chp6

Lily's POV:

Ever since I was little, I knew I was different. Mum and Dad always said so. They told me I could do magic, unlike my older sister. They mentioned there was once a wizard in the Evans family, and since then, it's been kept a secret, or maybe it was just a family myth. After seeing strange things happen around me, they decided I was special.

I didn't mind, actually. Mum and Dad were lovely and doted on me all the time, and I loved them for it. I was so wrapped up in their love that I didn't notice how they treated my sister Petunia differently. She didn't seem to want their attention anyway, almost like she didn't care if they noticed her or not.

To me, sister Petunia was amazing. She got brilliant grades, and the teachers always said she was a genius, which she was. She was very grown-up, always solving her problems by herself. She valued her time so much that she didn't spend much of it chatting with me, and even less with Mum and Dad.

At school, my sister never let bullies bother her. If they tried to mess with her, she'd swing her fists at them, no hesitation. The bullies were terrified of her, and because of that, they left me alone too. My sister is really cool like that.

But she always disappears without telling anyone. And the craziest part? Our parents don't even notice! How mad is that! Whenever I asked her where she went, she'd always say, "the woods." One time, I followed her there, but the moment I stepped inside, she was gone. It's like she vanished into thin air. I swear my sister is way more mysterious than me, and I might have magic one day!

Oh, that day I found a friend. He's a boy, and his name is Severus. After talking to him for a bit, some flowers changed colors when I touched them. He seemed to know all about these strange things. He said I'm a witch, just like him. He told me about so many fun things in the wizarding world and about Hogwarts—a school of magic! How brilliant is that! I wish my sister could go with me. We talked about loads of things and got close pretty quickly.

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Lily's POV:

It was the first of September, the first day of school. I woke up, but I didn't see the usual silhouette of my sister as she put her books in her bag.

I didn't think much of it; maybe she went downstairs to help Mum with breakfast. But then, as I got up, a letter that was placed on my bed fell off.

As I read through it, I could only stare into space—sister is gone, she's gone forever.Soon, I started crying.

Mum heard me from downstairs and came rushing, "My precious Lily, what's wrong, honey? Petunia, what's happening?" As she entered the room and inspected it, she didn't find Petunia, but she didn't think much of it. She rushed to me.

**General POV:**

As Lily's mum read through the letter, she was stunned but tried to remain composed. The letter explained that Petunia had received an opportunity to study abroad on a full scholarship and that they wouldn't need to worry about costs or her farewell. Petunia had chosen to leave without saying goodbye in person, leaving only the letter as her final communication.

The days that followed were tinged with a mix of emotions. Lily's parents were surprised and a bit saddened, but they continued with their daily routines. They had always assumed Petunia was content with her books and solitude. Now, they realized they had perhaps taken her presence for granted.

Meals were quieter, but the family adapted quickly. Lily's mum occasionally found herself rereading the letter, a slight pang of regret crossing her mind. However, she focused on supporting Lily and keeping the household running smoothly. She tried not to dwell too much on Petunia's absence, reassuring herself that at least Petunia was living her life as she wanted.

Lily's dad, who had always been more distant, seemed to take the news in stride. He was a man of routine, and while Petunia's departure was unexpected, it didn't disrupt his life too much. He continued to focus on his work, accepting that Petunia had made her own choice.

Life continued, and while there was an undeniable shift in the household, it wasn't overwhelming. The family adjusted to the new normal, each member dealing with the change in their own way. They carried on, knowing that Petunia was out there, pursuing her own path, and hoping that she was happy.

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As time went by, the train headed to Hogwarts finally arrived at its destination. The night air was cool and filled with anticipation as the students disembarked. Outside, a towering figure, unmistakably a half-giant, was shouting directions.

"Students, please follow me out of the station! No one to go by themselves!" boomed Hagrid.

The students, including Hecate, gathered and followed him. They soon arrived at a vast, shimmering lake. The moonlight reflected off its surface, casting an almost magical glow.

"Every four has to occupy a boat," Hagrid instructed, his voice carrying easily over the chatter of excited students. "Hurry up and do not fall into the lake."

Hecate, along with three other students, stepped into one of the small boats. As they glided across the lake, the sight of Hogwarts came into view. The castle stood tall and grand, illuminated against the night sky, looking almost mystical. The air was thick with mystery and promise.

Once they arrived at the other side of the lake, the students climbed out of the boats and began to ascend the stone steps leading to the castle entrance. Waiting for them at the top was Professor McGonagall, her stern yet welcoming presence commanding attention.

"Thank you, Hagrid," she said, nodding to the half-giant. "I'll take it from here."

Hagrid nodded and stepped back, allowing McGonagall to address the students.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her voice clear and authoritative. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting Ceremony is a crucial part of your time at Hogwarts. The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. While you are here, your house will be like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with your housemates, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."

She paused, letting the importance of her words sink in. "Good behavior and academic success will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup, a great honor."

McGonagall looked around at the assembled first-years, her eyes sharp. "I expect no troublemakers this year. Now, follow me, and we shall proceed with the Sorting Ceremony."

The students, a mix of nerves and excitement, followed her through the grand entrance and into the castle. The corridors were lit by flickering torches, casting dancing shadows on the walls. They finally arrived at the massive doors of the Great Hall. As they opened, a collective gasp rose from the students. The ceiling, enchanted to reflect the night sky, was a breathtaking sight. Hundreds of candles floated in mid-air, casting a warm glow over the four long tables filled with students.

At the front of the hall, a fifth table held the teachers, with the formidable Professor Dumbledore seated at the center. An old, slightly tattered hat sat on a stool in front of them.

"Form a line," McGonagall instructed. "When I call your name, you will come forward, sit on the stool, and put on the hat. It will decide your house."

The anticipation in the air was palpable as McGonagall began to read names from a long scroll. One by one, students stepped forward to be sorted, each receiving cheers and applause from their new housemates.

Hecate waited patiently, observing each house and its members. She felt a mix of excitement and curiosity, ready to embrace whichever house the Sorting Hat chose for her.

As the sorting ceremony progressed, Hecate observed several familiar faces being sorted into Gryffindor. James Potter, with his confident smirk, joined the table, followed by the Black young master, Sirius. Remus Lupin, the quiet and introspective boy with a gentle demeanor, was next, followed by the nervous and somewhat fumbling Peter Pettigrew. All four were warmly welcomed by the Gryffindors, their cheers echoing through the Great Hall.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Professor McGonagall's voice calling her name. "Hecate Targaryen."

The mention of her name drew curious whispers and glances. It was a name that stood out, evoking images of power and magic. Even Professor McGonagall looked intrigued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded the new student named after the goddess of magic.

With a composed and graceful demeanor, Hecate stepped forward. Her confident stride and mature bearing set her apart from the usual nervous first-years. She approached the stool, feeling the weight of many eyes on her. As the Sorting Hat was placed on her head, a notification appeared in her mind.

**[Mind reading spell detected. Spell purpose: analyzing one's character.]**

**[Spell being reflected: spell downgraded, reading surface thoughts.]**

**[Reflect completely in 1-2…]**

'No,' Hecate thought firmly. 'Show memories of this world only. If it keeps reaching other memories, reflect it completely.'

The hat's voice echoed deeper into Hecate's mind, probing further into her thoughts and ambitions. "Fascinating," it murmured, "such a complex character. Your ambition burns brightly, much like those who have walked the halls of Slytherin. You have a natural leadership quality, a drive to achieve greatness and command respect. Yet, there's also a bravery in you, a willingness to face challenges head-on that would make Gryffindor proud."

The hat paused, sensing her inner thoughts. "But what stands out most is your intellect, your strategic thinking, and a deep thirst for knowledge. You are meticulous in your plans, valuing wisdom and learning above all else. You seek to understand the world in its entirety and use that understanding to shape your destiny. This speaks volumes of Ravenclaw."

Hecate's internal voice was firm, 'Yes, Ravenclaw is where I belong.'

The hat responded, "Indeed, you have the mind of a Ravenclaw. Your plans are intricate, your goals ambitious. Ravenclaw will provide you the foundation you need to harness your intellect and achieve your ambitions. Very well, RAVENCLAW!"

The Great Hall resonated with applause from the Ravenclaw table as Hecate made her way to join them, her mind already churning with plans.

As Hecate settled into her seat at the Ravenclaw table, she knew her journey had just begun. The path ahead was filled with challenges and opportunities, and she was ready to face them with the intellect, strategy, and ambition that had guided her thus far.

Hecate's choice to be in Ravenclaw was strategic. She knew that Ravenclaw was synonymous with intelligence and academic excellence. The Ministry of Magic often favored Ravenclaws, with a significant portion of its employees hailing from the house. This connection would be advantageous for her long-term plans to spread her influence in the wizarding world and potentially become the Minister for Magic one day.

Her unique name, Targaryen, would serve as a key to entering the nobility of the wizarding world. She planned to present the Targaryen family as an ancient, hidden lineage that had finally decided to reveal itself. This, however, was a long-term strategy. For now, her focus was on becoming the best student at Hogwarts and building her reputation.

As Hecate settled in at the Ravenclaw table, she couldn't help but think about the path she had set for herself. With her intelligence, ambition, and the support of her new house, she was ready to make her mark on the wizarding world.