Starting with a Surprise
David initially believed the worst song he'd ever heard was the Sorting Hat's performance during the Sorting Ceremony. However, he quickly realized he was wrong. The Hogwarts choir proved to be even worse. Each student seemed to sing in their own key—or no key at all—creating a chaotic mess that sounded more like a swarm of buzzing flies than a melody.
David couldn't help but think, Maybe Hogwarts should consider starting music lessons. Judging by Dumbledore's amused expression, this might become an annual tradition, much to David's dismay.
The chaos finally ended, but not before the Weasley twins added their own twist by singing along to the "Funeral March." When they finished, Dumbledore complimented the choir's "beautiful singing" with a straight face, then dismissed everyone to their dormitories.
---
The Gryffindor first-years followed their prefect to the common room. Once there, David quietly slipped away from the group. He wasn't planning on breaking rules with a nighttime adventure—at least not yet. Instead, he approached an older student who looked friendly.
"Hi, I'm David Scamander," he introduced himself. "Could you help me find Professor McGonagall's office?"
The girl smiled warmly. "Oh, you're the first Hogwarts student to be assigned to all four houses during the Sorting Hat's song! How did you manage that?"
David laughed awkwardly. "Uh, maybe I'm just special?"
The girl giggled. "I'm Katie Bell. Nice to meet you, David. I'll take you to her office. The castle's staircases can be tricky for new students."
---
Katie led David through Hogwarts' maze-like hallways and shifting staircases. At one point, a staircase moved just as they reached it, forcing them to find another way.
"Here we are," Katie said, pointing to a wooden door. "This is Professor McGonagall's office. How long will you be? I can wait and guide you back."
"That's very kind of you, Katie. It shouldn't take long," David replied, grateful for her help.
He knocked on the door and called out, "Professor McGonagall, it's David."
The door opened, revealing Professor McGonagall in her emerald green robes. "What brings you here at this hour, Mr. Scamander?" she asked, ushering him in.
David rummaged through his bag and pulled out a letter. "My grandmother asked me to give this to you as soon as possible," he explained.
McGonagall opened the envelope, and a rare smile appeared on her face as she read the letter.
"What did she say, Professor?" David asked curiously.
"She mentioned," McGonagall replied, her expression turning serious, "that you have a habit of sneaking into forbidden places. Tell me, David, are you planning to enter the Forbidden Forest?"
David gulped. The stern look in her eyes made it clear she wouldn't tolerate any mischief. "No, Professor! I promise I won't go near the forest."
McGonagall nodded. "Good. Because if I catch you there…" Her voice trailed off, but the icy warning in her eyes was enough to make David shiver.
Her tone softened as she added, "Now, off to bed. It's getting late. Goodnight, Mr. Scamander."
"Goodnight, Professor," David said, relieved. He rejoined Katie, who kindly guided him back to the Gryffindor common room.
---
Before parting ways, David handed Katie a small token from his bag—a pale, shimmering scale from Australia.
"Thank you for your help, Katie. This is for you," he said.
Katie smiled, holding the scale up to the light. "It's beautiful. Thank you, David. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," David replied, climbing the stairs to the boys' dormitory.
---
David found his dormitory door labeled with his name, along with Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom. He opened the door quietly and saw that most of his roommates were asleep—except for Harry, who sat by the window, deep in thought.
"Harry, are you okay?" David asked gently.
Harry jumped slightly, startled. "Oh, hi, David. I'm fine… I guess. It's just… everything feels like a dream. This morning, I was at my aunt and uncle's house. Now, I'm here, at Hogwarts, surrounded by people who… cheer for me. It's overwhelming."
David sat beside him. "You're right—they do welcome you, Harry. Many of them grew up hearing your story. You're like a star here, just like celebrities in the Muggle world. You'll get used to it."
Harry nodded, looking a little more at ease. "Thanks, David. Is your family magical?"
"Yeah, they are. But you'll learn all about that soon enough," David replied, yawning. "Now, let's get some sleep. We've got classes tomorrow."
Harry followed David's advice, climbing into bed. The soft mattress and warm blankets quickly lulled David into a deep sleep.
---
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the dormitory windows, waking David. Glancing at his pocket watch, he saw it was nearly 7:30. He tried waking Harry, but his roommate mumbled and rolled over, clearly exhausted. The other boys didn't stir either.
David decided to head to breakfast alone. As he entered the Great Hall, a pair of students stopped him. "Where's Harry Potter?" they asked eagerly.
David shrugged. "Probably still asleep. You'll see him in class later." He stepped past them and scanned the room, spotting Hermione waving at him from a table.
"Good morning, Hermione," he greeted her as he sat down. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," Hermione replied cheerfully. "And I've already noticed that many of our classmates haven't studied much before coming here. They didn't even know basic magical theory!"
David chuckled, realizing Hermione's enthusiasm for academics was unmatched. It seemed she was already evaluating her classmates' abilities, even before their first lesson.