The First Bloom
The sky was gray and clouds were dense. The train station buzzed with people bustling about. The Hogwarts Express let out a long sigh as students of all ages filed aboard, trunks and cages rattling along the platform while voices overlapped.
Her father’s voice cut through the noise.
“You’ve got everything, love?”
His short, dark brown hair was slightly tousled from their hurried journey to the platform, and his green eyes met hers with warmth—steady and reassuring. Nori glanced down at the cart holding all her belongings from Diagon Alley, checking over it once more out of habit.
“Yes,” she replied with a small nod.
“Good.”
He ruffled her hair lightly before resting a hand on her shoulder.
“Remember, you can always write to us if you need anything. Your mother and I wish you the very best at your new school.”
He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Just then her mother emerged through the barrier at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, slightly breathless from pushing through the crowd, and immediately wrapped Nori in a tight embrace.
“Oh, dear—do be safe,” she murmured, holding her just a second longer than usual.
She pulled back slightly and pressed something cool and hard into Nori’s hand.
“Here. I picked this up for you before you left. I thought you might like something to remind you of home.”
Nori turned the brooch over slowly in her fingers, tracing the intricate ivy pattern with its polished emerald and silver detailing. For a moment, she just looked at it, committing every detail to memory.
"Thank you, Mãe.”
Her mother beamed, pulling her into one last hug before stepping back beside her father.
“Be sure to tell us all about your first day at Hogwarts, alright?” she said softly.
Nori nodded, slipping the brooch carefully into her pocket, her fingers lingering there for just a second before letting go. A flutter of nervous excitement rose in her chest as she imagined stepping into a place so completely new. She hesitated, just briefly, before stepping toward the train. Once her belongings were stowed on board, she turned back to her parents with a bright smile.
“I’ll miss you.”
She climbed aboard just as a witch with deep cherry-colored hair called out the final departure time. After finding an empty compartment, Nori hurried to the window and slid it open, leaning out slightly. The train gave a sharp whistle, followed by a heavy lurch as it began to move. She scanned the crowd and finally found her mother and father.
“Bye, Mum! Bye, Dad!” she called, waving.
They smiled and waved back, her father’s arm slipping around her mother’s shoulders as she blinked away tears.
Nori watched them for as long as she could, even as they grew smaller and smaller, until they were swallowed by the crowd. Only then did she pull herself back inside. She sank into her seat, sliding the window shut with a soft thud. For a moment, she simply sat there, listening. The rhythmic clatter of the train, the muffled chatter from nearby compartments, the faint whistle of wind against the glass. The silence seemed to make her thoughts louder. What was Hogwarts like? Would the people receive her differently just because she was transferring? What if she didn’t make any friends?
Just then, the compartment door slid open. Nori blinked, her thoughts snapping away.
“Mind if I sit?”
A cool voice filled the empty space.
The tall girl with long silvery hair stood in the doorway, her narrow gray eyes already scanning the compartment as if she’d decided before asking. Before Nori could respond, she stepped inside and seated herself across from her.
“Excuse me for barging in,” she said smoothly, extending a slender hand. “My name is Mei-Linn.”
Nori shook her hand, a little caught off guard.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Nori.”
Mei-Linn’s lips curved slightly—just enough to suggest amusement.
“Well then, Nori… I imagine you’ll need someone to show you around Hogwarts once we arrive?”
“How did you know I was—?”
A sharp whistling sound cut her off. It started faint, then grew louder. Nori turned her head toward the corridor just as a girl with a dark bob flattened herself against the wall of a nearby compartment. Something that looked suspiciously like a firework shot past their door in a blur of sparks.
“What the—?” the girl began, but laughter burst out before she could finish.
A flash of red hair tore past—then another, nearly identical, their robes billowing behind them as they chased after it.
“Hey!” she called after them, but they were already loudly disappearing down the hall.
Nori blinked, still staring at the corridor.
“…What was that…?”
With an exasperated sigh, the girl pushed herself off the wall and slid open Nori’s compartment door.
“I swear, those two…”
She glanced at them, then nodded toward the empty space beside Mei-Linn.
“You don’t mind if I join you? The only other seats left are with a group of particularly ‘annoying’ Ravenclaws.”
“Go ahead,” Mei-Linn replied.
The girl sat down with a relieved smile.
“Name’s Jayda.”
She turned her gaze toward Nori, studying her with open curiosity.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before…and you don’t look like a first year.”
Something in Nori’s posture eased. Maybe she wouldn’t be alone after all now that she had gotten to talk to someone before she arrived at Hogwarts.
“I’m an exchange student from Castelobruxo,” she explained.
Jayda’s eyes widened.
“Seriously? What’s it like? I’ve only heard bits and pieces—something about jungle ruins and ancient magic. Why’d you move?”
Mei-Linn let out a soft chuckle, her silver hair catching the light as the sun briefly broke through the clouds outside.
“Slow down,” she said. “She can only answer one question at a time.”
Still, she leaned in slightly, just as curious.
Nori hesitated, she herself was still processing that she’d probably never see her old school again.
“My family had to move from Brazil,” she said. “My dad was offered a job by a friend. He couldn’t turn it down.”
A faint ache settled in her chest. remembering just how much she was going to miss attending Castelobruxo. The damp, earthy sent that came with the castle grounds had become a familiar and comforting atmosphere to her. It was such a change to be going to Hogwarts after being immersed in the jungle for years. She wasn’t ready to leave it behind.
“It’s… beautiful,” she added softly.
“The castle is covered in plants, completely overgrown in places. Vines all along the stone walls…”
She said with a quiet reverence.
“And we don’t have houses like Hogwarts does.”
Jayda’s brows lifted.
“So you all just wander around a jungle in the same robes? Sounds intense…”
She smirked.
“Starting as a fifth year here won’t be easy, but you probably have a huge advantage in Herbology.”
Mei-Linn’s lips curved into a sharper smile.
“I’m sure Professor Snape will be thrilled to have her in Potions. Maybe he’ll finally stop favoring that weasel Draco.”
Jayda laughed.
“Neville’s got competition now. You think Professor Sprout will give her a medal the second she hears where she’s from?”
Nori sat there cluelessly, but tried to understand the surface of what was being said. A burst of distant laughter sounded at the end of the hall outside. The train ride had been long, but it felt shortened as they shared stories and filled themselves with sweets from the trolley. The train’s wheels gave a screech as it began to slow, and the three of them peered out the window.
“Another year at the same smelly school,” Jayda complained. “Summer was too short.”
Mei-Linn rolled her eyes, her lips lifting into a smile.
“You’re being dramatic. It’s not ‘that’ smelly.”
She looked at Nori.
“Just avoid Snape’s ingredient cabinet.”
The train came to a full stop, and loud voices called from outside their compartment giving directions. Sounds of sliding doors echoed throughout the train as students filed out, some grouping together in pairs of twos and threes.
“Alright, now we just survive the journey to the castle, get you into Slytherin, and make sure we all get a dorm together,” said Jayda with a determined expression, eyes set forward.
Confusion was written on Nori’s face.
“Slytherin?” she questioned.
Mei-Linn chuckled as she nudged Jayda in the ribs.
“We’re seriously putting her in a house already? How are we supposed to know where she’ll end up?”
She looked Nori over skeptically.
“For all we know, she could end up in Hufflepuff.”
Jayda gave a dramatic gasp in mock offense.
“No way. We found her first. I’m not letting some Hufflepuff cover her in dirt on her first day.”
That earned a laugh from Mei-Linn.
“It seems to me that she ‘likes’ dirt.”
Nori gave an unapologetic shrug, then shook her head lightly trying to understand. They climbed into one of the horseless carriages that were waiting patiently for students to fill.
“Wait, so you can get someone to be in a certain house?”
Mei-Linn brushed some hair behind her ear after they settled in.
“Not exactly, but you do have influence while getting sorted.”
Jayda grinned and grabbed Nori’s arm.
“They put this dusty old hat on you in front of the whole hall and it decides your fate.”
Nori gave a slow nod.
“Right. Sounds thrilling,” she added wryly.
“Just tell the hat you want to be in Slytherin and then you’ll probably be fine. I trust your judgment.”
Jayda gave a sure nod. Nori hoped it was as easy as they said.
“That’s nice and all, but I still don’t know what that house is about.”
Even though she had heard a bit about Hogwarts, she’d never really learned too much about its origins.
“Right, sorry. You see—Slytherin has always been a symbol of ambition and confidence. Our loyalty isn’t taken lightly either.”
Mei-Linn’s signature smirk returned.
“We can be quite cunning and determined. A lot of witches and wizards judge Slytherin on its past, but that also comes with them missing the greatness that is before them without a second glance.”
Jayda gave a long sigh.
“Tragic, really.”
She then gently patted Nori’s hand reassuringly.
“Anyways, let’s not dwell on that. And hey, even if you get placed in a different house, we’ll all still be friends, just… not ones that can share a dorm, or sit by the fire in the common room, or throw rolled up parchment at Draco when he’s not looking—”
“Jayda.”
Mei-Linn cut in, one brow raised, giving her a look that practically said she wasn’t helping. That made Jayda clear her throat and give a sheepish smile.
“Right. Well, just try your best.”
They felt the carriage land underneath them. As they steadily stepped off the carriage, the grand castle came into view… Hogwarts. Nori took a moment, looking at it with a quiet sort of reverence. Now that she could see it, everything seemed to be so close now. The sorting ceremony. Navigating through a foreign castle that was sure to have too many passageways for its own good. She felt a twinge of nerves in her stomach. Before she could think about it too much, she felt an arm drape around her shoulders. Jayda had leaned into her with a wide grin, staring ahead.
“Beautiful, isn’t she?”
Mei-Linn stepped in beside them, arms crossed and lips quirked as she looked ahead at the castle.
“Well, I can tell you now that it looks better in the daylight. Though I can’t lie, the lights look pretty sick too.”
Jayda linked her arms with theirs as her grin widened.
“Well then, Hogwarts awaits!”
Nori and Mei-Linn stumbled slightly as she skipped ahead with enthusiasm.
“Hey—hold on!”
Nori chuckled ss she glanced over to see Mei-Linn’s growing frown. Eventually she calmed and they could head into the castle with the large group of fifth-years without causing a terribly joyful entrance. Nori solely relied on Jayda to guide her because her eyes kept wandering. She had been staring the moment they stepped into the vast, open space, tall stone walls stretching upward. They turned and followed the flow of students toward the large double doors at the far side of the hall. A few students ahead pushed them open, and the three of them stepped through. The Great Hall opened before them. Nori slowed.
Floating candles hovered high above, their warm light flickering gently. The enchanted ceiling stretched overhead, reflecting the darkening sky—so real it made her wonder if she was somehow standing outside. Four long tables lined the hall, already filling with students, their voices blending into a lively hum that echoed off the stone walls. For a moment, she simply stood there, taking it all in.
“It’s a bit much the first time, isn’t it?” Jayda said beside her, a small grin tugging at her lips.
Nori let out a quiet breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“Yeah… just a bit.”
Mei-Linn’s eyes flicked upward briefly, though her expression remained composed.
“You get used to it.”
Nori wasn’t sure she ever would. At the front of the hall, a group of nervous-looking first years had begun to gather near a small wooden stool. A worn, pointed hat rested atop it, patched and crooked, yet somehow commanding everyone’s attention. Nori’s gaze lingered on it.
“That’s the Sorting Hat,” Jayda added, noticing her stare. “It decides which house you’ll be in.”
Nori nodded slowly, though her attention was still caught between the ceiling, the candles, and the sheer number of students watching.
“Looks like that’s your cue,” Mei-Linn said, tilting her head toward the forming group.
A flicker of nerves returned, settling low in Nori’s stomach.
“Right,” she murmured.
Jayda gave her an encouraging nudge.
“You’ll be fine. Try not to overthink it.”
Easy for her to say.
Nori stepped away from them, her footsteps quieter now against the stone floor as she made her way toward the group of first years. She slipped into place near the back of the group, suddenly very aware of how out of place she looked next to the first years, and of the hundreds of eyes that would be watching. Her fingers brushed lightly against the pocket where she’d tucked the brooch.
A small, steadying reminder.
At the front, a professor began calling out names one by one. Each student stepped forward, the hat placed upon their head as the hall fell into a hush, broken only when the hat shouted out their house. Cheers would erupt from different tables. Nori watched carefully, trying to understand how it all worked, but her thoughts kept drifting. What if it put her somewhere she didn’t belong? What if she didn’t fit in at all? Soon the group had thinned and she stood tall over the younger witches and wizards. Her heartbeat quickened, loud in her ears.
“Nori Noxwood.”
Her name rang out clearly across the hall. For a split second, everything seemed to go still. She stepped forward. The walk to the stool felt longer than it should have. Her thoughts focused forward and half on the murmuring of the students behind her. The candles above flickered softly as she passed beneath them. She settled on the wooden stool and the hat was placed gently over her head.
“Hmm… interesting.”
Nori stilled.
“Not from here, are you? No… something older, something wilder. Roots tangled deep in green and stone… Castelobruxo, yes? Plenty of curiosity… and a quiet determination. You observe more than you let on. That will serve you well.”
Nori’s fingers curled slightly against the edge of the stool.
“But where to put you…? Not quite one thing, are you?”
There was a pause, as if the hat were thinking.
“But no… you’re something else, too.”
Nori’s eyes drifted towards the sea of green robes that were whispering curiously.
“I think I know just the place.”
It raised its voice—
“SLYTHERIN!”
The word echoed through the hall.
Then applause broke out, filling the hall with sound.
It was warm, welcoming, and loud enough to make her chest loosen slightly. Relief washed over her and her eyes immediately searched for Mei-Linn and Jayda, who were surprisingly easy to spot as Jayda practically jumped up cheering with her hands cupped around her mouth. Mei-Linn smiled calmly next to her, satisfied with her prediction and clapping with the others. The hat was lifted from her head, and the world rushed back in. Nori stood and went to the table. She caught Jayda shooing some kids away to make room for her. Once she reached them, she sat down in the open seat. A few kids were staring curiously, and some were already smiling and waving. The smile on her face hadn’t left since she got sorted.
“See? I knew you were one of us!”
Jayda wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into the biggest side hug that practically squeezed the air out of her lungs, but she didn’t seem to care. The feast that followed was unlike anything Nori had experienced back in the rainforest. At Castelobruxo, the food was often fresh, vibrant, and tropical—bowls of açaí, spiced moqueca, and exotic fruits. Here, the long tables were full of large silver platters filled with roast beef, puddings, and savory gravies.
“Dig in, Noxwood,” Jayda said, piling a mountain of mashed potatoes onto Nori’s plate. “You’ll need the energy. Tomorrow, the real work starts, and Snape doesn’t care if you’re still jet-lagged from Brazil.”
Nori took a bite, the warmth of the food settling her nerves. As she ate, she felt a pair of eyes on her from further down the table. A boy with slicked-back blonde hair and a sharp, pointed face was watching her with an expression that bordered on a sneer.
“That’s Draco Malfoy,” Mei-Linn whispered, not even looking up from her tea.
“Ignore him. He’s mostly harmless unless you’re a Muggle-born or a Gryffindor. He’s probably just annoyed that a new fifth year is stealing his spotlight.”
“I’m not looking for a spotlight,” Nori murmured, her fingers drifting to the ivy brooch in her pocket.
“Too late,” Jayda chimed in, grinning around a chicken wing. “A transfer from the jungle school? You’re the most interesting thing to happen to Slytherin since the Chamber of Secrets incident. Everyone wants to know if you can actually talk to trees.”
Nori chuckled.
“I can’t do that.”
Just then, a voice from the front of the room seemed to settle the rest with quiet murmurs.
“That’s the headmaster,” Jayda whispered.
Halfway through his announcement, a shrill little clearing of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher’s throat seemed to silence his words. They watched as the lady in all pink stood and gave a speech. Mei-Linn leaned over with a smirk.
“What’s her problem?”
Jayda muffled a giggle.
“Seems like she is the problem.”
Once the lady took her seat, the room easily began its usual chatter. Students warmed up to the start of a new term, laughing and greeting one another. After dinner, Jayda and Mei-Linn stood, followed by Nori. A satisfied sigh escaped Jayda.
“Just when I think I’ve gotten used to the food here.”
They guided Nori a bit as the sea of students poured out of the Great Hall and into the corridors of the castle.
“Come on now, can’t get lost on your first day, can you?” Jayda grinned.
As the three descended into the dungeons, Nori’s eyes wandered constantly.
“It’s a bit much, huh?” Mei-Linn chimed in.
“Can’t say I don’t remember what that feels like. Don’t worry, once we get to the common room it’ll feel more like home.”
Once they made it to the entrance, Mei-Linn muttered a password and they were let in. Jayda had to nudge Nori inside since she couldn’t stop staring in awe at everything. She stepped inside and immediately forgot whatever she had been about to say. The common room looked nothing like the cold stone corridors outside. Greenish light filtered through the tall windows, casting rippling patterns across the floor as the waters of the Black Lake drifted beyond the glass. Dark leather armchairs sat clustered around a crackling fireplace, and groups of students lounged about.
For a moment, Nori simply stared.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“Told you,” Mei-Linn said with a smile.
Jayda folded her arms proudly.
“Best common room in the castle.”
A nearby student snorted.
“That’s debatable.”
“It’s not,” Jayda shot back immediately.
The older student rolled his eyes and returned to his book.
Nori laughed quietly. Some of the tension she’d carried all day finally loosened. As they moved farther inside, several students glanced up from their conversations. A few nodded politely. Others seemed curious about the newcomer. Nori suddenly became very aware of herself.
“They’re staring,” she murmured.
“Only because you’re new,” Mei-Linn assured her.
“Give it a week and they’ll be ignoring you like everyone else.”
“Maybe two weeks,” Jayda added.
“You’ve got that ‘completely overwhelmed first-year’ look.”
“I do not.”
“You absolutely do.”
Soon they climbed the stairs to the girls’ dormitory and found one to settle into. Nori unpacked most of her things and slid her trunk under the four-poster.
“Finally, I’m so tired I could hardly stay awake.”
Jayda let out a dramatic sigh as she fell back onto her mattress. Mei-Linn sat at the edge of her bed brushing her hair.
“You should get some sleep. You’ll need your energy for tomorrow.”
As they all wound down and got comfortable, a faint excited flutter settled in Nori’s chest before she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
