I think he was possessed!"

"Possessed?"

"Yeah. James wouldn't just jump into dark magic. Something was off. He's a good kid at heart." Nick left, and Rowan, who'd been watching, turned to me. "Think your bro wasn't himself?" I shrugged and sipped my drink.

After the celebration, John led the first-years to Gryffindor House while the older students stayed behind. Each house has a leader and a prefect in charge, and John was Gryffindor's deputy leader. "This way, first-years, follow me," he said. Rowan and Christina noticed first-years from other houses heading to their respective houses. "Oh, and watch out for the stairs – they like to shift," John added just in time. The stairs suddenly changed direction, but Rowan, Christina, and the others managed to step off safely before it did.

Everyone treaded carefully, eyeing the moving portraits lining the walls. Some couldn't help but gawk. "Christina, look! The portraits are moving – and they can talk!" Rowan exclaimed. Christina's eyes widened as she spotted a woman with a baby, who smiled and said, "Welcome to Hogwarts, first-years." Christina smiled back as they passed. Soon they reached the hallway, with John leading the way. The Gryffindor house was located in the northeast part of the castle, which is a common room that situated in Gryffindor Tower.

John stopped at a big portrait of a lady in a pink dress. "Password?" she asked. John answered without hesitation, "Iacobus." The portrait nodded and swung open. Rowan nudged Christina, whispering, "Wow, the password is 'James' – your brother's name."

"I told you he's not my brother," Christina replied.

"But what if he was? You never know," Rowan teased, leaving Christina lost in thought. But what if Rowan is right? I keep saying he is not my brother,, yet I pretend that he was. But what if my pretending was real? As the first-years entered Gryffindor House, they were awestruck by the cozy common room.

The Gryffindor house was supper cozy instead, inside Christina and the first-years find a comfy armchairs and sofas group around a crackling fireplace, perfect for cozy night. The walls are adorned with Gryffindor banners, old portraits, and shields. There's also a notice board for Gryffindor announcements. The atmosphere's lively, friendly, and feels like home. "Boys are on the left, girls on the right," John said, gesturing. "Your stuff's already in your rooms, next to your beds and chests." Everyone rushed off. "Thanks, John!" John smiled at Christina and nodded. Rowan grabbed her hand, pulling her into the girls' room.

Rowan and Christina were checking their stuff, and everything was good to go. Christina was amazed how all her bags fit into one chest – uniforms were in the other. "Wow..." she whispered, touching her uniform.

"I can't believe we're really here!" Rowan squealed in excitement, bouncing on her bed. Christina smiled, plumping into her own comfy bed, chuckling as she sank in.

Everyone was fast asleep that night when Christina suddenly jolted awake. Christina. Christina. A soft whisper echoed, its source a mystery. Christina drifted toward her bed, shawl draped over her shoulder, nightdress flowing to her ankles. Leaving the living room, she spotted Rowan curled up on the sofa by the fireplace. "Rowan?" Christina called her name softly and Rowan looked up, smiling. "Christina? Can't sleep?" Christina nodded, joining her.

The fireplace crackled softly, the only sound as Christina and Rowan huddled closer, warming themselves. "Someone's whispering in my ear... sometimes it's in my head," Christina said. Rowan hugged her knees tighter. "Who is it?" Christina shook her head. "I don't know. It's weird. Someone's in my head for some reason." Rowan piped up, "Maybe it's your memory? Maybe that's why you're hearing whispers. Or hearing stuff."

Christina's voice was a soft whisper, like a story unfolding. "Maybe... I've been seeing flashes recently. Back in the dining hall, I saw something." Christina stops before she continues, "I saw a vivid image – a woman, face hidden. And on the train, I saw two women crying, calling my name... saying goodbye... to me." Rowan listened intently, firelight dancing on their faces. "Maybe its a buried memory, Christina," Rowan said suddenly and added, "You need to restore it." "But... how?" Christina asked. Rowan shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe a powerful sorcerer or sorceress can do it with some fancy magic."

Christina only sighs, If I can't find a sorcerer or sorceress to restore my memories then it's much better if I'll do it on my own or let my memories restore It's own. They sat in silence for a while until Christina playfully smiled at Rowan. "Rowan? Why are you still awake?" The young sorceress smiled back. "It's my habit. I always wake up at night, probably because of my powers. Sometimes they kick in and I'm up." "That explains it," Christina said, putting her arm on the sofa and leaning back, one leg tucked under her. "Does it happen every night?"

Rowan nodded. "Every night. That's why Mom gives me a vial – some potion to help me sleep peacefully without my powers messing with me."

"A vial?" Christina echoed.

"Yeah, it helps me sleep," Rowan said.

The room fell silent again.

"Christmas is coming," Christina said cautiously. "I wonder if the school will have a Christmas celebration." Rowan smiled softly. "They do. My sister told me about last year's – it was fun." Just then, the door to the boys' room opened, and John came out, surprised to see the girls on the sofa. "Why are you still awake?" "We can't sleep, so we're talking here by the fireplace, keeping warm," Rowan said softly.

John gave her a serious look. "Girls, you need to wake up early tomorrow. You can't be late on your first day," he said firmly but softly. "Okay, we understand. Rowan, let's go," Christina said. Rowan and Christina went back to the girls' bedroom and lay back down in their beds.

The next morning, Rowan and Christina woke up so late that they ran through the empty hallways. Their first class was with Professor McGonagall. When they entered the room quietly, a few students looked back at them before focusing on writing their papers. They didn't see Professor McGonagall anywhere, only a cat.

Christina and Rowan took their seats. "It's a good thing Professor McGonagall isn't here yet, or we'd have been scolded," Christina whispered as she took out her ink and pen.

"Exactly. Imagine her beautiful face scolding us. Professor McGonagall is an excellent teacher and also our head of Gryffindor House. We can't disappoint her," Rowan said as she started to write. Rowan and Christina looked at the cat. "Aw, cute cat," Rowan said. The cat jumped off the table and suddenly transformed into a woman. It was Professor McGonagall. Rowan dropped her pen, and Christina's jaw dropped as they realized who was standing in front of them.

Professor McGonagall walked towards them. "Surprised? Perhaps both of you should start using an alarm clock, so you can wake up early in the morning. And oh, I thank you for the compliment, Ms. North. Now go back to writing," she said, leaving them alone. "What was that??" Rowan was still speechless. "Professor McGonagall turned herself into a cat... and she heard our conversation..." Christina's eyes were wide. "I know, right?"

Their next class was with Professor Snape. The room was dark, with an eerie atmosphere. He was silent, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Ms. Smith, tell me. When a potion heals someone from a serious injury, then what is life potion for?" he asked in an icy, cold tone. Everyone looked at Christina. "Life? Life potion?" He was silent, waiting for her to answer.

"There is no life potion... but... but if someone made a life potion, perhaps it would bring the dead back to life..." she replied nervously. "When dry weeds are mixed with tears from a goblin, what will it form?" This time, she was silent because she didn't know the answer. "When the dry weeds are mixed with goblin tears, they form a unique herb that attracts everyone, but it's poisonous when touched..." he explained coldly. "Take it all down. Why is no one writing?" Everyone immediately took out their notes.

"This morning, we'll be making our first potion – the Healing Potion," Professor Snape announced. "This vial is drinkable; one sip can healed someone and restore lost health or stamina. Listen carefully..." He explained the potion and its brewing process. Rowan and I gathered the ingredients and got ready to start.

"Now we need 1 wormwood, 3 Bubotuber Pus, 2 Dittany, and 1 dragon liver," Rowan read from the list, while I added the ingredients to the cauldron. We followed the instructions precisely. And after a few hours it's finally done, "It's done! I brewed my first potion!" I cheered.

But something went wrong. "Tina? Did you add something to the cauldron?" Rowan asked, and I shook my head. "No, I followed the instructions!" The cauldron exploded, and everyone stared at me. Some of my classmates, including Rowan, got splashed.

"Oh no!" Rowan exclaimed. "What's going on?" Professor Snape approached us, his eyes narrowing. "I... I don't know what happened. I followed the instructions exactly!" My voice trembled as he gave me a piercing stare.

"You not only inherited your brother's...inadequacies, but you've also destroyed one of my cauldrons," he sneered. "You should never have been allowed in my classroom. You're even worse than your brother." I looked down, feeling crushed. Professor Snape added, "Ten points will be taken from Gryffindor," before walking away. Rowan and I gasped, eyes wide in horror.

That's when I spotted someone smirking, trying to stifle a laugh. "Oh no, how will you repay for breaking Professor Snape's cauldron?" the girl said mockingly.

"It's you...." Rowan hissed at her, about to storm over to her table, but Christina stopped her. "You got our house docked points, Christina. You're so reckless," the girl said, smirking. She was from the same house as Christina. "You sabotaged our cauldron, didn't you?" Christina asked, glaring.

"Let's see... did I?" The girl's wicked smile widened. "You have a problem with that?" Rowan had had enough and looked like she wanted to throw something, but Christina stopped her. The girls laughed and left them alone.

Rowan stormed out of the classroom with Christina, still fury. "I can't believe that scheming girl sabotaged our cauldron! She ruined our first task and got our house docked ten points! And she's in our house? Argh!" Rowan was frustrated, while Christina stayed silent. Rowan noticed a small cut on Christina's face and hand. "Look at that – you're injured too. Come on, let's get you to the infirmary."

Christina and Rowan are in the wing clinic, a nurse carefully put some ointment and gently treat her small cuts. "your injury will be heal for three days, do not worry. it won't leave a scar." the nurse said before leaving them alone. "The scheming girl did this for sure. She add something on our cauldron." Rowan still frustrated, and she looked to a young girl. "Hey, that is Amanda Stuart." Rowan said and Christina look at her. "Who is she?" "She's Amanda Stuart, she is the last person with James before he disappeared. I can't believe she was here." Rowan replied and Christina slide down from the bed, Rowan stop her, "What are you doing?" "I'll ask few questions about her, she might know something about James." I said and went to Amanda.

The moment when I get close to her, Amanda looked at me. "Christina Smith?" her raspy and hoarse voice calls me, "Yes, it's me." Amanda wear her weird smile, "You don't look like your brother. But I can see you have similarities of him." I sat on the edge of her bed. "Do you know all about J-....my brother?" Amanda looked at her "James, ah of course. The most brave, loyal, courage, and reckless. Truly a Gryffindor student." Amanda smile sadly. Christina held the hand of Amanda, "Please you have to tell me everything you know. I need answers from my brother's sudden missing. You have no idea how much desperate I am to see him again, my mother also went missing, she was suddenly disappeared like my brother. I don't know if they're alive or die... please, help me." The young girl looked at Amanda. she was determined to look for James, but first she needed his story.

"Christina, Amanda won't speak up anything that relates to your brother. Maybe should talk about it later?" Rowan said softly "I understand you wanted answers from your brother. But now is not the right time especially Amanda needs recovery and you as well." Rowan added as she pats my shoulder in sympathy and to comfort me as she helped me pull away from her gently. "You do similiar to James. Both have Gryffindor traits." She said in nonchalant way, Rowan and I look at her. "You know my brother. You were with him. What happened...? Where is James?" Amanda is now looking away from me staring at the window. "James....he was a good and kind boy. He was the only friend I ever had. something happened when your brother and I reach into fourth year, he started to act suspiciously. He told me he hears someone whispering into his ears, he keep seeing a strange dream...."

To Be Continue...

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