[Revisions: Monday, July 15, 2024]

Once the initial awkwardness faded, the four boys began discussing Hogwarts.

"Okay, Basil. You remember there are four Hogwarts Houses," Theodore closed his book and looked at Basil.

Basil nodded.

"Yeah, I remember Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw," Basil informed Theodore with a confident nod.

Draco smiled proudly at Basil, impressed by his knowledge.

"Do you remember what each House represents?" Theodore's blue eyes focused intently on Basil.

"I do!" Basil grinned.

"Tell me," Theodore prompted with a smirk.

"Godric Gryffindor founded Gryffindor. Their colors are red and gold, and their mascot is a lion, and their element of fire. They value courage, bravery, determination, daring, nerve, and chivalry. The Head of the House is Professor McGonagall. The ghost is Nearly-Headless Nick. Their Common room is in Gryffindor Tower," Basil recited.

Draco and Blaise exchanged a look of approval.

" Salazar Slytherin founded Slytherin. The colors are green and silver, the mascot is a snake, and the element is water. They value resourcefulness, determination, pride, cunning, ambition, and self-preservation. The Head of the House is Professor Snape, and the ghost is the Bloody Baron. The Common room is in Slytherin Dungeons," Basil continued.

"Who knew Gryffindor and Slytherin share determination?" Blaise mused quietly to Draco.

Theodore hummed thoughtfully, impressed with Basil's knowledge from Hogwarts: A History.

Basil went on to explain Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Houses.

"You're quite knowledgeable, Green Eyes. Why did you doubt yourself earlier?" Draco teased, nudging Basil playfully.

Basil laughed awkwardly, blushing at the compliment.

Hours later, the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogsmeade Village. Now in his Hogwarts uniform, Basil looked out the window and blinked in surprise—it was already nighttime.

"Second-years and above, please disembark. First-years, remain seated until called," announced the conductor.

The four boys waited patiently as older students filed out.

"First-years may now exit," the conductor eventually called.

Basil bit his lip nervously, noticing his hand being lightly squeezed. He glanced down and saw Draco holding his hand.

"Hey. Everything will be alright," Draco smiled reassuringly at Basil.

Basil nodded, allowing Draco to lead him out of the cabin, with Blaise and Theodore following.

They joined other first-years on the platform. Basil smiled when he spotted a familiar figure waving—Hagrid.

In his excitement, Basil let go of Draco's hand to wave back at Hagrid.

Draco pouted playfully, disappointed that Basil had let go. He narrowed his eyes at Blaise, who snickered, earning a glare.

Hagrid greeted them warmly, leading all the first-years to boats by the Black Lake.

"Four to a boat," Hagrid instructed.

"Let's go!" Basil exclaimed, grabbing Draco's hand. Draco, in turn, took hold of Blaise, who grabbed Theodore.

Basil guided them into a boat, helping Draco aboard first.

"Thanks," Draco smiled gratefully as he assisted Blaise and Theodore.

They sailed across the lake, and Basil was awestruck when Hogwarts Castle came into view.

"Wow," Basil breathed, staring in wonder.

Draco beamed, excited.

Blaise whistled softly. "Magnifico," he whispered, earning an agreement from Theodore.

After docking at an underground harbor, Basil helped Draco and the others disembark.

"Follow me, everyone!" Hagrid led them through a passage toward the castle gates.

"I wonder what Hogwarts is like inside," Basil murmured to Draco.

"My mother said it's beautiful inside and out," Draco replied softly.

Basil nodded, taking in the magnificence of the castle.

Hagrid stopped, and the first years halted.

Basil instinctively pulled Draco closer when another student bumped into him, giving the student a stern look.

"S-Sorry," the student stammered nervously, intimidated by Basil's gaze.

Basil looked back at Draco, concerned.

"Are you alright?" Basil asked softly.

"I-I'm fine," Draco replied, a bit embarrassed.

Blaise and Theodore chuckled from behind.

"Good!" Basil grinned, releasing Draco.

The grand doors opened, revealing Professor McGonagall. She explained the Houses and House Cup rules before guiding them to a room near the Great Hall entrance.

"She seems nice," Basil observed, watching McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall turned, leading them to the small room.

Basil stood admiring Hogwarts' architecture.

"Bass!" A familiar voice called out.

Basil turned to see his twin brother, Harry James Potter, approaching.