Harry Potter : The White Wizard of Hogwarts

"Wow, it's so high up!"

Suddenly, Hagrid emerged from the shadows, towering over them, his figure outlined against the darkness. His sudden appearance startled the group of young wizards, who clutched their belongings tightly, nervously glancing around. Ivan noticed that Neville was softly sobbing, overwhelmed by everything.

With a comforting smile, Ivan reached over and gently patted Neville's back, whispering reassuring words. "Don't worry about the Sorting Ceremony, Neville. You'll do just fine."

At that moment, the older students split off to board carriages bound for the Great Hall, leaving the new first-year students huddled together, awaiting Hagrid's guidance.

"Mind your step now!" Hagrid's voice boomed as he motioned for them to follow him. "First years, with me!"

His rough, yet reassuring tone rang out clearly across the platform, and everyone looked to him, trusting his guidance as they formed a line. Ivan squinted into the darkness, noticing that the path ahead was narrow, steep, and surrounded by dense forest on either side, giving an eerie feeling that kept them all on edge. Hermione and Neville instinctively drew closer to him, and he could feel the unease ripple through the group.

Suddenly, a small girl let out a startled scream, losing her balance on the muddy ground. She stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to regain her footing just in time. Ivan couldn't help but shake his head; the pitch darkness made the path even more treacherous.

"This won't do. Let's make it a little easier to see," he murmured.

Taking out his wand, Ivan pointed it at the lantern in Hagrid's hand, giving it a small, controlled wave. Instantly, the light from the lantern shimmered, and tiny golden specks floated down onto the muddy path, creating a series of glowing footprints that lit the way behind Hagrid.

"Whoa!" gasped a few students, gazing down at the illuminated footprints with awe. "Did he do that?"

"Are those footprints glowing?" someone whispered. "Is this Hagrid's magic?"

But as whispers spread through the group, Neville and Hermione quickly clarified that it was Ivan's magic, not Hagrid's. Soon, all the first-years were looking at him, eyes wide with admiration, wonder, and even a little envy.

Hagrid, noticing the warm glow lighting up the ground, turned to Ivan with a grin. "Was that you? What spell did you use?"

He had always thought the rough path, used only once a year by the first-years, added to the mystery and anticipation of arriving at Hogwarts, so there was never a reason to repair it. And as the founders of Hogwarts had envisioned, the walk through the darkness was part of the initiation into the magical world.

"This spell is called Lighting the Way," Ivan replied. "It's something I created by combining Lumos with a few other enchantments."

"You created a spell?" Hagrid asked, clearly stunned. Ivan's words sent a ripple of excitement and disbelief through the group of first-years, who gaped at him, astonished.

Nearby, Hermione beamed with pride, barely able to contain herself. If anyone had questions about how amazing Ivan was, she'd gladly fill them in!

"I've heard that walking this path in darkness is part of a protective ritual," Ivan said thoughtfully, directing his words to Hagrid. Though he didn't speak loudly, everyone around him listened intently.

Hagrid, taking in Ivan's words, nodded. "And what's your name, lad?"

"Ivan Ambrosius," Ivan replied, lifting his wand again to soften the glow of the golden footprints. Though dimmer, the light still allowed everyone to see the path, preventing any more slips or stumbles.

Hagrid looked at Ivan, eyes wide with admiration. "I don't think I've ever seen a young wizard with your kind of spellcasting skill before even starting classes," he said. But knowing the start-of-term feast was approaching, he resumed his guidance. "Alright, everyone, follow my footsteps and watch your step!"

As they continued, the students whispered to each other, still amazed at Ivan's spell. Word was already spreading that this year, an exceptionally talented young wizard had arrived.

"Turn that corner, and you'll get your first look at Hogwarts!" Hagrid called back to the group. As they rounded the bend, gasps of wonder and awe filled the air.

Ivan and Hermione exchanged an excited glance, fingers intertwined as they gazed ahead. At the end of the path, a vast black lake spread out before them, reflecting the night sky. Across the lake, on a high hillside, stood the castle, its towers reaching up into the starlit sky, the windows glowing warmly. The sight was nothing short of magical, and it left an impression that the young wizards would never forget.

"It's beautiful," Hermione murmured, her eyes wide as she took in the view. She gave Ivan's hand a gentle squeeze. "This is Hogwarts! I can't believe we'll be learning magic here."

"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid's voice rang out again, and he pointed to the line of small boats waiting by the lake's edge.

Ivan helped Hermione and Neville into a boat, along with a girl with long golden braids who introduced herself as Hannah Abbott. Ivan was amused; he remembered that in the original story, Hannah would later marry Neville. Watching the two of them sitting side by side, both a little shy and uncertain, he couldn't help but smile.

"Everyone aboard?" Hagrid called out. Taking his own boat, he gave a loud, hearty shout, "Alright then—let's go!"

The boats glided smoothly across the lake, the water as still and clear as glass, reflecting the castle's towering silhouette. Silence fell over the group as they stared up, captivated by the sight of Hogwarts looming ever larger.

"Mind your heads!" Hagrid's voice echoed as they neared a curtain of ivy hanging down the cliff. The boats passed through it, entering a hidden entrance that led into a dark tunnel beneath the castle.

The boats soon came to a stop at a small underground dock. The students carefully disembarked, stepping onto the shore scattered with smooth pebbles.

"Hey, look, is this your toad?" Hagrid called to Neville, holding up a squirming, small toad.

Neville's face lit up, and he eagerly stretched out his arms. "Thank you so much, Hagrid!" he exclaimed.

Ivan smiled, amused at the reunion. He wasn't sure how Hagrid had known the toad was Neville's, but maybe Hagrid had some special connection with animals. Regardless, Neville was overjoyed to be reunited with his pet, and Hermione shared in his excitement.

"Alright, follow me and stay close!" Hagrid said as he guided them up a winding passage. Thanks to the glow from Ivan's spell, everyone could see their steps, making the climb easier.

At last, they reached a level, damp meadow near the base of the castle. They made their way up a set of stone steps and gathered in front of an enormous oak door.

Hagrid raised his massive fist and knocked three times. As they waited for the door to open, Ivan ended his spell. A few of the students, especially the girls, gave him grateful smiles, relieved that they hadn't stumbled in the mud.

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