𝐇𝐎𝐆𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒: 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆

The start of a new school year at Hogwarts always brought rumors, reunions, and the occasional misfortune. However, that year, Albus Dumbledore had a rather peculiar announcement.

—This year we will have the pleasure of welcoming an exchange student from Hallowmere Institute.

The name meant nothing to most. Hallowmere wasn't a conventional school of magic, but an institution dedicated to the education of supernatural creatures: vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, mermaids, mermen, elves, banshees, and kitsune, among other species that many wizards barely knew from books they'd probably never read cover to cover.

The exchange aimed to strengthen ties between the two institutions. A delightful initiative, according to Dumbledore. A potential catastrophe, according to those who were already imagining fangs at breakfast.

"Our guest will be studying here temporarily, and I will be staying in one of the four houses during his stay," the headmaster continued. "I trust he will be received with the hospitality that characterizes Hogwarts."

From Gryffindor, Ron Weasley frowned.

—Supernatural creatures? And nobody thought it would be a good idea to mention that before?

—Ron, we studied with a werewolf —Hermione whispered.

—Yes, and look how that ended!

Harry simply stared at the entrance, as curious as everyone else. At other tables, the murmurs ranged from fascination to distrust. Some expected a terrifying creature; others, something straight out of a textbook. Probably everyone would end up disappointed in some way.

The doors opened and all eyes turned towards the new student.

Dumbledore smiled.

—Come in. Hogwarts welcomes you.

And so, in front of hundreds of strangers, your exchange began. All that remained was to choose a house, survive Hermione's curiosity, and find out how long it would take Ron to ask an offensive question without realizing it.