NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: Ravenclaw Tower
As the feast concluded, a slender boy with neatly combed dark hair and an air of quiet authority approached the cluster of new Ravenclaws.
He wore his prefect badge with understated pride and carried himself with a calm confidence that captured attention.
"First years, gather around," he said, his voice carrying a smooth, practiced tone. "I'm Oliver Harrington, Ravenclaw prefect for this year. I'll be guiding you to the Ravenclaw Tower and explaining a few things along the way. Welcome to your new home."
The group fell into step behind him as he led them out of the Great Hall. The corridors of Hogwarts, dimly lit by floating torches, twisted and turned unpredictably, and the new students quickly realized how easy it would be to get lost. Oliver seemed to anticipate their concerns.
"Hogwarts is a maze, but don't worry, you'll get used to it," he said, his voice reassuring. "Still, I recommend taking some time tomorrow to check the locations of your classrooms. You don't want to be late to Professor Snape's class, he doesn't take kindly to tardiness."
A few students exchanged nervous glances at the mention of the infamous Potions master, but Oliver continued without pause.
"Also, watch out for the magical stairs. They move unpredictably, and if you're not careful, you might end up on the wrong floor, or worse, the wrong century." His lips quirked in a slight smile. "There are also trick steps that might trip you up if you're not paying attention. Keep an eye on your footing."
As they ascended a grand staircase, Oliver stopped at a particular landing and turned to face them. "This is where it gets interesting. The entrance to our common room isn't hidden by a password like Gryffindor's or a riddleless portrait like Hufflepuff's. To enter, you need to solve an enigma."
The first years murmured in surprise. Oliver held up a hand for silence and led them to a large, intricately carved bronze door. At its center was a knocker shaped like an eagle, its outstretched wings gleaming in the dim light.
"To enter, you must answer the question posed by the knocker," Oliver explained. "If you're wrong, you'll have to wait until someone else arrives to help. It's a clever system that ensures only those with wit and intellect can gain entry."
As if on cue, the eagle's head tilted, and its beak parted to speak in a smooth, melodic voice:
"I am always hungry, I must always be fed. The finger I touch, will soon turn red. What am I?"
The group fell silent, several of the first years looking at each other uncertainty. Oliver's gaze flicked toward Nero, who seemed deep in thought.
Nero's lips curved into a faint smile. "Fire," he said confidently.
The eagle knocker's beak clicked shut, and the bronze door swung open. Oliver's approving nod was barely perceptible as he gestured for the students to enter.
"Good job," Oliver said quietly to Nero as they stepped into the common room.
The Ravenclaw common room was breathtaking. High, arched windows offered a view of the moonlit Hogwarts grounds, and the ceiling was enchanted to resemble the night sky, complete with twinkling stars. Shelves crammed with books lined the walls, and elegant blue and bronze furnishings filled the room. A marble bust of Rowena Ravenclaw stood in a prominent alcove, her gaze serene and wise.
Oliver led the group to a cozy seating area near a roaring fireplace. "Welcome to the Ravenclaw common room," he said. "This will be your sanctuary during your time at Hogwarts. Respect the space, and it will serve you well."
He gestured toward a smaller door at the far end of the room. "That leads to the Ravenclaw library. It's one of the most comprehensive collections of magical texts in Hogwarts, second only to the main library. What sets it apart is its focus on scholarly works and rare manuscripts. Some of these books aren't available anywhere else."
The first years looked intrigued, and Oliver allowed a moment for the information to sink in before continuing. "Now, the Hogwarts library has strict borrowing rules, but in the Ravenclaw library, we operate on trust. If you borrow a book, you're expected to return it in good condition. Remember, knowledge is a gift, not a possession."
A few students nodded earnestly, while others exchanged eager whispers. Nero's sharp eyes scanned the shelves, already cataloging titles he wanted to explore.
Oliver turned back to the group, his expression growing slightly more serious. "Before you head to your dormitories, there's one more thing you should know. As a tradition in magical schools, tomorrow morning you'll undergo an in-depth assessment of your magical talent. This event will help us understand your strengths and weaknesses, and it's crucial for planning your future studies. Professors will use the results to offer tailored advice, and it's your chance to make the most of your potential."
He smiled faintly. "That said, I suggest you get a good night's sleep. You'll want to be at your best."
With that, Oliver gestured toward two staircases leading to the dormitories. "Boys to the left, girls to the right. Your trunks have already been brought up. If you need anything, don't hesitate to find me or one of the other prefects."
As the group dispersed, Nero lingered near the fireplace, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming assessment and the wealth of knowledge within the Ravenclaw library. He exchanged a brief glance with Oliver, who gave him an encouraging nod before heading up to his own dormitory.
Nero climbed the stairs to the boys' dormitory, finding a cozy room with four-poster beds draped in blue and bronze curtains. His trunk was waiting at the foot of his bed, and the window beside him offered a view of the Forbidden Forest, its dark expanse stretching into the horizon.
As Nero lay down, the fire riddle and Oliver's words echoed in his mind.
Tomorrow promised to be a key milestone to plan his growth.
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