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A New Morning at Hogwarts

The first ray of sunlight slipped through the round windows of the Hufflepuff dormitory, bathing the cosy room in soft shades of gold and honey.

The warmth felt different.

Not like home.

Not like the mornings at Rajvansh House, where Anna's deep voice could be heard giving instructions before breakfast, or Aai humming old songs while arranging fresh flowers.

Not like Vardhan House either, where Nana always sat with a newspaper while Nani insisted everyone eat before leaving.

This was...

Hogwarts.

Krittika blinked slowly.

For a few seconds, she simply stared at the wooden ceiling above her bed.

Then yesterday came rushing back.

The train.

The whispers.

The boats.

The Sorting Hat.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

She smiled unconsciously.

"I actually got into Hufflepuff..."

A soft laugh escaped her lips.

It still didn't feel real.

The room around her was peaceful.

Golden curtains surrounded each bed.

Small wooden cupboards stood beside every bedside table.

The walls were decorated with paintings of badgers, forests and little magical creatures running through fields.

The fireplace still glowed faintly from the previous night.

Everything felt warm.

Comfortable.

Like the room itself wanted its students to feel safe.

Krittika slowly sat up.

Her wand rested carefully beside her pillow.

She picked it up gently.

"I guess..."

she whispered to herself.

"This is really happening."

Just then—

THUD!

A pillow landed directly on her lap.

"What the—"

A burst of laughter echoed through the dormitory.

Tushita stood near her own bed, trying very hard not to laugh.

"I was aiming for Pranita."

Pranita looked up from tying her hair.

"No, you weren't."

"I absolutely was."

"You have a terrible aim."

"I do not!"

"You threw it at Krittika."

"That... was strategic."

Krittika couldn't stop herself.

She laughed.

A proper laugh.

The kind she hadn't laughed at in days.

"You two are impossible."

"Thank you," Tushita replied proudly.

"It wasn't a compliment."

"I'll take it anyway."

Pranita sighed dramatically.

"We've been awake for twenty minutes."

"And she's already annoying."

"I bring happiness."

"You bring chaos."

"Same thing."

The three girls burst into laughter again.

For the first time since arriving at Hogwarts—

Krittika didn't feel like the prophecy child.

She felt like...

a normal eleven-year-old.

After getting dressed in their neat Hogwarts uniforms, they carefully pinned their Hufflepuff badges onto their robes.

Tushita admired herself in the mirror.

"I look important."

Pranita folded her arms.

"You look like someone who's going to get detention before lunch."

"I'll make history."

"You'll make Professor McGonagall cry."

Krittika shook her head, smiling

"You both are unbelievable."

Tushita grinned.

"And yet...

you already love us."

Krittika rolled her eyes.

"...Maybe."

"That's basically a yes."

A loud bell echoed somewhere through the castle.

Breakfast.

Students immediately began leaving their dormitories.

The Hufflepuff Common Room slowly filled with chatter.

Krittika stepped outside her dormitory and froze.

She hadn't properly looked around the common room last night.

Now—

she finally could.

It was beautiful.

Round windows allowed soft morning sunlight to pour inside.

Plants hung from shelves and ceilings.

Small magical flowers gently opened as students walked past.

Warm wooden furniture surrounded a huge fireplace.

Everything was decorated in yellow, black and earthy colours.

It didn't feel grand like she imagined Slytherin might be.

Nor dramatic like Gryffindor.

Nor scholarly like Ravenclaw.

It simply...

felt like home.

Near one corner, several second-year students were feeding tiny magical birds that fluttered happily around the room.

One little bird suddenly landed on Krittika's shoulder.

She blinked.

"Oh..."

The bird chirped cheerfully.

Then gently rubbed its tiny head against her cheek.

Tushita stared.

"...Seriously?"

Pranita raised an eyebrow.

"Even birds like you."

"I didn't do anything."

"You literally exist."

The tiny bird chirped once more before flying away.

An older Hufflepuff passing nearby smiled.

"They usually don't go to first-years."

Krittika frowned.

"Really?"

"Especially not on the first morning."

He smiled mysteriously before walking away.

Why did that feel... strange?

The three girls followed the crowd through the underground tunnels leading out of Hufflepuff House.

Every corridor looked ancient.

Portraits greeted students.

Candles floated quietly.

Some staircases moved.

Others disappeared completely.

Krittika looked around in amazement.

"How does anyone remember where to go?"

"They don't," laughed Tushita.

"They just pretend."

Pranita nodded.

"That's actually believable."

Suddenly—

the staircase beneath them moved.

Without warning.

"WHA—"

Tushita grabbed the railing.

Pranita nearly lost her balance.

Krittika stared as the staircase slowly rotated... connecting itself to an entirely different corridor.

"That's..."

she whispered.

"So cool."

"It nearly killed me," Tushita complained.

"It moved."

"Exactly!"

The corridor ahead is filled with students from different houses.

Red ties.

Blue ties.

Green ties.

Yellow ties.

Everyone , heading toward breakfast.

Some chatted happily.

Some yawned.

Some rushed because they were clearly late.

It almost felt like one enormous magical family.

Almost.

As Krittika walked past a group of older students—

the conversation stopped.

Immediately.

They looked at her.

Then whispered.

Again.

"There she is."

"The prophecy girl."

"Rajvansh..."

"I heard Professor McGonagall herself—"

They lowered their voices before Krittika could hear more.

Her smile slowly faded.

She looked down.

Not again...

Why?

Why does everyone know something...

that I don't?

Pranita noticed immediately.

She gently nudged Krittika's shoulder.

"Ignore them."

"I'm trying."

Tushita walked backwards in front of her.

"So..."

she said dramatically.

"Important question."

Krittika blinked.

"What?"

"What if breakfast has pancakes?"

"...Okay?"

"What if there are chocolate pancakes?"

"I don't know."

"What if there are magical chocolate pancakes?"

Krittika laughed.

"I think you're hungry."

"I've been hungry since birth."

Their laughter echoed through the corridor.

And for a little while...

the whispers disappeared.

Ahead—

the enormous doors of the Great Hall slowly opened.

The smell reached them first.

Fresh bread.

Warm butter.

Pumpkin juice.

Porridge.

Toast.

Fruit.

Everything smelled incredible.

Students hurried inside excitedly.

The enchanted ceiling reflected a bright blue morning sky.

Hundreds of owls flew overhead, delivering letters and newspapers.

One owl landed beside a Ravenclaw student.

Another dropped a parcel onto the Gryffindor table.

A third swooped so low over Tushita's head that she ducked dramatically.

"I almost became an owl food!"

Pranita sighed.

"It was delivering mail."

"I don't trust it."

Krittika smiled as they walked toward the Hufflepuff table.

She looked around the Great Hall.

It was just as breathtaking in daylight.

Maybe even more.

For one brief moment—

she forgot everything else.

The whispers.

The prophecy.

The expectations.

She simply looked at Hogwarts...

And wondered what this new day would bring.

The Great Hall buzzed with conversations.

Students laughed.

Owls flew overhead.

Plates magically filled themselves with warm breakfast.

Krittika had barely sat down when she felt...

Someone is looking at her.

Not the curious kind.

Not the fearful kind.

A familiar gaze.

She slowly turned.

Across the Great Hall...

At the Slytherin table...

Two students stood up.

One boy.

One girl.

Both wearing silver and green robes.

Both smiling.

The boy was tall for his age, with neatly combed dark hair and calm grey eyes. There was confidence in the way he carried himself—not arrogance, but quiet assurance.

Beside him stood a girl with long dark hair tied into a sleek ponytail. Her sharp eyes softened the moment they landed on Krittika.

Before Krittika could react—

The boy raised his hand and waved.

A genuine smile spread across his face.

"Krit!"

Krittika's eyes widened.

"Reyansh Bhaiya!"

Without thinking, she got up from the Hufflepuff table.

Ignoring the whispers around her.

She hurried across the Great Hall.

The moment she reached them—

Reyansh Malhotra smiled warmly and ruffled her hair.

"So..."

He looked at her Hufflepuff badge dramatically.

"Hufflepuff?"

Krittika laughed.

"I know..."

"I honestly thought you'd end up in Ravenclaw."

Kiara Malhotra folded her arms.

"I said Hufflepuff."

Reyansh looked at her.

"You literally said Slytherin."

"I changed my mind."

"No, you didn't."

"I did."

"You changed it after the Sorting."

"Details."

Krittika laughed again.

"So you two started arguing this early?"

"Breakfast hasn't even started properly," Kiara sighed.

"He annoys me professionally."

"I have talent."

Reyansh looked at her properly now.

His smile softened.

"You okay?"

Krittika hesitated.

"...Yeah."

"Liar."

She blinked.

"You've got the same face Chachu makes whenever something is bothering him."

She smiled faintly.

"It's just..."

She glanced around.

"People keep whispering."

Reyansh's expression immediately changed.

He looked around the hall.

Several students quickly looked away.

His voice became calmer. But firmer.

"Ignore them."

"They don't know you."

"They know stories."

"Stories are often wrong."

Kiara nodded.

"And if anyone troubles you..."

She leaned forward with a small smile.

"They'll have to answer to two Slytherins first."

Krittika couldn't help smiling.

"You'll fight everyone?"

Reyansh shrugged casually.

"If necessary."

Kiara rolled her eyes.

"He enjoys it a little too much."

"I do not."

"You absolutely do."

Just then—

A group of second-year students walked past.

One of them whispered just loud enough—

"That's the prophecy girl."

Another muttered—

"Even the Slytherins are protecting her."

Reyansh slowly turned his head.

He didn't say a word.

He simply looked at them.

The boys immediately became very interested in their toast and walked away.

Krittika stared.

"...They left."

Kiara smirked.

"That's because your cousin has a reputation."

"For what?"

Reyansh answered innocently,

"I'm very charming."

Kiara coughed.

"He's the Head of the Duelling Club."

"Oh."

"That explains everything."

"I heard about it yesterday."

Reyansh said quietly.

" The Sorting."

"The whispers."

He smiled reassuringly.

"Listen carefully, Krit."

"No matter what people say..."

"You are family first."

"And if Hogwarts becomes confusing..."

He gently tapped her forehead.

"...come to us."

Kiara smiled.

"Fourth-year Slytherin common room."

"We'll always have snacks."

Reyansh looked offended.

"Why would you reveal our greatest secret?"

Kiara grinned.

"Because she's family."

For the first time since arriving at Hogwarts...

Krittika felt something settle inside her heart.

Maybe...

She wasn't as alone here as she'd thought.

The castle corridors were alive.

Students hurried past with heavy bags sling over their shoulders, parchment tucked under their arms, and timetables clutched tightly in their hands.

Portraits greeted familiar faces.

Ghosts drifted lazily through the walls.

Some staircases shifted without warning, forcing students to groan and find another route.

For Krittika...

Everything still felt magical.

Every painting moved.

Every suit of armour seemed ready to come alive.

Every corridor hid another mystery.

She couldn't stop looking around.

"You're going to walk into a wall if you keep staring like that."

Pranita said without looking up from her timetable.

"I know..."

Krittika smiled sheepishly.

"But look at this place."

"It's beautiful."

Tushita laughed.

"I've already decided."

"When I graduate..."

"I'm stealing one of these portraits."

Pranita blinked.

"...You're what?"

"They're pretty."

"They're alive!"

"Exactly."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Fine."

"I'll steal a staircase instead."

Krittika burst into laughter.

"You both are impossible."

"And yet..."

Tushita smiled proudly.

"You still like us."

"I do."

"See?"

"I win."

A loud bell echoed throughout the castle.

Students immediately picked up their pace.

"Charms!"

someone shouted from down the corridor.

"Come on!"

Pranita grabbed Krittika's wrist.

"We'll be late!"

The three girls hurried after the crowd.

The Charms classroom was unlike anything Krittika had imagined.

Unlike the grand Great Hall or the ancient stone corridors, this room felt...

Warm.

Comfortable.

Sunlight streamed through tall windows, filling the classroom with golden light.

Shelves lined every wall, overflowing with books, enchanted objects and tiny magical inventions that moved by themselves.

One shelf held dozens of singing teacups.

Another displayed floating candles that danced gently through the air.

Tiny bells chimed softly every few seconds.

The room smelled faintly of old parchment, polished wood and peppermint.

Krittika smiled.

"I like this classroom."

"So do I."

Pranita admitted quietly.

Tushita looked around excitedly.

"I want to touch everything."

"No."

Pranita answered immediately.

"You'll blow something up."

"I have self-control."

"You tried to steal a portrait five minutes ago."

"...Fair point."

The first-years slowly found their seats.

Krittika sat between Tushita and Pranita.

She carefully placed her wand, parchment and quill on the desk.

Students continued whispering around them.

"That's her..."

"The prophecy girl..."

"The Hufflepuff."

Krittika pretended not to hear.

She looked down at her timetable instead.

A sudden burst of laughter echoed from the front of the classroom.

Every student looked up.

Standing on top of a stack of books was a tiny wizard with bright eyes and an enormous smile.

Professor Flius Flitwick.

He happily clapped his hands.

"Welcome!"

His cheerful voice immediately filled the room.

"Welcome to your very first Charms lesson!"

"I do hope none of you accidentally explode the classroom."

He paused dramatically.

"If possible."

Several students laughed nervously.

Flitwick smiled.

"Wonderful."

"You already look terrified."

"That means you're paying attention."

The classroom relaxed instantly.

Even Krittika smiled.

There was something comforting about him.

Professor Flitwick hopped down from the books and walked across the front of the room.

"Magic..."

he began,

"isn't about power."

"It never has been."

"It's about intention."

"The smallest spell performed with kindness is often stronger than the greatest spell performed with pride."

The classroom fell silent.

Krittika listened carefully.

Every word felt important.

Flitwick picked up a single white feather.

"Today's lesson is simple."

He smiled.

"Or at least..."

"It looks simple."

Several students exchanged nervous looks.

"You'll learn one of the first charms every witch and wizard remembers."

He raised his wand.

"Watch carefully."

A graceful flick.

A gentle swish.

The feather floated into the air as if it weighed nothing at all.

It danced lazily around the classroom before landing softly back onto the desk.

Professor Flitwick smiled.

"Wingardium Leviosa."

He looked around the room.

"And remember..."

He demonstrated the movement once again.

"Swish..."

He moved his wand elegantly.

"...and flick."

Several students copied the motion in the air.

Tushita whispered,

"I already forgot which comes first."

Pranita sighed.

"We haven't even started."

Professor Flitwick walked between the desks.

"Now then..."

"Let's see what you can do."

The classroom was instantly filled with excitement.

Every student pointed their wand toward the feather lying before them.

Some whispered confidently.

Others looked terrified.

Krittika took a slow breath.

She remembered what Professor Flitwick had said.

Magic follows intention.

Not fear.

She smiled softly.

Raised her wand.

Made a careful swish.

Then—

A flick.

"Wingardium Leviosa."

For a second...

Nothing happened.

Then—

The feather lifted gently from the table.

Not too fast.

Not too slow.

It floated gracefully above her desk, spinning slowly in the sunlight.

Perfectly controlled.

Perfectly balanced.

Almost...

Elegant.

Krittika stared in amazement.

"I did it..."

Beside her—

Tushita's feather shot straight upward—

Hit the ceiling—

And drifted onto another student's head.

"Oh."

"Oops."

The entire classroom burst into laughter.

Even Professor Flitwick chuckled.

"Excellent enthusiasm, Miss Gawai."

"Perhaps..."

He smiled warmly.

"...slightly less enthusiasm next time."

Tushita grinned.

"I'll work on it, Professor."

Pranita's feather floated beautifully beside hers.

She smiled proudly.

"I actually did it."

"You certainly did."

Flitwick replied.

"Very impressive."

Then...

His eyes fell upon Krittika's feather.

Still floating perfectly.

Without shaking.

Without wobbling.

His smile slowly faded into thoughtful recognition.

He walked toward her desk.

Stopped.

And looked at her carefully.

"Miss..."

"Krittika Rajvansh."

The classroom became quieter.

"Ah..."

Professor Flitwick smiled gently.

"I thought so."

Krittika looked confused.

"You have your mother's control."

His voice carried warmth.

"And your grandfather's patience."

He folded his hands behind his back.

"I remember teaching your family many years ago."

"The Vardhans were brilliant."

" The Rajvanshs..."

He chuckled softly.

"...were determined."

"And somehow..."

He looked at her floating feather.

"...you seem to have inherited both."

Krittika smiled shyly.

"I hope that's a good thing."

Professor Flitwick's eyes twinkled.

"It is."

"As long as you remember..."

He glanced around the classroom.

"Magic does not define who you are."

"The choices you make..."

"Always will."

Silence settled over the room.

Krittika lowered her eyes thoughtfully.

Those words stayed with her.

Long after the lesson continued.

The corridors of Hogwarts buzzed with students rushing from one classroom to another.

The sound of footsteps echoed against the ancient stone walls.

Some students hurried with stacks of books in their arms.

Others laughed loudly as ghosts floated lazily through the corridors.

Krittika walked between Tushita and Pranita, clutching her timetable.

Their first classes had finally ended.

Charms had been exciting.

Herbology had been... surprisingly messy.

And Hogwarts somehow already felt a little less unfamiliar.

A little.

As they turned around a corner—

Someone called out.

"Krit!"

The voice was familiar.

Very familiar.

Krittika stopped walking.

She slowly turned around.

For a second...

She simply stared.

Then her entire face lit up.

"Vihaan Bhaiya!"

Standing a few steps away was a boy wearing Ravenclaw robes.

His untidy black hair fell over his forehead, and his bright eyes carried the same warmth Krittika had always remembered.

Books were tucked neatly under one arm, while the other rested casually inside his robe pocket.

A small smile spread across his face.

"There she is."

Before he could say another word—

Krittika ran towards him.

He laughed as she almost crashed into him.

"Easy there."

"You've grown taller!"

"You literally saw me two months ago."

"So?"

"So that's not enough time to grow this much."

She folded her arms dramatically.

"I missed you."

His smile softened.

"I missed you too, little one."

Behind them, Tushita quietly leaned toward Pranita.

"Another cousin?"

Pranita nodded.

"I'm beginning to think Hogwarts belongs to her family."

Vihaan Vardhan chuckled after overhearing them.

"I promise it doesn't."

He looked toward the two girls.

"You must be Tushita..."

She nodded proudly.

"And you're Pranita."

Pranita smiled politely.

"We've heard about you."

Vihaan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

Krittika immediately looked guilty.

"I might have mentioned you once or twice."

"Once or twice?"

Vihaan laughed.

"I've been hearing about these two since the summer holidays."

Tushita grinned

"Hopefully only good things."

"Mostly."

"Mostly?"

"I'm joking."

The four of them laughed together.

For a few peaceful moments—

It felt less like Hogwarts...

And more like home.

Vihaan finally looked back at Krittika.

His smile slowly faded.

"You've been alright?"

Krittika hesitated.

"...Yeah."

He looked at her carefully.

"You still make that face whenever you're hiding something."

She looked away.

"It's just..."

She sighed softly.

"Everyone keeps staring at me."

"The whispers haven't stopped."

Vihaan's expression turned serious.

"I know."

"I've heard of them."

"They're everywhere."

Krittika lowered her eyes.

"I don't even know what they're talking about."

Vihaan remained silent for a moment.

Then he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"People love stories."

"They hear one rumour..."

"And suddenly they believe they know everything."

"But they don't know you."

"They only know your name."

Krittika looked up.

"And that's a very different thing."

She smiled faintly.

"I guess..."

He smiled back.

"Whatever happens..."

"You've got family here."

He counted on his fingers.

"Reyansh."

"Kiara."

"Me."

"And if anyone gives you trouble..."

He smirked.

"They'll have to deal with all three of us first."

Tushita folded her arms confidently.

"And us."

Pranita nodded.

"Definitely us."

Vihaan smiled.

"Good."

"Take care of her."

Tushita placed a hand dramatically over her heart.

"With my life."

Pranita looked at Krittika.

"She'll survive."

"Whether Hogwarts survives is another question."

Krittika burst into laughter.

The heavy feeling inside her chest became lighter.

Maybe...

Just maybe...

She wasn't alone after all.

As Vihaan walked away toward the Ravenclaw Tower, he turned back one last time.

"Oh..."

Krittika looked up.

"Dinner tonight."

"Meet us near the Great Hall."

"Reyansh and Kiara will be there too."

"We haven't properly welcomed you to Hogwarts yet."

He smiled.

"And family traditions should never be broken."

With that, he disappeared into the crowd.

Krittika watched him go, a smile still lingering on her face.

For the first time since arriving at Hogwarts...

The castle didn't feel quite so overwhelming.

Because no matter how big Hogwarts was...

Somewhere within its walls—

Family was waiting. 🌙

**************************************

The Walk to Herbology

The bell echoed through the castle, signalling the end of their very first Charms lesson.

Almost instantly, the classroom came alive.

Students hurriedly packed their parchment and quills while excited conversations filled every corner of the room.

Professor Flitwick smiled warmly as everyone stood.

"Wonderful work, everyone! Practice your wand movement, and remember—magic grows stronger with patience."

He gave a small bow.

"I'll see you all in the next lesson."

The first-years thanked him before making their way out.

The corridor outside was far busier than before.

Students from every year hurried through the ancient hallways, robes fluttering behind them.

Portraits greeted familiar faces.

Ghosts floated lazily through the walls as though they owned the castle.

Some moving staircases shifted without warning, making a group of second-years groan loudly.

Tushita laughed.

"I swear this castle changes its mind every five minutes."

Pranita looked at the moving staircase.

"I think it enjoys confusing students."

"I'd do the same."

"You absolutely would."

Krittika smiled as she walked beside them.

She couldn't stop looking around.

Every corridor seemed different.

Every corner held another secret.

It was impossible not to stare.

Sunlight poured through the tall stained-glass windows, painting the stone floor with shades of red, blue, green and gold.

Outside, the Hogwarts grounds stretched endlessly.

The Black Lake sparkled beneath the morning sun.

The Forbidden Forest stood silently in the distance, mysterious and ancient.

Closer to the castle stood several enormous glass greenhouses, each overflowing with magical plants.

Some vines climbed across the roofs.

Bright flowers bloomed in impossible colours.

A few strange plants seemed to sway even though there wasn't the slightest breeze.

"It's beautiful..."

Krittika whispered.

"It really is," Pranita agreed softly.

Just then—

"Krit!"

A familiar voice called from behind.

The three girls turned.

Running towards them with an excited smile was Aaratrika Singh.

Her Hufflepuff robes fluttered behind her as she hurried through the crowd.

"There you are!"

She stopped beside Krittika, slightly out of breath.

"I've been looking everywhere for you."

Krittika smiled.

"Aaru!"

"You disappeared after breakfast."

"I got lost."

Tushita nodded seriously.

"Understandable."

"This castle has more corridors than common sense."

Pranita sighed.

"That's your second terrible joke today."

"I'm keeping count."

Before anyone could continue—

Another voice called out.

"Tushita!"

They turned again.

This time it was Sharvari Joshi and Nupur Gohel, both proudly wearing bright red Gryffindor ties.

Sharvari smiled confidently.

"There you are!"

"We thought we'd already lost you."

Nupur laughed.

"You walk way too fast."

Tushita grinned.

"I prefer 'efficient.'"

"I prefer 'impossible to keep up with,'" Sharvari replied.

The four girls laughed together.

A moment later—

"Lakshmi!"

Pranita waved immediately.

A girl with neatly braided hair and calm, observant eyes walked toward them.

The blue-and-bronze Ravenclaw badge gleamed proudly on her robes.

Lakshmi Nair smiled warmly.

"I thought I'd find you with them."

"You were right."

Pranita introduced everyone again, although they had already met the previous evening.

Soon the seven girls were walking together.

Different houses.

Different personalities.

Yet somehow...

It already felt as though they'd known one another much longer.

"So..."

Nupur looked around dramatically.

"We've officially survived one class."

Sharvari smirked.

"Speak for yourself."

"I nearly dropped my feather."

"You did drop your feather."

"Details."

Everyone laughed.

As they crossed the stone courtyard, a cool breeze swept through the grounds.

The scent of damp earth, fresh grass and blooming flowers filled the air.

Ahead stood the Hogwarts greenhouses.

There were several of them.

Each one is larger than the last.

One contained enormous flowering vines wrapped around the glass walls.

Another glowed faintly from inside.

A third occasionally released tiny puffs of glittering pollen into the air.

Tushita stopped walking.

"...Are those plants moving?"

A loud THUMP echoed from inside one greenhouse.

Something huge smacked against the glass.

Nupur jumped.

Sharvari immediately burst into laughter.

"I think it likes you."

"It's better not."

"I don't want to plant food before lunch."

The girls reached Greenhouse One just as the rest of the first-years began gathering outside.

Students from all four houses chatted excitedly while waiting for their professor.

Some compared timetables.

Others admired the strange magical plants growing around the entrance.

Krittika noticed tiny golden butterflies circling a cluster of glowing flowers.

She reached out instinctively.

One butterfly landed gently on her fingertip before fluttering away again.

"That's adorable," Aaratrika whispered.

The greenhouse door suddenly opened.

A cheerful witch stepped outside.

Her robes were covered in patches of soil, and her wide-brimmed hat was decorated with fresh flowers and tiny leaves.

Dragon-hide gardening gloves rested beneath one arm.

Professor Sprout beamed at the students.

"Good morning, first-years!"

Her smile was infectious.

"I hope none of you mind getting your hands dirty."

Several students exchanged curious looks.

"Wonderful!"

"Because Herbology isn't learned by reading books."

She held up her muddy gloves.

"It's learned by touching, planting, watering, observing..."

She smiled.

"...and occasionally run away from things that try to bite you."

The class laughed.

Even Krittika couldn't help smiling.

Professor Sprout opened the greenhouse doors wider.

"Come along."

"Welcome to Greenhouse One."

Warm, humid air drifted outside.

The moment they stepped in, Krittika's eyes widened.

It was breathtaking.

Sunlight streamed through enchanted glass overhead.

Rows upon rows of magical plants stretched in every direction.

Bright flowers opened as students walked past.

Tiny glowing insects floated lazily between the leaves.

Strange vines curled around wooden beams.

Some plants are hummed softly.

Others seemed to be... whispering.

The greenhouse felt alive.

Almost as though every leaf, every flower and every root was quietly watching the students who had just entered.

Krittika exchanged an excited glance with her friends.

Maybe...

This was going to become one of her favourite classes.

**************************************

The First Flight

The afternoon sun hung high above the Hogwarts grounds as students made their way towards the large flying field.

A cool breeze swept across the open grass, carrying with it the scent of pine trees from the Forbidden Forest.

Unlike the greenhouses, the grounds felt endless.

The castle stood proudly behind them.

The Black Lake shimmered quietly in the distance.

Beyond it...

The Forbidden Forest stretched like an ancient shadow across the hills.

Krittika couldn't stop staring.

"It's even bigger from here...

she whispered.

"It looks like a painting."

"It looks like somewhere we'll definitely get lost."

Tushita replied happily.

Pranita sighed.

"...Please don't."

"I was only thinking."

"That's exactly what worries me."

Students from all four houses slowly gathered on the flying field.

Long rows of old school brooms lay neatly on the grass.

Some looked polished.

Others clearly looked older than Hogwarts itself.

One broom even had slightly crooked twigs.

Tushita pointed dramatically.

"I call the ugly one."

Sharvari laughed.

"It chose you."

"It has taste."

A sharp whistle echoed across the field.

Everyone immediately fell silent.

Walking towards them was a tall witch with short grey hair and piercing eyes.

She carried a broom over one shoulder as though it weighed nothing.

Professor Rolanda Hooch.

She stopped in front of the first-years.

Her sharp gaze swept across the entire class.

"No foolishness."

Silence.

"No showing off."

More silence.

"And if anyone flies before I tell you to..."

She paused.

"I'll personally see that you never touch a broom again."

Several students swallowed nervously.

Tushita whispered,

"I suddenly respect her."

"You should."

Pranita replied.

Professor Hooch continued.

"Stand beside your broom."

The students immediately formed neat lines.

Krittika looked down.

The broom lying beside her looked old but well cared for.

She smiled softly.

"I hope we get along."

Professor Hooch demonstrated first.

"Extend your right hand over the broom."

She held her palm above it.

"Now..."

She looked around.

"Command it."

"UP!"

Instantly, her broom leapt neatly into her hand.

The class watched in amazement.

"Simple."

She smiled.

"Now you try."

"UP!"

Voices echoed across the field.

Nothing happened.

Several students frowned.

One broom rolled lazily away from its owner.

Another spun in circles.

Someone's broom actually moved further away.

The class erupted into laughter.

"UP!"

Tushita shouted confidently.

Her broom jumped...

Straight into the air.

Missed her hand completely.

And landed behind Sharvari.

Sharvari folded her arms.

"...Amazing."

"I almost had it."

"You almost hit me."

"Technical difference."

Pranita tried next.

"Up."

Her broom slid neatly into her hand on the second attempt.

She smiled proudly.

"Finally."

Lakshmi's followed almost immediately.

Nupur needed four attempts.

Sharvari three.

Aaratrika smiled happily when hers obediently rose into her palm.

Krittika looked down at hers.

She took a slow breath.

Remember what Professor Flitwick said...

Magic follows intention.

She held out her hand.

"Up."

For a heartbeat...

Nothing happened.

Then—

The broom shot smoothly off the ground and landed perfectly in her hand.

Not too fast.

Not too slow.

Perfect.

Professor Hooch noticed immediately.

A faint smile crossed her face.

"Excellent."

"Very controlled."

Krittika smiled shyly.

"Mount your broom."

Professor Hooch instructed.

The students carefully climbed onto their brooms.

Some looked terrified.

Others looked far too excited.

Tushita was definitely the second one.

"If I fall..."

she announced dramatically,

"Tell my parents I died doing something cool."

Pranita didn't even look at her.

"I'm telling them you ignored instructions."

Professor Hooch demonstrated how to lift off the ground.

"Only a few feet."

"Nothing higher."

"Wait for my whistle."

The students nodded.

A shrill whistle cut through the air.

Slowly...

Brooms began rising.

Some wobbled.

Some spun.

Some refused to move at all.

Krittika's feet left the ground.

Just slightly.

The wind brushed against her face.

She looked down.

Then ahead.

A smile spread across her face.

She wasn't scared.

She felt...

Free.

As if the sky had been waiting for her.

Without realising it...

Her broom drifted a little higher than the others.

Not dangerously high.

Just enough for Professor Hooch to notice.

"Hmm..."

she murmured quietly.

Interesting.

Krittika gently brought the broom back down exactly as instructed.

A perfect landing.

Professor Hooch nodded approvingly.

"Very good control, Miss Rajvansh."

Across the field, Reyansh happened to be crossing towards another lesson with a group of fourth-year Slytherins.

He glanced toward the flying lesson just in time to see Krittika make the smooth landing.

A small, proud smile appeared on his face.

"Looks like Chachu was right..."

he murmured.

"She flies naturally."

The lesson continued with short flights across the field.

Some students laughed.

Some nearly fell.

Tushita somehow managed to fly in the wrong direction and almost crashed into a practice flag before Professor Hooch stopped her.

"I was testing the broom!"

"You were testing my patience."

The class burst into laughter.

As the lesson ended, Professor Hooch dismissed everyone.

"Not bad for a first day."

"But remember..."

"A broom is your partner."

"Treat it with respect..."

"And it will trust you."

The students gathered their bags and began walking back towards the castle, talking excitedly about their very first flight.

Krittika looked back once.

The field stretched silently beneath the afternoon sky.

For just a moment...

She had felt as though the wind itself knew her name.

And somehow...

That thought refused to leave her mind.

______________________________

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