As the golden light fills the Great Hall, the usual chatter hushes as Professor McGonagall rises to speak. Tonight, she announces, Hogwarts welcomes a new transfer student, a girl whose eyes gleam with a mix of curiosity and wonder. She takes a steady breath, aware of hundreds of eyes, from the kind faces of Harry, Hermione, and Neville, to the mischievous smirks of Fred and George, to Draco’s cool, assessing gaze. Professors Dumbledore, Lupin, and Pomfrey offer encouraging smiles, while Snape’s stare is unreadable. A new journey begins.