Chapter 1 - Welcome Home

                                    

                                          

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Song for this chapter - 
                            Welcome Home - radical face 
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As the grand oak doors groaned open, their echo resonating through the stone corridors, Y/n stepped into the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Her breath caught as she gazed upon the scene before her. Though only months had passed since she last stood here, the splendor of the hall had not diminished in the slightest.
It was a magnificent sight: towering candles floated in mid-air, casting a soft, golden light over the long rows of tables gleaming with polished silverware and crystal goblets. Above, the enchanted ceiling reflected the night sky, awash with stars that shimmered as if in greeting. At the far end, the headmaster's podium loomed like a sentinel of tradition, and atop it, the Sorting Hat sat with its familiar, enigmatic presence, seeming to eye her with a knowing glint.
Following the flow of students, Y/n's heart swelled with a deep sense of homecoming, a feeling she had yearned for all summer.
As she wove her way through the bustling crowd of students reuniting, her vision was suddenly filled with a blur of yellow.
"Y/N! You're finally here!"
A familiar voice squealed, and before she could react, Rosa—her red-haired, pigtail-wearing friend—flung herself into Y/n's arms, clasping her hands tightly.
"Rosa!" Y/exclaimed, her wide smile reflecting the joy of the reunion as she looked down at the bundle of energy that was one of her closest friends.
"Why are you so late? Professor Dumbledore is about to start his speech!"
Rosa chided, though her tone was soft, already steering Y/n toward the Hufflepuff table near the front where the podium awaited
Your pov- 
This place is truly remarkable. Don't misunderstand—I've grown fond of my lodgings in the winding streets of Diagon Alley, or wherever else the Minister of Magic saw fit to relocate me every eight months. But none of those places compare to Hogwarts, which remains the most breathtaking of all the places I've had the fortune to call home.
Since I was enrolled just eighteen months ago, Hogwarts has become my sanctuary, a place of solace and wonder.
"Dear students," Professor Dumbledore's voice echoed through the Great Hall, "welcome to the fresh minds joining us this year, and welcome back to our returning students. I hope this year brings both academic success and adventure for you all."
His glasses twinkled softly, reflecting the flickering candlelight as his eyes briefly met mine. His stern expression softened for just a moment, and he offered me a knowing smile and a wink, as if we shared a secret no one else was privy to.
"Before we begin the feast," he continued, turning to gesture toward the man seated behind him, "I am pleased to introduce our newest staff member. He will be taking over the Defense Against the Dark Arts post from Madam Villers, who sends her thanks for your kind words and well wishes. Please welcome Mr. Tom Riddle."
A polite round of applause followed as the young man stood. Shadows danced across his face, obscuring him from view, but I clapped along dutifully. Defense Against the Dark Arts professors rarely lasted long at Hogwarts, and anyone brave enough to take on the position was deserving of some respect, if only for their courage.
As the applause faded, Dumbledore gave a small flick of his wrist, and in a display of Hogwarts' enchanting magic, platters of food materialized on the tables. Golden-roasted potatoes sprinkled with rosemary, succulent roast beef drizzled with sweet and tangy sauces, and bowls of parsnips and Brussels sprouts accompanied by boats of rich gravy.
The sight alone made my mouth water, and the fragrant aromas could've easily wiped away any lingering troubles from the past year. That is, if everyone around me had chosen to enjoy the feast as I did.
"If it isn't little miss perfect," a snide voice hissed from beside me.
I sighed, unable to help the exasperation that crept into my expression. Of course, Élian.
Turning slightly, I found myself face to face with the ever-sneering Ravenclaw.
"Pleased to see you too, Élian," I replied evenly.
His lips twisted into a grimace. "Back to deceive everyone again this year? Or will you only keep up the 'perfect girl' act for a few months?"
I opened my mouth, ready to deliver a sharp retort, but the words stalled on my tongue as the sound of a sharp clap echoed through the hall.
"Well, students, I trust you've all been sufficiently fed," Dumbledore announced, rising to his feet. "And I'm sure you have much to prepare for before tomorrow's classes. So, I bid you all a good night."
A chorus of groans rippled across the hall, but I couldn't understand the reluctance. The thought of attending classes—especially potion-making—still thrilled me.
"Oh, this year is going to be incredible!" Rosa squealed, gripping my arm as we wove through the throngs of students heading toward the Great Hall's oak doors.
I chuckled, caught off guard by her excitement. Rosa wasn't exactly known for her academic enthusiasm. "Why do you say that?"
"Hello?! Did you not see the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? What was his name again?" Her eyes flicked upward as she pondered.
"Dom Fiddle? No, that's not right..."
"Tom."
"Ah, yes, Tim—"
"Rosa, it's Tom Riddle."
"Right! Well, he's quite handsome, isn't he?" She wiggled her eyebrows mischievously.
"Rosa!" I scolded in a hushed voice, glancing around to make sure no one overheard.
Just as I was about to relax, my eyes caught sight of a tall figure moving gracefully through the crowd. He was dressed too sharply to be a student, yet appeared too young to be a professor. His back was to me, lean and athletic, his dark hair neatly trimmed. There was something magnetic about him, though I couldn't quite place it.
I found myself staring longer than I should have. It wasn't intentional, but there was something about a well-formed back that always caught my attention.
Before I could linger any longer, Rosa's voice snapped me out of my reverie, and we continued our lively chatter about our summers as we ascended the ever-changing staircases of the castle.
Once we reached the dormitory, Rosa promptly fell asleep, but I remained restless. An unfamiliar sense of excitement buzzed in me, one that wouldn't easily fade.
I stood by the window, gazing out at the familiar landscape. I had been here before, in this exact spot, looking through the enchanted panes of glass high in the towers, surveying the world below.
The soft hoots of owls echoed in the distance, and the lake shimmered in the moonlight, its surface still and glassy. The towering spires of Hogwarts gleamed against the dark sky, a steadfast guardian watching over its students.
In this moment, as always, I felt at peace.
It was good to be home.
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Hope you guys like this Xx