NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 15: Arrived
Back in the cabin, the search for Neville's elusive toad had proven unsuccessful. Even Twig's connection to nature hadn't been much help, which was honestly a little embarrassing for the both of us. Neville was understandably crestfallen, but Hermione had done her best to reassure him, saying that Trevor would surely turn up sooner or later. I wasn't as optimistic but decided to keep that opinion to myself.
After a while, the train began to slow down, and the scenery outside the window shifted to a darkened countryside, dotted with the occasional flicker of light in the distance. I stood up and stretched, noticing that Twig had climbed down to perch on the back of the seat. "Come on, Twig," I said, motioning for him. He hopped up onto my shoulder, his tiny golden leaves shimmering faintly in the dim light of the cabin.
Reaching into my leather bag, I pulled out my Hogwarts robes. The fabric was fine, smooth, and much higher quality than I'd expected. It was obvious McGonagall had insisted on the best, though I wasn't about to complain. Slipping the robes on, I took a moment to admire the way they fit. They felt like they were made just for me, which they probably were. Twig chirped approvingly, tapping one of the shiny gold buttons.
Hermione and Neville had both changed as well, Hermione looking as neat and tidy as ever, while Neville was fumbling to adjust his sleeves properly. "Here, let me help," Hermione offered, stepping over to him and straightening out his robes. I had to admit, for all her bossiness, she had a good heart.
When the train finally came to a full stop, the bustling sound of students echoed through the corridors as everyone began gathering their belongings and preparing to disembark. "Stick close," I said to Neville and Hermione, not wanting to lose them in the crowd. Hermione nodded, her face set with determination, while Neville clutched his wand tightly as though it might somehow make the chaos less overwhelming.
As we stepped off the train, the cool night air hit me, and I looked around to take in the scene. Lanterns cast a warm glow on the platform, illuminating the sea of first-years milling about. In the distance, I could make out the silhouettes of towering trees, and beyond them, the faint outline of something massive—Hogwarts itself, no doubt. My stomach twisted with a mixture of excitement and nerves.
"Firs' years! Firs' years, over here!" boomed a deep voice, cutting through the noise of the crowd. Turning toward the source, my eyes widened as I spotted the largest man I'd ever seen in my life. He had wild, bushy hair and a beard to match, his enormous figure practically dwarfing everyone around him. He held a lantern high in one hand and was waving the other to beckon us closer.
"That's Hagrid," Hermione whispered to me, her tone filled with awe. "He's the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. I've read about him."
Of course, she had. Still, I couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer size of the man as we made our way toward him, sticking close together. Neville looked as though he was trying to shrink into himself, while Hermione's curiosity seemed to outweigh any nerves she might have felt.
"Come on, don't be shy!" Hagrid called out, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Gather 'round, all o' ya! We're off to the boats, so don' wander off!"
I glanced down at Twig, who had retreated into his earring form again, probably to avoid drawing too much attention. Smart little guy. "Guess it's time," I murmured, glancing at Hermione and Neville. "Let's go."
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"Only four to a boat, now! Don't crowd!" Hagrid's voice echoed across the lake as he pointed toward the small fleet of boats bobbing gently in the water. The lanterns on their bows cast rippling reflections across the dark surface, and the towering silhouette of Hogwarts loomed in the distance like something out of a dream.
Hermione, Neville, and I glanced at one another and quickly made our way toward one of the empty boats near the edge of the dock. Neville stumbled slightly as he climbed in, but I steadied him before settling onto one of the wooden benches myself. Hermione followed suit, carefully smoothing her robes as she sat down beside me. Twig, still in earring form, shifted slightly as though preparing for the ride.
"Mind if I join you?" a voice interrupted, just as we were getting situated. I turned my head to see a girl standing at the edge of the dock, looking a little unsure of herself. She had dark brown hair tied back into a neat braid, her round glasses reflecting the glow of the lanterns. There was a shy but hopeful smile on her face as she waited for our response.
"Of course," I said, gesturing toward the empty spot on the bench across from us. "Come on in."
She stepped into the boat carefully, taking her seat across from me and Neville. Once she was settled, she looked at us with a polite smile and said, "I'm Sally, by the way. Sally Smith."
I froze for a moment, her last name catching me completely off guard. My mind raced as I tried to process the coincidence. Smith? The same last name I'd grown up with? My connection to Helga Hufflepuff was supposed to explain that name, but meeting someone else with it couldn't just be random. Could it?
"Wait," I said slowly, leaning forward slightly. "Did you say Smith?"
She blinked, her smile faltering slightly as she nodded. "Uh… yes. Why?"
"Just… curious." I leaned back again, keeping my expression neutral, though my thoughts were anything but calm. What were the odds? Was this just a coincidence, or was there something more to it? My connection to the Hufflepuff lineage had already raised enough questions, and now this? I couldn't help but feel like the universe was playing some kind of elaborate joke on me.
Sally tilted her head, looking a little puzzled by my reaction but choosing not to press the matter. "Well, it's nice to meet you all," she said instead, her tone cheerful as she glanced around the boat. "I was worried I wouldn't find anyone to sit with."
"This is Neville, and I'm Hermione," Hermione said, taking the lead in introductions. She gestured toward me. "And this is Cassius."
"Nice to meet you," Neville said shyly, his grip tightening on his wand as the boat gave a small lurch.
"Likewise," I said, giving Sally a brief nod. My mind was still swirling with thoughts, but I forced myself to focus on the present. Whatever this connection might be, I'd figure it out later. Right now, the main event was still ahead of us.
Hagrid's booming voice rang out once more. "Everyone ready? Right then! Forward!"
With a faint jolt, the boat began to glide smoothly across the lake, the water parting silently beneath us. I leaned back slightly, taking in the view as the castle came closer into focus. The lights from its many windows twinkled like stars, and the sheer size of it was even more impressive up close. I glanced at the others to gauge their reactions—Hermione looked absolutely mesmerized, her eyes wide with wonder. Neville seemed more nervous than anything, gripping the edge of the boat as though it might tip over at any moment. Sally had a small smile on her face, her gaze fixed on the castle.
I couldn't deny it—it was breathtaking. Even Twig, who I could sense stirring faintly, seemed impressed, though he stayed quiet for now.
{Word Count - 1284}