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You bunch of little bastards, you've reached the first 100 power stones, so here's a bonus chapter....
(I love you <3)
So, I'm announcing it again! For every 100 power stones, I'll release a new bonus chapter! Let's start working towards our goal of becoming one of the top fanfictions!
Second announcement: I've posted a bonus chapter on my Patreon, so if you want more, go check it out!
In the meantime, you can contribute to the release of a bonus chapter on P@tre0n.
(PS: A friend suggested I create a P@treon account. If you'd like to see advanced chapters posted on Webnovel, that's where you can find them! I'll also mention all the supporters at the end of each chapter!)
Search : StoryLabo on the website or click the link on my bio
Happy reading !
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The other students continued to sing any which way, creating that typically British musical chaos, but the elements, they had chosen. They followed Aiden's melody perfectly, as if they found it more... right. More true.
They recognize me, he realized with an emotion he couldn't fully explain. Even here, in this millennial castle, even surrounded by all these wizards... they recognize me as one of their own.
Dumbledore, who was conducting this cacophony with his wand while smiling, suddenly stopped. His piercing eyes swept the hall, as if he were looking for something...
For a fraction of a second, his gaze met Aiden's, but he quickly looked away.
The song ended in a final burst of harmonious disorder. Dumbledore applauded warmly, tears in his eyes.
- "Ah, music!" he exclaimed, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. "More magical than anything we teach here! And do you know why, my dear children?"
He let his question float in the air for a moment, his twinkling gaze scanning the attentive assembly.
"Because music is the only magic that comes entirely from the human heart. Our spells, our potions, our enchantments... all of that is learned from books, measured in formulas, perfected through technique. But music..."
He paused theatrically, his voice taking on an almost reverent inflection.
- "Music is born from our soul. It expresses what words cannot say, it touches what magic cannot reach. When a wizard sings with his heart, he creates something purer, deeper than any spell."
- "The song we just shared, in all its glorious anarchy, represents one of humanity's most beautiful magics, that of harmony in diversity. Each of you sang differently, with your own voice, your own rhythm, your own interpretation. And yet, together, you created something magnificent."
He clapped softly, as if to prolong the echo of this reflection.
- "Remember this during your years at Hogwarts. True magic doesn't reside only in mastering spells, but in your ability to express who you truly are. Because in the end, that's what makes the difference between a simple wizard and a true magician."
OK, brilliant old turtle, Aiden thought, impressed despite his usual cynicism. The old man has philosophy.
Dumbledore clapped his hands.
- "And now, to bed! Tomorrow begins your true adventure at Hogwarts, and you'll need all your strength. Good night to all!"
A joyful hubbub rose as the students stood up from their tables, still moved by this moment of unexpected musical communion.
Once the meal was finished, the prefects from each house stood up to guide the first years to their respective dormitories.
- "First year Ravenclaws, follow me!" called Penelope Clearwater, the head prefect.
She was a fifth-year girl, elegant and authoritative, with that natural presence of born leaders.
She led them through a maze of corridors, moving staircases, and secret passages. Aiden carefully memorized each turn, each shortcut, each portrait that spoke to them.
They finally arrived in front of a door topped by an eagle-shaped knocker.
- "Here is the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room," Penelope explained. "Unlike the other houses, we don't have a fixed password. To enter, you must solve a riddle."
She knocked the knocker. Immediately, the bronze eagle came to life and spoke in a clear voice:
- "I am more precious than gold, rarer than diamonds, but I cannot be possessed. The more one shares me, the more one has. What am I?"
The first years looked at each other, perplexed.
Penelope looked at them, hands on her hips.
- "The mind is man's strongest weapon, and if you're in Ravenclaw, it's essential that you use it!" she said a bit displeased.
The first years looked at each other somewhat ashamed.
After a few minutes, Aiden sighed and intervened.
- "Knowledge," he said simply.
The eagle inclined its bronze head.
- "Correct! Welcome to Ravenclaw."
The door opened, revealing the common room.
Damn, Aiden thought, dazzled.
It was a magnificent circular room, with a starred dome ceiling that reproduced the night sky in real time. Bookshelves lined the walls, comfortable armchairs were arranged in front of a sculptural fireplace, and large windows offered a panoramic view of the Scottish mountains.
That's my definition of paradise, he thought with satisfaction.
- "Well done on the riddle," Penelope congratulated him. "That's exactly the kind of thinking we expect from a Ravenclaw."
She turned to the group and resumed her official speech.
- "Here is our common room. You can come here to study, read, relax. The books are available to everyone, but treat them with respect. We are the house of Rowena Ravenclaw, one of Hogwarts' four founders."
She pointed to a marble statue in the center of the room, an elegant woman wearing a diadem adorned with a sapphire.
- "Rowena Ravenclaw was renowned for her intelligence, her wisdom, and her thirst for learning. These are the qualities that define our house. We value wit, creativity, logic, and acceptance of differences."
Unlike Gryffindor who values recklessness, Slytherin who values manipulation, and Hufflepuff who values... uh... kindness? Gluttony? Aiden completed mentally with irony.
- "Your behavior reflects on our house," Penelope continued seriously. "I expect you to maintain Ravenclaw's dignity and reputation. Enjoy your stay at Hogwarts, learn everything you can, and don't hesitate to ask questions."
This girl takes her role very seriously, Aiden noted. Percy Weasley didn't make speeches this detailed for Gryffindors in the books. Or maybe it just wasn't described.
She quickly showed them the dormitories, boys on one side, girls on the other, with staircases leading to separate towers.
- "Your schedules will be given to you tomorrow morning at breakfast," she concluded. "Any questions?"
A few first years timidly raised their hands for practical details—meal times, curfew, library rules...
Aiden listened with half an ear, more busy analyzing the room's magical architecture.
Finally, they were released for the night. Aiden went up to his dormitory and discovered he shared his room with two other boys.
- "Hi!" said the first with a frank smile. "I'm Charlie Clearwater... uh, no family relation to the prefect, eh, just the same name. And you're the famous Aiden with white hair!"
Charlie Clearwater, Aiden noted mentally. First year, Muggle-born from his accent and his ease with non-magical references he'd dropped during the meal.
- "And I'm Narwick Thompson," added the second, a brown-haired boy with glasses. "My parents are Muggles too, so I hope we can help each other understand all this magical mess!"
"Pleased to meet you, guys," Aiden replied with an authentic smile. "And yeah, we'll have to stick together. Welcome to the magical world!"
They spent the next half hour discussing their impressions of Hogwarts, their apprehensions, their excitement. It was... pleasant and even refreshing.
Finally normal people, Aiden thought. Not groupies checking out my hair, not heirs of ancient families with their complexes, just Muggle kids discovering magic.
They had common passions, Charlie was a science fiction fan, Narwick loved mathematics and logic, and all three appreciated absurd humor and pop culture references that pure-blood wizards would never understand.
This will work, Aiden decided. These two, I can keep.
Around 10:30 PM, Charlie and Narwick collapsed into their respective beds, exhausted by this intense day.
Aiden, however, wasn't sleepy. He put on a dressing gown and headed toward their dormitory window, which he opened silently.
The Scottish night air was fresh and pure, charged with scents of heather and humid earth. In the distance, mountains stood out as black silhouettes against the starry sky.
He stayed there for several minutes, contemplating the landscape, reflecting on this extraordinary day that marked the true beginning of his new life.
That's when a familiar wingbeat was heard.
Edgar landed on the window ledge, his black and intelligent eyes fixed on Aiden. The raven was magnificent in the moonlight, his deep black feathers reflecting the stars.
- "Hello, old friend," Aiden murmured, extending his hand to gently caress his companion's head. "Did you have a good trip?"
Edgar made a small satisfied croak and nestled against Aiden's palm.
Castle... impressive... much magic... many spirits...
The emotions and impressions Edgar transmitted to him were filled with fascination and respect. Hogwarts impressed even ravens, apparently.
- "Did you find a place to nest?" Aiden asked.
West tower... old nest... former occupants gone... comfortable...
- "Perfect. You can monitor comings and goings, keep me informed of what's happening in the castle. But stay discreet, okay?"
Edgar inclined his head, understanding perfectly.
Aiden continued stroking his feathers, lost in his reflections. This first day at Hogwarts had been... revealing.
He had succeeded in integrating Ravenclaw as planned. He had established interesting first contacts. He had confirmed that his powers worked perfectly in the castle's magical environment.
But above all, he had become aware of the magnitude of the challenge awaiting him.
Edgar made a small interrogative croak, sensing his companion's agitated thoughts.
- "I'm just thinking about the future, old friend," Aiden murmured. "This school is going to be... interesting."
He caressed Edgar's head one last time, then the raven flew off into the Scottish night, quickly disappearing into the darkness.
Aiden remained at the window for a few more minutes, contemplating the stars.