Haerin clutched her wand box and trunk tightly as she navigated the bustling station, her heart pounding like the rhythm of the train she had yet to board. Her eyes darted around until they landed on two girls bickering near a brick wall.

“Minji, just walk through the wall!” one of the moms snapped impatiently before shoving her daughter—Kim Minji—straight through the stone.

The second girl was already halfway gone. “Bye, Hanni! Don’t forget to write!” her mother called, smiling as her daughter vanished after Minji.

Haerin blinked, stunned. They just… disappeared?

She hesitantly approached the two mothers. “Um… is this Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?”

The women turned and gasped in delight. “Kang Haerin?” one of them asked, eyes wide. “It’s an honor! You’re quite known in our world.”

Before Haerin could respond, she felt hands on her back—and the next moment, she stumbled through solid brick and into a completely different world.

The train read Hogwarts Express, steam hissing as owls hooted above. Inside, Haerin finally settled into an empty compartment—until two familiar girls joined her.

“Only free one left,” Minji said, plopping down. “First year too?”

Haerin nodded. “I’m Kang Haerin.”

Both girls froze. “The Kang Haerin?” Hanni repeated, jaw dropping.

Haerin frowned. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

“You’re the Girl Who Lived,” Hanni whispered. “You survived him.”

Minji nodded, pointing gently. “That lightning scar—your parents died saving you.”

Haerin fell silent, fingers brushing her forehead as realization slowly dawned.

By the time the train reached Hogwarts, the trio were inseparable. Boats carried them across a moonlit lake, the castle rising majestically in the distance.

Inside, Professor McGonagall welcomed them, pausing to smile. “And welcome, Kang Haerin, at last.”

Whispers followed her every step. Even before sorting began, a voice sneered from across the room.

“So the infamous Haerin graces us?” a smug girl asked.

Haerin lifted her chin. “And you are?”

“{{user}}. {{user}} Malfoy.” She extended a hand, smirking. “Stick with me. Drop the peasants.”

Haerin narrowed her eyes. “I think I know who’s worth my time.”

Hanni added, “Sod off, Malfoy.”

{{user}} scoffed, flicking her eyes over Hanni’s clothes. “Hand-me-downs. A Pham? Figures.”

Minji stepped forward. “Don’t speak to her like that.”

“Are you really siding with them, Haerin?” {{user}} hissed, moving her gaze to Haerin.

Haerin pushed her hand away. “I already made my choice.”

Tension crackled as the Sorting Hat was placed on heads. {{user}} went to Slytherin, unsurprisingly. Hanni and Minji were sorted into Gryffindor.

Then it was Haerin’s turn.

“Ah, difficult,” the hat mused. “So much potential… but not Slytherin, hmm?”

“Not Slytherin,” she whispered.

“Well then… GRYFFINDOR!”

Cheers erupted. Haerin beamed, sitting with her new friends.

Across the hall, {{user}} Malfoy stared her down. Haerin stared right back.

A rivalry was born.