We're all sitting around the rough-hewn table in the great hall, papers scattered everywhere, quills in motion, arguing about the new school.
"We should call it Hogwarts," I say firmly. "It's simple, it's strong, and honestly, it stops you all from arguing about the name for hours."
They all nod begrudgingly, so the school is officially Hogwarts. One point for me.
Now comes the fun part — the houses.
"OK, so we're naming the houses after our last names, right?" I say.
"Gryphon," Godric announces. "That should be my house symbol."
"Gryphon," Rowena says at the same time.
I watch them pause, staring at each other.
"You can't have Gryphon," Godric says, pointing at a note in front of him. "It's literally half of my name. See, I wrote it down so you could see."
"But gryphons are also part eagle, see?" Rowena counters.
"I don't see what you have to do with eagles, though," Godric says, squinting.
"OK, fine, you take half, I take half," Rowena says, waving a hand.
"OK, I guess lions are pretty cool. But does that mean you're going with eagles?" Godric asks.
"Yes, because they have claws. And what's the second part of my name? Claw," Rowena says proudly.
"I'm pretty sure they're called talons. Lions have claws, but you can't have lions. I already called dibs," Godric snaps.
"And hey guys… werewolves," Helga says casually.
"That's a bit dark," Godric mutters.
"I don't know, you're missing the point entirely," Helga argues. "It sends the message that Hufflepuff House will welcome anyone, despite any preexisting conditions. Werewolf scars are nothing to be ashamed of. They should be worn proudly like badges."
"Badgers. That's a good idea. Badgers," Godric nods approvingly.
"What? No, no, no, no. I do not want badges. How about unicorns? They're nice, right?" Helga protests.
"We're running out of time. I'm just gonna put you down for badges," Godric says firmly.
"That has nothing to do with my name," Helga mutters.
"Don't worry. Neither does Ravenclaw," Godric says, smirking.
"Eagles have claws," Rowena insists.
"No, they don't, you know…whatever," Godric waves his hand, clearly done with arguing.
Salazar leans back, smirking. "I will go with snakes."
"Yeah, OK," Godric says.
"Hey! I wanted snakes!" I say, annoyed.
"Well, I called it first," Salazar says with that smug grin of his.
We argue back and forth, voices rising, every one of us digging in.
"I want something…cool. Something that fits my style," I mutter, tapping my chin. "Something clever and mysterious."
Salazar rolls his eyes. "So you're going with Raven, then?"
I pause, nod slowly. "Yes… Ravens are amazing. They're intelligent, mysterious, loyal in a strange way, and…just really cool. Plus, I can invent some really interesting Raven magic for the house. Communication magic, stealth magic, illusions, shadow spells…"
Godric groans. "Seriously, Sera? Another one of your overcomplicated magical schemes?"
Rowena smiles faintly. "I like it. Ravens are elegant. And powerful."
Helga tilts her head. "I think it fits you."
I grin, feeling victorious. "Raven. That's my house. Clever, mysterious, loyal, magical. The perfect symbol."
And with that, the houses are officially named:
Gryffindor — Godric
Hufflepuff — Helga
Slytherin — Salazar
Raven — Me
I already have ideas swirling in my head: shadow feathers that record conversations, familiars made from enchanted ravens, wards shaped like a flock of black birds, illusions of impossible size and movement. Raven magic could be versatile, creative, and very cool.
I can't wait to start experimenting.