The boats touched the shore with a soft bump, and the first-years stepped out, eyes wide as they looked up at the glowing towers of Hogwarts Castle.
The cool air smelled of lake water and old stone. Owls hooted in the distance, and soft golden light poured from the windows high above.
Waiting by the path was a giant man with wild black hair and a beard like a bush. He smiled warmly at the wide-eyed group.
"Firs' years! Over here now!"
The students hesitated, except one.
Harris stepped forward, eyes fixed on the man.
"You're… really big," he said, blinking.
The man chuckled, kneeling slightly to his level. "Aye, that's true. Name's Rubeus Hagrid. Keeper of Keys an' Grounds here at Hogwarts."
"I'm Harris Wells."
"Well met, Harris," Hagrid said kindly. "No need to be scared. Hogwarts is a good place. You'll see."
Harris smiled shyly and nodded. Hagrid's size was still shocking, but the kindness in his voice made him feel safe.
"Now, up the steps, everyone!" Hagrid bellowed. "Professor McGonagall's waitin'!"
The huge wooden doors creaked open as the students climbed the stone steps.
There, standing straight and serious in dark green robes, was Professor McGonagall.
She looked over the group with sharp eyes, then gave a small nod.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. In a few minutes, you will be sorted into one of the four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Your House will be like your family while you are here. Please follow me."
She turned briskly, and the first-years followed her into the castle entrance hall, a grand space with high ceilings, torch-lit walls, and old stone that smelled faintly of history.
"Wait here," she said, stopping in front of two massive doors. "I will return when the Great Hall is ready."
She left without another word.
The group stood in silence, taking in the castle around them.
Then,
Something shimmered through the wall.
A ghost in fine robes and a tall ruffled collar drifted out, glowing pale blue and smiling.
"Oh! New students!" he beamed. "Welcome, welcome! First time at Hogwarts, I assume?"
Some kids gasped. One girl squeaked and hid behind her friend.
A second ghost floated in, this one looking more serious and slightly transparent.
"Must you always float through the wall like that?" he muttered.
"I'm Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, House ghost of Gryffindor," the first ghost said proudly, "but most students just call me Nearly Headless Nick."
"Nearly?" Alex asked.
Nick grinned and tugged on his collar and his head flopped sideways, still attached by a thin thread of ghost-flesh.
Several students groaned or laughed nervously.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Alex whispered to Harris.
"Don't throw up on the ghosts," Harris whispered back.
Before they could speak more, the doors at the end of the hall opened again, and Professor McGonagall returned.
She gave the ghosts a stern glance. "That's enough for now."
The ghosts politely floated away.
"Follow me," she said.
The Great Hall was like nothing they had ever seen.
Hundreds of floating candles drifted above, lighting the vast room. The ceiling looked like the sky, a perfect, enchanted copy of the night outside. Four long tables stretched across the hall, filled with older students, all watching the newcomers.
At the front, the teachers sat at a raised table.
And in front of them… a small wooden stool with an old, patchy hat resting on it.
The Sorting Hat.
It sat still for a moment.
Then it stirred.
Its brim curled like a mouth.
And it began to sing.
"Step forward, one and all, don't fear,
The Sorting Hat will place you clear.
Be you bold or full of brains,
Gentle heart or sharp with aims.
Gryffindors, with courage bright,
Will stand for truth and face the fight.
Ravenclaws with minds so keen,
Love puzzles, books, and what's unseen.
Hufflepuffs with hearts so true,
Will stick with you your whole way through.
Slytherins, proud, strong, and sly,
Will reach their dreams, and aim sky-high.
So place me on your clever head,
I'll see the path you're meant to tread.
No need to fear, I'll choose your place,
And help you start your Hogwarts race!"
Applause filled the hall.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward again with a long scroll.
"When I call your name," she said, "step forward, sit on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head."
The room fell silent.
The Sorting had begun.
Harris felt his heart thumping louder than ever.
He glanced at Summer, calm but alert, and at Alex, who was clearly trying not to faint.
Their names hadn't been called yet.
But soon… they would be.
And everything would change.