Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I walk with the crowd, slowly twirling to sink in my surroundings. Just a few days ago I was living my normal life. Hanging out with family and friends. Everything was normal. Until I received a letter. A letter that changed my life.
Now I'm walking in a wide brightly-lit hallway. The walls full of paintings. Moving paintings. Some are of people waving and observing the newcomers. I just stare at them with my mouth open. Not bothering to wave back.
"Students, listen up!" The person leading us grabbed everyone's attention. For once, I stopped staring at the paintings and turned to face the front. I saw that we are now in front of a huge, dark brown door.
"I am the Ministry of Magic. And behind this door is our lunch room. But this is where we also hold important meetings and events. And today is an important day. For you all are gonna be a part of this school," he said. He opened the doors and my mouth once again dropped in awe.
We enter through the doors to a big, beautiful room. It can fit 9 long tables in it. I look up at the ceiling and see so many floating candles that light up the room. I pinch my arm for the umpteenth time. Checking once again if I'm just dreaming.
Many students sitting on the tables are looking at the newcomers. Some with excited looks and some with looks you can't quite determine. They're making me self-conscious and nervous.
The Ministry of Magic led us to the front. When he got there, he turned around to address us. "Before everything else, you are first to be placed in Houses by the Sorting Hat. You will be shown the House Heads to help with the decision. If I call your name, please come forward. Ricci Nicole."
A girl stepped forward. She's smaller and shorter than me. As she passed by me, I can see the nervousness in her eyes. Probably a mirror of my own.
She sat down and the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. She was looking at something behind us. But I was too focused on her to turn around and see. Few moments later, the Sorting Hat announced, "Slytherin!"
I saw relief in her eyes as she went down to go to Slytherin's table. I could hear the students' cheering from the Slytherin table.
"Audrey." My eyes nearly popped out. I know I was gonna get called eventually. But I didn't expect it to be so soon.
I slowly go to the front. Other students eagerly observing me. I sit down and the Sorting Hat was placed. That's when I saw what Ricci was looking at.
9 beautiful girls stood. Each one wearing the robes of their respective House and standing beside their table. I glance at each of them one by one. But the last one caught my attention.
She has short hair, unlike the others. She's tall and fair skinned. The Sorting Hat said something but I didn't hear it. She has a slightly crooked smile. She has long legs and beautiful white teeth. I can see her pretty eyes under the glasses. Her cute nose....
Someone tapped my shoulder and I was brought back to reality. I turned around to see who tapped my shoulder. I saw that it was the Ministry of Magic. Suddenly becoming embarrassed, I quickly get off the stage. But he escorted me to my table. I thanked him and as I walk to the table I can see the students cheering.
As I arrive at the table, the first to greet me was the HeadMaster. "Hi, Audrey! I'm Veronica. Welcome to the Hogwarts Defense House! I can already sense we'll be good friends!" she said. I could see excitement in her eyes.
"Hello! It's very nice to meet you. Thank you for welcoming me! Of course, we will!" I enthusiastically replied.
Others greeted me, too.
"Welcome, I'm Justin!"
"Hi, Orlaith here!"
"Hey, My name's Naz. It's nice to meet you."
They said. I was already loving being here. My housemates are very nice. I couldn't wait to know them one by one.
Someone placed a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and saw our House Head. I was in awe for the third time today. I saw her up close now. I can now clearly see her face. Her mesmerizing eyes...
"Hey," she spoke up. Bringing me back to reality. Ugh I did it again. Her cheeks turned red. She must've been embarrassed. I suddenly looked down, unable to make eye contact.
"My name's Jeongyeon. Welcome to the Hogwarts Defense House," she spoke up again.
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you," I said, resisting the urge to look at her beautiful face again. I don't want to embarrass her and myself again.
I saw her smile from my peripheral and she went to other students.
"Don't worry," Veronica said beside me. "I've been there. You're not gonna get used to that, trust me," she said laughing.
I have a feeling I won't.