Matthew looks at the view through the window. Then, a voice calls out to him.

???: Excuse me?

Matthew: Hm, yes? [He turns to his side]

He sees a girl around his age, with shoulder-length hair, appearing to wear the standard attire to Hogwarts.

???: Have you seen a frog?

Matthew: A frog?

???: Yes. A boy named Neville lost his pet frog named Trevor.

Matthew: Sorry, I don't see it.

???: That voice of yours. Are you American?

Matthew: Yes, my name's Matthew Stutler, just came from New York. But the kids at my home call me Matt.

???: Well, Matthew, I'm Hermione Granger.

Matthew: Nice to meet you, Hermione. And by that outfit, you're heading to Hogwarts as well.

Hermione: Yes. Yes, I am.

Matthew: Figures much.

Matthew and Hermione walk through the hall. Matthew looks across the cabin to see the students, then at the window to see the view of the forest.

Then, they stopped and saw two boys are their age.

Hermione: Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one.

???: No.

Hermione: Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see then.

???: [clears throat again] Sunshine, daises, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow!

He waves his wand before pointing at the box, causing a light glow in the box the rat is in, causing a little spark that the rat drops the box.

Hermione: Are you sure that's a real spell? Well, it's not very good, is it? Of course, I've only tried a few simple ones myself, but they've all worked for me. For example...

Hermione goes over and sits across from the boy with the glasses and a scar on his forehead. She points her wand at his glasses and the boy tenses.

Hermione: Oculus Reparo.

The tape on the noseband vanishes, repairing his glasses as if they were as good as new.

Matthew: Whoa!

Hermione: That's better, isn't it? Holy cricket, you're Harry Potter!

Matthew: Who?

Hermione: Oh right, they didn't know about it in America.

Ron: He's an American? Bloody hell.

Harry: Who are you two?

Matthew: Matthew Stutler.

Hermione: I'm Hermione Granger, [turns to the boy next to Harry who appears to have slightly ginger hair] and you are?

Ron: [with his mouth full] I'm Ron Weasley.

Hermione: Pleasure. You two better change into your robes. I expect we'll be arriving soon.

Matthew: Best we head off, I'll see you guys later.

Both Matthew and Hermione get up as they're about to leave. It is nighttime at Hogsmeade station, the train blows its whistle and pulls outside the station. A tall man named Hagrid walks along the side aisle, with a lantern.

People, in their robes, begin pouring out of the train.

Hagrid: Right, then! First years! This way, please! Come on, now, don't be shy! Come on now, hurry up!

Harry and Ron, now in their robes, walk up to Hagrid. Matthew straightened his collar and tie.

Matthew: Okay, this is my first day, don't mess this up, me.

Ron: Are you talking to yourself?

Matthew: Yeah.

Harry: It won't end up bad, Matthew.

Hagrid: Hello, Harry.

Harry: Hey, Hagrid.

Ron: Whoaa!

Hagrid: Right then. This way to the boats! Come on, now, follow me.

Later, a large number of boats are plugging across a vast lake, where up ahead there is a huge castle, known as Hogwarts Castle, that can be seen. People are in awe.

Ron: Wicked.

Matthew: No way.

They continue further towards the castle. Later on, the first-year students walk into the castle, and up the staircase. As the camera pans, we see on a higher level, that Professor McGonagall is waiting. She taps her fingers on a stone railing and then goes to the top of the stairs to greet the newcomers.

McGonagall: Welcome to Hogwarts. Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Now while you're here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points. Any rule-breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup.

A scared-looking boy called Neville Longbottom, spots his toad sitting near McGonagall. He jumps forward.

Neville: Trevor!

He catches his toad; McGonagall stares down at him as some of the students laugh.

Neville: Sorry.

He backs away, embarrassed.

McGonagall: The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily. [she leaves to go into the Great Hall]

Matthew: I didn't know about this "sorting ceremony".

???: It's true then, what they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts.

Some of the students are heard whispering, "Harry Potter?" The young evil looking boy, with short blonde hair introduces his two friends.

Draco: This is Crabbe and Goyle. And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy.

Ron snickers at his name.

Draco: Think my name's funny, do you? I do not need to ask yours. Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley.

Matthew: Hey, leave him alone.

Matthew narrows his eyes at Draco.

Draco: Well, well, the rumors are true. An American has come to Hogwarts as well. What sort of devilry is Dumbledore planning?

The students whisper about Matthew. Knowing, that he's the first American in Hogwarts.

Neville: Dumbledore is a ge-ge-genius, maybe he's an am-bass ambassador-maybe he's going to help get American wizards to fight with us against You-Know-Who...

Draco: Please, like the Americans have it dandy. England isn't the only country to have to deal with Dark Lords. Besides, there are more sorcerers in America.

Malfoy gave a hollow laugh, as though he feared sorcerers.

Draco: Do you know how rouge and beast sorcerers are?[to Harry] You'll soon find that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there. [extends his hand to Harry.]

Harry: [not going to take Draco's arrogance] I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks.

Draco glares. McGonagall returns and taps Draco on the shoulder with a paper. He leaves Harry with one last glare.

McGonagall: We're ready for you now. Follow me.

Professor McGonagall leads everyone through two large doors that go to the Great Hall, where there are four long tables with thousands of students, as well as floating candles. The roof appears to be the sky.

Hermione: It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.

McGonagall leads the first years to the front where the Sorting Hat lies on the stool.

McGonagall: All right, will you wait along here, please? Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words.

Dumbledore rises from the main table.

Dumbledore: I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce. The first years, please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. And we have our old teacher here for the Dark Arts defense and the history of magic. Please welcome back Balthazar Blake.

Balthazar enters through the entrance, surprising Matthew along with others.

Matthew: You got to be kidding me.

Harry: You know this person?

Matthew: Uh, no, no I don't.

Ron: Are you sure, you seem surprised to see him.

Matthew: No, I'm not.

Hermione: You're lying. And you're bad at it.

Matthew: [pouts/mumbles] And I thought Balthazar was the only one to notice. Yes, I do know him, he's my mentor.

Matthew: Yes.

Hermione: I read about him. He's one of the legendary sorcerers through a thousand years.

Harry: He doesn't seem that thousand years old.

Dumbledore: Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, [shows a ragged old man, called Mr. Argus Filch, with his cat with red eyes, called Mrs. Norris.] has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you. [He sits back down]

McGonagall: When I call your name, you will come forth. I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Hermione Granger.

Hermione: [to herself] Oh, no. Okay, relax. [She goes up]

Ron: Mental, that one, I'm telling you.

Harry nods in agreement. Hermione sits on the stool and McGonagall places the sorting hat on her head.

Sorting Hat: Ah, right then... hmm... right. Okay. Gryffindor!

The students cheer; Hermione jumps off with a smile.

McGonagall: Draco Malfoy.

Draco saunters up proudly. The tattered hat nearly freaks before touching down on Draco's head.

Sorting Hat: Slytherin!

The students cheer, but not as loudly.

Matthew: Not very enthusiastic.

Ron: There isn't a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin.

McGonagall: Susan Bones.

A small redhead, named Susan Bones, walks up to the Sorting Hat. Harry looks around and notices a black greasy-haired, pale man, called Severus Snape, giving him sinister looks.

His scar hurts.

Harry: Ahh! [puts his hand on his forehead in pain]

Ron: [concerned] Harry, what is it?

Matthew: [concerned] What's wrong?

Harry: Nothing. Nothing, I'm fine.

Sorting Hat: Let's see... I know! Hufflepuff!

McGonagall: Ronald Weasley.

Ron gulps and walks up. He sits down and the hat is put on.

Sorting Hat: Ha! Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you. Gryffindor!

The students cheer as Ron sighs in relief.

McGonagall: Harry Potter.

Everything goes silent. Harry walks up and sits down on the stool. The Sorting Hat is placed on his head.

Sorting Hat: Hmm... difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh, yes. And a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?

Harry: [whispering to the hat] Not Slytherin, not Slytherin!

Sorting Hat: Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It's all here, in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness! There's no doubt about that. No?

Harry [still whispering] Please, not Slytherin... anything but Slytherin.

Sorting Hat: Well, if you're sure. Better be... GRYFFINDOR!

There is an immense cheering and Harry gets sent to the Gryffindor table.

Fred and George: We got Potter! We got Potter!

Matthew: Guessing it's my turn then.

McGonagall: Matthew Stutler.

Matthew goes up front and sits down.

Sorting Hat: Hmm... Tricky, tricky, sorcerer.

The hat whispered into Matthew's ear.

Sorting Hat: You all are the same, determined, ambitious, loyal, and brave.

Matthew: Oh, um, yeah. How-

Sorting Hat: I know a lot, being the top of your head.

The hat replied smoothly.

Sorting Hat: Where to put you... Slytherin will do you good, get you some gut in that magic. But it may very well get you killed, sorcerer.

Matthew: [whispers] Not Slytherin! They're the jerks over there giving me the glares, aren't they?

Sorting Hat: I know where to put you..."

The hat gave a dramatic pause and breath.

Sorting Hat: GRYFFINDOR!

Matthew looked over at the table, the one with the lion above it. They cheered for him, some even standing up to get a better look at him. Shakily, Matthew took off the hat and handed it to the Professor who had held it earlier.

He goes to take a seat beside the others when he bumps into a girl with darkish brown and green eyes, Matthew goes to help her up.

Matthew: I'm sor-

???: Watch where you're going, freak.

The Slytherin table laughs.

Matthew: (retracting his hand) Gee, sorry. You don't have to be such a spoiled brat.

???: Well aren't you a softie for an American?

Matthew: [grumbles]

???: (still on the floor) Well weren't you going to help me up like a gentleman, I mean you did cause this mess.

Matthew: [sighs] Fine, only because it was my fault. [Helps her up]

The girl turns around to walk and the young sorcerer turns away and suddenly tripped and fell face-first onto the ground.

Matthew: Great...

The hall erupted into laughter, but Matthew ignored it as he got up. Refusing help from any teachers, he made his way to his table, very red at his foolishness.

Matthew: First day and already I made myself a fool.

Ron: It's OK, Matthew.

McGonagall: Pansy Parkinson.

The girl that Matthew bumped into, named Pansy, walked up and sat down.

Sorting Hat: Hmm... Resourceful, Cunning, Ambitious and Determined, Pure-Blood on top of that... Slytherin!

The girl smiles as she walks towards her table and sits in front of Draco, noticing Matthew looking at her she sticks out her tongue at him.

Matthew: [grumbles\mutters] Brat.

Hermione: Don't let her get to you, you're better than this.

Later, when all of the first years were sorted in their houses, all of the students were talking to each other. McGonagall dings on a cup.

McGonagall: Your attention, please.

Dumbledore: [rising from his chair] Let the feast... begin.

From the aerial view of the Great Hall, food magically appears on all the tables, and the hall is filled with awe and chatter.

Harry: Wow.

Matthew: Whoa, never seen prepared that way before.

Draco looks at all the food, raises his eyebrows, and digs in. Ron stuffs his face.

Seamus: I'm half and half. My dad's a Muggle. Mam's a witch. Bit of a nasty shock for him when he found out.

Neville laughs. Harry is sitting next to Percy. He leans over.

Harry: Say, Percy, who's that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?

Percy: Oh, that's Professor Snape, head of Slytherin house.

Harry: What's he teaching?

Percy: Potions. But everyone knows it's the Dark Arts he fancies. He's been after Quirrell's job for years.

Then, the students of Gryffindor asked Matthew some questions.

Matthew: One at a time, one at a time, please.

Hermione: How did you and Balthazar meet?

Matthew: When I was seven, I was on a school field trip. I was drawing some sketch art until the wind blew my papers.

Ron: What else?

Matthew: Followed it until it landed in the shop called Arcana Cabara.

Harry: Arcana Cabana?

Matthew: It's this antique shop at which Balthazar works, displaying artifacts from history as there are magical uses in them.

Neville: And that's when he makes you his apprentice.

Matthew: Yes.

Seamus: Say, Matthew. Is your parents sorcerers like you?

Matthew: Well, it's complicated.

Harry: How complicated?

Matthew: Let's just say, I've somehow gained magic, that isn't from the root.

Seamus: Your parents are muggles?

Matthew: Muggles?

Hermione: It's a term to describe humans with no magic.

Matthew: Oh.

Ron: So you didn't gain magic from your parents?

Balthazar: No. They don't.

Matthew: Ahhh!

Harry: Whoa! We didn't notice you there.

Balthazar: I'm looking for to seeing you all in class tomorrow.

Matthew: [composes himself] We will, Mr. Blake.

Balthazar smirks at his apprentice.

Balthazar: And you be prepared for what more I'll teach.

Balthazar pulled a small book out of his pocket.

Balthazar: And here's something for you.

Ron: What's this, Mr. Blake?

Balthazar: A little guide for sorcerers, called the Encantus.

Matthew: I remember it being bigger.

Balthazar: Travel size for convenience.

Matthew: Oh.

Balthazar unfolds the book six times, increasing its dimension through each fold while remaining thin much to the children's surprise.

Balthazar: The Encantus is our textbook. The art, science, and history of sorcery. Including our recent history as well.

Balthazar places the book on Matthew's hand before pulling what appeared to be an invisible string, increasing its mass and thickness so that the young startled sorcerer almost dropped it in that instance.

Matthew: Whoa! Got it.

Balthazar opens the latest entry of the tome, which shows portraits of the legendary sorcerers.

Balthazar: See. (points to Matthew's portrait with a rather not-so-impressive expression) There's Matt.

Matthew: Of course, it included that.

Balthazar: Matt. Keep it. Study it. And don't lose it.

Matthew: It's okay, I won't lose it.

Balthazar: That's a lie. Hermione, make sure he doesn't lose the Encantus.

Hermione: I'll make sure that he doesn't, Mr. Blake.

Matthew: [grumbles]

Balthazar: I'll see you kids later. [he walks away]

Ron, having just finished a chicken wing, reaches into the bowl for more, and a ghost, called Sir Nicolas, pops out.

Ron: Ahh!

Matthew: Gh- Gh- Ghost!

Nick: Hello! How are you? Welcome to Gryffindor.

Numerous ghosts come pouring from the walls, sailing along.

Bloody Baron: Whoo-hoo-hoo!

Girl: Look, it's the Bloody Baron!

Percy: Hello, Sir Nicholas. Have a nice summer!

Nick: Dismal. Once again, my request to join the headless hunt has been denied. [Begins to leave]

Ron: I know you! You're Nearly Headless Nick!

Nick: I prefer Sir Nicholas if you don't mind.

Hermione: "Nearly" headless? How can you be nearly headless?

Nick: Like this.

He grabs his head and pulls it to the side. His head is hanging on just by a thread.

Ron: Ahh!

Hermione moans in disgust; Harry just simply rolls his eyes. Nick reattaches his head back to his body.

Matthew: Excuse me for a moment.

He gets up, walks away, and hides from sight, and then a sound of vomiting is heard.

Ron: Uh?

Balthazar: He'll be fine.

Matthew comes back as he wipes his mouth.

Later, Percy leads the Gryffindors to the staircase tower.

Percy: Gryffindors, follow me, please. Keep up. Thank you.

Matthew looks up as he wonders how high it goes.

Matthew: Whoa.

Percy: This is the most direct path to the dormitories. Oh, and keep an eye on the staircases. They like to change.

Matthew: Change? Ow!

One step got in front as Matthew accidentally hit his foot on it.

Ron: Are you alright?

Matthew: I hurt my foot. Ow!

Another step hits his head.

Matthew: And my head.

The camera pans up and we see a vast amount of staircases, people walking on them, and some switching places.

Percy: Keep up, please, and follow me. Quickly now, come on. Come on.

They begin walking up the stairs, and several of the portraits begin greeting them.

Neville: Seamus, that picture's moving!

Ron: Look at that one, Harry!
Harry: I think she fancies you.

Girl: Oh, look! Look! Who's that girl?

Man in a painting: Welcome to Hogwarts.

Girl: Who's that?

A bit later on the seventh floor, the students were in the corridor leading to Gryffindor Tower. They come up to a large painting of a large woman in a pink dress. She is known as "The Fat Lady".

The Fat Lady: Password?

Percy: Caput Draconis.

The Fat Lady smiles and nods in confirmation. The painting opens up to reveal a doorway in the wall, leading to Gryffindor Tower.

Percy: Follow me, everyone. Keep up. Quickly, come on.

Girl: Oh, wow.

Percy: [Inside the common room] Gather around here. Welcome to the Gryffindor Common Room. The boys' dormitory is upstairs and down to your left. Girls, the same on your right. You'll find that your belongings have already been brought up.

Matthew: Good, I rest of the injury.

Later at midnight. Harry is sitting by a window in his pj's, with Hedwig. He pets the owl and looks out the window, sighing with content, knowing that he will love it here at Hogwarts.

End of Chapter 2