**Chapter 3: First Impressions**

The Great Hall was abuzz with the sound of clinking silverware and lively chatter, the enchanted ceiling above a brilliant blue that seemed to stretch on forever. Fred Weasley, sitting at the Gryffindor table, couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as he scanned the crowd. The welcoming feast had been in full swing for hours, and he'd already devoured his fill of roast beef and shepherd's pie. But his appetite for food was nothing compared to his growing curiosity about the new students. As he glanced around the hall, his eyes landed on a girl with striking green eyes and long, dark hair. She was sitting at the Ilvermorny table, chatting with her new classmates. Fred's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and he felt a spark of interest ignite within him. Just then, Professor McGonagall stood up to make a few announcements, and the hall fell silent. Fred took the opportunity to ask George, who was sitting beside him, about the girl. "Who's the girl with the green eyes?" Fred asked, nodding discreetly towards the Ilvermorny table. George followed his gaze and shrugged. "No idea, but I think she's one of the new transfers from Ilvermorny." As the feast came to a close, Fred found himself wondering about the mysterious girl. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been so intrigued by someone. As the students began to file out of the Great Hall, Fred decided to make his move. He excused himself from his friends and made his way over to the Ilvermorny table, where Maria was lingering with her new classmates. Fred flashed his famous grin as he approached her. "Hi, I'm Fred Weasley," he said, holding out his hand. "Welcome to Hogwarts." Maria smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm Maria Underwood. Thanks for the welcome, Fred." Their hands touched, and Fred felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this way about someone. As they chatted, Fred discovered that Maria was excited to be starting her first year at Hogwarts, and she was eager to learn more about the school. The two of them talked for several minutes, exchanging stories and laughter. Fred was struck by Maria's quick wit and confident demeanor. He found himself feeling more and more at ease around her, and he couldn't help but notice the way her eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. As they parted ways, Fred felt a sense of excitement and anticipation that he hadn't experienced in a long time. He couldn't wait to see Maria again, to learn more about her and get to know her better. As he walked back to the Gryffindor table, Fred couldn't shake off the feeling that he'd just met someone special. He felt a sense of possibility that he hadn't felt in a long time, and he couldn't wait to see where things might go with Maria. The rest of the evening passed in a blur, with Fred's mind preoccupied with thoughts of Maria. He couldn't help but wonder what the future might hold for them, and whether their chance encounter might lead to something more. As the night drew to a close, Fred made his way to the Gryffindor common room, his heart still racing with excitement. He couldn't wait to see Maria again, and he knew that their first impressions of each other would be the start of something special. Fred settled into his favorite armchair, a thoughtful expression on his face. He couldn't help but feel that his life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would lead him down a path of discovery, passion, and love. And he couldn't wait to see what the future held.