As dusk approached, Malfoy glanced out of the window and saw mountains and forests under the dark purple sky. The train gradually slowed down.
The train will arrive at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train. We will send it to the school for you. "The voice echoed throughout the train.
"We're finally here." Hearing this voice, a strange emotion rose in Malfoy's heart. Excitement mixed with confusion. Perhaps this was the truest portrayal of his heart.
The train slowed down and finally stopped. The passengers pushed and shoved as they rushed to the door and went down to a dark and small platform. Malfoy put the book back into the suitcase and joined the crowd.
"Hiss." Malfoy couldn't help but gasp. The temperature outside the train wasn't high.
"First years! First years, come over here. Watch your step. "An unusually tall man with a thick beard was maintaining order.
"He probably has the blood of giants." Malfoy looked at Hagrid silently.
Then, the freshmen followed Hagrid. They slid and stumbled as they walked down a steep and narrow path. It was dark on both sides of the path.
"After this turn, you will see Hogwarts for the first time," Hagrid turned back and shouted. Then there was a loud "Oh —!" at the end of the narrow path, a black lake suddenly opened up. On the other side of the lake, there was a majestic castle on a high hill. The castle had many spires and windows that flickered under the starry sky.
"So this is Hogwarts." Malfoy looked at the scenery in front of him in a daze. Unlike the gloomy atmosphere of the Malfoys' private manor, Hogwarts showed a sense of history. The ancient bricks and mottled stone walls all showed the school's long history.
"No more than four people per boat!" Hagrid said loudly as he pointed at a group of boats moored by the shore.
"Pansy!" Malfoy saw Pansy in the crowd and couldn't help but shout. It was better to go on the boat with Pansy than with some strangers.
"Hmph!" Pansy showed a dissatisfied expression when she saw Malfoy and boarded another boat without looking back.
"How did I offend her again?" Malfoy shook his head, still unable to understand why Pan Xi's attitude towards him had changed again.
"I'll ask her later," Malfoy thought as he stepped onto a small boat.
"All aboard?" shouted Hagrid, who was in a boat to himself. "That's good. Let's go!" A group of small boats immediately rowed across the mirror-like surface of the lake. Everyone was silent as they stared at the huge castle that towered into the sky. As they approached the cliff on which the castle stood, it seemed to tower over their heads. "Keep your head down!" Hagrid shouted as the first boats approached the cliff. All bowed their heads, and the boat carried them through the ivy curtains that covered the face of the cliff to the open secret entrance. They followed a dark tunnel that seemed to have reached the bottom of the castle. Finally, they arrived at a place that looked like an underground pier. Then, they climbed up a ground of gravel and small pebbles.
Malfoy and the students disembarked one after another.
"Thank you, Merlin!" Neville suddenly shouted ecstatically as he extended his arms to Neville. Neville had found his Raffles on an empty boat.
"I think you must have found your toad," Malfoy said as he stood behind Neville.
"T-Thank you so much." Neville was so excited that he stammered a little, although he might have stammered a little normally.
"Since you've found it, let's go." Ma Erfu looked around again, but unfortunately, he didn't see Pansy.
Under the light of Hagrid's lantern, the freshmen climbed up a tunnel in the rocks and finally reached a flat, damp meadow in the shadow of the castle.
Everyone climbed up a flight of stone steps and gathered in front of a huge oak door. Hagrid raised a large fist and knocked on the castle door three times.
The door opened immediately.
"Thank you, Hagrid." A tall, black-haired witch in an emerald robe stood in front of the door with a serious expression.
After that, Professor Mag brought the freshmen to a small hut. The hut was very small, and when everyone rushed in, the already small hut became even more crowded.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor Mag said. "The opening banquet is about to begin, but before you take your seats in the dining hall, I want you to first determine which house you will enter. Sorting is a very important ceremony, because the house is like your home at Hogwarts when you are in school. You have to attend classes with other students in the house, stay in the house together, and spend your free time in the common room together.
Then, Professor Mag introduced the freshmen to the four houses, some matters of the branches, and some rules of the school, such as the addition and deduction of points between houses, the School Championship, and so on.
Harry and Ron whispered to each other nervously. Harry thought that they were going to do some kind of magic test. Hermione also kept reciting the spells she had learned.
In contrast, Malfoy was a little absent-minded. In his eyes, it was more important to find Pansy and ask her what was going on.
"Found you." Malfoy scanned the surroundings and finally saw Pansy. She was talking and laughing with a few girls beside her.
The space was too small, so Malfoy had to squeeze through the crowd step by step.
"Ladies, may I interrupt your conversation?" Malfoy walked up to Pansy, and said, "I think my friend and I have some misunderstandings to clear up. Are you willing to help me?" Then, Malfoy bowed slightly, showing an impeccable etiquette.
"Pansy, he's looking for you. Your little boyfriend is very handsome. We won't disturb you, "a few girls beside her teased. They obviously didn't believe Malfoy's words.
"I have nothing to say to him," Pansy said coldly.
"You're really angry. Then you need to be coaxed even more." A girl beside her continued to tease. Then, she walked to the other side, creating an opportunity for Malfoy and Pansy to be alone.
"I think I should at least know where I went wrong, right?" Malfoy asked first.
Pansy puffed up her cheeks and thought for a while before saying, "You didn't take the initiative to look for me in the car. Do you know how bored I was in the car?"
"Uh …" Malfoy was at a loss for words. He obviously didn't think that far.
"See, you obviously forgot about me." Seeing Malfoy's unnatural expression, Pansy obviously guessed the truth.
"I even went to the other carriages to look for you." Pansy's voice suddenly became softer, but it was still audible.
"Oh, right. Maybe you found me annoying and purposely avoided me. Otherwise, why couldn't I find you?" Pansy seemed to have thought of something, and her voice suddenly became louder.
"See, here comes the retribution of privilege." Malfoy groaned in pain. It was obvious that Pansy only looked for the normal compartment. She obviously ignored the special compartments.
"Then it's my father's fault." Malfoy quickly threw away the blame. He approached Pansy and said, "My father arranged the seats for me. I didn't know you would come looking for me." Malfoy explained.
"Even if you didn't avoid me, you must have forgotten about me." Pansy didn't let it go.
"Oh, right!" Malfoy seemed to have thought of something.
"I was helping Neville find the toad, the Longbarton family's Neville," Malfoy said. "You know, my father always wants me to have a good relationship with others. The Longbarton family is also pure-blooded. I can't just ignore him."
"That little fatty is indeed a little silly, but is the toad more important than me?" Pansy asked again.
"This question is even more difficult to answer." Malfoy thought, and his expression became even more awkward.
There was a moment of silence.
"No, I can't take it anymore." Pansy, who had a frosty expression just now, suddenly laughed.
"Huh?" Malfoy obviously didn't understand what was going on. The girl who was with Pan Xi before was also giggling.
"I knew a bookworm like you wouldn't think so much. Your expression just now was very interesting, much more so than usual."
How could Malfoy not know that he had been made a fool of by Pansy and her friends?
"You've always looked like a little gentleman. You look so fake. Finally, there's something else."
Pansy suddenly went closer to Malfoy, and said, "You were so calm when I threatened you previously, but you're actually anxious today. Seems like I'm still quite important to you. I'm very happy. This is your reward. "After saying that, Pansy tiptoed and kissed Malfoy's forehead lightly.
Seeing that, the girls at the side started cheering. Pansy's face was also flushed red.
"This is really …" Malfoy could only sigh that he had provoked a little demoness. Although it didn't feel bad.
"Please keep quiet while we wait!" Professor Mag seemed to have noticed the commotion, and said sternly before leaving the room.
"Ah!" The girls who were laughing just now suddenly screamed. There were also many boys' voices.
Malfoy looked back, and only saw about 20 spirits suddenly jumping out from the wall. These pearl-white, translucent spirits glided across the room as they whispered to each other.
No physical body, can think, translucent, and doesn't look aggressive. Seems like these are the characteristics of these creatures. Unlike the others who were frightened out of their wits, Malfoy observed carefully and quickly concluded a few characteristics of the specter that had appeared. Perhaps these were the characteristics of a top student.
Professor Mag came back. The ghosts floated in single file through the opposite wall and disappeared. "Now, form a single line," Professor Mag said to the first-year students. "Follow me."
Malfoy was about to move when he felt his sleeve being tugged. He saw Pansy looking at him with tears in her eyes.
"Stop pretending. I know I didn't scare you. You have been to many of these places in my house before." Malfoy exposed Pansy mercilessly. Of course, their interactions were not limited to Malfoy's storytelling. The adventurous Pansy naturally forced Malfoy to go to many of the manor's secret rooms. Naturally, she had seen many spirits. How could a family that had been around for so many years not have a few spirits?
"I was just saying that you were interesting. You're back to your old self so quickly. Boring. "Pansy pursed her lips and returned to her normal expression as if nothing had happened. She was obviously not satisfied with Malfoy's reaction.
The two of them followed the crowd out of the room, and came to a luxurious restaurant.
The students from the other classes were already seated around four long tables. Thousands of candles floating in the air above the tables lit up the restaurant. Glittering gold plates and wine glasses were placed on the four tables. There was another long table at the end of the restaurant. That was where the teachers were seated.
Professor Mag brought the first-year students to the other side and lined them up facing the seniors. The teachers were behind them. The candlelight flickered, and the hundreds of faces watching them were like pale lanterns. The spirits were also mixed in with the students, shining with hazy silver light.
Malfoy looked up at the ceiling and saw stars twinkling on the velvet-black ceiling.
It was hard to believe that there was a ceiling above, and it was hard to believe that the restaurant's roof was not open.
"How can a spell be fixed in a certain range?" Unlike the others who were amazed, Malfoy fell into deeper thought.
Professor Mag gently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first-year students, and then placed a pointed wizard's hat on the stool. The hat was patched, worn, and dirty.
The restaurant was silent.
Then, the hat twisted. A wide slit appeared on the side of the hat, like a mouth. The hat began to sing.
"You may think I'm not pretty,
But don't judge a book by its cover.
If you can find a hat prettier than mine,
I'll eat myself.
You can make your bowler hats glossy black,
Let your silk hats be smooth and crisp.
I'm the Hogwarts Testing Hat,
Naturally, it's more outstanding than your hats.
Whatever thoughts you hide in your head,
Can't escape the Hat's golden eyes.
Put it on and try it on.
I'll tell you which house you should go to.
You may belong to Gryffindor, where there's hidden courage,
Their courage, their boldness, and their boldness make Gryffindor the best;
You may belong to Hufflepuff, where they're honest and loyal,
Hufflepuff's students are tough and honest, and not afraid of hard work;
If you're smart, you may go to old Ravenclaw, where they're wise,
The wise and learned, where they'll meet their fellows;
You may go to Slytherin, where you'll make true friends,
But those who are cunning and treacherous will do whatever it takes to get what they want.
Come and wear me! Don't be afraid! Don't lose your head!
In my hand (though I don't have a hand) you'll be safe,
For I'm a thinking Hat! "
When the Hat had finished, there was a roar of applause. It bowed to each of the four tables, and then stood still.
Just then, Professor McGonagall took a few steps forward with a roll of parchment in her hand. "Whosoever I call now, put on your hat, sit on your stool, and wait for the division," she said. "Hannah Abbott!"
A little girl with a rosy complexion and two blonde braids stumbled out of the queue. She put on her hat, which covered her eyes perfectly. She sat down. There was a pause — "Hufflepuff!" cried the Hat.
The table on the right clapped and cheered Hannah, and welcomed her to their table.
One by one, the freshmen stepped forward to put on their hats and accept the Sorting Hat's decision for them. Of course, that wasn't entirely true. The Sorting Hat still followed the will of the person. The Sorting Hat could give its own suggestions, but if the person insisted on going to a certain school, the Sorting Hat wouldn't go against the person's will.
For example, Harry Potter kept thinking, "Don't go to Slytherin, don't go to Slytherin." Although the Sorting Hat might be more inclined to let him go to Slytherin, it still respected Harry's choice.
As for people like Neville who didn't seem to have much of an opinion, the Sorting Hat looked at his character.
Obviously, the Sorting Hat was very accurate. In the original world, Neville showed the extraordinary courage of a Gryffindor.
After that, Hermione and Neville were all assigned to Gryffindor.
"Draco Malfoy," said Professor McGonagall.
"The soul is no longer a person. Will the result change?" Malfoy's heart wasn't as calm as he appeared. He was deep in thought.
Malfoy thought as he slowly walked out of the line and put on the Sorting Hat.
It wasn't like the original book, where the Hat screamed "Slytherin!" when it touched his head.
The Sorting Hat was deep in thought. Soon, a voice appeared in Malfoy's ear.
"Ravenclaw, definitely a Ravenclaw. I've never seen a child with such a strong thirst for knowledge. I think the knowledge you have now is enough for you to graduate directly. Ravenclaw suits you well, doesn't it? "
"Oh, no!" Malfoy felt the Hat shake on his head.
"What a deeply buried ambition. What kind of blazing ambition is hidden under the thirst for knowledge? Knowledge is only a means to the end you pursue. Your goal isn't knowledge itself. After so many years, I almost misjudged you this time. "
"Slytherin!" In the end, the Sorting Hat gave his answer.
"Is this fate?" Malfoy chuckled before walking towards Slythrin's table and sitting next to Pan Xi.
He didn't notice Hermione's complicated expression.
'Ron wasn't wrong, he really is a Slythrin. No, so what if he really is? Can we judge him as an evil person because of this?' Hermione was struggling inwardly. It was clear that Malfoy's words had greatly affected her.
"To be honest, I thought a bookworm like you was going to Ravenclaw," Pansy said.
"Then my parents would skin me alive," Malfoy said exaggeratedly.
"That's interesting." Pansy seemed to have imagined that scene and couldn't help but chuckle.
Suddenly, a wave of cheers rang out in the dining hall. The Weasley twins shouted, "We've got Potter! We have Potter! "
"Looks like our savior is really charming." Malfoy couldn't help but sigh.
"He's just lucky." Pansy pursed her lips. She was obviously unhappy that the so-called "savior" went to Lion Court. In her eyes, this kind of glory should only appear in Slytherin.
Then, the last Bresley Shabini was assigned to Slytherin. Professor Mag rolled up the parchment, picked up the Sorting Hat, and left.
A tall and thin old man stood up.
Malfoy silently sized up the old man in the crowd.
He had a long aquiline nose that had been broken at least twice. He wore half-moon glasses, a pair of sharp azure eyes, a long silver-white beard, and silver-white waist-length hair. This was the greatest wizard of the age — Dumbledore!
Dumbledore opened his mouth. "Welcome to Hogwarts for the start of the new school year! Before the banquet begins, I would like to say a few words. That is: Idiot! Sniveling! Scum! Screw! "Thank you, everyone!" He sat down again. Everyone clapped and cheered.
Then, all the students began to enjoy the food in front of them.
"Who would eat peppermints during a meal?" Malfoy was speechless. Obviously, Hogwarts had once again broken the bottom line of British cuisine.
After the banquet ended with difficulty, Malfoy heard various versions of the school songs of each academy. As long as you wanted, you could sing the school songs in all kinds of tunes. The Weasley twins even used "Funeral March," and Dumbledore even used his wand to conduct the last few bars for them.
"Slythrin freshmen, follow me." After the banquet, the prefect led the freshmen to their respective dormitories.
Following the prefect, the freshmen of Slythrin went down many flights of stairs and finally arrived in front of the common room.
Behind an empty, wet stone wall was a long, narrow, low basement. The walls and ceiling were made of rough stone, and round, green-glowing lamps were chained down from the ceiling.
The giant snake carving on the door hissed. "Password?"
"Pureblood," the prefect answered. Then he said to the freshmen behind him, "Remember this password. I don't want anyone to sleep in the hallway. Of course, I'm not worried about whether you'll catch a cold, but I don't think anyone would be willing to let the academy lose points."
"Yes," the team answered in unison.
'It seems that compared to orders, the binding of honor can make a Slythrin more obedient,' Malfoy thought silently.
After entering the room, Malfoy glanced at the fireplace and subconsciously compared it to the one at home. He came to a conclusion. 'It seems that Hogwarts is short on funds for education.'
Of course, this was only a joking
thought.
Nothing happened after that. Malfoy found his dormitory, put his luggage in place, and went to bed. The day's journey was over.
'The life of the academy that I've been looking forward to is finally about to begin.' This was Malfoy's last thought before he fell asleep.