**Chapter 4: Corridor Encounter**

The Hogwarts corridors were always bustling with students rushing to their next class or hurrying to grab a quick snack from the kitchens. Fred Weasley, lost in thought, rounded a corner and collided with a girl carrying a stack of books. "Ah, sorry about that!" Fred exclaimed, his usual grin spreading across his face as he reached out to steady the girl. The girl, Maria Underwood, laughed and expertly balanced her books. "No worries, I'm used to navigating these chaotic corridors," she said with a smile, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. Fred's gaze lingered on her face, and he felt a jolt of recognition. "You're Maria Underwood, the girl from Ilvermorny, right?" he asked, his voice a little softer than usual. Maria nodded, her dark hair bobbing with the movement. "The one and only. And you are...?" "Fred Weasley," he replied, holding out his hand. Maria took it, and they shook hands briefly. The touch sent a spark through Fred, and he quickly withdrew his hand, trying to play it cool. As they stood there, Fred couldn't help but notice the way Maria's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. He felt a pang of curiosity about her, and his mind began to wander. "So, what brings you to Hogwarts?" Fred asked, trying to sound nonchalant. Maria shrugged. "Just looking for a fresh start, I suppose. Ilvermorny was great, but I wanted to experience something new." Fred nodded sympathetically. "I know the feeling. Sometimes, a change of scenery can be just what you need." As they chatted, Fred discovered that Maria was not only intelligent and witty but also shared his love for magical theory. Their conversation flowed easily, and before he knew it, they'd been talking for several minutes. The sound of students rushing to their next class began to grow louder, and Fred glanced at his watch. "I'm running a bit late for my next class," he said, reluctantly. "But it was great meeting you, Maria." Maria smiled. "Likewise, Fred. Maybe I'll see you around?" Fred grinned, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of running into Maria again. "I'm counting on it." As they parted ways, Fred couldn't help but feel that he'd just had a chance encounter with someone special. He quickened his pace, his mind racing with thoughts of Maria and their conversation. The rest of the day passed in a blur, with Fred's thoughts drifting back to Maria whenever he had a spare moment. He found himself wondering what she'd be like in class, whether she'd be interested in joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and what her favorite subjects were. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the Hogwarts grounds, Fred couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to take a dramatic turn. He'd had a corridor encounter with Maria Underwood, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.