Robert stood at the open door, his large black-framed glasses glinting as he scanned the group of first-year Ravenclaws. His tone was calm but curious. "Who was it that answered just now?"
"It was Lucien!" Terry Boot blurted out, practically bouncing with excitement, as if he'd been the one to solve the riddle.
His loud declaration drew every eye to Lucien. Unfazed by the curious and astonished stares, Lucien stood calmly, a picture of composure.
Robert adjusted his glasses and flashed Lucien a thumbs-up. "Impressive. Truly impressive. That riddle? I bet some third- or fourth-years wouldn't have cracked it. The Sorting Hat knew what it was doing, putting you in Ravenclaw!"
"I told you," Robert added, puffing out his chest, his golden curls bouncing, "Eagle House has the sharpest minds!"
He gestured grandly. "Alright, let's head into the Ravenclaw Common Room—your home for the next seven years."
Following Robert inside, Lucien was struck by the room's bright, dreamy ambiance. Starlight streamed through the windows, and the ceiling shimmered with a shifting star chart, mirrored by specks of light woven into the carpet. The circular room was draped in Ravenclaw's signature blue and bronze silks.
Older students gathered in corners or lounged on sofas, discussing lessons or practicing charms. Lucien approached an arched window, taking in the breathtaking view of the Black Lake, Forbidden Forest, greenhouses, and Quidditch pitch below.
No wonder they call it the Eagle's Nest, he thought. Perched at the top of a tower, the common room offered a wide, open view and a quiet atmosphere—perfect for studying. Ravenclaw was definitely the right choice.
"Everyone, take a look at this statue," Robert said, pointing to a white marble figure in the center of the room. It depicted a beautiful yet stern-looking woman.
Even though it was just a statue, Lucien felt her eyes held a spark of life, as if she were watching and encouraging the students before her.
"This is Rowena Ravenclaw, our house's founder," Robert explained, launching into a brief history of her life as the first-years listened, some gazing at the statue in awe.
Terry sidled up to Lucien, whispering, "Hey, Lucien, how'd you solve that riddle?"
Lucien tilted his head and murmured, "Assume all five wizards are perfectly logical. Then try working backward, starting from the fifth wizard."
Terry's brow furrowed as he mulled over the hint. Like all Ravenclaws, he was eager for knowledge and determined to crack the puzzle himself.
"That's all for today's introduction," Robert announced. "Here are your room assignments. If you have any questions, find me in Room 108." With a flick of his wand, dozens of paper slips floated out of his pocket, drifting to each student.
Lucien raised an eyebrow at Robert's effortless wandless magic. Not bad for a Ravenclaw prefect.
"Lucien, what's your room?" Terry asked.
"226," Lucien replied.
Terry held up his slip with a grin. "No way, me too!"
"Quite the coincidence," Lucien said, chuckling as they headed up a staircase to their dormitory.
Their luggage was already neatly placed by their beds. Being in a tower, Ravenclaw's common room and dorms were the smallest of the four houses, and the only ones with bunk beds. Each bed had deep blue curtains for privacy—just pull them shut for a personal space.
Terry wandered around the room, curious. "It's a double room, kinda small, huh?"
Lucien nodded. It was cozy, but fewer roommates meant more peace and quiet.
"You pick first, Lucien—top or bottom bunk?" Terry asked.
"Top," Lucien said.
"Sweet! I prefer the bottom anyway—easier to roll out of bed," Terry said, flopping onto the lower bunk to test the mattress. Lying back, he stared at the underside of Lucien's bunk. "Bet we got this tiny room 'cause Ravenclaw's got way more girls than guys. Feels like the boys are outnumbered."
Lucien smirked. Give it a few years, Terry, and you'll be kissing the Sorting Hat for putting you in a house full of girls.
If only there were a magical device to record that comment for future teasing. Too bad Hogwarts' ancient magic interfered with Muggle electronics.
Lucien eyed the bunk bed. It wasn't as luxurious as his bed at home, but he'd managed in worse—six- or eight-person dorms in his past life. This is a magical world. A bunk bed's no big deal.
Maybe he could learn the Undetectable Extension Charm to expand the bed's space. Professor Flitwick, a master of charms and Ravenclaw's Head of House, would surely be willing to help.
After unpacking and washing up, Terry slipped into pajamas and climbed into bed. "You're not sleeping yet, Lucien? We've got classes tomorrow morning."
Lucien sat by the window, bathed in lamplight and starlight, flipping through A Compendium of Common Potions. "I'll sleep soon. Just reading a bit."
Terry watched him, awe in his voice. "You're so dedicated. Honestly, I'm too excited about learning magic tomorrow to sleep, let alone read!"
Lucien shook his head. "It's just a habit. Reading helps me unwind."
"Oh, hey, that Galleon-sharing riddle—I still don't get it. Can you explain?" Terry asked.
Without looking up from his book, Lucien began, "Start with the fifth wizard. No matter what the fourth proposes, the fifth will reject it to take all the Galleons. So, working backward from the fourth, then the third…"