Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The snow fell thick and soft over the castle grounds as the carriages creaked up the sloping path to Hogwarts, lanterns swaying in the grey afternoon light. The towering gates stood open, welcoming dozens of bundled-up students returning from the Christmas holidays. Their voices echoed across the grounds, laughter mingling with the crunch of boots over the frozen earth.

Inside the castle, warmth enveloped them like a charm. The entrance hall hummed with life, scarves unwound and cheeks flushed from the cold. Overhead, the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall showed soft clouds drifting across a winter twilight, tinged faintly with purple and gold. Candles floated high above the house tables, and golden goblets gleamed in neat rows—the entire hall seemed polished and prepared, as though the castle itself was eager for a fresh start.

Cael stepped in with the stream of returning students, the cold still clinging stubbornly to his scarf. His eyes scanned the hall automatically, an old habit born from too many close calls, but today, all he saw were familiar faces—tired from travel, flushed with cold, hauling trunks and laughing in clusters.

"Cael!" Hermione's voice cut through the noise, and a moment later, she hurried over, dragging an oversized bag behind her.

Cael offered a faint smile. "You survived the holidays, then?"

"Barely." Hermione huffed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "My parents insisted I recount every moment of the term so far. You'd think I was delivering a Ministry report." She brightened suddenly, her eyes sparkling. "And thank you for the book! Advanced Magical Theory—I started reading it on the train. It's brilliant."

Cael shrugged, adjusting the strap of her bag onto her shoulder. "Figured you'd like that more than socks."

Behind her, Harry and Ron appeared, red-faced from the cold, stomping snow off their boots.

"Good to be back," Harry said with a small smile, pushing his glasses higher on his nose. "And thanks for the gift, Cael. That enchanted Snitch—my dad thought it was clever. How did you do that?"

"I've been learning Ancient Runes," Cael replied simply. "Managed to inscribe a few enchantments on it."

Harry's eyes widened slightly. "Cool."

The crowd was still pouring in, and at the Head Table, the professors were settling into their seats. Dumbledore surveyed the hall, eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles. Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses, and even Snape, lurking in the shadows of his robes, looked slightly less menacing than usual—though only slightly.

As the last of the students trickled in, Dumbledore rose to his feet. Instantly, the Great Hall fell quiet, the floating candles flickering gently overhead.

"Welcome back, one and all," Dumbledore began, his voice warm and light, carrying effortlessly across the hall. "To the start of a new term. I trust your holidays were… restful. And for those of you who received socks, may you treasure them deeply."

A ripple of laughter broke through the hall. Cael smirked faintly. Classic Dumbledore.

With a wave of the Headmaster's hand, the feast appeared. Platters of roast chicken, steaming potatoes, and buttered rolls filled the tables. The room erupted in chatter again as students leaned across the dishes, swapping stories of gifts and snowy adventures.

Across from Cael, Hermione was still grinning, already flipping through her book between bites. Ron attempted to balance a dinner roll on top of his pumpkin juice, much to Seamus's amusement, while Harry was deep in conversation with Neville and Dean about the next Quidditch match.

Beside Cael, George Weasley nudged him conspiratorially. "Oi, have you heard? Word's going around the Ministry—Minister Fudge had an affair with Celestina Warbeck."

Cael raised an eyebrow, tearing a piece of bread. "The Celestina Warbeck? The 'Singing Sorceress' who's number one singer for last decade holder of many records?"

Fred grinned. "The very one. It's all over the Ministry gossip chain. Mum's been writing to us about it—apparently, Dad swears he saw Fudge sneaking out of a hotel with her. And the next day? His wife showed up at the Ministry, banging on his office door, demanding answers. Poor Bastard nearly Apparated right out of his boots."

Lee leaned across the table, chuckling. "Serves him right. You know how it is—politicians, scandals, cover-ups. Ministry's no different from Muggle governments. Full of scheming, backstabbing, and the occasional romantic disaster."

Cael laughed softly, shaking his head. "Doesn't matter if it's here or the Muggle world—people are people."

The conversation drifted between laughter, gossip, and plans for the term ahead. Eventually, the feast dwindled, the students' energy ebbing as the hour grew late. One by one, they filtered back to their dormitories, the excitement of the evening settling into quiet anticipation for the start of classes the next morning.

Cael followed the crowd, getting ready for the start of the next round of Classes