The Lost Boy

CHAPTER II

Everyone in the room is tense with anticipation as they watch the new kids enter and determine which ones will join their respective houses. Everyone on the faculty and staff is beaming as they look across at the new students.

Professor Stella explained that once their name is called, they should stand in the doorway as The Door of Destiny will evaluate and determine which house is right for them.

The ribbon on their neck will change colors according to their house: slate gray for House Serian, midnight blue for House Yosamu, sea green for House Toppuu, and dusty lavender for House Shunrai.

Soomin was the first person to get called, and she revealed how confident she was. Her quick thinking gives her the best chance of getting into the House Toppuu. Honda Ino was next on the list. It was no surprise to the Door of Destiny to see another member of the Honda clan. They are the last pure-blooded wizards in Japan. With him being sorted into the house of Shunrai, he followed in the footsteps of his family, who were all sorted into the same house as him. It became their legend and family pride. It would've been a big surprise and confusion if he was sorted into another house instead of Shunrai. He was joined by Mihika, who had also found her place in House Shunrai. However, his twin brother Hrithik was now a member of House Serian, which is not surprising since Hrithik is a skilled number-cruncher, and House Serian is known for its mastery of Arithmancy.

The last student on the list was Ocean. The Door of Destiny was so surprised to see the previous wizard from the Philippines and be able to help him. There hasn't been a wizard from his country to study in Mahoutokoro in more than fifty years. The Door of Destiny knows that he should live in House Yosamu. Despite the lack of representation from his nation, he was eager to join House Yosamu by the Door of Destiny and determined to establish his merit as a student at Mahoutokoro. He knew that this was a rare opportunity, and he would work hard to make the most of it.

A loud clap from the students marked the end of the sorting ceremony. All the new students were welcomed by their new houses with warm greetings and big smiles from the other old students that came before them. After a while of warm welcomes and greetings from the student body, the Headmistress, Kiyo, stood up and asked for their attention. The great hall was filled with silence, and everyone was looking at the headmistress, waiting for her yearly speech to signal the start of a new year for all the students. They didn't wait long for the headmistress to start her address.

She began, "Welcome back to our old students, and welcome to the new ones." After the students gave her a warm welcome with applause, she stopped for a while to wait for silence. Then she went on.

"The new school year at Mahoutokoro School of Magic is about to start, so let me take this chance to say hello to everyone. I'm looking forward to everyone's enthusiasm as we begin another great year. Mahoutokoro will help you all become great, but we will also teach you to be kind, responsible, and polite. I expect you to follow and respect the rules, but you should enjoy every moment, be your best self, and have fun with your friends. May Merlin's power lead us. Let's start the new day with a hot meal! And the new school year begins tomorrow!"

Headmistress Kiyo waved her wand in a circle, and the four long tables were suddenly filled with delicious foods of different types, enough to feed a whole town. There were many foods of various types from other countries. Because the students who were studying at Mahoutokoro were of other races, the food tables were filled with different varieties to accommodate the tastes of the various races that studied there. Ocean couldn't decide what to eat at first because many foods were in front of him from different countries. A plate of lumpia and some Filipino desserts are in front of him, some Korean bibimbap and many more that he had only dreamed of tasting. Now that everything was within his reach, he couldn't decide which one he wanted to put in his mouth first.

Even though Ocean had never met anyone from House Yosamu before, he was delighted to get to know them because they were all very pleasant and approachable, even if he wished he had sorted it out with his pals.

"May I have your attention, please?" a black-haired boy said. When they looked in the direction of the voice, they saw him sitting on the farthest seat at the table. And when everyone's attention was on him, he started to call for all the first years.

"First years! I am Cho Bo-Yun, a seventh-year student from Yosamu House. I am the head boy, and if you have any concerns or need anything, just let me know." Ocean and his fellow first-years nodded to him. After the festive breakfast, all the students headed to their dormitories to rest.

The Yosamu dormitory is next to the forest on the castle's east side. Its standard room has a soft grass floor that never needs trimming, and its crisp, cool air comforts students like the first days of fall. A babbling brook flows through the center of the room, creating a magical barrier that makes it easier to walk on than on regular floors. The room is also equipped with large windows that let in natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding forest. It's the perfect place for students to relax and focus on their studies in a peaceful environment. Additionally, Yosamu dormitories provide various recreational activities, such as hiking and camping, for students who love outdoor adventures.

The dormitory is divided into two parts: one for girls and one for boys. Each room has three students as borders. The dormitory provides a common room for students to gather and socialize. Additionally, there are separate bathrooms and shower facilities for each section of the dormitory.

Ocean met two of his roommates, half-blood Adrien Yoon and pureblood Due Giang, who were easy to get close to.

"Where are we going again?" Ocean asked Soomin. It felt like he was still sleeping. After he finishes organizing his things, he returns to his room to sleep instead of going outside to wander. After a while, Soomin woke him up, telling him that they were going somewhere. Mihika, Ino and Hrithik are also with her.

They are now walking through a long hallway on the castle's west side. The large windows allow sunlight to enter, which acts as light. In addition to the well-painted walls, the school has a few portraits that showcase its long history. The combination of natural and artificial light, along with the historical portraits, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that inspires learning and creativity. It's no wonder why students love spending time at this school.

"Library, we need to get our books, paper, and quills," Mihika answered Ocean.

"Why was the library located in the creepy part of the castle?" he asked after wondering.

"This is a part of the castle where not many students go. Of course, Madame Morisette wants the library to have a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, so this is the perfect spot."

Ino was the one who answered his question. He seems to know a lot about their school; his family studied here from generation to generation. It would insult their legacy if he knew nothing about the school.

When they entered the library, a woman dressed in yellow approached them. In contrast to the outside, the library was painted white and gold. It's painted on the three floors and ceiling with a stunning design that always fascinates Ocean. He still wonders if all of this was true or if it was just a dream and he will wake up one morning in his bed, in his own small house in his own country.

"First years?" The woman asked them. She is tall, wearing a bright yellow dress with two large red buttons and earrings that look like paper clips. Her hair has a white highlight. She looks like the villain Cruella De Vil in the Disney movie.

"Yes, Madame," Mihika replied.

"Okay, I'm Madame Morissette," she began, "your librarian. Identification card, please?" She extended her palms to accept their card. They presented their identification cards, proceeded to the counter, and waited.

"Ok, the first year's books are on the second floor. Please get them and come back here for your papers and quills." She instructed. They all nodded their heads in understanding.

"Yes, Madame," all of them replied.

"And always observe silence." She said lastly. The group nodded their heads again in unison, then turned their backs to her to go where they would find their school things. They immediately went up to the second floor and went straight to where the Librarian instructed them. They wanted to explore the whole library, but they had to complete the eight books before going back to Madame Morisette, and they had limited time since there were so many things they needed to do first and foremost. They decided to visit the library some other time to see what more exciting things they could find, and Ocean was curious if there were many magical things or books he could find here.

The Fall season is already in full swing, the leaves have changed color to reds and oranges, and the students enjoy the cool breeze, except for Ocean, who is sulking.

Soomin sighed, gripping her quill before looking to Ocean. She decided to end his sulking by telling him, "can't you stop being a whiny baby Ocean."

Ocean snapped before looking at Soomin. "I'm not a baby!"

Soomin tsked and rolled her eyes. They are now in the great hall for breakfast. It's almost one months since the class started, and Ocean and his friends have already adapted to their new home. Their days always began at the great hall for breakfast. Sometimes Ocean eats at his friend's table, sometimes not. They have a whole day and a weekend class for their particular classes. After their lessons, they will go back to the great hall to eat and do all their homework.

"Can someone explain to me why I need another special class?" He suddenly said after a while of sulking.

Mihika poked Ocean's cheek with a fork before answering. "Because we reached the average score that we needed."

"That's unfair! How can I have a high score in an essay if I need to write it in Nihongo?! That's not my first language!" Ocean explained while looking at his score sheet with disappointment. To pass their monthly exam, students at Mahoutokoro must achieve a specific grade in all their classes. Unfortunately, Ocean did not reach the grade because he failed the essay in Magical Theory class. If Ocean wishes to pass, he will need another weekend class.

"Well, that's not our first language, but we did pass."

"What kind of friends are you?" Ocean asked with a frown. Mihika and Soomin dismissed his doubtful expression and continued what they were doing.

"If you need help, Hrithik is there. Surely he can help you. He got the highest score in the essay," Mihika suggested.

"Woah. Really?" Ocean exclaimed in surprise. He knows Hrithik is brilliant; however, he had no idea he would be the highest scorer.

"Hrithik is like a walking encyclopedia, though," Soomin added.

He shook his head in disapproval. He and Hrithik are not on the same page. They talk, but Ocean isn't sure if Hrithik sees him as a friend. "I appreciate your suggestion, but I'm afraid your brother will kill me."

"Probably. Hrithik doesn't like you that much," Mihika answered. Ocean whined and then gave a long sigh.

He shoves a sandwich into his mouth before asking, "why?"

"He's kind of jealous of you," Mihika answered.

Ocean's eyebrow twitches up. He looked at Mihika's face in confusion, wondering what would be the reason for Hrithik's jealousy. "Jealous of what?"

"You are clueless, aren't you?" Soomin narrowed her eyes at him. "I hate to say this and admit it, but you're the most popular first year here."

"Huh?" Ocean's reaction was disbelief. He didn't know what was so good in him to be popular.

"Yeah. Exactly my thoughts, too," Soomin said while shaking her head.

"Soomin is right. Even some blokes fancy you." Mihika said while laughing and shaking her head at the same time.

"Wow. Thank you"

"Everyone drools every time you walk past, except us. We know you better than anyone else," Mihika said, while Soomin was silently nodding her head.

"Good morning!" Ino interrupted them. He cheerfully sat next to Ocean.

"Where have you been?" Soomin asked. Ocean grabbed a tray of toast and put half of it onto Ino's plate. He also pours tea into Ino's cup and offers some bread or whatever he chooses.

"Eat," Ocean said seriously. Soomin and Mihika raised an eyebrow at what they witnessed. They weren't expecting that. Before answering Soomin, Ino ate a piece of toast and sipped his tea.

"Well, I got the news last night that a spot on our Quidditch team is open. So, this morning, I asked our captain if I could join the tryout."

"And..?" Ocean asked in excitement.

"Well, I got rejected. I was a first-year and didn't meet the average height." Ino answered with a bit of disappointment.

"That's bullshit!" Ocean exclaimed, angry at the news they received. Soomin throws a piece of grape to Ocean to calm him down.

"It's ok, Ocean. I understand. That's the rule," Ino said to calm him too.

"But it's your dream, isn't it?" Ocean replied.

"Yeah," Ino looks at his plate with sadness. "There will always be next time, I guess."

"That's their loss, Ino," Mihika said to cheer Ino up.

"Yup. Mihika is right." Soomin agreed.

"Thanks, guys. So how about you? What's your deal?" Ino asked them, going back to his cheerful self.

"Oh, Ocean failed his essay in Magical Theory since he didn't reach the final score. Therefore, he needs to attend a special class," Mihika began.

"I hate you, Mihika," Ocean groaned.

"Thank you," She answered in a satisfied tone.

"Essay?" Ino asked, turning his head to Ocean. Ocean looked up and suddenly became interested in the ceiling. He thinks the top is fascinating. With designs he's been seeing every day for so many days now.

"That's right!" Soomin suddenly exclaimed. Everyone looks back at Soomin, wondering what she is thinking. She continued, "If you don't like Hrithik to help you, because he might s*******r you, he will believe me. Ino can help. I mean, out of all the people here, Ino is the best choice."

"No," Ocean answered right away.

"Why? Ino is Japanese. He can help you with your Nihongo," Soomin insisted.

"I can see that, Soomin," Ocean answered. He is still bent on not having Ino to help him.

"You failed that?" Ino asked Ocean.

"Yeah," Ocean answered in a quiet voice, trying to hide his shyness. Ocean rubs the back of his neck. "In my defense, it's tough. Two-page essay about the Importance of Magic written in Nihongo, what do you expect?"

Ino smiled at Ocean, finally understanding his suffering.

"Soomin is right; if you want to pass, let Ino help you," Mihika suggested.

"It's okay with me," Ino said.

"I respect all the help you're giving me, but thanks. I don't want to be a burden to any of you."

"You are not," Ino said.

"Yeah," Mihika added.

"No. It's ok. You have special classes too, and I think I can handle this. I need one more special class, I think," As Ocean tells them, he is confused about what he should do. Ino's help is appreciated. However, he is afraid to get closer to Ino at this moment.

"OK then, it's your choice," Soomin gives up.

"But if you need help, just ask me, OK?" Ino still insisted. Ocean nodded to Ino so they would stop convincing him to get Ino's help.

"So, what's a special class you want to take?" Mihika asked Ocean.

"What about singing? Filipinos are good at singing," she asked while snickering.

"Don't count me in," Ocean replied. "I'll take the special class in divination. Tarot reading?"

Everyone nodded to Ocean. He has two special weekend classes: art and calligraphy and tarot reading.

Ocean's last class of the day is History Of Magic. At first, he thought it would be intriguing, but it wasn't. The weather outside is not helping either; it makes him more sleepy.

The ghost of Bridgette, their professor in History of Magic, dismissed them after a few reminders about their essay about the elf's revolution. Ocean pulled his bag higher to his shoulder, and the first one stepped out of the room. He needs to talk to someone before sundown. He left the castle and realized he didn't know where the Quidditch changing rooms and pitch were.

He hadn't shown any interest in wizard sports in his one-month stay at Mahoutokoro. And he'd never shown any interest in sports before. He had no choice but to ask. He noticed a girl approaching him. He is familiar with her, Esmarae Syera, a fourth-year student from House Toppuu who will compete in the forthcoming Wizarding School Potion Championship. Mahoutokoro has held the championship for the past six years in a row.

"Hi!" Ocean greets her. She smiled back. She had long black hair tied in twin pigtails and a flower pin tucked into her left ear.

Ocean asks shyly, "I'm lost; where are the Quidditch changing rooms?"

"Oh. It's on the south side of the island. We're on the west side of the castle. So you'll have to go inside again. To make sure that you can find it easier." Ocean nodded.

"You know where the potion room is. From there, you turn left and exit. You can see something like a broken bridge, but it's still okay; it just looks broken. Quidditch pitch is visible from the bridge, and the changing rooms are outside."

Because Esmarae's talking too quickly, Ocean just picked up words like potion room, left, and broken bridge. Regardless, that's helpful as well. Ocean thanked her and went inside.

As Ocean walks to the potion room, he follows the word he remembers from Esmarae. Ocean turns left and exits the castle. He saw the bridge that Esmarae described. It looks like, at any moment, it will collapse. He is careful and scared because he knows that one wrong step will bring him down. From where he is standing, he can already see the pitch. He makes his way slowly down to it.

Due to his familiarity with the house colors, he could instantly locate the changing room of the House Shunrai. Since the Quidditch team practices every after-school, he was sure the person he was looking for was there.

The changing room was filled with all eyes on him as he entered. Ocean bowed to show his respect.

"You're in the wrong changing room, kid," one of the members said.

"Yes, I know; I want to talk to your Quidditch Team Captain."

"And what's the business of the famous first-year Ocean Santos on me?" A white-haired green-eyed tall man asked him. The man approached him and put his arm around him.

"Teams, it's an honor to us. The famous, handsome Ocean Santos visited us". Ocean rolled his eyes. Is this what Mihika means? Because he is uncomfortable with it.

"Can I talk to you?" Ocean asked the man beside him. The man stepped away from Ocean and acted as if it was a big deal what Ocean asked. At this point, Ocean nearly threw up. If he had just been allowed to use a wand, he would have already done so.

"We can talk here."

"No. Privately," Ocean replied. The man nodded to him. Together, they left the changing room and sat at the nearest seat.

"Firstly, I would like to apologize for my previous behavior. It was just that we were surprised to see you in our changing room." He held out his hand to Ocean. "I'm Osman Tauzin from Malaysia, seventh year from House Shunrai, Quidditch team Captain. Ocean accepts his hands " Ocean Wren Santos, first-year from Philippines house Yosamu."

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Osman asks.

"About Honda Ino"

"What about him?"

"You need him; he will make the difference between winning and losing." Ocean paused for a moment and thought back to all the times Ino had talked about how excited he was to join the House Shunrai Quidditch team.

"My friend always says he wants to be on your team. He wants to play Quidditch and bring the championship to your house, so please think about him and let him try out."

"Why should I think about that," asks Osman to Ocean.

"Ever since I met Ino, all he's wanted to do is play and win for your team. He's sure he can keep up with you and help you become champions. It's known that he comes from a Quidditch elite family. If you can, give him a chance. I'm sure he'll prove himself.

"How sure are you?"

"Even though he's small, I know he will give you a game you will remember. When the whistle blows, he'll be the first one there; when the game is on, he'll fly like the wind. The other team will think they have him beaten, but they'll never catch him. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but he's got a heart. He'll never give up, no matter how far behind he is. His opponents will get tired, but he'll keep going. They'll start to get angry, but he'll keep smiling. In the end, he'll come out on top. Even if he doesn't win, he'll have given everything he had. And that's what makes him a winner," Ocean answered.

"He is lucky to have a friend like you."

"I'm not from a magical family. I didn't grow up with wizards and witches. I didn't even know they existed until I met Mr. Hinode. But Ino, he's always been so kind, constantly reminding me that there's nothing wrong with me. He's the one who showed me that I have magic inside of me. That I'm special, just like he is. And because of that, I know I'll be luckier to have him as my friend."

There was silence between them for five minutes. Ocean simply stared at Osman and prayed in his mind that he would rethink his decision.

"Okay, I'll inform my team, but I can't guarantee they'll accept his application, but I'll try."

Ocean agreed to this right away. At least there was a slight chance that Ino could join their team.

They rested under the Camphor tree the next day. After their herbology class, one of Ino's housemates calls him, and Hrithik surprises Ocean by joining them. Ocean considered lying down on the grass, which was fresh looking because of all the trees they were surrounded by, because it would be a while before their next potion class. He closed his eyes and placed his hat on his head, and not long after, he heard Ino's voice. He realized the reason when he heard Ino's voice.

"A request to try out! " Ino tells them in a happy voice.

"Really? Congratulations, Ino!" says Soomin.

Hey! I'm sure you'll greatly help our team once you're a member."

"Mihika, I'll try my best, I hope."

"Even though we're on different teams, I'll cheer you on and support you."

"Many thanks, Hrithik."

Ocean's lips curled into a small smile. Like everyone else, he is happy for his friend and he will help him.