A strange feeling rose in Karl's heart; as long as he wished, he could summon and control flames.
In another instant, orange flames appeared in his vision, burning in the souls of the Young Wizards and among the branches and leaves of flowers and plants.
Karl could feel the warmth within the flames—it was the fire of the soul, born from firm belief and good qualities, and also the healing fire of love and nature.
Amidst this realization, Karl spread his palms before his chest, condensing the Heart Fire.
Soon, a small Fire Treasure appeared in his palm, only a bit larger than a fist.
It had a round body, round eyes, and two small, round hands like Patrick Star.
Fire Treasure blinked its friendly big eyes and greeted Karl enthusiastically:
"Jii~~~"
"Hiss!"
Karl was so charmed his heart almost melted; he grinned and touched it with his finger.
"Jii~"
Fire Treasure hugged Karl's finger, happily rubbing its cheek against it, feeling warm and comfortable.
Just as Karl was immersed in petting Fire Treasure, his surroundings suddenly grew quiet.
He looked up and saw the Young Wizards, led by Prefect Judy, gathered around him, watching.
"Uh… sorry, I…"
Karl didn't even finish his sentence before Judyinterrupted him.
"Mr. Karl Olin, what kind of Magical creature is this little darling?"
Although she was asking him, Judy's gaze was entirely on Fire Treasure, and the eyes of the other Young Wizards were also full of curiosity.
"Jii~"
Fire Treasure smiled, narrowing its eyes, and waved its small hands at everyone watching, instantly winning their hearts.
"It's Fire Treasure, my companion."
Karl scanned everyone warily, feeling as if they were about to pounce.
One had to know that Fire Treasure wasn't just cute; as a Heart Fire, it contained love and goodness, and as a Healing Fire, it contained natural vitality, so it was inherently attractive to all living beings.
"Oh, oh! Then can I… hmm?"
Just as Judy was itching to take the little darling and cuddle it, Fire Treasure changed.
It grew two long ears on its head, transforming into a small rabbit.
Then, it leaped forcefully from Karl's hand, bumping into his chest and disappearing.
"Jii~"
Karl, who was connected to Fire Treasure by heart, couldn't help but laugh. "The little guy got shy; I'll introduce you all another time."
"Alright then…"
Judy sighed in disappointment, and the other Young Wizards also felt a bit regretful.
However, just then, the Hufflepuff common room door opened again.
The Hufflepuff upper-year students who had gone to the kitchen returned, each carrying some fruit, drinks, and snacks.
"Hey! Ready for another feast?"
The first-year new students immediately cheered.
…
The next day, it was already nine o'clock when Karl woke up.
"Jii~"
"Good morning, Fire Treasure~"
He sat up, stretched, and then stroked the little darling on his pillow.
The vines by the window, sensing Karl had woken up, moved aside, clearing the view.
Sunlight immediately streamed into the room from the window, falling upon the four-poster bed with its patchwork quilt.
"Phew~ As expected of Hogwarts' most comfortable common room and dormitory!"
Karl got out of bed, got dressed, then patted Fire Treasureinto his chest, and turned to look at his roommates.
Stebbins and Shabi were still asleep, with no sign of waking up.
This was partly because they had gone to bed very late yesterday, and partly because today was Sunday and there were no classes.
That's right, September 1, 1990, was a Saturday, so they could rest today and get familiar with Hogwarts, before classes started tomorrow.
And when Harry, Hermione, and Ron enrolled next year, it would be a Sunday, and classes would start the very next day.
Tsk! They won big!
Without waking his two roommates, Karl left the dormitory and went to the common room.
There weren't many people in the common room; Cedric Diggory and Summers Patch were playing Wizard Chess.
"Hi! Karl! You're the first first-year to wake up!"
Summers happily greeted Karl, while inadvertently sweeping the chess pieces off the board with his sleeve.
This action caused the chess pieces to loudly curse at him and declare their refusal to obey his commands any longer.
"Is that so? I should have waited a bit longer, at least until you two finished your game."
"Please! Forget about it!"
After teasing Summers, Karl looked at Cedric, "Can I still get food in the Great Hall now?"
"Of course, today is a day off. The House-elves won't let Hogwarts students go hungry."
Cedric put away the Wizard Chess and stood up. "But we have a better option; there's no need to go to the Great Hall."
"Come on, I'll take you to the kitchen."
Karl readily agreed and walked out with him; Summers, who had nothing to do, followed along.
"Do you know about House-elves, Karl?"
"I've read about them in books."
Cedric chose his words carefully before continuing:
"They look a bit peculiar; I hope you won't be surprised. Actually, they are very hardworking, loyal, and friendly."
"Of course, we are Hufflepuff, aren't we?"
"Exactly! That's right!"
Karl and Cedric bumped fists, having a good impression of this boy whom Dumbledore described as upright, brave, and kind.
Actually, Karl thought Cedric could trigger the light screen; he had already thought of the matching hero.
Explorer Ezreal: In other games (stories), someone as handsome as me is usually the protagonist!
Twilight and The New Batman can both attest to this, what a shame.
The three of them arrived before a painting of a bowl of fruit. Cedric tickled a pear in the painting.
Then he saw the pear laugh and turn into a green doorknob.
After opening the door and entering the kitchen, Karl once again marveled at the wonder of magic and Hogwarts' immense wealth.
This was clearly a replica of the Great Hall above, with clean kitchenware and fresh ingredients piled all around…
There were four long tables in the room, identical to the tables of the four Houses.
Cedric told Karl that the food placed on these tables would be transported to the Great Hall.
Over a hundred House-elves, all wearing tea towels with the Hogwarts crest, were busy at work.
They were only two to three feet tall, with slender arms and legs, a very large head, big eyes, and large, pointed, bat-like ears.
No wonder Cedric specifically reminded him; describing them as peculiar-looking was already very polite.
Seeing Karl, Cedric, and Summers enter, the House-elves all smiled, bowed, and curtsied.
And enthusiastically gathered around, asking them what they wanted to eat.
After Karl had his fill, the House-elves enthusiastically saw them off.
Cedric was holding a cup of juice and drinking it. "What are you planning to do today?"
"Get familiar with Hogwarts, I guess."
Summers nodded vigorously, "Wise choice! You should know that the Castle has one hundred and forty-two staircases, and they all move around, even disappearing suddenly."
"And some doors are real, some are fake; everything is constantly moving. You'd best remember where the classrooms are, or you'll definitely be late."
Cedric enthusiastically invited, "Do you need us two as guides?"
Karl raised an eyebrow, "Are you two free?"
Summers showed a helpless expression, "We're only second-years; we're not allowed to go to Hogsmeade Village yet."
"Then I'll trouble you two, but I also need to call two friends."
Karl gave Cedric a meaningful look, wondering what his reaction would be when he saw Cho.
Although they were all still middle school age, considering even elementary schoolers had partners…
Never mind, let's not talk about it.