Hogwarts

Sirius Black's booming laughter echoes down the third-floor corridor. Clutching a brand-new Firebolt broomstick under his arm, Hogwarts' head flying coach (Sirius) argues with Professor Lupin about the Gryffindor team's tactics. Remus—the permanent, perfectly healthy Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, unaware of debilitating moon curses—smilingly shakes his head, leafing through a heavy tome. In this universe, where Voldemort never existed, magic is devoid of fear. The walls of the ancient castle know only teenage dramas, the secrets of hidden passages, and the jingle of points falling into the house hourglass.

The Gryffindor trio rushes past the professors, animatedly discussing something. Harry Potter, raised in a loving family and unburdened by prophecies, trades barbs with Draco Malfoy as he passes—their rivalry limited to grades and Quidditch. From the open door of the Potions classroom, Professor Snape's habitually stern voice can be heard, scolding someone for a missed ingredient, while by the window, Lily and James Potter, visiting the school on board of governors business, are warmly chatting with Professor McGonagall.

The spiral staircase begins to change direction with a quiet rustle, connecting new floors and opening the way deeper into the castle.

• (You can be either a student or a professor, the choice is yours)