By the time the train screeched to a halt, the sky outside had softened into a watercolor of indigo and gold. The platform was bustling once again as compartment doors flew open and students spilled out into the cool evening air.
Cael stepped down, tugging his scarf tighter against the wind that swept in from the darkening hills. Somewhere behind him, Fred and George Weasley were gleefully convincing a terrified first-year that the Sorting Hat could read minds and loudly announce one's secret crushes.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!"
The booming voice cut through the night like a foghorn.
Cael turned to look. A giant of a man stood at the edge of the platform, holding a lantern high above his shaggy black hair and tangled beard. His coat looked more like a tent than any proper garment.
"This way! Mind yer step, now!"
"That's Hagrid," someone nearby whispered in awe. "Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts."
Cael stared wide-eyed. The man looked more like a misplaced mountain troll than a school staff member, but there was something undeniably warm about the way he smiled, ushering the first-years toward the shadowed forest path.
Cassandra, now dressed in black Hogwarts robes with her blazer neatly tucked beneath, brushed past him without looking. "Try not to fall in the lake. I doubt they'll rescue you twice."
"I'll try not to," Cael replied dryly. "Though if you go overboard, I might consider it."
SYSTEM: And just like that… the awkward banter has evolved into mild flirtation.
Cael: It's not flirtation. It's survival.
They followed Hagrid down a winding, rocky path until a vast, black lake came into view, moonlight rippling gently across its surface. Dozens of small wooden boats bobbed along the shore, moored and waiting.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called. "An' don't worry, they float just fine—even if they don't look it!"
Cael ended up in a boat with Cassandra, a jittery boy named Elliot who kept clutching his sleeves like they were lifelines, and a small red-haired girl who hiccuped every time she tried to speak. Cassandra said nothing—she simply adjusted the cuffs of her sleeves and stared forward, eyes locked on the distant silhouette of the castle.
"Hogwarts," Cael murmured.
He looked up.
The castle rose from the cliffside like something out of a forgotten fairytale. Towering spires gleamed in the moonlight, and windows flickered with golden light. It was enormous, elegant, and terrifying all at once.
It's so beautiful it's almost unbelievable.
With a groan and a gentle lurch, the boats began gliding across the water, silently drawn by unseen magic.
SYSTEM: Well, here we go. Are you ready to begin your journey into the magical world?
Cael smiled faintly at the line.
The journey across the lake was smooth and mostly silent, interrupted only by the lapping of water and the occasional yelp when someone nearly tipped a boat. As they neared the far shore, Cael could make out carved stone steps leading up from the water to a massive wooden door.
They disembarked clumsily—Elliot nearly tripped over his own feet, and Cassandra shot icy glares at anyone who dared brush her sleeve. Cael, for once, didn't trip at all.
Hagrid led them up the sloping path, his lantern casting flickering shadows across the stone. The castle loomed ever larger until it seemed to blot out the sky.
At last, they reached the front gates. Hagrid raised a fist and rapped three times on the enormous door. The knocks echoed like thunder.
Moments later, the door creaked open.
A tall woman stood in the frame, robed in deep emerald and with a stern expression that brooked no nonsense. Her square spectacles flashed in the torchlight, and her eyes scanned the first-years like she was already deciding their fates.
"Professor McGonagall, as usual—the first-years," Hagrid said with a grin.
"Thank you, Hagrid," she said briskly. "First-years, follow me."
They stepped inside.
The Entrance Hall was vast—its ceiling lost in shadow, the stone walls lined with flaming torches. Polished suits of armor stood at attention along the corridor. The marble floor was so pristine it reflected the flickering firelight.
SYSTEM: You have entered Hogwarts Castle.
Magical Recognition Sequence Engaged…
Environment: Compatible.
Mana Signature: Adequate.
Congratulations! You have achieved the quest: "Arrive at Hogwarts."
Reward: +6 Magic Points.
Current Total: 12 Magic Points
Status: You are now a fresh young wizard with an affinity for the magic of your surroundings. Spellcasting is unlocked.
Cael: Oh… thank goodness. Finally, I'll be able to cast spells.
SYSTEM: Focus now. And wipe that grin off your face before someone thinks you're about to hex the Hat.
The first-years were led into a small stone chamber just off the main hall. It was cold inside, and many of them trembled—not just from the chill, but from nerves. Beyond the door, the distant murmur of hundreds of voices echoed—older students awaiting their arrival.
"This is it," McGonagall said, addressing them with crisp clarity. "In a few moments, you will be sorted into your houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Your house will be like your family at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn points; your misbehavior will lose them. The House Cup depends, in part… on you."
Cael glanced around. Some students muttered nervously. Cassandra stood with perfect posture, arms folded, eyes on the door as though trying to stare down fate itself.
"When the doors open," McGonagall continued, "you will enter in a line. You will be called forward one by one to be sorted. I expect no foolishness—and no talking."
With a final sweeping glance over them all, she turned and vanished through the next door.
Cassandra exhaled slowly. "Let's get this over with."
SYSTEM: Sorting Imminent.
Destiny Fork Detected…
Let's see where the Hat puts you, little girl.
Suddenly, the air grew colder. Ethereal shapes shimmered into view—ghosts drifting through the walls, smiling in welcome.
The Fat Friar floated forward with a jolly wave. "Oh, welcome, welcome everyone! Hope you all end up in Hufflepuff!"
More ghosts followed, drifting through the stone as they offered cheerful greetings or ominous warnings.
Then the great doors creaked open, spilling golden light across the stone floor.
Professor McGonagall stepped out and announced, "All right. Everyone, pair up and follow me."
Cassandra stepped beside Cael without hesitation, and together they joined the slow procession into the Great Hall.
Inside, students in black uniforms with brightly colored house crests sat at four long tables. They watched the newcomers with mixed interest and impatience, eager for the ceremony to end so the feast could begin. Overhead, the enchanted ceiling reflected a starry sky. Hundreds of floating candles bathed the hall in warm, flickering light.
At the front stood a small wooden stool, and resting atop it—the Sorting Hat.
Then Dumbledore rose from his golden chair, arms wide.
"Welcome, welcome!" he beamed. "To those returning, and to those who are new—welcome to Hogwarts! Before we begin, I must remind you all not to enter the Forbidden Forest."
As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance toward the Gryffindor table—specifically at the Weasley twins, who were already snickering—and Percy, who looked thoroughly mortified by association.
Dumbledore continued, "This year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor will be Markus Line. Please give him a warm welcome."
A thin, pale man at the staff table stood and gave a feeble wave, looking like he hadn't eaten a proper meal in weeks, before quickly sitting back down.
"Now," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "let us sing the Sorting Hat's song and proceed with the Sorting!"
The hat twitched.
And then, it began to sing.