After escorting the Anlomir family safely home, Aragorn refused their warm invitation to stay the night. The journey had been long, but his duty called him elsewhere.
Before leaving, he knelt slightly so that his eyes met the boy's.
"Anlomir," he said gently, "an acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a chance many only dream of. Treasure it. Study well, and make the most of this gift, understand?"
Anlomir's small face grew serious, and he straightened like a young soldier.
"Yes, Chief! I'll work hard and become strong enough to bring honor to our Dúnedain people!"
Aragorn couldn't help but smile. He ruffled the boy's hair fondly.
"Easy there," he said, amused. "Don't burden yourself with glory just yet. Focus on learning, make friends, and grow up happy. Leave the grand destinies to time."
As they spoke, a man in uniform approached the house, a Ministry clerk in tidy robes and polished boots.
"Is this the residence of Mr. Anlomir?" he asked politely. "I'm Matthew, from the Floo Network Office of the Department of Magical Transportation. I'm here to connect your fireplace to the Network."
Hearing this, the Anlomirs quickly invited him inside.
Matthew declined the tea offered, stepping straight to the hearth. With a precise flick of his wand and a softly spoken incantation, emerald sparks danced in the air. The runes etched into the fireplace shimmered to life, glowing briefly before settling into a steady green flame.
"All done," Matthew announced, dusting off his robes. "Your fireplace is now connected. Simply toss in a pinch of Floo Powder and say your destination clearly. Oh, and avoid traveling while chewing, it tends to go badly."
He smiled faintly at their wide-eyed expressions, then tipped his hat.
"Enjoy the service. I've a dozen more homes to visit today."
Before anyone could thank him again, he stepped back onto the road and Apparated, vanishing with a soft pop.
The Anlomir family was astonished, and Anlomir was even more excited and expectant, thinking that he must learn this magic after entering the school.
Days passed quickly, and before long, September 1st arrived.
That morning, all the families of new students who had received acceptance letters traveled through the newly connected Floo Network, emerging into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley in Hogsmeade.
It was a sight to behold, shops glittering with back-to-school excitement, parents exchanging farewells, and carriages lined up by the great stone bridge leading to Hogwarts Castle.
At the bridge stood a castle squire, neatly dressed in the Hogwarts crest. Behind him waited several grand carriages, each drawn by a pair of majestic winged horses whose white coats shimmered like frost.
The squire checked each student's letter and gently asked parents to remain behind as he helped the children board.
One by one, the carriages filled.
When all were seated, the winged horses lifted their heads, snorted clouds of silver mist, and began their ascent up the winding mountain road toward the castle.
At the bridgehead, parents stood watching, their hearts heavy yet proud, as the carriages rolled away. Some waved; others simply smiled through tears.
The children inside turned back, waving frantically until their parents were out of sight.
Then, as excitement replaced sadness, chatter filled the air.
The carriages carried not just human children but also young Dúnedain and elves, all mixed together for the very first time.
The elves, graceful and radiant, drew everyone's attention. The shy children tried to sneak glances, while the bolder ones nearly leaned out of their seats in fascination. The poor elf children, blushing furiously, huddled together in embarrassment.
But the moment didn't last long, the attention soon shifted to the winged horses pulling the carriages.
"They can fly, can't they?" Anlomir exclaimed, his eyes shining. "If only they could take us straight to the castle!"
Beside him, the elf Alanil, his silver hair glinting in the sun, spoke softly in his lilting voice.
"Rivendell has a few of these. The Headmaster, Sylas, bred them himself. I always wanted one, but there were so few. I never imagined there'd be this many here."
The new students chattered excitedly as the carriage moved forward, winding through the mountain roads until they finally arrived at the castle gates.
Looking at the magnificent castle, all the children stared wide-eyed, filled with awe and exclamations.
Inside the vast expanse of Hogwarts Castle, the children's carriages rolled quietly through the front gates and into a breathtaking scene that none of them would ever forget.
The leaves of the Mallorn tree, it's golden leaves shimmering like molten sunlight, filled the courtyard. The evening light caught each leaf, scattering radiant flecks of gold that danced across the stone walls.
Beside it stood the Sacred White Tree, its trunk pale as carved jade and its silver leaves glowing like spun moonlight. The entire courtyard seemed awash in twin brilliance, gold and silver, interwoven like the breath of dawn and twilight.
Above it all, a Thunderbird wheeled through the sky, its vast wings flashing in the sun. Thunder rolled faintly with every beat of its feathers, sparks of violet and blue crackling through its plumage. The magical creature let out a cry that echoed across the high towers.
High above, the tallest spire, Amon Sûr Tower, rising more than a thousand feet, pierced the clouds like a pillar connecting heaven and earth. Flocks of snowy owls circled around it, their wings glimmering like soft white fire against the dusk.
For the new students arriving in carriages, it was as though they were stepping into a dream made of light and legend.
The carriages rolled to a gentle stop before the towering castle gates.
Standing there to receive them was a tall man dressed in deep blue robes embroidered with silver thread, the fabric rippling faintly as though touched by starlight. His posture was straight, his expression calm yet commanding.
This was Professor Edward, the Vice Headmaster, Professor of Transfiguration, and Head Butler of Hogwarts Castle.
When he spoke, his voice carried across the courtyard, measured, deep, and resonant.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," he said, his sharp eyes scanning the rows of children. "I am Professor Edward. You will know me as your Transfiguration instructor, and, perhaps more importantly, the one who keeps order in this castle."
At once, the chatter and whispering ceased. The young wizards and elves straightened instinctively under his gaze, no one daring to fidget.
Satisfied, Edward continued:
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. Before you take your seats in the Great Hall, each of you will be assigned to one of the four Houses."
He paused deliberately, letting the words sink in.
"Your house will be your family while you are here. You will study, dine, and rest with your housemates. You will face challenges together, celebrate victories together, and yes, bear the weight of each other's mistakes. Your successes will earn your house points. Your rule-breaking will cost them.
At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup, a mark of honor not easily won. I trust that each of you will strive to bring pride to your house."
His voice softened slightly, just enough to show a glimmer of warmth beneath the formality.
"Now then," he said, clapping his hands once, "it's time. The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. Please form two neat lines and follow me to the Great Hall."
...
Stones Plzzz
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