The first step in Hogwarts – by ASP

Now, as everyone knows how beautiful Hogwarts is (those who don’t are the world’s biggest gits!!!), I won’t stall on the introductions. The three things you need to know about it are that:

1. There’s a huge Whomping Willow (restored), which needs to be steered clear of (if you value your life that is…).

2. The Hogwarts grounds lead to a Forbidden Forest (you can go there if you are not Ron Weasley).

3. No one can apparate or disapparate inside Hogwarts grounds (trust me many have tried and lost many parts… and it definitely hurts).

If you know these basic things, you’re all set for a magical ride to the castle famous for bringing up the best of the witches and wizards, not to mention brewing up potions and concocting spells.

Now, my first ride had been on a boat (as all the first years, mind you!!!) and it had me, another timid looking girl and Hagrid (the reason why only the two of us were in it). The grounds looked amazing… bathed in the moonlight (which sort of reminded me of a werewolf I knew… Remus Lupin). There stood the Whomping Willow, in all its majesty, casting weird shadows on the castle floor. We were led to the Great Hall and wow! Dad was right, there’s nothing in the world that can take your breath away as this sight. Rows and rows of tables waited to seat the first years… and with a gulp I realized I was one.

I felt dizzy as I rose up to face the sorting hat. I looked at James, who was gleefully sitting at the Griffindor table… I prayed hard I wasn’t in the Slytherin house, though my father had assured me it wasn’t bad and stuff (like I’m supposed to believe that, going by the looks of Malfoy Jr. and his motley gang of crooks). It took a long time for the hat to decide (it had been patched up by Prof. Flitwick after its disastrous end by the hands of Voldemort… ya, we can take the name now… I still can’t believe how people used to fear him, seeing that I never knew him).

“Griffindor!” exclaimed the hat, before erupting in a coughing fit, while Prof. Flitwick gave it a jerk and laid it down on the table. I felt proud of being in the same house as my father. Yes, Albus Severus Potter had lived up to his father’s name (at least for now).

More to come… stay tuned for life in Hogwarts ASP style!!!