It was September 1st.
And the magical world was waking up.
In the ancestral valley, the sun had already kissed the treetops when Nathael and Celestia bid farewell to Sabine and Selene. There were no grand speeches—only an embrace, a soft meow, and a look that spoke louder than a thousand words.
"Take care," Sabine said, adjusting the collar of Nathael's cloak.
"Always," he replied.
Selene rubbed her head against Celestia's.
"Don't let the books bore you."
"They never do," Celestia said. "Though I prefer adventures."
And with that, they Apparated—and in an instant, stood outside Hogsmeade.
The air was crisp, with a hint of Scottish dampness that made Celestia wrinkle her nose. But the village was peaceful—windows steamed with warmth, brooms floated by, and the scent of cauldron cakes and pumpkin tarts filled the air. Everything was… quiet.
"Too quiet," Nathael said. "In Cairo, there's always a fight every time I enter a pub. Someone shouts, another accidentally hurls a Confringo, and there's always a goblin demanding a loan from a house-elf."
"But it has its charm," Celestia said. "At least here, I don't have to dodge flying plates."
They walked to the Three Broomsticks, where Madam Rosmerta already awaited them with a warm smile.
"Mr. Grauheim!" she said, her voice friendly. "Professor Dumbledore told me you'd be coming. Two butterbeers, right?"
"Exactly," Nathael said, taking a seat near the fireplace.
Rosmerta served them steaming mugs.
"The students arrive tonight," she said, polishing a glass.
Nathael looked around. A group of older wizards debated the price of fire-spitting beetles in the potion market. Two witches laughed about Scotland's unpredictable weather. A goblin spun tales for a group of children about dragons living in the Highlands.
Peace.
Order.
Perhaps a bit of boredom.
"Hogwarts isn't like the desert markets," Celestia said. "Here, magic hides. There, magic shouts."
"And sometimes, shouting is necessary," Nathael said. "But today… I like the silence."
They finished their drinks and headed toward the castle.
When they reached the gates of Hogwarts, a tall, stern figure awaited them.
"Mr. Grauheim," she said, her voice firm yet kind. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House."
Nathael inclined his head slightly.
"Professor. An honor."
Minerva looked at Celestia, and for a moment, something in her eyes softened.
"And you must be… Celestia."
"In the fur," Celestia said with a dignified nod. "Though 'cat' would be more precise."
Minerva nearly smiled.
"Cats have always held a special place in this castle."
She led Nathael and Celestia through the stone corridors, briefly explaining castle rules, meal schedules, and restricted areas.
"Your quarters are this way," she said. "Near the library. Professor Dumbledore thought you'd appreciate the proximity."
The room was spacious, with a view of the lake and a fireplace already burning with blue flames. Shelves were filled with ancient tomes, and in the center stood a four-poster bed—and a smaller one beside it.
Celestia approached and touched the cushion.
"Magical silk lining," she said, satisfied. "Just as I requested."
"Professor Dumbledore keeps his promises," Nathael said.
They rested for a while, watching the castle from the window.
"Do you think it would be frowned upon if we went exploring?" Nathael asked. "We're treasure hunters in a castle full of secrets. It's like putting a dragon in a gold-filled cave and telling it not to touch anything."
Celestia smiled—a feline, cunning smile.
"At least wait a few days. But… there's nothing wrong with getting to know the professors while we walk the halls."
"Of course," Nathael said with a playful grin. "Just knowledge. Nothing more."
They left their room and began to wander.
Hogwarts was even more impressive up close. The staircases shifted, and the portraits greeted them with curiosity.
Nathael immediately noticed the silencing runes on the walls of certain classrooms.
"To keep students from making noise outside of class," he murmured.
"And there's an Anti-Apparition charm throughout the entire castle," Celestia added. "Just as the rumors say."
"Interesting," Nathael said.
As they walked, they met a short professor with eyes bright as stars.
"Ah!" he exclaimed upon seeing them. "You must be the new consultants!"
He approached eagerly.
"I'm Filius Flitwick, Charms professor and Head of Ravenclaw House."
"Nathael Grauheim," Nathael said, shaking his hand. "And this is Celestia."
"Delighted!" Flitwick said. "I've heard of your family—treasure hunters, aren't you? Experts in ancient magic."
"Something like that," Nathael said modestly.
"Ancient magic is fascinating!" Flitwick's eyes sparkled. "Many of our modern charms have roots in those old rituals. For instance, Wingardium Leviosa—in its original form, it was used to lift stones in the temples of Egypt."
"Yes," Nathael said. "And Lumos derives from the purification rites of the priestesses of Sais, who used light to cleanse spirits."
Flitwick was enchanted. They talked for minutes about the evolution of spells, the druidic influence on Celtic magic, and how the Grimoriums contained primitive versions of modern charms.
Finally, Flitwick excused himself.
"Good heavens! I didn't mean to take so much of your time."
"Not at all," Nathael said. "It was a pleasure."
"Absolutely," Celestia added.
Flitwick blinked, surprised.
"She talks!"
Then he recovered instantly.
"Of course. The Grauheims are an ancient family. It must be normal to have magical companions who… well, speak."
They parted with a small bow.
They continued their stroll.
They met Pomona Sprout, the Herbology professor, who invited them to visit the greenhouses "whenever you have time."
They crossed paths with Severus Snape, who barely glanced at them, muttered, "Grauheim… interesting," and swept away like a shadow.
"He trusts no one," Celestia said.
"Neither do we," Nathael replied. "Except family."
The sun set.
And then, they heard it.
The roar of the Hogwarts Express.
The students were arriving.
From the castle windows, Nathael and Celestia watched the train's lights approach, children running toward the boats, Hagrid calling the first-years.
"Something new begins today," Celestia said.
"Yes," Nathael said. "And while I search for clues about the soul-tracking artifact… I might find something else."
"What?"
"Secrets," he said. "Hogwarts's true treasures."