By the time the train pulled into the station, night had already fallen.
Dressed in their wizarding robes, the passengers poured out onto the platform at Hogsmeade Station.
“All right, first-years, this way!” Hagrid raised a lantern high above his head, standing out in the darkness like a walking lamppost.
“Come on now!
Don’t be shy!
Keep moving!” The first-years gathered around him, and he quickly spotted the face he knew best.
“Hello, Harry.” “Hi, Hagrid.” “First-years, follow me.
Watch your step.” Hagrid led them along a narrow path.
With little more than the lantern’s glow to guide them, everyone stumbled through the darkness.
At the end of the trail lay a vast black lake.
Beyond it, atop the opposite hillside, stood a magnificent castle, its countless windows glowing with warm golden light.
“Listen up!” Hagrid called.
“No more than four to a boat.” He pointed toward the row of wooden boats moored along the shore.
“They’ll take us across.” Wade immediately seized the opportunity to distance himself from Harry and Ron.
Only after the two of them boarded a boat did he casually climb into another at random.
A moment later, three unfamiliar boys joined him.
The one in front had blond hair and an arrogant expression.
The two beside him were broad-shouldered and burly, looking every bit like loyal bodyguards.
…Damn.
Wade didn’t even know how to describe his feelings.
Divination wasn’t infallible…
But this was far too accurate.
A hopeful beginning…
followed by unexpected developments that could throw everything out of control.
This journey had been one surprise after another.
Still…
Compared to sharing a compartment with Harry and Ron, sitting with these three wasn’t entirely unacceptable.
He only hoped things hadn’t gone completely off the rails.
“What’s your name?” The blond boy asked casually.
“Wade Moreya.” The blond boy turned to his two companions.
“Ever heard of him?” The two exchanged glances before shaking their heads.
“Guess you’re not pure-blood.” “Half-blood.” Wade smiled modestly.
“Nothing compared to a distinguished pure-blood young master like yourself.” The blond boy raised an eyebrow in satisfaction and straightened proudly.
“I’m a Malfoy.” Wade froze for a second before putting on an expression of utter amazement.
“So it’s really you!” “I’ve heard of the Malfoy family.” “One of the legendary Sacred Twenty-Eight.” “I never imagined I’d have the honor of sharing a boat with the heir of House Malfoy.” Malfoy’s smug expression became even more pronounced.
Wade’s praise had noticeably improved his mood.
“Everyone aboard?” After confirming that no one had been left behind, Hagrid climbed into a boat by himself.
“Then we’re off!” The small fleet glided across the mist-covered lake toward the castle.
Excited gasps echoed across the water as the magnificent fortress grew larger and larger before them.
The boats eventually reached a hidden entrance.
After passing through a dark tunnel, they emerged onto a rocky shore.
Hagrid helped everyone ashore before leading the group onward with his lantern.
They crossed the damp grass beneath the castle, climbed a long flight of stone steps, and finally stopped before a massive oak door.
Hagrid pushed it open.
“Off you go.” “Professor McGonagall’s waiting inside.” The students filed into the castle together.
After climbing several more staircases, they found a witch dressed in emerald-green robes waiting for them.
Professor McGonagall.
“Welcome to Hogwarts.” “In a few moments, you’ll pass through these doors and join your fellow students.” “But before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you’ll be Sorted into your Houses.” “There are four Houses at Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.” “While you’re here, your House will be like your family.” “Outstanding achievements will earn House points, while any rule-breaking will result in House points being deducted.” “At the end of the year, the House with the most points will be awarded the House Cup.” The moment Professor McGonagall finished speaking, one of the first-years suddenly cried out.
He rushed forward and scooped up the toad sitting beside her feet.
Neville Longbottom had finally found Trevor—the toad he’d been searching for all over the train.
Unfortunately…
The timing couldn’t have been worse.
He looked up at Professor McGonagall’s stern face, muttered an embarrassed apology, and hurried back into line.
“The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly.” “Please get yourselves ready.” With that, Professor McGonagall turned and headed into the Great Hall.
“So the rumors on the train were true.” Draco smiled as he looked at Harry.
“Harry Potter really is coming to Hogwarts.” He pointed to the two boys beside him.
“These are Crabbe and Goyle.” “I’m Malfoy.” “Draco Malfoy.” Pfft.
Ron couldn’t help laughing.
Draco’s face darkened immediately.
“You think my name’s funny, do you?” “I knew who you were the moment I saw you.” “Red hair and second-hand robes.” “You must be a Weasley.” “You’ll soon discover that some wizarding families are simply better than others.” “You don’t want to make friends with people like that.” Draco extended his right hand toward Harry.
“I, however, wouldn’t mind being your friend.” That has to be the most tactless way imaginable to make friends.
Wade silently complained.
He doesn’t even know Harry Potter and Ron Weasley’s relationship yet, and he’s already insulting one right in front of the other.
If Harry still gave him a friendly response after that, it’d be a miracle.
As expected, Harry made no move to shake his hand.
“I can tell the difference between good people and bad.” “Thanks.” Draco’s mood instantly soured.
Before he could say anything else, Professor McGonagall returned.
“Everything is ready.” “Follow me.” The doors to the Great Hall swung open on their own.
A wave of warmth washed over them.
Thousands upon thousands of candles floated overhead, illuminating the hall alongside the blazing braziers lining the walls.
Four long tables stretched from one end of the hall to the other, set with gleaming golden plates and goblets.
They were already filled with students from the four Houses—all except the first-years.
At the front stood another row of tables reserved for Headmaster Dumbledore and the Hogwarts staff.
Above them, the ceiling appeared to be an endless night sky.
The moon and countless stars shimmered overhead, perfectly mirroring the heavens above the castle.
“So this is Hogwarts…” “It’s incredible.” “The ceiling isn’t real.” “It’s enchanted to look like the night sky.” “I read about it in Hogwarts: A History,” Hermione explained.
“I’ve read it too,” Wade replied.
“But that doesn’t stop me from being impressed.” He looked at her and decided to make one last attempt to save her.
“Trust me.” “Ravenclaw really is the better fit for you.” Professor McGonagall led the first-years to the front of the hall before stepping onto the raised platform.
Beside her stood a simple four-legged stool.
Resting atop it was an old, patched, filthy pointed wizard’s hat.
Its wrinkles resembled the face of a squash, giving it an oddly expressive appearance.
“I wonder how many years it’s been since that Sorting Hat was washed.” Wade shook his head.
“I can’t believe we’re actually supposed to put it on.” “What?” Ron stared at him in disbelief.
“So all we have to do is wear a hat?” “I’m going to kill Fred!” “He told me we’d have to wrestle a troll!” If you’re enjoying the story, please consider supporting it!