73 Chapter 73: "Hogwarts"

When Harry and his fellow first-year students disembarked from the Hogwarts Express, they were instantly enveloped in the bustling atmosphere of Hogsmeade station. The dimly lit platform was alive with the chatter of older students, weaving their way home, weary yet excited. 

Amidst this bustling scene, a distinct voice cut through the chatter, drawing the attention of the newcomers. It was Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts, his voice resonant and welcoming as he called out to the first years. Clad in his trademark oversized coat, his bushy beard and twinkling eyes made him an imposing yet friendly figure.

"Firs' years, Firs' years, this way please," he beckoned, his large hand waving them over.

No amount of reading could truly prepare Harry for the sight of the half-giant in person. Hagrid's size was staggering; he towered over everyone, matching the descriptions Harry had read in the books. He estimated Hagrid's height to be around eleven and a half feet, with a breadth to match. His arms alone were thicker than some of the students, presenting a figure both awe-inspiring and slightly daunting.

The initial shock of Hagrid's size had a brief, silencing effect on the first years. It took the courage of one student, who stepped forward to stand beside Hagrid, to break the spell. Encouraged by this act of bravery, the rest of the group gathered their wits and moved closer, ready to follow Hagrid's lead.

Harry decided not to join Hagrid and the other first-year students for their traditional journey across the Great Lake. He wasn't looking forward to a boat ride in the chilly evening air, especially because he knew that the Trace would be cast on him during this voyage.

Since Harry was already legally independent, he could have the Trace lifted at the Ministry of Magic without any trouble later on, but he preferred to skip the process entirely if he could help it.

So, Harry cleverly used the bustling crowd as a cover to slip away and distance himself from the friends he had just made. His gaze swept over the sea of older Hogwarts students, searching for one distinctive figure. Despite the challenge of finding someone amidst the throng, Harry's eyes quickly spotted the unmistakable flash of pink hair that marked his target.

Approaching her with a confident stride, Harry tapped her shoulder lightly. "Wotcher Tonks," he greeted with a friendly tone.

Nymphadora Tonks, whom Harry had met during a visit to her family's home the previous month, turned around with a grin. "Wotcher Harry. What brings you here? Shouldn't a 'ickle firstie' like you be heading off with Hagrid for the boat ride?"

Harry shrugged off the suggestion with a small smile. "Not really in the mood for a boat trip tonight. I'd much rather join you for the carriage ride if that's alright."

Tonks's hair danced through shades of pink and purple, a clear sign of her playful nature. "You're welcome to, but don't blame me if Professor McGonagall gives you a hard time later," she warned, her expression lighthearted yet earnest.

Harry dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand. "I'll manage. Better than braving the cold with the rest of the first years on the lake."

"Alright then, follow me," Tonks replied, signaling to her friends that she'd catch up and guiding Harry towards the waiting carriages. 

Harry and Tonks left the busy platform behind and made their way to where numerous carriages were lined up, waiting to transport students to Hogwarts.

While these carriages might seem to be moving on their own to most, Harry could see what was really pulling them—Thestrals. These creatures, resembling skeletal horses with leathery wings, were only visible to those who had experienced death.

Harry, having witnessed his grandmother's death, was one of the few who could see them.

Approaching one of the carriages, Tonks hopped on without hesitation. Harry, curious, reached out to gently pat one of the Thestrals on its head. To his surprise, the creature accepted his touch quite calmly, contrary to what he expected from a being classified as XXXX, meaning highly dangerous. Harry mused that perhaps Hagrid's care or a misunderstanding in their classification made them seem less threatening than they were reputed to be.

Tonks, noticing Harry's actions, asked, "What are you doing?"

Harry explained as he climbed into the carriage beside her, "I was just petting a Thestral."

Tonks looked puzzled, "Petting what? I thought these carriages moved by magic alone."

"No, they're pulled by Thestrals," Harry clarified. "You can only see them if you've seen death. Just be a bit cautious around the carriages from now on. Thestrals are considered dangerous."

Tonks laughed off the warning, "Don't try to scare me, Harry. If they were that dangerous, I'd have heard about attacks by now in my five years here."

Harry explained, "They're well-behaved because Hagrid has done a great job taming them. Still, they're inherently dangerous creatures. Imagine being attacked by something you can't see, not knowing where they are or how to protect yourself from them."

Tonks, half-joking, half-admiring, responded, "Okay, Mr. Know-It-All, let's head to Hogwarts. Why are you even coming to Hogwarts? You seem to know more than me."

Harry, smiling, replied, "Think of it as me coming to Hogwarts to have fun."

The conversation shifted as the carriage began its journey, "Which house do you think you'll be sorted into?" Tonks inquired.

"I'm hoping for Ravenclaw, but it's up to the Sorting Hat," Harry shared.

Tonks sighed, "Too bad you won't be in Hufflepuff with me. We Puffs know how to have fun. Ravens can be a bit dull."

As the carriage rolled towards Hogwarts, they continued to chat, filling the night air with their idle talk and laughter.

As Hogwarts came into view, Harry realized that his memories of the castle from a brief visit years ago didn't do it justice. This was truly his first time appreciating the grandeur of the magnificent structure before him. He sensed a powerful aura of magic enveloping the castle, a feeling that convinced him the environment would be immensely beneficial for his magical education.

The castle seemed to have a life of its own, leading Harry to ponder if it possessed some level of sentience. Perhaps the house elves that served the castle were not under the Headmaster's command but the castle itself. This thought intrigued Harry and promised an interesting topic for further exploration.

Upon their arrival at the grand entrance of Hogwarts, Harry bid farewell to Tonks and hurried to join the first-year students, as Tonks had instructed. To avoid any potential reprimand for his unconventional arrival, he swiftly donned his invisibility cloak.

Moments later, Hagrid arrived, escorting the first years. Seizing the moment, Harry merged silently with the group, invisible to their eyes.

Hagrid led the group of first years up to the grand entrance of the castle, giving a solid knock on the imposing doors. In the moment when all eyes were drawn to the opening doors, Harry swiftly removed his invisibility cloak and tucked it away, hoping his action went unnoticed.

As the doors gracefully opened, they were met by the sight of Professor McGonagall, clad in her distinctive emerald green robes, her expression stern as she surveyed the group of new students.

Hagrid introduced the group with a hearty, "The firs' years, Professor."

McGonagall, with a nod of acknowledgment, replied, "Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take over from here."

She then led the first years deeper into Hogwarts. As they approached the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall paused, turning to face the students with a formal welcome. "Welcome to Hogwarts," she began. "The start-of-term banquet will soon commence, but before you join the feast, you will be sorted into your houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Here, your achievements will contribute to your house's points, while any rule infractions will deduct points. The house with the most points at the end of the year wins the house cup, a prestigious award. Now, please form a line and follow me."

The grand doors to the Great Hall opened, and the students followed Professor McGonagall inside. Harry quietly made his way to Cedric's side, taking in the surroundings. He noticed the hall wasn't as populated as he had anticipated, housing no more than 300 students—a stark indicator of the wizarding world's struggle to recover from recent wars.

The hall itself was a sight to behold, with enchanted candles floating above and the four house banners prominently displayed. The professors were seated at a high table at the front, overseeing the hall. The first years were excited and nervous for what was about to come next.