>>4161308
>John, just John

>>4161308
Bob

>Finnegan Wakes.

>>4161308
Robert Smith

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>>4161309
>>4161311
>>4161314
>>4161315

Right, thank you. Your name is John Robert Finnegan-Smith.

John works just fine. Bob too, but it's been a while since anyone called you that.

You only recently turned eleven, when you received an acceptance letter in the post. You were not one to often receive mail, being an orphan and all, but you were strangely accepting of the fact that magic was indeed real. It certainly explained a few things from your past: that time you levitated a tea pot for starters.

You press your head against the glass and close your eyes with a sigh. You think upon your past and try to recollect.

Were you:

>An optimistic sort, always ready to seize the day. You always looked for the best in people and have fond memories of your childhood, and love your supportive foster parents.

>A pessimistic type. You were cynical at an early age and passed from foster home to foster home, being something of a troublemaker. You had just gotten kicked out when you received your letter.

>An dispassionate boy. More often than not you let the world pass you by, often feeling detached and unemotional. Many consider you a bit odd, including your guardian.

>>4161341
>An dispassionate boy. More often than not you let the world pass you by, often feeling detached and unemotional. Many consider you a bit odd, including your guardian.

>>4161341
>A pessimistic type. You were cynical at an early age and passed from foster home to foster home, being something of a troublemaker. You had just gotten kicked out when you received your letter.

>>4161341
>An dispassionate boy. More often than not you let the world pass you by, often feeling detached and unemotional. Many consider you a bit odd, including your guardian.

Maybe more of a eccentric then dispassionate

>>4161376

supporting

>>4161352
>>4161356
>>4161376
>>4161386

You agree, you’d consider yourself more dispassionate than anything. Passing through a column on your way to the train had been no more eventful to you than being given a magic wand. Maybe dispassionate isn’t the exact word for it, but you remember it coming out of your guardian's mouth more often than not.

Finding the countryside unengaging you pull your forehead off the window. You can feel the train buzzing with activity around you, in contrast to the silence of your compartment. There must be something to do to pass the time until you arrive at Hogwarts: you heard you’d arrive at night, and judging from the traces of sunshine it’ll be a while till then.

You hear some particularly loud noises in the hallway. It might do you well to stretch your legs, but you could always go through your luggage to make sure you’re all packed. With a grunt you get to your feet and place your wand in the pocket of your robe, which you’re still not quite used to.

What will you do?

>Go into the hallway
>Examine your belongings
>Other

>>4161426
>Go into the hallway
If any main characters are wondering about please make yourselves known now

>>4161426
>>Go into the hallway

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>>4161435
>>4161456

Normally you would ignore the clamor, but you feel compelled to go take a walk. You open the doors to your compartment and slip out into the hallway.
The space is narrow and hard to move in, even for a first year. Someone begins yelling behind your back and it causes you to turn.

“What? WHAT?!”

A large boy stands off to one side, hunched over by the glass. You realize that he’s holding a phone in his hands, a device you haven’t seen in a record couple of days. He seems to be watching something intently and makes a kind of growling noise, though at what exactly you’re unsure.

Looking to the other side of the hallway you seek a dark shape leaning against the wall. A hooded figure is nestled between your compartment and the next, head down as it scribbles into a notebook. It stops for a moment, maybe aware of your staring, before it returns to its writings.

You could speak with them or move elsewhere in the train.

>Speak with the large boy.
>Speak with the hooded figure.
>Move somewhere else.

>>4161466
>Speak with the hooded figure.
maybe the stranger has some candy?

>>4161466
>>Speak with the large boy.

>>4161477

Candy is always good.

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>>4161477
>>4161511

Leaving the irate boy to his lonesome, you approach the hooded figure.

It turns up to look at you, slightly shorter than you with its hunched posture. The hood's darkness swallows their face, though you can vaguely make out two eyes staring back with uncertainty.

"....yes?" they ask you hesitantly. She sounds like a girl around your age, and she seems more confused than anything.

>Ask for candy.
>Ask something else. (write in)

>>4161515
>Ask for candy.
Why not

>Phones
Oh we're in the present day then. Magitek when.

>>4161521

You ask the hooded girl for candy. She stares at you in silence for a few moments.

"I... don't have any." She looks up and down the hallway, and you think she's looking for someone to help her, before she shakes her head. "I think there's a lady with a food trolley, but I haven't seen her."

She falls quiet as she stares at you from within her hood. Her voice is quiet, but she doesn't sound particularly concerned.

>Insist upon finding candy.
>Ask about the hooded girl.
>Ask something else. (write in)

>>4161552
>>Ask about the hooded girl.
What's with the hood? It's weird

>>4161575

You ask the girl why she's wearing her hood up. You also mention that you think it's a bit weird, without much tact to soften the blow.

You hear her sigh softly from within the void. "Do you think so?" she
asks. You notice her glancing away for a moment. "I think it's nice sometimes, not having to hear or see as much. But that probably is weird."

She reaches up and tugs the hood down, revealing a pale girl with a short dark bob of hair. From the small bags under her eyes it looks as though she hasn't slept. When she smiles it looks a bit sad.

"Sorry. My name's Erza."

>Introduce yourself in turn.
>Ignore her introduction and insist upon finding candy.
>Get bored and leave.
>Ask something else, or combination. (write in)

>>4161618
>Introduce yourself in turn, ask if she's bored and wants to walk around.

Otherwise we'll move along. Bigger intros can happen after sorting.

>>4161641
Ditto

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>>4161641

You introduce yourself to Erza, giving your entire name as you usually do. You watch her stare and reassure her that she can just call you John for short. She nods with relief.

When you ask her if she’d like to walk around she blinks in surprise. “Oh. Sure.” She pockets the dark notebook she was writing in, quickly enough so that you can’t make out her writings, and straightens up as she walks to join you. “That boy was getting kind of loud.”

You turn towards the boy in question and find that he’s disappeared. He must not have gotten too far, as you hear a throaty howl of anguish further down the corridor, but from the look on Erza’s face she doesn’t seem keen on investigating.

The two of you idly wander to the next compartment and find a small crowd gathering, kids of varying ages forming a circle. You open the doors and wander over to investigate, noticing Erza’s hands instinctively going for her hoodie before letting them fall.

“C’moooon,” someone whines, “give it baaaack!”

A small boy with greasy long hair reaches for a dangling camera, which a taller girl is holding above his head. The dark-skinned girl snickers as she holds his head down.

“Opal, please! It’s okay!” You notice a red-haired girl sticking her head out of the nearby compartment. “Give it back to him!”

Erza looks over at you with uncertainty, unsure how to proceed as you linger on the edge of the crowd.

Will you:

>Watch the events in silence.
>Intervene in a dramatic way. Leave him alone!
>Intervene in a practical way, asking what's going on.
>Other (write in)

>>4161691
>Intervene in a practical way, asking what's going on.

"I suggest you return the boy's lost property, should you break it- Hogwart's makes you pay for a replacement- down to the last sickle. "

>>4161691
>Intervene in a practical way, asking what's going on.

>>4161760

You force yourself into the center of the action and warn the tall girl about the Hogwarts payment policy, looking to dissuade her from further bullying. You hear the crowd murmur in surprise around you, half at your intervention and half at learning something new.

The tall girl squints at you for a moment, before she sneers. "Good thing I'm rich then," she tells you, her hand tightening around the camera as if goaded to crush it, "he won't miss zis piece of junk!" You hear the boy whimper a bit as her eyebrows narrow, and she turns her full attention to you. "Or are you going to try an' stop me?"

Her french accent contorts her taunts. She really wants you to try.

Will you:
>Try and get the camera back, physically.
>Continue to try and convince her with reason.
>Get out of there.
>Other (write in)

>>4161818
>>Continue to try and convince her with reason.
Candy in exchange for the camera. A fair deal, no?

>>4161818
>Continue to try and convince her with reason.

>>4161818
>Try and get the camera back, physically.

>>4161818

I bet you I can cast a spell to get you to let go.

Pull out your wand "Wingardium..."

Then headbutt. When she drops the camera.

"Wow, look at that. Fucking magic."

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>>4161854
>>4161890

You offer the taller girl a trade: candy in exchange for the camera. This urges on another bout of murmurs in the crowd, and Erza nods to show that your candy fixation is no bluff.

The girl gives you a wide, crooked smile. "I think zat is fair. You will pay tribute." She stretches her u's a bit as she lowers the camera, before retracting it back when the boy tries to snatch it. "But I will come with you, so there is no funny business." The crowd parts to let the brutish girl through as she marches off towards the next car, beckoning for you and your wallet to follow.

"Hey, it's okay," you hear the redhead say, trying to soothe the camera boy, "you wanted to talk with me?" He murmurs something about an interview as you and Erza leave the group behind, following in the tall girls footsteps.

"I am thinking... three chocolate frogs, an' two bars of fudge to start," she says with a rumbling chuckle. Erza starts scribbling in her notebook and you see the totals of wizard coin start adding up fast. You know you have SOME sort of magic money, but are still unsure of the specifics.

Will you:
>Go through with the trade. A deal's a deal.
>Try and steal the camera while she's distracted.
>Try and learn more about the tall girl. Maybe you can talk her out of it. (write in)
>Other (write in)

>>4161904
>Try and learn more about the tall girl. Maybe you can talk her out of it. (write in)

Maybe she can help us figure out how wizard money works.

>>4161904

>Other

Take her aside. You have not only disgraced your family by stealing from others, but demanding payment for stolen goods. Now others will whisper that your families wealth is a farce, that they must steal from the poor in order to maintain their state of luxury.

>>4161913
>>4161919

You clear your throat to get the tall girl's attention. She stops right before the door to the next car, where you can see an old woman pushing along a cart of snacks. "What is it?" the girl asks you.

You explain to her that her current path is one of disgrace, to her character and to her family legacy. Warning her that her wealth is in danger of being seen as a farce in the wake of criminal actions, you tell her that she should return the boy's property.

The girls face darkens as she begins to get angry. "! How dare you talk about my family that way!" She closes in on the two of you and stares daggers from above as she continues. "Ze Brouillards are a noble house, de kind that would never stoop that low! Zat nosey little boy is ze trouble, not me. He would not go away!" Her eyes flit towards the camera in her hands and you see her begin to look uncertain, likely thinking on who is the villain here.

>Try and have her see the wrong of her ways.
>Agree with her. That guy seemed annoying.
>Try and steal the camera while she's distracted.
>Other (write in)

>>4161941
>>Try and have her see the wrong of her ways.

>>4161941
>>Try and have her see the wrong of her ways.

Well what DID the boy do to deserve such treatment?

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>>4161948
>>4161954

You ask the girl what exactly the camera boy did in the first place. Erza stays quiet as she stands by your side but nods, showing her interest as well.

The tall girl exhaled. "He was trying to bother Miss Potter when I was talking to her first. When he would not go away he tried bothering her with questions, so many questions!" She rolled her eyes and waggled the hanging camera. "I thought I would teach ze boy some manners."

Erza looks surprised for a moment, though you're not sure why. The situation now make some sense but you tell the girl you don't think that stealing his camera from him was the right choice. Particularly not for a noble like herself.

She thinks upon this for a moment and clicks her tongue. The hand holding her camera fell limp to her side. "Maybe you are right. There is ze image to uphold." It looks as though it pains her to admit it, and before she can continue the doors to the car swing open.

"Anything from the trolley dears?" asks the old woman, pushing along her cart covered in candy.

>Acquire candy.
>Do not acquire candy.

>>4161941
>Try and have her see the wrong of her ways.
>Agree with her. That guy seemed annoying.
"Yes, he seemed annoying but taking the camera away and threatening to break it was a bit too far"

>>4161982
>>Acquire candy.
She kept her end of the bargain, and so will we.

>>4162014
Damn the page didn't load, now i look like a fool
>>4161982
>Acquire candy.
Get a choco frog for all 3 of you

>>4161982
>Acquire candy.

>>4161982
>>Acquire candy.

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>>4162023
>>4162021
>>4162045
>>4162084

You tell the old woman you would like to buy some candy, reaching for your envelope in the depths of your robe. You shake out a few of the big gold coins inside and hand them over to the woman. You ask for three "chocolate frogs", hoping they taste better than they sound, but the woman chuckles merrily at the gesture and takes only one of them. "That's quite enough dearie," she assures you, giving you your change before handing three little boxes over to you. She scoots the trolley on ahead and leaves the three of you behind.

"Thanks." Erza gives you a small smile as you offer her one of the packages. The tall girl just looks confused and takes hers slowly. "I don't get it- "she begins, but when you remind her that a deal's a deal she smirks and nods at you. "Right. Thanks then."

As the three of you head back to find the camera boy, she introduces herself as Opal Brouillard. The surname is unfamiliar to you, though she promises that she comes from a family of esteemed aurors, a term which is equally unknown.

"Oi, you lot! Back to your cars now, we'll be at the castle shortly!"

An older boy in a cap pokes his head out at you, waving for you to get back to your compartments. You did notice the hallways were clearing out. "Damn," rumbles Opal, "better get zis back then." She waggles the camera and turns to head out.

>Ask her if she wants to ride there with you and Erza. You can find the boy later.
>Ask her if she wants to ride with you. Erza can drop off the camera.
>Find a way to ditch the girls and ride solo.
>Other (write in)

>>4162114

>Other (write in)

Find somewhere to sit with Erza?

>>4162114
>Ask her if she wants to ride there with you and Erza. You can find the boy later.
Saves her getting yelled at by a prefect for wandering the coridoors after being told not to.

>>4162124
(Oh yeah I meant to write that in, forgive my lizard brain)

>>4162114
>>Ask her if she wants to ride with you. Erza can drop off the camera.
We can pay her with a chocolate frog.

Currency can get us candy, therefore, candy is currency.

>>4162114
>Ask her if she wants to ride there with you and Erza. You can find the boy later.

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>>4162126
>>4162142
>>4162124

Before Opal can run off, you ask if she'd like to join you and Erza in your compartment. You think the boy can handle a few more hours without his camera, or at least you'd like to hope so.

She cocks her head a bit in surprise. "Sure, that is ze best plan." She reaches into her robes and drops the camera out of sight, though she gives it a pat. "I promise I will not smash it."

Erza giggles, a barely audible sound as the three of you head into your part of the train. "You know, I was going to ask you back then if I could sit with you," she admits to you, "I was just embarrassed."

The three of you have all exchanged names by the time you arrive at your compartment, which is luckily still empty. You plop onto your chair, Opal sitting down heavily beside you with a sigh of relief. Erza sits across from the two of you and crosses her legs, pulling out her notebook again. The three of you relax in comfortable quiet.

You'll be arriving at Hogwarts shortly. You have some time to talk with the girls some more, or you could just take a nap.

>Talk with Erza (write in)
>Talk with Opal (write in)
>Talk with both girls (write in)
>Get a quick nap in and arrive at Hogwarts.

>>4162174

>Talk with both girls (write in)

So, Hogwarts... How fast do you think the wifi is?

>>4162174
>Talk with Erza (write in)

Ask what she’s writing about.

>Get a quick nap in and arrive at Hogwarts.
We got a reputation to uphold

>>4162222

Curious, you ask Erza what she's writing in that little notebook of hers. She freezes for a moment, her cheeks flushing.

"Oh, this..." She smiles awkwardly and scribbles wildly before pocketing the book again. "It's just for ingredients, like potions." She taps her fingers together, clearly wanting to change the subject, and you're unsure if she's telling the truth.

"Potions?" Opal scoffs a little. "What, are you some kind of Slytherin?"

Erza nodded. "Born and raised," she says.

"You can always change your mind," Opal offers. Erza chuckles softly.

Unsure what exactly they're talking about you move on.

>>4162184

You ask the girls what to expect from the Hogwarts wifi. Opal looks at you as if you're speaking in tongues. "The internet," Erza explains.

Opal laughs. "Ha! If zey don't have it in Beauxbatons, zey don't have it in Hogwarts." She shrugs at you. "Muggle things, muggle schools."

Erza looks at Opal with intrigue. "You've been to Beauxbatons?" she asked over, before noticing your expression. "It's a French magic school," she explains.

"ZE French magic school," Opal corrects. Her proud smile vanishes for a moment before she wags her hand from side to side. "Oh, well, I have been once or twice. Seen ze grounds." She crosses her arms and signals the end of that line of questioning.

>Talk with Erza (write in)
>Talk with Opal (write in)
>Talk with both girls (write in)
>Get a quick nap in and arrive at Hogwarts.

>>4162256
>>Talk with Opal (write in)
If you’re from France, why come to Hogwarts?

Oracle, what card did we get from our chocolate frog, btw?

>>4162294
>>4162256

I don't think we've ate them, let's share them now before we get to the castle?

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>>4162294

You ask Opal why she's coming to Hogwarts. Isn't she French?

She squints at you. "Well, my mother is American," she begins, before trailing off. You and Erza wait expectantly before she huffs. "My parents made me," she says shortly and leaves it at that.

Erza perks an eyebrow but says nothing.

>>4162294
>>4162309

You feel something vibrate in your hand. You realize your chocolate frog box has started moving. You were wondering if it was actually a frog in there, but now you're just worried if it's alive. Slowly, you crack open the box...

A brown lump springs into the air. Opal quickly grabs for it, holding a shiny brown frog by the leg. She smiles with satisfaction. "Got 'em." You watch as she plops the wriggling mass in her mouth. "I'll give you mine," she murmurs through the chocolate before pointing at your box, motioning at it. You look down and find a pointed card inside: a holographic figure is inside.

You take a closer look. A blonde woman smilles happily up at you, her gaze somewhat distant. You feel as though you've seen a similar expression in the mirror.

"Luna Lovegood," reads Opal, looking up at you and Erza with furrowed brows. "Who is zis?'

Erza shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know. I'll save mine for later," she tells the two of you, hiding away her box before pointing at Opal's. "What about yours?"

Opal carefully opens her box, letting the chocolate frog crawl onto her leg, before she scoops it up and places it in your free hand. You tighten it, unsure exactly what you want to do with the seemingly sentient chocolate, but turn when Opal makes an excited noise.

"Look at zat! Professor Longbottom!"

You look over at the card thrust in your face. A middle-aged dad stares back at you, a confident smile on his face. You're unsure why Opal seems so excited about him but you give her a nod all the same. The frog seems to have settled back into acting like regular chocolate for a moment, so you take the occasion to bite its head.

>Talk with both girls (write in)
>Get a quick nap in and arrive at Hogwarts.

>>4162347
>>Get a quick nap in and arrive at Hogwarts.

Who’s bright idea was it to make sentient chocolate, let alone one that tries to run away.

>>4162347
>Get a quick nap in and arrive at Hogwarts.

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>>4162368
>>4162386

Biting on the last of your chocolate frog and questioning it entirely, you feel as though a nap is in order. Opal moves over to show Erza her new card, and you sink down into the corner of your chair to get some rest. You hear the girls chattering grow distant as you fall into slumber, and you sink into the abyss of sleep. However short it may be.

You float there in the darkness. You think for a moment you won't be dreaming, before you hear the distant sound of a lullaby.

You smile.

-

You awake to find Erza hunched over you, hesitantly prodding your shoulder. "Hey, we're here," she tells you, motioning with her head at the crowd of students pushing through the hallway. You see a flurry of robes mashing together as kids chatter loudly, and you grimace a bit at all the noise.

Thanking Erza you sit up and pat yourself, finding your coins and wands still on your person. You notice that Opal has disappeared. "She went to go find the camera guy," Erza tells you, before motioning quickly with her hand. "We should probably go."

You follow her lead, cramming in with the rest of the students as you slowly make your way outside, following the distant orders of the prefects.

-

The cool night's air hits you, waking you up even more as you are ushered onto the platform.

"First years, this way please, thank you!"

You and the other younger students are corralled towards one end of the station, while all the others head in the opposite direction. You notice some kinds of dark horses leading a line of carriages in the distance. How exactly are YOU getting to the castle?

"Over here now, over here! C'mon!"

A deep, albeit gentle voice guides you forward, and before you know it you're staring at the biggest man you've ever seen. You notice Erza looking up wide-eyed, and you follow her gaze up to a smiling face framed by a bushy grey head of hair.

"Yer a feisty lot, aren't ya?" asked the giant. "Welcome to Hogwarts!"

>Converse with the giant (write in)
>Wait and follow his directions.

>>4162396
>Wait and follow his directions
>some kinds of dark horses leading a line of carriages in the distance
Ah shit, who did we see die

>>4162396
"Sir, Why are you so big?"

Hold back from saying 'In awe at the size of this lad, absolute unit.'

>>4162416

You fail to refrain from asking the large man why exactly he is so big. This prompts a good-natured chuckle from him, causing his lantern to shake a bit.

"Well, that's not the first time I've heard that one, and it won't be the last!" He pats his chest. "Me mum was a giant. All there is to it."

The crowd of amassed first years murmurs in awe behind you.

>>4162411

The giant man looked around with a smile. "If ya don't got any more questions, then follow me. Right this way!"

The giant walked off towards the end of the platform, descending down a stairway and motioning for you to follow. As you begin to follow him down a nearby hill, you hear Erza whisper to you. "I was wondering the same thing," she confides.

Before you know it you have reached the edge of a vast lake. You can make out a large structure on the other end, though it shimmers in a kind of fog at this distance. The giant waves you onto a long stretch of dock, and you watch as a number of boats begin to draw close.

Strangely enough, no one is rowing them.

"Alright, on you go now," the giant tells the group, "six to a boat! No more than that! Trust me on that one." He coughs and lets that hang in the air. "Well, if ya got friends, make yer groups now."

Erza glances at you and nods, before the two of you look for anyone you know. Opal is nowhere to be seen: you guess her being in another year would explain her height. You notice the camera boy off to one side, reunited with his camera at last, though he gives you a funny look and pretends to have not noticed you.

"Oh, would you like another?" someone asks. You notice it was the redheaded girl from earlier, the one that had tried to stop Opal in the first place. She smiles at the two of you. You struggle to recall a name... Potter something?

>Sure, hop on.
>You and Erza are good.

>>4162452
>>Sure, hop on.
>potter
Well this is gonna be fun

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>>4162469

You think the girl seems nice enough, so you invite her into her group. She seems joyful to join the two of you. "My name's Lily!" she tells you, before asking more about the two of you.

You give her your entire name, which she sits through in rapture. "I'm just Erza," your companion tells her. Lily lets out a bubbly laugh in turn.

Before you know it the three of you are sailing across a giant span of lake, the boat propelling itself magically across the water towards your destination. You hear Lily's gasp in awe behind you.

https://youtu.be/Y6yzp-Fk9TM?t=96

An enormous castle glitters in the darkness, stretching across the hilltops as you approach. You stare at the sight in quiet wonder, your boat following the others as it approaches the docks. The torches of Hogwarts shimmer above you as you disembark and follow the long set of stairs. You seem to have become the guide for everyone now that the giant has waved you off. "I'll see you all at dinner!" he calls.

The wooden dock turns to stone as you realize you've entered the castle. A figure in dark robes is waiting for you at the top, tapping his foot and humming a tune as you come to a halt.

"It's him!" someone murmurs from behind. The crowd titters in surprise, your own eyes widening as you realize you've seen this man before. He looks a bit more impressive outside of a trading card. "The snake-slayer!" someone whispers.

"I remember when I was on those stairs..." Professor Longbottom says wistfully. He shakes his head and claps his hands together. "Welcome to Hogwarts!"

>Converse with Professor Longbottom.
>Wait and follow his directions.

>>4162502
>Check out longbottoms choco frog. Let’s see if it’s accurate from the man himself
>Converse with Professor Longbottom
Going to bed. Have fun questing. Good start btw

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>>4162512

You take out your chocolate frog card and subtly try to compare the two Longbottoms. The one on the card seems a bit awkward, compared to the older man before you, who stands with a confident smile. You wonder how long it has been since the two were taken.

Professor Longbottom looks across the crowd. "In just a few moments, you will be sorted into your houses. They'll be just like your family while you're here at Hogwarts." He raises an eyebrow as he scans the crowd. "Hufflepuff..." he begins, hearing some murmurs in the crowd, "Ravenclaw.... Slytherin... and Gryffindor."

Someone whistles in the back. The crowd breaks into nervous laughter, though Longbottom laughs warmly. "Sorry, I couldn't help it," he admits. He looks over the crowd fondly before turning back to the nearby doors, as if to go check something.

"Sir, what about the house cup?" asks a boy in the crowd. Professor Longbottom whirls in place and wagged a finger, trying to find him.

"Right, right, the cup. Well, you all will be awarded points for good performance," he explained, "and the house with the most points will be awarded the house cup." He nodded and rubbed his hands together as if trying to start a fire, glancing behind him and watching the doors into the castle swing open. "Well then, on we go."

You follow the professor inside the castle. The halls are illuminated by torchlight. You notice suits of armor flanking the corners, their helmets turning to watch you pass. The professor stops before a a large set of doors and watches as they open before you.

...

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>>4162550

An enormous hall stretches before you, with rows of young wizards clad in uniform that turn at your arrival. Candles float in the air above your head as you follow Longbottom to the front of the room, and as you look to the ceiling you notice it is covered in stars.

You can hear the older students murmuring behind you as the first year group fans out, forming a sort of half-moon in front of the professor. You become aware that you stand in front of a large table: a great many witches and wizards have their eye upon you.

The giant man from earlier sits among them, smiling in recognition as you catch his eye. A blonde braided woman eyes you curiously, while a sharp-nosed woman in green looks uneasy. A balding old man, leaning on a cane to the side of the table, scowls with utter contempt.

Chief among them sits a woman in flowing robes, her white hair trailing behind her hat as she rises. "Headmistress McGonagall has a few words for you all," exclaimed Longbottom, who smiles sheepishly and stands somewhat at attention.

You watch as the Headmistress gazes across the crowd. Her expression is stern when she begins to speak. "Let it be known to all of you, that until further notice the dungeons are to be closed to all students outside of Slytherin."

The hall explodes into chatter around you. When McGonagall coughs it seems to have been amplified tenfold, and the room quickly falls silent. "Slytherin students will be escorted to and from the common room during this time. All classes in the dungeons have been relocated."

Mcgonnagal waits until the whispers have ceased. "Also, Hogwarts will see another year guarded by our charmed sentinels." She waves her hands to the sides of the room, and on cue the suits of armor there salute. "You are advised to pay them no mind. They are here to ensure your safety, nothing more."

She looks around again, finding little protest. Her thin lips curl into a smile. "That is all I have to say. Now, let the sorting ceremony commence."

The room breaks into cheers as the Headmistress sits back down. Professor Longbottom smiles and pulls a large wrinkly hat from behind his back, which you're sure wasn't there before. He begins to read from a scroll.

"When I call your name, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses." He looks at the scroll for a moment before looking for a figure in the crowd.

"John Finnegan-Smith?"

...

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>>4162572

You take a step forward. You gaze up at Longbottom and nod, and he gestures to the stool in front of you. "Hop on up," he tells you.

It's easy to take a seat, but you're a little hesitant to look up at the crowd. Hundreds of students stare back at you in curiosity, four rows of tables garnished with color. The other first years stare at you in anticipation, Erza watching carefully as Lily offers you a smile. Even the camera boy from earlier can't help but stare. You wonder what is supposed to happen before you feel a shadow descend around you: the hat is being lowered.

Then, the hat begins to speak.

"Hrmm..." it muses, writhing a bit on top of your head, "curious, curious. I haven't seen a mind like this in ages." It made a tutting noise. "Not a good thing, mind you, not a bad thing either. Just curious..."

You sit helpless to the hat's musings as it continues. "I think I've got it now. Better be..." it began, before pausing.

Unknown to you, many voices cry out in unison, telling the hat you belong in...

>GRYFFINDOR!
>SLYTHERIN!
>HUFFLEPUFF!
>RAVENCLAW!

(I know this is a big one, so I will let this choice stand for a bit. Vote away!)

>>4162588
Slytherin

>>4162588
>HUFFLEPUFF!
I feel like it fits mc the most.

>>4162588
>HUFFLEPUFF!

>>4162588

Slytherin!

>>4162588
>HUFFLEPUFF!

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>>4162588
>Hufflecomf

>>4162588
>SLYTHERIN!

>>4162588

Hufflepuff

>>4162588
Slytherin

>>4162588
>HUFFLEPUFF!

>>4162815
+ 1

>>4162588
>HUFFLEPUFF!
Considering we're drawing new friends to use like a magnet despite being a little eccentric it fits.

>Lily
Damn we really are in the present day.

Also going by the choco frog scene we're related to Luna. I wonder if any of the professors will pick up on the resemblance.

>>4162847
More like we have similar persionality/quirk. Might have some divination talant or somthing.

>>4162588
Ravenclaw seems the obvious choice... learning and intellect, a keen eye

>>4162588
Fuck it
>HUFFLEPUFF!

>>4162588

>HUFFLEPUFF!

>>4162588
>>HUFFLEPUFF!

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>>4162588
>Ravenclaw
but huffle the puff would have been nice even if i wonder where the huff and the puff in the name comes from and it cant be good for there weight to literally living next to the kitchen and snack

>>4162588
>SLYTHERIN! Just kidding, RAVENCLAW!

>>4162588
>>Hufflepuff

we're supposed to be dispassionate, right? seems like the right house for someone like that

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>>4162588
>SPARKLYPOO

>>4163253
Finally, a house we can all agree upon

>>4162588
>>RAVENCLAW!

>>4162833
Changing to >>4163280

>>4162621

ID changed but also switch to Ravenclaw.

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You feel a prickling sensation in the back of your mind. The talking hat squirms a bit on top of your head. "Easy now! I hear you," it says as if responding to a cascade of voices you can't hear. "Looks like you've got some spirit in you after all." When it grumbles its voice is low: that was meant for your ears only.

"Well then..." it begins, pausing for dramatic effect. The hall holds their breath.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

You watch as a table of students in gold trim rise to their feet, cheering with applause and waving you over. Your chest feels hot for a moment as you stare at the happy faces and you find yourself smiling back. Longbottom guides you off the chair and sends you of to your table, the other first years giving you nervous smiles along the way.

You receive several thumps on the back as your house makes room for you to sit with them. One older boy in particular, with curly blonde locks below his cap, offers you a firm handshake. "Welcome to Hufflepuff," he tells you with a grin. You begin to introduce yourself when Longbottom calls out another name. The boy nudges his head and you turn to watch the next first year be sorted. As the wrinkled hat calls out another house you find yourself distracted, and the din of the hall begins to fade as you think to yourself.

Now your story can truly begin. Of this you are certain.

...

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>>4163316

The sorting ceremony continues. You have watched a number of unfamiliar first years be sent off to their houses, as well as a few that you recognize. The large angry boy turns out to be Jordie Tontson, who seems pleased with his placement in Slytherin. The camera boy is finally revealed as Jackson Fringe, as well as a place at the Gryffindor table.

"Erza Erstwhile?"

Longbottom calls out a name you know. As you watch Erza step towards the stool you hear some rumblings in the crowd, and when you look around you see several students whispering to one another. You listen in to a few girls near you. "Like, Grimbella Erstwhile? No way!" one of them exclaims, while the other looks equally intrigued. “I didn’t know she had a sister.”

Before you can ask them something the crowd settles down. You watch as the sorting hat mutters something inaudible to Erza, who has her eyes set upon the ground. She seems frozen in place for a moment before the sorting hat opens its mouth wide.

“HUFFLEPUFF!”

You rise to your feet with the rest of them, clapping happily as the perplexed looking Erza stumbles over to join you. She seems like she’s waking from a dream as she takes a seat beside you, finally blinking and snapping out of it as she’s jostled by friendly faces.

“I… didn’t expect that,” she manages. Her face looks paler than ever, yet when she turns back to the ceremony there’s a smile on her face all the same.

-

By the end of the sorting there’s only one girl remaining. A familiar head of red hair helps you identify Lily from the back. Longbottom’s eyes seem to twinkle when he reads her name.

“Lily Potter.”

The hall breaks into a commotion, though only for a second, as when McGonnagal looks as though she is about to rise it frightens the crowd into silence. Lily steps to the stool and shares a few words with Longbottom before hopping onto the stool.

"Well well, yet another Potter. I think I know just where to put you…” says the hat. It pauses, leaving the room in silence. You can feel tension stretch across the room.

“HUFFLEPUFF!”

Nobody moves. Then, you feel a surge of air as your house rises to its feet as one, hooting and hollering with a great deal of excitement. You try to clap along before realizing that people across the entire hall are celebrating for her.

“LILLLLLLLY!”

Some boys from Slytherin call out with a cheer. Lily herself remains on the stool, in something of a daze as an equally surprised-looking Longbottom helps her to her feet. “I REALLY didn’t expect that,” Erza tries to say to you over the din, shaking her head in wonder as you watch the new Hufflepuff find a seat.

McGonnagal takes a stand. She waits until the hall has grown silent, and you see the stern looking woman’s eyes are wet. She smiles.

“Now,” she says, “the feast begins!”

You watch as plates of delicious looking food appear from nowhere. Then you have the best meal of your entire life.

...

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>>4163322

After the meal has concluded, you find yourself following the other Hufflepuffs through the castle corridors. A number of portraits turn their head to gossip as you pass, though you are aware that most of them seem to be talking about Lily.

You are also being stalked by a number of ghosts, which you are now aware are both real and also very much visible.

You pass through a number of halls that smell suspiciously like dinner (and your suspicions are confirmed by a glance at the nearby kitchens) before you all halt by a stack of barrels. The blonde boy from earlier introduces himself as Jarrol and the Head Boy of Hufflepuff.

"Now, I will be showing you how to enter our common room," he begins, before hastily adding "and don't tell anyone else about this, or you will be punished." He winces a bit. "Trust me."

He takes out his wand and reaches for a barrel in the middle of the stack. "Hel-ga Huff-le-puff," he intones, tapping it with every syllable. The crowd titters as the barrel swings open and you are guided up a dark staircase.

A great circular room appears, the night sky sparkling behind round windows in the ceiling. "Welcome to the common room," says Jarrol, "you'll find the boys dormitories to the left, and the girls dormitories to the right." The rest of the Hufflepuffs scatter around the room while Jarrol turns his attention to you all.

"Now, do you have any questions?"

>Ask Jarrol something (write in).
>Explore the common room.
>Head to the the dormitory.
>Reconvene with your acquaintances.
>Other (write in)

>>4163360
>>Ask Jarrol something (write in).
How do I find out my daily schedule?

(Have we chosen a pet?)

>>4163360
>Reconvene with your acquaintances.

>Hufflepuff Lily
Wow didn't expect that. Did John's sorting have an impact on her's, I wonder. She was a gryff in Canon right?

>>4163360
>Reconvene with your acquaintances.

>>4163360
>Explore the common room.

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>>4163386

You ask Jarrol what your daily schedule is, and how you can find it.

"All first years will have the same schedule," he tells you, "you can find it over there." He points over at a cork bulletin board against one wall. "We've put a copy with your books as well... right, which you'll find up on your beds already." He nods. "Your pets as well."

Pet? You blink. You think you might have a pet, though it's strange you can't exactly remember. You'll have to see for yourself when you head upstairs.

>>4163387
>>4163405

After a few more questions are fielded Jarrol's way, you are all dismissed for the night. "Be sure to get enough sleep!" Jarrol calls as he sprints towards the boys dormitory.

You look around for your new acquaintances. Lily catches your gaze for a moment before she's swamped by a crowd of students, young and old. You think you'd best catch up with her later.

Looking around for Erza you spot a dark form near the fire, and find her staring at in in silence. She's put her hood back up.

"Look who I found," she muses softly, jabbing a thumb at the other side of the couch. When you take a look you stare in confusion: Opal Brouillad is curled into a despondent looking ball, looking like the life has been sucked out of her.

What are the odds?

>Speak with Erza (write in)
>Try to speak with Opal (write in)
>Speak to both of the girls (write in)
>Other (write in)

>>4163418
>>Speak to both of the girls (write in)
“What houses were you both expecting?”

>>4163418

>Try to speak with Opal (write in)
You alright?

>>4163418
>>Speak to both of the girls (write in)
Say "Erza seems awful dedicated to whatever she is writing, eh?" in an attempt to address Opal without directly asking why she looks despondent

>>4163418
>Speak to both girls
We gotta get Opal to open up around us before we dive into what's bothering her, so let's talk about....pets! Opal, what's yours? Erza, have you met yours yet? Also what did Jarrol mean when he said they'd be in our rooms? Do we have assigned dorm rooms or...

And if/when Opal relaxes a bit
>Ask Opal what's bothering her
>(also ask what year she's even in)

>>4163423

You ask the girls which houses they were expecting for their sorting.

"Slytherin." Erza looks up at you from within her hood. "My families been Slytherin forever, so. This is new."

Opal doesn't seem to hear you. She murmurs groggily as she stares into the flickering fire.

"What the hell is a Hufflepuff..."

>>4163426

You ask Opal if she's doing alright. It seems a necessary question.

She says nothing. Erza gives her a slight poke on the shoulder and she begins to rise, looking at the two of you as if for the first time. "Wuh-" she begins slowly before her eyes lock on you and she begins to advance. She holds your hair up as she growls, her own frizzy head gone wild.

"YOU! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" she bellows. Erza slowly rises to her feet and you hear some students begin to come over, but you mostly just feel your hair attempting to leave your head.

>React physically. She can't treat you like that.
>React with your words. Try and get her to calm down.
>Call for help.
>Other (write in)

>>4163440
>React with your words. Try and get her to calm down.

Someone's gotta be the calm party here. Figure out what's got her so upset

>>4163440
>>React with your words. Try and get her to calm down.
While this feels nice and all, please calm down

>>4163448
+ 1

>>4163448
>>4163450

You hold your hands out and ask Opal why she's so upset. Although your scalp hurts you try to grin and bear it, going for the peaceful approach.

Opal continues to yank your hair until a small group of students have surrounded you. Erza taps her shoulder gently and Opal seems to snap out of it, looking around. Maybe she feels some deja vu, as she releases you and stomps back over to the couch.

You tell the others that you were just arguing, nothing big. They seemingly believe you and head off back to their own business. You and Erza sit back down and you ask Opal if she can tell you what's on her mind.

The large girl exhales heavily. "I am not a Hufflepuff... it is ze joke house." She doesn't look at you when she speaks, and though she sounds bitter she doesn't sound particularly spiteful. "I should never have tried being nice."

She stares at the fire again in silence. Erza glances at you and says nothing.

>Try and talk some more with Opal (write in)
>Leave her alone and explore the common room.

>>4163477
>>Try and talk some more with Opal (write in)
"Its just a house. At worst it only determines where we are going to sleep. Its not like being a Hufflepuff changes who you are. Probably. I think. And being nice is good thing! Mostly? If that is what landed you here, I feel sorry for the other 3 houses."

>>4163477
>Try and talk some more with Opal (write in)

For what it's worth, I appreciated you being nice? Also I'm sorry if I did something wrong, I'm kinda new to the whole wizarding thing.

They don't know we're a muggleborn, right? Seems like the both of them have magical family. Might as well get it out in the open.

>>4163494
Supporting.

>>4163477
>>Leave her alone and explore the common room.
It's hard to rationalize with people who are upset. You already got stepped on by her, no need to keep getting stepped on>>4163477

>>4163477
>Try to talk some more with Opal (write in)
Something like we appreciated her being kind and how we are sure that being a Hufflepuff doesn't mean you're a joke and she'll do great things.
Something along those lines

>>4163501
If it's not too late I'll change my vote to leaving.

>>4163497
Yeah, what this guy said

>>4163494
>>4163497
>>4163509
>>4163564

You try and talk with Opal some more. You mention that, for what it's worth, you appreciate her being nice, and apologize if you upset her in some sort of way. You're about to say that you're a confused muggleborn before you pause for a moment: are you? Your guardian is certainly a muggle but you don't remember a thing about your real parents. The thought leaves you speechless for a moment.

Opal is still looking into the fire. When you recover you just tell her that you're confused about things yourself, and when she doesn't reply you add that you don't think that being Hufflepuff changes who she is.

She sighs and glances over at you. She doesn't respond, instead getting to her feet. "Goodnight," she mumbles to the pair of you before marching off to the girls dormitory.

>>4163530
>>4163505

You don't try and stop her. You're sure she's angry and has a lot to think over. Erza looks over at you and nods. "She'll be okay," she tells you, though she doesn't sound certain herself.

The two of you rise to your feet. People are still chattering around the common room, though it seems to be slowly clearing out.

>Talk with Erza. (write in)
>Examine class schedule.
>Examine the common room.
>Other (write in)

>>4163596
>>Examine the common room.
Is Lily still around? Might be nice to say hi.

If she isn't then
>Examine class schedule.

>>4163602
Ah if we can talk to Lily we gotta introduce Erza to her too.

>>4163596
>Examine class schedule.

How far ahead are we in the future? Just curious.

>>4163596
>Examine class schedule.

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>>4163602

You look around the common room. Aside from has already been mentioned you see a great number of potted plants, a few of which seem to be staring back at you in some way. You assume that Hufflepuff has some affinity for plant life.

As if on cue, a tendril of ivy tickles your neck. You turn and watch as it curls back up to a plant hanging from the ceiling.

You distract yourself from the plants by looking for Lily, and find her to have vanished. You wouldn't be surprised if she'd been spirited away to the girls dormitory.

Otherwise you see a few portraits around the room, a trophy rack and a few tables. None of the portraits seem to be talking or moving around.

>>4163604

You make a note to introduce the two girls, and then remember that the two had met on the boat ride. That's a start at least.

>>4163602
>>4163620

You and Erza head over to the bulletin board and take a look at the schedule. The revised core curriculum stands above the rest.

Herbology - Charms - Potions - Transfiguration- DADA

"DADA?" wonders Erza aloud. You are equally confused. Reading on, it seems as though other electives include Astronomy, History and even broom riding. Of course they ride brooms here.

>Talk with Erza. (write in)
>Call it a night and head to your dormitory.
>Other (write in)

>>4163629
>Call it a night and head to your dormitory.

>>4163629
>>Talk with Erza. (write in)
“What electives are you thinking on? I’m considering history.”

>>4163633

You ask Erza what electives she's thinking about, mentioning History.

"Besides Flying?" she asks you. She scratches the top of her hood in thought. "I don't know if I will. I want to focus on the main ones." She looks at you through the shadow. "And you're the first person I've met that likes History."

>Talk with Erza. (write in)
>Call it a night and head to your dormitory.
>Other (write in)

>>4163638
>>Call it a night and head to your dormitory.

>>4163629
>>4163633
Support taking about electives with Erza but.

>History
Nah divination is where it's at

>>4163638
>Call it a night and head to your dormitory.

>>4163638
>>Call it a night and head to your dormitory.

>>4163639
>>4163643
>>4163646

You feel yourself growing tired and tell Erza you're heading to bed.

She nods. "Yeah. See you tomorrow."

You leave her to look at the bulletin board and head for the boys dormitory. You open them and find a bunch of rowdy boys your age fussing about: you guess that the first years are on the first floor beds.

Nobody looks familiar or seems to notice your presence. You decide to head towards the remaining empty bed and realize find your luggage and your books there already, just as Jarrol had said.

And, to your surprise, you find your pet. Your dear, sweet pet...

>Owl. Owls are inherently skilled at sending messages and parcels.
>Rat. Rats make for excellent magical test subjects, and can be easily trained.
>Cat. Cats are harder to train, but are capable of great feats nonetheless.
>Toad. It's a toad. Enough said.
>A potted plant of some nature. (write in)

>>4163649
>A potted plant of some nature.
>Venomous Tentacula

The plant that can hug you back!

>>4163649
>Toad. It's a toad. Enough said.

>>4163649
>Cat. Cats are harder to train, but are capable of great feats nonetheless.
One of those skinny "goblin" faced cats

>>4163649
>>Owl. Owls are inherently skilled at sending messages and parcels.
We call her Hoo, because that’s what she does

(Forgot to mention, you can take a rat or toad with you into class within your pocket. Cats, owls and plants can only be interacted with outside of class or in special events.)

>>4163663
Oriental shorthair to Be specific

>>4163656
>>4163649
Right changing my vote to
>Toad. It's a toad. Enough said.

>>4163649
>Toad. It's a toad. Enough said.

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>>4163701
>>4163678
>>4163661

A round green toad hops onto the top of your stack of books, eyeing you expectantly. How could you forget him? You feel a rush of affection for the creature: you know that you have had him for some time.

You are struggling with a name however.

>What is his name?

>>4163714
>Mr. Toad

>>4163714
>Frog. You liked confusing people

>>4163726
>>4163714
Support

>>4163726
Supporting

>>4163726
>>4163732
>>4163739

You're sure that his name is Mr. Toad. You hold out his hand and the bulbous creature jumps into them, staring up at you. He seems to be content just to sit there.

You take a seat on the bed and look around. The other boys are starting to go to bed, yet some are still not tired enough to keep from whispering.

Lucky for you you are a deep sleeper.

>Play with Mr. Toad.
>Go to sleep.
>Other (write in)

>>4163749
>>Play with Mr. Toad.
>Listen to the whispers
Maybe we can overhear some gossip

>>4163750
What this guy said.

Mr. Toad is a valued member of Hogwarts, and anyone being mean to him will result in swift retribution

>>4163750
>>4163760

You arrange an obstacle course for Mr. Toad using your textbooks, and he happily sets off to jump along them.

While your toad enjoys enrichment you listen closely to a pair of boys whispering nearby. You see the back of a buzzed head as he talks to his friend.

"Since when could first years take Defense Against the Dark Arts?" he asked.

"Since the Headmistress said we could." The other boy sounded a bit drowsy. "About time they... started treating us less like kids..."

"You know who's teaching this year?" asked the first boy.

"Naw.... jus' that she's mean..."

Intrigued, you listen for anything else, but the boys just say goodnight after that. You're probably the only one awake in the dorm.

>Do something else (write in)
>Go to sleep.

>>4163770
>Go to sleep.

>>4163770
>>Go to sleep.
Kiss mr. toad goodnight, like the good pet owner we are

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>>4163778
>>4163792

Putting your books aside, you scoop up Mr. Toad and deposit him next to your bed after a goodnight kiss. He nestles into the nearby window and closes his eyes, and after a few moments you do the same.

You drift into darkness. Quite literally in fact: you feel your body hovering in a deep, dark abyss.

This is how you usually sleep. Your guardian said it sounds like dreaming to him, but you're not quite sure.

You see the scenes of the past day pass by in monochrome, snippets of conversations between you and the people you've met. Erza smiles at you from under her hood, while Opal glares in a rage.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" roars the sorting hat.

You know that you can wake at any moment. You'll find yourself right awake at just the right time, same as usual. This is just how things are for you and you can't remember questioning it. At the same time there's quite a bit you don't seem to remember.

You float in the dark.

>Think upon something. (write in)
>Wake up.

>>4163796

>Wake up.

>>4163796
>>Think upon something. (write in)
Well, this isn’t what dreams usually look like. They’re nonsensical, not endless abyss floating

>>4163796
>Think about something
>Your parents

We were literally speechless at not remembering, time to work on that

>>4163801

Is it though, you wonder? You wouldn't know what dreams look like, unless this really is one.

You wonder what makes the voice an expert on dreams.

>>4163802

You think upon your parents.

You have no memories of them, though you sometimes see your mother when you dream. You were raised by your guardian who took you in when you were little, and he knows as little about your parents as you do.

>>4163808
>Think upon something. (write in)
>Wake up.

>>4163808
>though you sometimes see your mother when you dream
>dream
(*sleep, oops)

>>4163832
It’s still correct, no worries
>wake up

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>>4163847
>>4163798

You wake up.

Sunlight streams into the boy's dormitory. You see a number of boys heading out into the common room and jump out of bed to throw on your robes. You notice they've grown a gold trim overnight, as well as a patch signifying your new house.

You quickly fasten your necktie and head outside to join the others, slipping Mr. Toad into your pocket.

-

The common room looks empty save for a bunch of first of excited first years crowding around the exit door. You notice they're carrying books and you realize you forgot to grab yours, but then you stop for a moment.

You don't ACTUALLY have to go to class. You may have been a good student in the past, but you also had your absentee days. You're sure there is a lot of Hogwarts to explore.

>Grab your books and head to your first class at Hogwarts.
>Find a way to skip class and go wander.

>>4163885
Remember that when you had your absentee days, you weren't litterally studying magic, and that it is right now, an exploration.
You will have time to visit the school later.
Also, don't you want to socialize with your fellow students, in class ?

>Grab your books and head to your first class at Hogwarts.

>>4163885
>Grab your books and head to your first class at Hogwarts.

>>4163885
>Get your books and head to your first class at Hogwarts.

>>4163885
>>Grab your books and head to your first class at Hogwarts.
Regular plants are boring. But MAGICAL plants? Obviously, we gotta attend

>>4162347
>Luna Lovegood

We got the best girl on the first try

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>>4163897
>>4163902
>>4163903
>>4163910

Your backtrack to grab your books, deciding to head to your first class. You find the schedule copy Jarrol mentioned, and it notes that Herbology is your first course. Tucking the corresponding textbook under your arm you leave to join the others.

You notice that everyone's gathered around the door, but there's no prefect around to guide you. Maybe everyone was waiting for you? You hurry your steps a bit and find a hoodless Erza talking with Lily. The latter gives you a little wave as you approach.

"Good morning!" she says cheerily. Erza repeats the gesture with less enthusiasm, stifling a yawn. "Sorry we didn't get to talk much last night, it all got a little crazy," Lily apologizes.

When you tell her it's no big deal she looks relieved. When you ask what you're all waiting for its your turn to be relieved: Jarrol said he would be back momentarily. "He said he was bringing a friend. It would be nice to meet some more prefects," Lily begins, when you all hear a noise from the other end of the door.

Nobody says a word. Then, suddenly, a massive translucent figure pops out to greet you. "GOOOOOD MORNING!" it roars merrily.

Lily jumps into the air while Erza stands shocked. You on the other hand..

>Stay cool, it's just a big ghost.
>Who are you kidding you're scared too. Try not to flip out.
>Flip out.

>>4163922
>Flip out.

>>4163922
>Stay cool, it's just a big ghost.

Be polite dead deserve respect and all that

>>4163922
>>Stay cool, it's just a big ghost.
Just say “neat”

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>>4163933
>>4163938

You find the sudden appearance of the specter more fascinating than anything. "Neat", you utter, causing Erza to smirk once she's recovered.

The rotund ghost holds his belly as he laughs. "Ohoho, sorry about that!" he says to the group, "Didn't mean to frighten you."

"Really, Friar, you almost sent a few to the infirmary," chides Jarrol, who appears from the door. The prefect chuckles as the group comes back to its senses and gestures at the ghost. "Everyone, this is the Fat Friar, our house ghost. He'll be leading you to your classes today." Jarrol gives him a thumbs up. "Thanks for that, by the way."

"Of course! Enjoy your extra classes," says the Friar with sincerity, seemingly missing the grimace on Jarrol's face when he disappears back down the corridor. The robed Friar hovers a bit while he turns back to you all. "Is everyone ready for class?"

The first years nod in unison. The Friar nods and whoops merrily, soaring down the tunnel. Lily comes back to reality and looks embarrassed as you all head to the castle. "He's pretty loud," Erza remarks to the two of you, "but that's not a bad thing."

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9NLitbYMss

The three of you find yourself outside on the Hogwarts grounds, heading towards a quartet of greenhouses. You hear a whooping noise from above and see two older boys on brooms zip through the air above you, passing what looks to be a dodgeball between them.

The group stops outside the greenhouses while the Friar hovers inside. He returns with a simple shrug. "I don't see Professor Longbottom," he said, almost as if apologizing for that too, "If there's anything I can help you with, ask away!"

The first years begin to chatter, leaving you and your friends some time to talk. You could also speak with the Friar, or just kill time until the professor arrives.

>Speak with Erza and Lily. (write in)
>Speak with the Fat Friar. (write in)
>Wait for Professor Longbottom to arrive.
>Other (write in)

>>4163955
>>Speak with Erza and Lily. (write in)
Ask them if they’ve seen Opal since last night. She seemed pretty upset for being in hufflepuff

>>4163967

You turn to Erza and Lily and ask them if they've seen Opal. The two of them exchange glances. "Not since last night," says Erza flatly.

Lily nods with a look of concern. "I only saw her going to bed, and she looked so upset..." She trails off and sighs. "It wasn't about Jackson and the camera was it?"

Erza perks a brow at you. Should you...

>Tell Lily the truth about Opal's Hufflepuff woes.
>Don't tell Lily, say you're not sure. Opal's business is her own.
>Make up a lie.

>>4163994
>>Tell Lily the truth about Opal's Hufflepuff woes.

>>4163994
>>Tell Lily the truth about Opal's Hufflepuff woes.

File: Herbology Class.png (4.32 MB, 3595x1500)

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>>4163999
>>4164008

You and Erza share a nod of understanding. You turn to Lily and explain that Opal is upset that she got sorted into Hufflepuff, and you mention that she thinks you may be partially responsible. You leave out her more biting commentary on Hufflepuff itself.

Lily looks shocked. "Oh no!" she says, clearly sympathizing, "She looked like it was really hurting her too." She thinks for a moment before her eyes light up. "Well, my brother Albus went through the same thing when he was sorted into Slytherin. Maybe he could give her some advice?"

"I'm not sure she wants advice," Erza admits. You're unsure yourself, but Lily's brother's does sound like he went through something similar. You tell Lily you'll keep that in mind.

"Let me know how I can help," Lily tells you, puffing out her chest.

-

After a few more minutes go by with idle chatter, you hear someone running close by. "Sorry, sorry!" calls Professor Longbottom, his hair a mess as he appears carrying several potted plants. His face seems to have sprouted several pink growths, but you soon realize that he's covered in flowers. "Thank you Friar," he tells the ghost as he lurches inside the greenhouse, telling you all to follow him inside.

-

You sit with Erza and Lily as Longbottom begins his lesson. You open the textbook to the chapter on "Puffapods" and look down at the daunting block of text.

You've always been a decent student, middle of the road, but you know there's only so much knowledge you can take. You think you can seriously pay attention in two classes a day, maybe a third elective if you choose; otherwise you'll become the master of none.

>Pay close attention in Herbology. (1/3)
>Relax a little.

>>4164034
>>Pay close attention in Herbology. (1/3)
Knowledge of plants can help us exploit them and avoid traps and shit.

>>4164034
>>Relax a little.
Is it possible to increase the amount of classes we can pay attention to?

>>4164034
>Pay close attention in Herbology. (1/3)

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>>4164043

You know that your Categorization would have to improve if you want to pay attention in more classes. Maybe a staff member or a certain student would be able to help you with that. You make a note to ask around.

>>4164042
>>4164048

You decide to give Herbology class your full attention.

"Puffapods," Longbottom is explaining, "are delicate plants." He holds up the round, slightly glowing plant in his flowerpot. "Think of it like an egg: that's how I remember it."

Longbottom places the pot on the table in front of him. "Watch what happens when I give it a poke," he tells the class. He rolls up his sleeves a bit and notices some students closer to the front shrinking away. "Don't worry, it's not poisonous! If you get too close you might feel; little dizzy, but just watch."

With a smile he taps his wand on the plant, particularly the little seeds on its surface. You watch as they explode into flowers, sending a cascade of spores into the air. "Any touch will make them bloom," he informs you, before sending you off to your own Puffapod plants to experiment.

Aside from Lily getting an accidental flower crown the class proceeds without a problem.

>Learned: Puffapod: Drowsiness spores.

-

The class is dismissed, the Friar greeting you at the door to escort you to Charms class. You enter the castle again, trying to keep your footing on the moving staircase as you move into the upper levels.

The classroom is dark and damp as you approach. You thought a class with the name "Charms" May have been a bit more whimsical, but the serious looking woman at the front is anything but.

"My name is Professor Murk," she tells the class. She seems to be staring down at you all as she waves her wand, the name appearing on the chalkboard. "Charms may sound like a daintier sort of magic," she begins, letting a pause hang in the air, before she snaps her head towards you dramatically. "A fool's mindset!"

The curtains all close at once, and the lanterns in the room flicker to life. The older woman seems satisfied at the display and turns her back on you all. "Turn to the Levitation Charm," she commands.

You squint as you begin reading the text. This one may take multiple classes to master.

>Pay close attention in Charms. (2/3)
>Relax a little.

>Pay close attention in Charms. (2/3)

>>4164078
>>Pay close attention in Charms. (2/3)
May as well master it ASAP for future free time

>>4164120
>>4164149

You decide to give Charms class your full attention.

You begin to practice the Levitation Charm, using the feathers that Professor Murk has provided. You intone "Wingardium Leviosa" while copying the proper wand movements you've been shown.

"With mastery of this charm, which I expect from no first year, you will be able to make objects hover off the ground," says Murk. She stops her pacing and notes your performance. "Less twisting of the wrist, Mr. Finnegan-Smith."

You stop for the day when you can get the feather to hop off the table. Feeling a bit exhausted you doubt you can pay much attention to any more of your core classes.

>Learned: Levitation Charm (1/2)

As you rise from your desk, ready to move onto Transfiguration, you feel Mister Toad poke his head out of your pocket. He stares at you expectantly.

>Proceed onwards, you've got class to attend!
>Give Mister Toad some attention.
>Other (write in)

>Give Mister Toad some attention
>Give him some back strokes and if he wants it some belly stroking


I owned a toad when I was a kid (as in from a specialty store) guy loved being stroked along his back and would also enjoy light belly stroking from time to time (he would fall asleep sometimes from belly stroking. It was adorable)

>>4164189
I’m supporting the toad expert

>>4164189

+1

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>>4164189
>>4164194
>>4164196

You cup Mr. Toad in your hands and place him on your desk, heeding some faint advice on where to pet him. His eyes squeeze shut as you stroke his back and he looks very happy.

"MR. FINNEGAN-SMITH!"

You shield Mr. Toad from imminent danger, hiding him below your hands as well. Professor Murk appears in front of you, a thin brow raised above her piercing gaze. "Did you bring a TOAD into my class?" she asks you.

You feel the eyes of your classmates upon you. Mr. Toad wiggles a bit in your hands.

>Fess up.
>No Professor, no toad here.
>Other (write in)

>>4164207
>>Fess up.
Please like toads please like roads please-

>>4164216

You decide to tell the truth, tell Murk that you indeed brought a toad into her class. She says nothing for a moment, eyeing you carefully with a frown.

"Let me see it," she commands. Hesitantly you open your hands, revealing a blinking and confused Mr. Toad. Professor Murk hunches a bit to stare at it.

Everyone holds their breath. After a few moments she nods and returns to her full height. "If you have any questions on toad care, you may ask me after class," she tells you promptly, before walking back to her desk. You seem to have earned her approval.

Feeling relief set in you scoop Mr. Toad back into your hands, some of your classmates walking over to investigate. "I didn't know you had a toad!" chimes a boy with an afro.

"That was close," Erza tells you, though she seems captivated by Mr. Toad's taring up at them. Lily gives you a forced smile and averts her eyes.

"He's v-very round..." she manages.

-

You and the other first years follow the Fat Friar as he bobs in the air, guiding you through the corridors to Potions class. You're aware that you're already feeling tired and could probably space out until lunchtime right after. It's not like you're going to learn too much, but you could always use the time in class to talk to your friends or make new ones.

>Try and pay a little attention in Potions class.
>Space out till lunchtime.

>>4164276
>>Try and pay a little attention in Potions class.

(Will continue this tomorrow, feel free to leave votes. I'll be structuring the Hogwarts class/skill learning format around what is engaging and feedback is much appreciated)

>>4164276
>Space out till lunchtime.

>>4164276
>>Try and pay a little attention in Potions class.

No point in getting teachers angry at us the first day

>>4164276
>space out till lunchtime
I want to see if the potions teacher will be anywhere near as serious as Snape was.

Also respect to Hufflepuff voters, I wanted Slytherin, but Hufflepuff was my second choice.

>>4164407
+1

>>4164276
>Try and pay a little attention in Potions class.
First day and all. We can decide what we want to spec in later.

>>4164276
>>Space out till lunchtime.

>>4164418
the character was voted dispassionate, so this seems to be an answer.

How do we know if our relationships with Erza and the others newly met may change? The future may cause unexpected changes, or not.

>>4164328
+1

>>4164276
>Try and pay a little attention in Potions class.

File: Professor Haywood in her youth.png (1.45 MB, 1735x1786)

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>>4164328
>>4164407
>>4164440
>>4164447
>>4164549
>>4164588

You think you have it in you to tat least ry a little in Potions class. First impressions and all that.

"This way children!" calls the Friar as he begins to swoop down a nearby staircase. You and the others are about to follow when an irate old knight begins talking from his portrait.

"Oi, Friar, the dungeons are closed!"

The Friar looks embarrassed as he hovers back over to you. "Oh, yes, well. This way then," he says as he takes you all down an adjacent hallway instead. You remember the Headmistress saying something about the dungeons last night.

-

Potions class ends up fitting your idea of magical whimsy a good deal. The classroom is bright and shining, with pristine cauldrons waiting for you and the others at your desks. The witch that greets you is equally as vibrant.

"Good morning first years," calls the blonde woman, streaks of grey flickering through her ornate braids. "Welcome to Potions class. My name is Professor Haywood." She gives you a dazzling smile. "Let's all get along, shall we?"

You're all assigned to brew a Cure for Boils. The Professor is helping another set of first years, and you aren't having much success at getting the right amount of ingredients. Erza looks focused as she chops up some kind of root, while Lily catches your eye and looks as confused as you are.

Might as well try making the best of it.

>Speak with Erza and/or Lily (write in)
>Ask Professor Haywood for help.
>Other (write in)

>>4164782
>Speak with Erza and/or Lily (write in)
Erza seams focused on her own task so leave her alone. Cooperate with Lily, one person preperse potion while other oversees it so ingredients and quantity match with description. When we are done we switch tasks so othe person can do it

>>4164799
Support

>>4164799
What this guy said

>>4164799

This

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>>4164799
>>4164806
>>4164813
>>4164832

Leaving Erza to her assignment, you suggest to Lily that you work together. When you bring up the idea of an ingredient overseer she brightens up and nods. "Sure!" she tells you, "You can go first." She trails a finger down her list of ingredients and scans the ones in front of you. "Okay... crush six snake fangs."

Lily walks you through the process, and you end up creating a decent smelling solution. When the two of you switch and she carefully adjusts the cauldron heat you notice Professor Haywood walking by. She notes the two of you cooperating and smiles before heading off to assist other students.

You and Lily end up with passable Cures. "Thanks for that!" she chirps as you head out of class; you think it'll be easier to learn in the future.

-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-32HW8zWqk4

You find yourself in the great hall again, though it is not nearly as decorated as it was last time. Lunch has been set out for you and the other first years, though you see a number of older students mulling around the halls. Mr. Toad sits on the table while Erza and Lily talk among themselves, and you spot the Fat Friar floating nearby.

You're given some time to relax

>Speak with Erza and Lily. (write in)
>Speak the Fat Friar. (write in)
>Play with Mr. Toad.
>Eat your lunch and move on.
>Other (write in)

>>4164851
>Play with Mr. Toad.
Throw bits of meat to him
>Eat your lunch and move on.
Lunch, it means its a time to... DEVOUR

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>>4164862

>>4164868
he will get plenty of exercise later

>>4164872
round is the only way how else will he pupate and metamorphose?

>>4164862
>>4164868
>>4164872
>>4164874

You give some extra loving to Mr. Toad, cutting aside some of your meat for him. When you flick them off the plate he opens his mouth to munch.

While you're doing this you're aware that someone is staring. The boy with an afro from earlier is watching the act. "Cor..." he murmurs. Then he notices you and looks shy.

"Oh, sorry mate. That's a smart toad." After a few moments he asks, "Could I pet him?"

>Let the boy pet Mr. Toad.
>No, you may not pet Mr. Toad.

>>4164883
>Let the boy pet Mr. Toad.
Everyone deserve to experience his grace and majesty

>>4164883
>ask mr. toad

>>4164883
Switch from >>4164886 to this >>4164887

>>4164883

>ask mr. toad

>>4164887
>>4164891
>>4164896

(Lets assume there was an other choice, but for bigger decisions there won't be a write in)

You decide to let Mr. Toad be the decision maker here. You look down at him and ask if the other boy may pet him. "Darius!" the boy adds.

You ask him if Darius may pet him.

Mr. Toad stares at you, then your lunch plate, before hopping onto it and eating more meat. It seems as if he has no strong feelings about it one way or the other.

>Let the boy pet Mr. Toad.
>No, you may not pet Mr. Toad.

>>4164901
>Let the boy pet Mr. Toad.

>>4164901
>Let the boy pet Mr. Toad.

>>4164901

>Let the boy pet Mr. Toad.

>>4164902
>>4164904
>>4164906

You decide that Darius can pet Mr. Toad. He seems elated when you scoop the toad off your lunch plate and place him in the boy's hands. You notice he cradles him gingerly.

"I like toads," Darius informs you, "all sorts of creatures. Wish my mum would've let me take a pet." He lowers his brows with a look of confusion. "All sorts of magizoologists come from Hufflepuff, but nobody's got much of anything this year."

Darius lowers Mr. Toad onto his side of the table and strokes his back and stomach, the toad gurgling happily. He seems to know what he's doing. "What's your name again?" Darius asks you.

>Introduce yourself, try and make friends with him.
>Introduce yourself, but keep it pretty short.
>Other (write in)

>>4164912
>>Introduce yourself, try and make friends with him.

>>4164912
>>>Introduce yourself, try and make friends with him.

>>4164912
>Introduce yourself, try and make friends with him.

>>4164912
>>Introduce yourself, try and make friends with him.
>the toad has spoken

>>4164920
>>4164923
>>4164925

You give Darius your name, and he nods. "Nice to meet ya!" You note that he seems interested in animals, and you ask him what a "magizoologist" out of curiosity.

"They study creatures. Mostly the magic sorts." He jabs a thumb in his chest and smiles. "That's what my mum and dad are."

He pauses the Mr. Toad rubs for a moment to lean in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Was thinking of asking Professor Haywood if I could take Care of Magical Creatures as a first year. Maybe it'd work?"

He pauses. "You like beasts too?" he asks you.

For a moment you're not sure.

>You love them. Creatures are among your key interests.
>You like them well enough you guess.
>You don't really care.
>You HATE them!
>Tell him you're not sure, decide later.
>Wait, Professor Haywood?

>>4164935
>Tell him you're not sure, decide later.

>>4164935
>>Wait, Professor Haywood?

>>4164935
>Tell him you're not sure, decide later.
We didn't seen one yet.
>Wait, Professor Haywood?
She teaches potion why would he asked her?

It's pretty weird his parents didn't let him get a pet.

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>>4164937
>>4164951

You tell him you're honestly not sure yet, you haven't seen too many magical creatures. You definitely like some creatures though, as you show when you scoop Mr. Toad back into your pocket.

Darius seems fine with this. "Let me know if you do!"

>>4164943
>>4164951

You ask him why he'd be concerned with Professor Haywood. Isn't she the potions teacher?

Darius stares blankly at you. "Well, yeah, but she's also Head of Hufflepuff. Any questions like that you have to run by her first."

Darius gets to his feet. "Think I'll go do that right now. I'll be quick!" He waves to you as he speeds off. "See ya!"

You're left alone with Mr. Toad. "I think Lunch ends in a few minutes," warns Erza, watching Darius disappear outside of the hall in confusion. The Fat Friar gives chase.

-

Once the first years are united, including a disappointed Darius, you move onwards to Transfiguration. The classroom is located high up in the castle and you find it to be a strange shape, wrapping around you as you enter.

Stranger still, the Headmistress is there. She sits leaning in the professor's chair and eats from a bag of chips.

"As the Professor has decided not to arrive," she tells you all, "Transfiguration will be used as break period."

This causes some other students to whisper around, some clearly happy about the news. The Headmistress pops a chip into her mouth as Erza leans onto her hands. "Okay...?"

>Celebrate with the others.
>Darn. I was really looking forward to class.
>Question the whole thing.

>>4164966
>Question the whole thing.

>>4164966
>Question the whole thing.

>>4164966
>Question the whole thing.
try and figure out if we can turn the table into sugar

>>4164973
>>4164977
>>4164979

Something about the whole arrangement feels questionable. You mention this to Erza and she agrees. "Something's off," she mumbles.

Your next decision is whether or not you'll do something about it.

>Ask McGonnagal where the teacher is.
>McGonnagal, you're the teacher!
>Other (write in)

>>4164980
>Ask McGonnagal where the teacher is.

>>4164980
>>McGonnagal, you're the teacher!
Dramatically point at her while saying this

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>>4164980
>McGonnagal, you're the teacher!

>>4164980
>McGonnagal, you're the teacher!
J'accusé!

>>4164989
>>4164996
that is good

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>>4164989
>>4164996
>>4164997

You stand up, Erza staring at you in confusion as you point a dramatic finger in McGonagall's direction. Headmistress, you tell her, YOU are our teacher!

The class grows quiet. McGonagall slowly gets out of her chair, her face grave as she walks over to your desk to look down at you. "Is that so?" she asks you coldly... before she winks.

"Well, you're half right."

She clutches her robe and throws it into the air, the moon patterns sparkling as it fades into a glowing display. The smiling headmistress, now wearing a fashionable suit, taps on her large-brimmed hat, and you watch as it morphs into a large owl. It stares around at the students and begins to fly through the illusionary stars.

McGonnagal claps her hands and laughs, marching back to her desk. "Nice, nice! Five points to Hufflepuff, for bravery or some such." Her voice changes as she speaks and a blonde haired man with a beard grins impishly at you all. "And there I was hoping for break time."

While Professor Tonks introduces himself you receive several thumps on the back from your housemates.

>Try and pay a little attention in Transfiguration.
>Space out until your next class (DADA).

>>4165013

>Try and pay a little attention in Transfiguration.

We out here going MAX study

>>4165013
>Try and pay a little attention in Transfiguration.
Slacking off after ruining his break time would be rude.

>>4165013
>>Try and pay a little attention in Transfiguration.
>5 points for bravery
The house cup is ours, boys

>>4165013
>>Try and pay a little attention in Transfiguration.
I imagine trying to make stuff transform for the first time would be cool.
also what >>4165020 said.