World Hopping With Gacha

The Hogwarts Express pulled into the station with a sharp hiss of steam. Stepping off the train, I was greeted by the booming voice of Hagrid, calling out to all first years.

"Firs' years! Over here! Follow me!"

I joined the crowd of wide-eyed students as we shuffled toward the docks. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and nerves, a mixture of whispers and hurried steps filling the crisp night air.

---

At the docks, Hagrid gestured to a line of small boats. "No more'n four to a boat, now!" he instructed.

I followed a brown-haired boy toward one of the boats, but he quickly abandoned me to join his friends. Great. Thanks for that.

Now left to find another spot, I reluctantly climbed into a boat already occupied by three girls. They glanced at me curiously, whispering among themselves.

If they were teens or older, this might have been nice, I thought wryly. But they're kids, and I'm not trying to babysit.

Deciding to focus on the surroundings instead, I turned my attention to the view. The lake shimmered under the moonlight, the dark waters reflecting the towering silhouette of the castle in the distance. The Forbidden Forest loomed on the edge of the horizon, its presence both eerie and captivating.

The castle itself was breathtaking, its windows glowing warmly against the night sky.

"Wow," one of the girls murmured, echoing my thoughts.

---

The boats glided smoothly across the lake, eventually docking at the base of the castle. We climbed out and followed Hagrid up a stone staircase that led to a grand set of doors.

Inside, Professor McGonagall was waiting for us, her sharp gaze scanning the group. She began her speech, explaining the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

"Your house will be like your family," she said, her tone formal. "Do your best to bring honor to it."

With that, she turned and led us to the entrance of the Great Hall.

---

The doors swung open, revealing a breathtaking sight. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the night sky, dotted with stars and floating candles that illuminated the massive space. Long tables stretched across the hall, filled with older students who turned to watch us enter.

At the front of the room sat the Sorting Hat, resting on a stool.

McGonagall began calling out names, one by one.

---

The sorting seemed to follow some kind of order, likely by birthdate, because I was the third to be called.

"Wayne, Arthur," McGonagall announced.

The room fell silent as I walked up to the stool. Taking a seat, I felt the hat drop onto my head.

'Ah, another interesting one,' the Sorting Hat said in my mind.' You've got ambition, cunning, and a sharp mind—Slytherin qualities, no doubt. But there's bravery here too, a certain stubbornness to do what you think is right.'

"Get to the point," I muttered internally.

'Very well. You would do well in either Slytherin or Gryffindor. The choice is yours.'

I considered my options. Slytherin might align with my long-term goals, but it also came with the baggage of dealing with pure-blood elitists. Gryffindor, on the other hand, was more convenient—I'd avoid constant scrutiny and bullies while keeping a lower profile.

"Gryffindor," I decided.

'Gryffindor it is!'

The hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table as I made my way over, receiving pats on the back and welcoming smiles.

---

The sorting continued, with each name called echoing through the hall. After what felt like an eternity, the Sorting Hat was finally removed, and Dumbledore stood to address the room.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" he said, his eyes twinkling. "Before we begin, a few words: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

The hall erupted in laughter and applause. With that, the feast began.

Plates and platters of food appeared magically before us, laden with roasted meats, pies, vegetables, and desserts. It was a feast fit for royalty.

I helped myself to everything within reach, enjoying the lively chatter around me. My housemates were friendly, and though I wasn't one to dive into conversations immediately, I made a mental note of the names and faces around me.

---

After the feast, the Gryffindor Prefects gathered us together and led us to the Gryffindor Tower. We climbed countless staircases, winding through the castle's maze-like halls.

Finally, we stopped at a large portrait of a fat lady in a pink dress.

"Password?" she asked.

"Caput Draconis," Percy replied.

The portrait swung open, revealing the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room.

The room was warm and inviting, with a roaring fire, plush armchairs, and a cozy atmosphere.

"Alright, first years," Percy said, "your dormitories are up the stairs. Boys to the left, girls to the right. Don't forget the password, and try not to get into trouble your first night!"

I found my bed easily, unpacked my things, and climbed in.

Staring up at the canopy above, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The Sorting Hat's words lingered in my mind.

I was in Gryffindor now, but the path ahead was mine to carve.

---Note

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