The train ran steadily along the tracks, rolling through green fields and misty hills. Inside their small compartment, Harris, Summer, and Alex sat close together, the window fogging up slightly from the warmth.
Alex tore open a packet of Pumpkin Pastries, crumbs flying everywhere. "Okay," he said between bites, "so what's the deal with the Houses? Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, what's the difference?"
Summer leaned back slightly, folding her hands on her lap. "Each House values different traits. Gryffindor is for the brave. Ravenclaw, the wise. Hufflepuff, the loyal. Slytherin… the ambitious."
Alex made a face. "Slytherin sounds like the evil one."
"It's not," Summer said firmly. "People just say that because some dark wizards came from there. But every House has had both heroes and villains."
Harris nodded. "Yeah. It's not about good or bad, it's about who you are. What matters to you."
Alex looked thoughtful for a second. "I think I'd like Ravenclaw. I like figuring things out."
Summer smiled. "Ravenclaw would suit you."
"What about you?" Alex asked her.
Summer's expression softened just a little. "Greengrasses have been in Slytherin for generations. But… I'm not sure if that's where I want to go."
Harris raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
She hesitated. "Because I want to choose for myself. Not just follow the family line."
There was a short silence.
Then the door slid open, and the air filled with a sweet, warm scent.
"Anything from the trolley, dears?" asked the friendly voice of the Sweets Trolley Witch, smiling kindly at them.
The cart was full of magical candies: Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Cauldron Cakes, Licorice Wands, and more.
Harris grinned. "Let's try everything."
He bought a bit of everything and passed the treats around.
Alex opened a Chocolate Frog and yelped when it leapt onto the window.
Summer caught it with ease.
"You've done this before," Harris said, laughing.
"My older sister used to toss them at me when I was younger," she replied, smirking.
They passed sweets, swapped wizard cards, and shared stories. Alex talked about his Muggle school and how he once tried to turn his alarm clock into a robot using tape and glue. Summer told a story about a cursed heirloom that made everyone sing opera. Harris talked about the strange garden owl that used to drop rocks on bullies.
The train kept moving, and the light outside began to fade into evening.
Soon, they were in school robes, their bags packed, their hearts racing.
"I'm nervous," Alex admitted. "What if I mess up? What if I get sorted into the wrong House?"
"You won't," Harris said. "Whatever happens, it'll be where you're meant to be."
Summer nodded. "Besides, we'll be there. You won't be alone."
The train slowed.
Outside the window, dark mountains loomed in the distance.
Then, glowing in the night, like a dream, stood Hogwarts Castle — tall towers, shining windows, and ancient magic humming in the air.
The three of them stared in silence.
"Wow," Harris whispered.
Alex had tears in his eyes. "It's real…"
Summer just smiled softly. "Home."
The compartment door opened again.
"First years, this way!" called a large man with a wild beard. "Follow me to the boats!"
They grabbed their bags and followed the crowd, hearts pounding.
Their journey was only just beginning.