Arrival at Hogwarts and distribution

On the day they left for Hogwarts, the children were in high spirits this morning: they couldn't wait to finally explore the ancient castle they had read so much about. Plus, they would be able to talk to their friend Draco every day. Seeing their father more than once every fortnight added to the brothers' joy. Of course, it was frustrating that they would only see their great-grandfather on Yule, but they decided to visit the trip as another long-term mission.

It was hard for Lord Prince to let the children go, but he realised they needed to socialise with their peers and learn to make contacts. More than communicating with the Malfoy heir was required to build the children's social skills. It had been decided at the family council that Arnold would escort the twins on the train to Hogwarts because Severus should already be at school, and sending the children with the Malfoy family would mean immediately declaring the neutral Lord Prince's good fellowship with the former Death Eater's family. This could considerably lower Arnold's reputation and consequently make it harder to find allies in the future. For this reason, the adults decided that the children would 'accidentally' meet on the train. The event did not look suspicious and would allow the children to find friends in other faculties. Their association with Malfoy would prove the Princes' maintenance of neutrality.

Before putting the children on the train, Lord Prince once again reminded the great-grandchildren to write in their specially enchanted notebooks as soon as they were allocated to the faculties. However, he warned them that this method of communication should be used in an emergency when it would be impossible to contact their father or when they needed to communicate something secretly. In other cases, they were to use Itachi's raven to send letters. Kuroi, hearing his name, cawed as if confirming Arnold's words.

The twins hugged their great-grandfather and headed for the train; before they boarded, they found Draco's eyes, who nodded as he noticed them. Waving goodbye to their great-grandfather, the brothers boarded the train and found a vacant compartment. Five minutes later, Draco stepped into it. Immediately after, Itachi cast a jamming and locking spell. Waiting for Itachi to finish, Malfoy began to rush in with questions:

- Hey, tell me, how's it going? Excited about where you're going?

- Hello to you, too, Draco. Pfft. Not mainly; it's the same program," Sasuke replied.

- Hello, Draco. I'd probably wish to go to Ravenclaw because I'll find people with whom I can discuss my ideas about spells, plus Professor Flitwick has Mastery in that subject. Anyway, I wish the three of us could see each other more often," Itachi said, stroking Kuroi.

- You're probably right, but I don't want to get into Gryffindor anyway. By the way, Sasuke, did you get Manda? - Malfoy asked, watching Itachi pet Kuroi.

- Yeah. He's in a carrier. Really, I'll probably have to give him to Daddy. Not everyone likes such beautiful creatures as snakes.

- I wonder why that is. Maybe because they're poisonous? - Itachi asked.

- Pfft, they're fascinating and don't attack for no reason. And crows are too noisy.

- But they can carry letters.

- And snake venom is used in potions.

- You need to understand the best animals are owls. They can find their way even in the dark and deliver messages," Draco said authoritatively, engaging in an argument.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at Hogwarts. The castle impressed the three, but they thought the best way to get there by boat was not necessarily the safest way since they would have been caught unaware that one of their students needed to be included in the dark.

At last, they reached the castle. A stern lady who introduced herself as Professor McGonagall appeared on the doorstep and ushered them into a small, empty hall. There she explained the selection ceremony and told them to wait for her. The minutes ticked by, but the teacher still didn't appear, and Draco began to get nervous. All of his family were Slytherin students, and though the twins had managed to convey to him the idea that given the same curriculum, there was no difference, he still hoped to continue the dynasty. So the thought that he might not be worthy of the faculty pressed on him, and he decided to distract himself with the conversation:

- What enchantments have been put on the hat that it has not lost its properties in so many years?

- I don't think it's the power of the charms; it's the fact that they're constantly being fed. If it was the teachers or the headmaster, then Dad would have told us about it, so I think it's Hogwarts itself doing it. The hat must have some sort of attachment to it," Itachi replied thoughtfully.

- 'I agree with Nii-san. Otherwise, the hat would have fallen apart on another freshman's head," Sasuke seconded.

-Or would have just torn off when you tried to put it on the head of someone with a hedgehog-like you," Sasuke quipped at Draco.

- Pfft, you're one to talk, Drakusa. It'll just come off your head because you were infatuated with gel. This will be the first time in Hogwarts history that a student has failed the selection process," Sasuke replied.

- In the end, I will be the only one of the three of us to graduate. I promise to write to you as often as possible," Itachi interjected.

A question came from behind Draco's back before Sasuke, and Draco could adequately respond to the outburst.

- I'm sorry, what are you talking about?

Standing in front of his friends was a short and thin boy. He had unruly black hair and green eyes and wore glasses on his nose.

- About the placement ceremony, of course. Are faculties allocated by a hat specifically enchanted by the founders? - Draco asked.

- No, I didn't know..." the boy replied, confused.

- The hat belonged to Godric Gryffindor. Each of the founders put spells on it so that after their deaths, they would use it to assign students to faculties," Malfoy said authoritatively, "My name is Draco Malfoy, by the way.

And he held out his hand to the boy, who shook it and introduced himself.

- And I'm Harry Potter.

Draco's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly pulled himself together; the interaction with the twins had taken its toll.

I- Pleased to meet you.

- I...

Before Harry could finish his sentence, the redheaded boy beside Potter intervened in the conversation.

- Don't, Harry. His father was a supporter of You-Know-Who.

Before an exasperated Draco could reply, McGonagall returned to the room and asked to follow her.

The Great Hall was highly pleasing to the twins. They speculated curiously as to what enchantments had been used to create it. Still, the appearance of the distributing hat diverted their attention from the ceiling and switched it to an ancient artefact that both brothers seemed extremely curious about. The initiation ceremony went slowly, so the brothers had time to look around the room, the professors and the students. Draco was assigned to Slytherin, and he waited impatiently for his friends' turn.

- Prince Itachi," McGonagall called out.

Itachi stepped forward and sat down on a stool. When the voice sounded in his head, only years of stamina allowed him to save face and not jump up.

- Hm, extremely interesting. You, young Prince, possess a brave, loyal heart and will do anything to protect the people you hold dear. These are qualities Godric appreciated. However, you can act cunningly and manipulate those around you to achieve the desired result. You are friendly and tenacious, willing to wait to achieve your goal, and this was appreciated by Helga. Where should I put you? Oh, you really do have a great mind, and you have bright talents. It's settled. RAVENCLO!

Quietly expressing his gratitude to the hat, Itachi hurried to his desk. Sasuke was next.

- Hmmm. You are as complicated as your brother. You, too, are stubborn, yet you lack the friendliness inherent in the Hufflapaff. You are brave and loyal to your loved ones, but you won't get into a fight if the problem doesn't concern you. No, the Godric faculty is not for you. You are cunning and ambitious. Slytherin would suit you.

- No!" Sasuke mentally shouted, "I want to be with my brother! I don't want to be separated from him again! I'll burn your ugly hat if you don't send me to Ravenclaw!

- Hey! Don't call me names! I'm an ancient artefact! - ...and I've got a spell that protects me from fire and getting wet!

- I'll bury it!

- I also have unique search spells on me!

- Then I'll tie a load and drop it at the bottom of the Mariana Trench! Let them try to retrieve it from there!

- Hm, you're very creative and have a sharp mind ... RAVENCLO!

Thanking the hat, Sasuke hurried to his brother.

****

Itachi was glad that he and Otto were in the same department. He didn't even notice that he was holding his breath as the hat announced the result. Sasuke hurried to the nii-san and sat in the seat the older twin had thoughtfully occupied. Suddenly there was a shout of 'Potter with us'. The children turned around to see their new acquaintance returning to the seat.

- No surprise there," came a voice from close by.

- What makes you think that? - Sasuke asked his neighbour.

- His parents were students in the same department. By the way, my name is Anthony Goldstein, and you are Prince? -said the freshman.

- Yes, I'm Sasuke, and this is my brother Itachi.

- Not to be rude, but I haven't heard anything about your family for a long time," Anthony said cautiously.

- Our grandfather doesn't like noise, so he doesn't show up at balls or parties.

Goldstein nodded. He clearly wanted to ask more, but his upbringing prevented him from pressing the Princes with questions, as did many of the purebloods and half-breeds at the table who had heard of the twenty-eight list. The twins smiled. They liked the polite and unobtrusive atmosphere of the faculty.

The rest of the distribution flew by rather quickly for the Princes. As soon as it was over, Dumbledore stepped forward. As he began to list the places not to go, Itachi noticed how Ototo's eyes lit up.

"That's why list them like that? Couldn't we ask the deans to read us all the school rules and not draw so much attention to those places. Kids are passionate about breaking the rules and won't fail to do what they're strictly forbidden to do..." - sighed a poised Itachi.

"So... The Forbidden Forest... Hmmm... I wonder if it's more dangerous than the Forest of Death? We'll have to check it out. If not, we'll explore it quickly. Shouldn't we do magic during recess? Pfft. Who's going to see to that? We'll use the Room of Requirement the great-grandfather talked about, that's all. The right-hand side of the corridor on the third floor... Dad warned us not to go there in advance and that he shouldn't be angry. Pity... I'm curious if the headmaster especially names the most exciting places.

Sasuke looked up at Itachi, clearly suspicious of something, and tried to maintain a 'more innocent' appearance as much as possible.

****

The Ravenclaw lounge seemed rather cosy to the boys, but the idea of answering riddles instead of passwords was insecure. Any student could answer it and get in.

- Congratulations! I am Headmaster Robert Hilliard, delighted to welcome you to the Ravenclaw faculty. Our coat of arms is an eagle that soars where others cannot climb. The Dean is Filius Flitwick, who teaches spells. The colours of our faculty are blue and bronze. Our living room is at the top of Ravenclaw Tower, behind the door with the enchanted hammer. From the arched windows of our living room, we can see the lake, the Forbidden Forest, the Quidditch pitch and the greenhouses.

Without any bragging, our faculty comprises smart wizards and wizards. Unlike other faculties with hidden lounge entrances, we don't need them.

Another exciting thing about Ravenclaw is that our students are trustworthy individuals. Some of them might even be called geeks. But often, Geniuses do not go along with ordinary people, and unlike some other faculties, we could say that, in our opinion, you have the right to wear what you like, believe what you want and say what you feel.

As for our relationship with other faculties: you may have heard about Slytherin. They're not all bad, but it's best to be on your guard until you get to know a Slytherin student well enough. According to their long tradition, they do everything they can to win. So be careful, especially at Quidditch matches and exams.

Gryffindors are brave and honest but often act rashly. They tend to succumb to public opinion and follow a recognised leader, so don't be surprised that Gryffindors may call you "weird" and stop communicating if you do something unusual in their view.

Hufflepuffs are characterised by hard work and loyalty. They are patient but don't overuse this if you don't want to face their wrath.

Ah, yes, the ghost of our faculty is the Grey Lady. The rest of the students think she never talks, but she doesn't mind talking to Ravenclaws. Her help is beneficial when you've lost something or are lost alone.

I'm sure you'll sleep well. Our dormitories are in towers that branch off from the central building. The rooms have four beds each, covered with silk and soft blankets of sky-blue colour, and the whistling of the wind through the windows is very relaxing.

If you have any problems, feel free to contact me. You can read the rules of Hogwarts in the book on the stand. It is enchanted explicitly with cloning charms, so don't worry and take it. Separately, mention the Hogwarts curfew. You must return to the drawing-room by nine o'clock at the latest. You may now go to your rooms. Your names are written on them. I'll pass out your schedules at breakfast tomorrow. Good night. Good night.

The brothers enjoyed Holliard's speech. He kept his remarks short and to the point. The twins decided to take the rules and read them at their leisure.

The princes were lodged in one room, which they were pleased about. There were two other children in the room with them. The boys got to talking quite quickly.

- My name is Dakota Eden. I'm a purebred, though, unlike the Prince family, my family is not on the Holy Twenty-Eight list. My father is in the business of buying and reselling books. It's difficult because the rare ones are in the family libraries. My mother is an artist; she paints magical portraits. She can spend hours pondering colour combinations," Dakota smiled, "I, like my father, am interested in books, so I am likely to continue his business.

- And I'm Theobald Wilson, half-blood. That's right, Theobald, don't laugh! - Theobald said, noticing the smiles on the faces of his roommates, "You may call me Theo. My father works in the ministry, organises sports events, and my mother manages a sports shop. They met when my father decided to ask what Muggles wear when they go to football. I love Quidditch and want to be a professional player.

- My name is Sasuke Prince, and this is my brother, Itachi. We are purebloods, but we didn't know our parents. Our father, Bernard Prince, died before we were born, and our mother died shortly after we were born. She lived in a Muggle neighbourhood because she feared the raids of the Eaters," the neighbours nodded grimly, "So we ended up in a Muggle orphanage.

- Didn't we? - Dakota and Theo asked simultaneously.

- It must have been awful there..." whispered Dakota.

- It wasn't that bad. Of course, life in an orphanage is not comparable to living with parents, but the caregivers were lovely. We were also able to make friends with many of the foster children. Sometimes we encounter bullies, but they are everywhere. When we turned seven, our great-grandfather found us and took us in. He lives a secluded life, so we spent almost all our time on the estate and didn't interact with anyone but the teachers he hired. Itachi and I both like potions, and I also like transfiguration, and Itachi likes spells. We play Quidditch, but more as amateurs.

- We could have a friendly game sometime. - Theo asked.

- I'd love to, but first-year students must be allowed to play Quidditch. So it would take a year," Itachi said.

Theo grimaced a little.

- 'We'll go home for Yule and we can meet you during the holidays and play,' Itachi suggested, noticing how upset he was.

The children wished each other a good night and, after choosing beds, began to change. Before going to sleep, the brothers checked their notebooks and saw congratulations from their grandfather for getting into Ravenclaw. There was also a note from their father.

Congratulations. I hope you don't disgrace the honour of your department. Remember, I will be very disappointed if you are caught breaking school rules.

The children snorted. As if they, skilled shinobi, could be caught.

Also, if your footsteps are on the third floor, you'll be back home sooner than you can come up with a plausible explanation.

I'll see you Saturday at five o'clock for tea. The password is Forever.

The twins were delighted to receive the letters and looked forward to the start of class.