Chapter 5: A New Beginning

The Hogwarts Express had been a long journey, but Harry and Y/N had hardly noticed. Sitting together in their compartment, they had met Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger earlier, sharing stories about their families and their hopes for Hogwarts. Now, as the train screeched to a halt at the small, misty station, the excitement that had been bubbling inside them all erupted.

“Looks like we’re finally here,” Harry said, glancing at Y/N.

Y/N gave a small, composed smile. “It’s real now,” she said softly. Her calmness never wavered, even as the other students began to pour out of the train, chattering and laughing.

Ron waved cheerfully at them. “Come on, you two! Hagrid’s waiting!”

Hermione adjusted her bag, her bushy hair falling in front of her eyes. “I can’t believe this is actually happening,” she said, her voice a mixture of excitement and nerves. “Hogwarts… it’s… it’s incredible.”

The four of them followed the gentle giant, Hagrid, who led the first-years toward a small fleet of boats waiting at the edge of the lake. The moonlight shimmered across the water, reflecting the towering silhouette of Hogwarts in the distance. Harry and Y/N, side by side, held onto each other’s hands as the boats rocked slightly with the movement of the water.

“Don’t worry,” Y/N whispered to Harry, squeezing his hand. “We’ll be fine.”

Harry nodded, feeling a surge of confidence from his sister’s calm presence. He could never imagine starting this journey without her by his side.

The boats glided silently across the lake, the castle growing larger with every passing moment. Students whispered in awe, but Y/N observed everything with her usual composure, taking in the details: the way the light reflected off the towers, the faint echo of distant voices, and the movement of the water. Nothing escaped her notice.

Finally, they reached the shore, and Hagrid led them up the path toward the enormous wooden doors of the Great Hall. Candles floated magically above them, casting a warm, flickering light over the sea of students already gathered. The ceiling mirrored the starry sky outside, making the hall feel vast and alive.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her eyes scanning the room. “Welcome, first-years, to Hogwarts!” she called. “You will now be sorted into your houses. Follow me to the Sorting Hat.”

The four friends followed closely, hearts pounding. Harry felt a mixture of excitement and nerves, but Y/N remained calm, her emerald eyes glimmering faintly as she took in the grandeur of the hall.

Harry was first. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and instantly he heard the familiar voice in his mind: Ah… plenty of courage, yes… but I see loyalty too… your heart is good, Harry Potter… you belong in Gryffindor.

“Yes! Gryffindor!” Harry said aloud, and the cheers of the Gryffindor table welcomed him as he removed the hat.

Next came Y/N. She walked forward, her posture perfect, her face composed. The Sorting Hat settled on her head, and a gentle, curious voice echoed in her mind: Ah… a unique mind… clever, brave, loyal, cunning… so much potential… so many paths…

Y/N paused, thoughtful. I’ll let you decide, she told it softly, but I want them to see me… all of me.

The hat hesitated for a moment longer before announcing in a voice that rang throughout the hall:

“Y/N Potter You belong in............. SLYTHERIN…............ RAVENCLAW…........... HUFFLEPUFF…......... GRYFFINDOR!”

Gasps echoed around the room. Students whispered, professors exchanged astonished glances, and Y/N calmly removed the hat, her faint smirk showing that she was completely unbothered by the reaction. She walked to a place slightly separate from the Gryffindor table, sitting quietly while whispers of awe and disbelief ran through the hall.

Harry blinked. “Y/N… you did that?” he whispered.

“Just… unusual,” she said lightly, shrugging as though it were the simplest thing in the world. Her emerald eyes sparkled with calm amusement as she watched the reactions of the students. No one could understand her fully, and that suited her perfectly.

Ron and Hermione were both fascinated. “Wow… I’ve never heard of anyone being in all four houses,” Hermione whispered.

Ron shook his head in disbelief. “That’s… amazing. You’re amazing.”

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy stepped forward for his turn. His sharp grey eyes scanned the hall, and for a brief moment, they flicked to Y/N. He noticed her calm, composed demeanor and the way she had handled the Sorting Hat’s unusual verdict. Something about her unsettled him slightly, but he quickly masked it with a smirk and turned his attention to his own Sorting.

The ceremony continued with the other first-years, and Y/N remained composed, watching everything with her usual quiet confidence. She didn’t reveal herself, didn’t boast, and didn’t care about whispers or stares. For now, she simply observed, taking in the new world she had entered with Harry by her side.

After all the first-years were sorted, the students were led to their tables. Y/N stayed close to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a calm presence amidst the excitement and chaos. “It’s only the beginning,” she whispered to Harry. “Hogwarts isn’t going to know what’s coming.”

Harry grinned, feeling reassured by his twin’s steady presence. Whatever awaited them—classes, adventures, rivals, or surprises—he knew they would face it together.

As the hall filled with chatter, the candles flickering above, and the students settling in for their first feast, Y/N leaned back slightly, observing everything. The whispers, the excitement, the energy of the castle—it was all part of something bigger, something magical. And she would face it all calmly, by Harry’s side, ready for the journey that had only just begun.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***