Chapter 6: Sorting Ceremony

"It's just the Fire-Making Spell. I cast other spells just like you!" Lynn shook his head and said. 

Fred and George simply nodded, refraining from asking further questions. A talent for a certain magical power often stemmed from one's bloodline, which could be a private matter. Fred and George didn't want to pry into Lynn's privacy.

Soon, the long journey was spent studying by the three of them. As the sun set, the train slowed down.

"The train will be arriving at Hogsmeade Station in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken up to the school separately."

The announcement echoed in the compartment.

The Weasley twins immediately closed their notebooks on the table and retrieved their wands from their pockets. 

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

"Wingardium Leviosa!" 

The two simultaneously cast the Levitation Charm, summoning their school robes from a pile of luggage in the corner of the compartment.

As soon as the Weasley twins turned around, their robes settled onto them. 

Lynn also closed the "Ancient Runes Made Easy" book in his hand, retrieved his school robes from his backpack, and used the Levitation Charm to put them on.

"Lynn, your backpack is enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm, right?" Fred observed that Lynn had no other luggage except the backpack, prompting his curiosity.

Lynn nodded. 

At that moment, the train came to a halt, and the young wizards shuffled towards the door. 

The Weasley twins ushered Lynn along, and together, they disembarked from the train.

They descended onto a tiny, dark platform. The cold air made the Weasley twins shiver.

A little way off, a lamp was bobbing over the heads of the students, held by a massive figure who shouted loudly, "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" 

It was a man with a full beard and a moleskin overcoat, towering over the first-years.

Indeed, it was Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper.

"Off you go, we'll see yeh in the Great Hall later!" Fred patted Lynn's shoulder with a smile.

Lynn bid farewell to the Weasley twins and made his way towards Hagrid.

"I'm Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Follow me closely!" Hagrid's gruff voice commanded as he led the first-years down a steep, narrow path.

It was pitch-black all around, with only starlight providing minimal illumination. Lynn waved his wand gently, conjuring a small fire to hover among the first-years, who exclaimed in awe. It lit their way.

Observing this, Hagrid, holding a dim oil lamp, was momentarily stunned before offering praise. "Brilliant fire spell! What's yer name, lad?" he asked Lynn.

Lynn bowed respectfully and replied, "I'm Lynn Rowle, Mr. Hagrid."

Hagrid gave Lynn an encouraging pat on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over with his immense strength. 

Since Hagrid was standing some distance away, he assumed Lynn's voice was naturally soft and didn't realize Lynn was casting spells non-verbally; otherwise, he wouldn't have remained so calm.

At the end of the narrow path was a great black lake. On the opposite shore stood the majestic and ancient Hogwarts Castle, its towers and windows glimmering under the starry sky. 

A fleet of little boats sat in the water by the shore, waiting to transport the new arrivals across the lake.

"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid instructed, gesturing to the boats. 

Following his guidance, the first-years climbed into the boats.

Once all the other first-years had embarked, Lynn extinguished the flames and joined Hagrid in the last boat to depart.

The boat glided across the glassy lake, carrying them towards the magnificent castle. 

As the boats approached a cliff, Hagrid shouted, "Heads down!" though no one actually needed to duck.

Soon, the group of first-years arrived at the castle, and Lynn rejoined the assembly of students.

Hagrid approached the castle doors and knocked three times with his massive fist. 

The doors creaked open, revealing a stern-faced witch in emerald-green robes.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid informed her.

"Thank you, Hagrid," Professor McGonagall replied, opening the doors fully and ushering the first-years inside.

Leading them through the entrance hall and through a set of double doors, Professor McGonagall brought them to an empty chamber.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she greeted them. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts." 

She explained the significance of the four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—and their history, emphasizing that each had produced outstanding witches and wizards.

Professor McGonagall concluded her welcome speech and led the first-years into the Great Hall.

As they entered, Lynn quietly followed at the back of the group. 

Inside the Great Hall, students from all years sat at four long house tables, surrounded by floating candles and a ceiling bewitched to look like the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Professor McGonagall approached a four-legged stool and placed an ancient, frayed wizard's hat upon it—a hat with a large rip near the brim, resembling a mouth. 

The Sorting Hat.

The hat twitched and burst into song, its tear opening wide like a mouth.

The Sorting Ceremony had begun.

(End of this chapter)