spirit friends

### A Few Old Friends on the First Day On her very first day at Hogwarts, the petite Ravenclaw girl with snowy-white hair decided to introduce herself in the most Ravenclaw way possible: with books. She opened several spellbooks across the table, carefully arranging them until the pages formed a small magical circle. A moment later, sparks of fire, swirling water, dancing leaves, and tiny gusts of wind burst into the air. From each element emerged a beautiful bird-shaped spirit. A little phoenix fluttered above her head. A blue waterbird perched on her shoulder, while a leafy green sparrow landed on her open book. They chirped and fluttered excitedly, delighted to see their summoner again. “Everyone, this is Hogwarts!” she announced proudly. “My new school!” The elemental birds gazed around the unfamiliar castle. They had accompanied her since childhood, keeping her company when other children found her strange or her magic frightening. They were her oldest friends, and they had followed her all the way here. But Hogwarts was different. There were so many young witches and wizards laughing together, sharing meals, and forming new friendships. The little phoenix nudged her cheek, its expression unusually serious. We hope you make human friends, too. The waterbird nodded. The leafy sparrow chirped in agreement, and even the tiny stone-feathered bird emerging from the last spellbook gave an encouraging flutter. The girl blinked, then giggled. “I will! But you won't get jealous, will you?” Every elemental bird immediately puffed up its feathers and chirped indignantly. Of course not! They were simply concerned about her happiness! As she gathered her books, a curious Ravenclaw classmate approached and asked whether they could pet the waterbird. The girl's face brightened. And just like that, her first new Hogwarts friendship began—with four elemental birds watching hopefully from her shoulders, determined to make sure their beloved summoner would never be lonely again.