Y/N~
I let out a little aw while Lima, my girl best friend, practically shakes the boat with her squealing. You'd think she'd just won the wizarding lottery—or maybe been handed a lifetime supply of Chocolate Frogs. We're sitting on this tiny boat, bobbing along the lake, staring up at the giant Hogwarts Castle. It's glowing like something out of a fairytale, and I can't believe it's about to be my actual school. My real life.
"Y/N, can you believe it?" Lima says, grabbing my arm and shaking it like a Howler about to explode. "This is it! The castle! The LEGACY!"
Lima has been talking about this day since... well, since forever. She's a Harry Potter nerd to the core and spent the last six months convincing me to apply. Not that I needed much convincing—I mean, it's magic. Who wouldn't want to learn how to turn a teacup into a turtle? (Not sure if that's an actual spell, but hey, I'm ready to try.) Still, seeing the castle like this? It's surreal. My brain keeps screaming, this can't be my life right now.
When the boats finally reach the shore, we shuffle out and follow a tall professor with a strict vibe—like the kind of teacher who'd deduct house points for breathing too loudly. "Welcome, students!" she announces, clapping her hands together. "Congratulations! Each of you has earned your place at Hogwarts, the finest magical institution in the world."
Lima squeezes my arm so hard I'm pretty sure I lose circulation, but I don't say anything. She's practically vibrating with excitement. We're herded through the main courtyard and into the Great Hall, where the ceiling looks like a Pinterest-worthy night sky. Floating candles. Sparkling stars. I'd say it's extra, but honestly, I'm here for it.
"Here we go," Lima whispers as we settle in front of this ancient, slightly dusty-looking hat sitting on a stool. "Sorting time. This is it, Y/N. My destiny awaits."
I raise an eyebrow at her. "Your destiny?"
"Yes. Gryffindor. It's meant to be," she says with all the confidence of someone who's already packed red-and-gold scarves in her trunk. "If I don't get in, I'll scream."
"You'll scream anyway," I mutter, but she doesn't hear me. She's too busy muttering prayers under her breath.
One by one, students step up, put on the hat, and hear their house announced. Lima bounces her knee like she's got a Niffler in her pocket. When her name is called, she bolts to the front so fast I'm surprised she doesn't trip over her tiny feet.
The second she sits on the stool, I can see her lips moving—whispering, Please, Gryffindor, please, Gryffindor. A few seconds later, the hat yells, "Gryffindor!"
She lets out this ear-piercing squeal that makes the entire room laugh, including the professors. When she runs over to the Gryffindor table, she's met with cheers and high-fives. I'm happy for her, but also a little nervous now. What if I end up somewhere totally random? Like Hufflepuff? (No offense, Hufflepuffs. I just don't see myself bonding with a group known for kindness and baking skills. That's... not me.)
Then it happens. "Y/N Myers."
My heart does a little backflip, but I keep it cool on the outside. Lima is giving me hopeful puppy eyes from the Gryffindor table, silently willing me to join her. But let's be real—we both know I'm not exactly Gryffindor material. Bravery? Heroics? Not my thing.
I walk up, sit down, and feel the hat settle on my head. It's silent for a moment, then says in this ancient, slightly judgmental tone, "Hmm. Interesting... Quick mind, a thirst for knowledge. Yes, I see. Ravenclaw!"
The Ravenclaw table bursts into applause, and I smile, feeling a little spark of pride. That's right. I found my people—the bookworms, the nerds, the smart ones. I'm already planning my first study group in my head. Lima, bless her, looks slightly betrayed from across the hall, but she manages a smile and gives me a thumbs-up.
I walk over to the Ravenclaw table, head held high, and take my seat. My Hogwarts journey has officially begun. And honestly? I think I just found where I belong.