Chapter 38: Irina Lowell

Lynn subconsciously released his magic power to sense the snow-white figure in the distance. Wait, she didn't seem to be a half-veela, but a normal human witch!

The result of the magical feedback made Lynn's face register surprise. The silver-haired girl did not exude a charming aura like Fleur Delacour, but instead conveyed a cool, refreshing breath, making one feel comfortable even in summer.

Just then, the girl looked over, and Lynn saw her face clearly. Upon closer inspection, her hair color was not pure silver, but more like snowflake white, with the tips taking on a nearly transparent ice-blue hue that appeared highlighted from a distance.

This special hair color reminded him of his own. You know, Lynn's hair was mainly black, with the tips gradually transitioning to a flame-like dark red.

Additionally, the girl's eyes seemed unusual. Unlike most British women's blue eyes, hers were not a deep blue, nor the light blue like Professor Sprout's. They were an icy blue like frozen water.

As Lynn released his magic to scrutinize her, the closer it came, the more he could sense the increasingly active ice elemental magic surrounding her.

Lynn was sure the girl's unique appearance stemmed from her bloodline. Could it be that she also had a strong affinity for a certain element, like himself?!

"Dude, what are you thinking about?! The Hogwarts Express is about to depart!" Fred called out, dragging Lynn into the compartment with George. "If you don't get on the train, you'll have to fly to Hogwarts on your own broomstick!"

This trip was different from last year's. Thanks to their profitable Skiving Snackbox enterprise, the financially confident twins refused Lynn's offer to pay for snacks. Instead, they proudly spent three Galleons stocking up on treats to share.

"We are here today thanks to you, Lynn!"

"How can we have the nerve to let you treat us again?!"

Lynn graciously ate with them, though none overindulged, saving room for the delicious Start-of-Term feast.

In the evening, the train arrived at Hogsmeade Station. After changing into robes, the three headed towards the front compartments to disembark.

Passing Harry's compartment, Lynn glimpsed not just the trio from the books - Harry, Ron, and Hermione - but also the mysterious silver-haired girl, clearly a new character!

As a second-year, Lynn no longer needed to cross the Black Lake by boat. Instead, he followed the crowd towards the horseless carriages pulled by Thestrals up to the castle. Upon reaching them, Lynn found he could clearly see the skeletal, winged horses.

These Thestrals were essentially living skeletons with sleek black coats - their reptilian heads and pupil-less white eyes staring fixedly ahead. Vast, leathery bat wings protruded from the bony shoulderblades.

Lynn wasn't surprised at perceiving the Thestrals, having witnessed Casiraghi's death alongside Professor Sprout. However, he didn't draw attention to it, pretending ignorance as he boarded a carriage with Fred and George.

After arriving at Hogwarts, the three separated, Lynn joining the Slytherin students at their long table in the Great Hall to await the Sorting.

Soon, Professor McGonagall led a group of frightened first-years inside, placing the aged Sorting Hat on its stool.

The Hat twisted its wrinkled body, almost dancing, before ripping open its brim to sing its annual song welcoming the new students.

At the song's end, McGonagall unfurled a roll of parchment listing the new first-years' names.

"Hannah Abbott!"

A pigtailed girl stumbled out of the line, jamming the Hat on till it covered her eyes.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" it shouted.

"Susan Bones!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Terry Boot!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

The Sorting progressed alphabetically. When McGonagall reached the 'G's, she called, "Hermione Granger!"

Hermione practically ran up and eagerly jammed the Hat on her bushy head. It took a moment before decisively declaring, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Some time later, "Neville Longbottom!" rang out.

This was the future Gryffindor swordmaster! Lynn watched as the Hat sent Neville to the red and gold table.

Just then, an unfamiliar name followed: "Irina Lowell!"

Ah, Lynn realized, Lowell came alphabetically after Longbottom. Up strode the silver-haired mystery girl from the platform. She calmly sat and placed the Hat on her head.

Like Lynn's own prolonged Sorting last year, it took two and a half minutes before the Hat finally proclaimed, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Irina's icy blue eyes flickered as she rose amidst raucous Gryffindor cheers and joined their table.

Lynn secretly committed her name to memory - Irina Lowell. Just who was this new face?

(end of chapter)