The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the dormitory in soft hues of gold and amber. The gentle warmth stirred me from sleep, but I was already awake—my body had long since adjusted to rising early. The familiar sense of calm that came with the quiet of dawn settled over me.
Ron's snores echoed softly from the bed beside mine, loud enough to rival a chainsaw. I couldn't help but grin. It seemed that nothing short of an earthquake could wake him. On the other side, Neville was curled up beneath his blankets, his face peaceful but slightly tense, as if even in sleep, he was anxious about what lay ahead. I remembered how nervous he had been last night about starting classes and felt a pang of sympathy for him.
Slipping out of bed quietly, I moved with practiced ease, not wanting to disturb anyone. The cool stone floor sent a pleasant chill up my spine as I pulled on my training clothes. I had a lot to do before the day truly began.
The Gryffindor common room was still bathed in shadows, the dying embers in the fireplace casting a faint glow. I stepped through the portrait hole, the Fat Lady giving a sleepy grunt as the door swung open. The castle was silent at this hour, the corridors empty and the air filled with a peaceful stillness.
My feet carried me instinctively to the training spot I had found the previous evening—a secluded patch of grass beyond the courtyard where I wouldn't be disturbed. The cool morning breeze brushed against my skin as I took a deep breath, letting the quiet energy of the place settle over me.
Closing my eyes, I focused inward, feeling the familiar warmth of Kavach and Kundal thrumming softly beneath the surface of my skin. It was a power unlike any other, a gift that felt both ancient and eternal. I had spent countless hours honing my control, but there was still so much I didn't understand about its limits.
I started with simple exercises, feeling the energy pulse and flow through my veins. My movements were fluid and precise, each punch and kick guided by the subtle strength that radiated through me. The Kavach shielded me, enhancing my reflexes and fortifying my body, while the Kundal added a layer of power that made me feel… invincible.
But today, I wanted to try something new.
I focused on channeling the energy outward. Wandless magic.
It was a concept I had read about in theory, but now… I wanted to see if I could make it work.
I extended my hand toward a small pebble on the ground.
Focus.
The warmth gathered in my palm, faint but steady. I imagined the pebble lifting off the ground, willed the energy to respond.
At first, nothing happened.
"Come on…" I murmured softly, narrowing my focus.
A flicker.
The pebble quivered slightly, barely moving. But that tiny tremor sent a jolt of excitement through me.
It's working.
I tried again, pouring more intent into the action. The pebble lifted for a heartbeat before dropping back down. It was only a flicker, but it was progress.
A satisfied smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
One step closer.
By the time I returned to the dormitory, the first hints of morning chatter echoed through the castle. Neville was sitting on the edge of his bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Morning," I greeted softly, grabbing my robe.
"Morning," Neville mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. He blinked a few times, looking slightly dazed before he spotted me. "You've… been up already?"
"Old habit," I said with a small shrug, fastening my robes.
Ron, meanwhile, was still dead to the world, snoring away as if he had no care in the world.
Neville glanced toward him, a hesitant smile tugging at his lips. "He's… really out of it."
I chuckled softly. "Yeah. Let's give him a bit longer."
By the time we made our way down to the Great Hall, the castle was slowly coming to life. Students were filling the corridors, some still yawning and rubbing their eyes, while others were wide awake, chatting excitedly about their first day.
The Great Hall was a vibrant blend of colors and energy. The enchanted ceiling reflected the morning sky, streaks of orange and pink blending into the soft blue. Long tables were piled high with breakfast—eggs, sausages, toast, porridge, and more, the smells making my stomach rumble.
Hermione and Rose were already seated at the Gryffindor table, deep in conversation.
"Morning!" Hermione greeted us with a bright smile as we joined them.
"Morning," I said, grabbing a plate and piling on some eggs and toast.
Neville gave a small, nervous smile as he sat down beside me.
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked, glancing around.
"Still snoring like a troll," I said with a grin. "Figured we'd let him sleep."
Hermione shook her head but smiled, while Rose chuckled softly.
I was about to take my first bite when a flash of golden feathers swooped down from above.
"Solara!"
My familiar landed gracefully beside me, her eyes gleaming with warmth and mischief. Her feathers shimmered in the morning light, making her look even more majestic. She gave me a soft chirp before snagging a piece of bacon from my plate with practiced ease.
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, though I couldn't hide the fondness in my voice.
Solara gave a smug little chirp, clearly pleased with herself.
"Whoa," Neville breathed, his eyes wide as he stared at her. "Is… that your familiar?"
"Yeah," I said, a note of pride slipping into my tone. "Everyone, meet Solara."
Hermione leaned in, her curiosity practically radiating off her. "she's a magical hawk? That's… impressive. They're not common familiars."
"She's a bit special," I murmured, scratching gently behind her feathers. Solara leaned into my touch, a satisfied trill escaping her.
"She's beautiful," Rose said softly, her green eyes warm as she watched Solara preen.
Solara fluffed her feathers in response, clearly enjoying the attention.
"Cool," Neville whispered, his nerves momentarily forgotten as he admired her.
Just as Solara settled beside me, Professor McGonagall approached the Gryffindor table, her sharp gaze scanning the first-years. She handed out small slips of parchment, each bearing our class schedules.
"Your timetables," she said briskly, her eyes lingering on me for a moment before moving on.
I glanced down at mine.
"Looks like we've got Transfiguration first," I murmured, reading over the schedule.
Hermione practically lit up beside me. "Oh, I can't wait! Transfiguration is supposed to be one of the most complex branches of magic."
Rose nodded thoughtfully. "It'll be interesting to see how McGonagall is in class."
As I ate, I glanced around the Great Hall, taking in the sight of the other houses.
The Slytherin table was quieter, their conversations low and calculated. Malfoy's face stood out, his expression cool and unreadable, though I caught a flicker of irritation when he noticed me looking.
The Ravenclaw table was animated, with students already discussing theories and magical concepts. Books were scattered across the table, and their eagerness for knowledge was palpable.
The Hufflepuff table, on the other hand, was a warm, cheerful atmosphere. Their laughter was genuine, and their camaraderie was infectious.
I felt… content.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
As breakfast ended and we gathered our things, I felt that same flicker of excitement bubbling in my chest.
New friends. New challenges. New possibilities.
And I was ready for all of it.