As the Hogwarts Express came to a gradual halt, steam hissing in the cool evening air, the students began to gather their belongings in a flurry of excitement. Louis stood, his finely tailored robes swaying as he adjusted his satchel. Cho and Evangeline flanked him, both equally eager and nervous.
"Looks like we're here," Cho said, peering out the window.
"It's real now," Evangeline added, her voice filled with anticipation.
Together, the newly formed trio stepped off the train and followed the crowd of first-years toward a towering figure calling out over the bustle.
"Firs' years, over here! Firs' years, this way!" called a booming voice.
It belonged to Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts. His massive frame and kind eyes made an impression instantly.
"Name's Rubeus Hagrid. Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts," he introduced himself warmly. "Follow me, all o' yeh. We're takin' the boats across the lake."
Louis couldn't help but feel a twinge of awe. As they approached the edge of the great lake, dozens of small enchanted boats awaited them, gently bobbing in the water. Louis, Cho, Evangeline, and another boy climbed into one together.
With a soft lurch, the boats began to glide across the black surface. As they passed a bend in the lake, the vast silhouette of Hogwarts Castle rose before them.
Even Louis, who had grown up among the gold-covered halls and manicured gardens of Versailles, felt breathless. "Magnifique," he whispered. "It rivals even my former home."
Cho turned to him, her eyes wide. "That's saying something."
"It's something else entirely," Louis admitted, his eyes fixed on the towering spires. "This place feels alive."
The boats arrived at the opposite shore, where Hagrid helped them out one by one and led them up a winding path to the great oak front doors of the castle. As they climbed the stone steps, the anticipation in the air was electric.
The doors opened slowly with a deep groan, revealing a stern-looking woman waiting for them in long emerald robes. She looked over the group with a practiced, assessing gaze.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall," she announced. "Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House."
She paused for a moment, letting her words settle.
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. You will each be assigned to one of the four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Your House will be your family within the school. You will attend classes with your Housemates, sleep in your House dormitories, and earn and lose points together. The House Cup is awarded at the end of the year to the House with the most points."
She turned, leading them down a short corridor and into the massive Great Hall. Candles floated in the air above, casting warm light onto the long tables where older students were seated. At the far end of the room, the staff table overlooked them all.
A single, worn wizard's hat sat upon a stool.
One by one, McGonagall began calling out names. Each student walked nervously up, placed the Sorting Hat on their head, and was swiftly sorted.
"Chang, Cho," she called.
Cho walked up confidently. The hat barely touched her head before shouting, "RAVENCLAW!"
The table to the far right erupted into cheers. Cho beamed and joined her new Housemates.
"Blackwood, Evangeline."
Evangeline followed shortly after, and after a brief pause, the Sorting Hat called out, "RAVENCLAW!"
Louis smiled slightly to himself. It made sense. He felt certain he'd be joining them soon. His mind, his discipline, and his thirst for understanding aligned well with Ravenclaw ideals.
And then, McGonagall called: "De Versailles, Louis."
A ripple ran through the hall.
Older students turned their heads. Whispers floated across the tables—his name was known, both for his noble French lineage and the growing rumors of his magical talents and association with Nicolas Flamel. Some students, particularly those from pureblood families, exchanged meaningful looks.
Louis strode forward with calm composure. He sat on the stool, back straight, and the Sorting Hat was gently placed on his head.
"Ah… interesting," murmured the Hat in his ear. "A sharp mind, a hunger for knowledge… but there's more. Much more. Such potential. And yet, no trace… curious."
Louis's heart pounded. He wasn't sure what the Hat referred to, but its words gave him a flicker of hope—his past life remained hidden.
"Cunning you are not, though you appreciate strategy. Courage, yes, but that's not your defining trait. No… there's only one place for you."
"RAVENCLAW!" the Hat declared.
Applause echoed through the hall. Louis stood, the weight lifting from his shoulders.
He made his way to the Ravenclaw table, where Cho and Evangeline welcomed him with warm smiles. As he sat between them, the initial nerves gave way to something else.
Belonging.