It began on a quiet night. Rain whispered against the window, and the world outside seemed blurred, distant — like an old memory. Dionida sat curled on her couch, an open book resting in her lap. It was The Tales of Beedle the Bard, the worn edges marked from years of rereading. She smiled faintly at the familiar stories.
Since childhood, she had loved the wizarding world — not just the spells and castles, but the kindness in the smallest moments: Molly Weasley's hugs, Luna's gentle honesty, Neville's courage when no one believed in him. They were more than characters to her; they were home.
But tonight felt different. The air around her tingled faintly, the candle flame stretching longer, trembling like it had seen something impossible. The ink on the page shimmered — faintly at first, then brighter. She blinked, leaning closer.
"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."
Luna's quote glowed on the page. The letters began to move, swirling into spirals of light that grew and grew until they wrapped around Dionida's hands. Her breath caught.
"Wait—what—?"
The light pulled. The world tilted, the floor vanished, and everything became a rush of wind and pages. When the motion stopped, Dionida stood barefoot on damp grass, her book still clutched in her hands.
Above her, the night sky was clearer than she'd ever seen — stars like diamonds scattered across black silk. To her right, a shimmering castle towered in the distance, its many windows glowing warmly. The air was thick with magic.
"Hogwarts," she whispered. Her voice shook. "This can't be real."
But it was. She could feel it — the pulse of old spells in the ground, the faint hum of charms in the air. She began walking toward the castle, heart hammering.
As she crossed a small hill, she saw someone standing near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. A girl with long, silvery-blonde hair, wearing a coat the color of moonlight. She was holding a jar of wriggling blue lights — Moonfrogs.
"Hello," the girl said, turning with her dreamy smile. "You're new."
Dionida froze. "Luna Lovegood?"
"Yes," Luna said as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. "You look like you've just fallen through a book. That happens sometimes."
Dionida blinked. "It… does?"
"Oh yes," Luna said calmly. "Magic likes people who believe in it." She tilted her head, studying her. "You have that look. A believer."
Something warm spread through Dionida's chest — disbelief, wonder, and a strange sense of belonging all at once.
"Come," Luna said, extending her hand. "You must be cold. The castle kitchens still have pumpkin pasties from supper."
And just like that, Dionida followed her — into a world that had once lived only in her dreams.