First Glimpse of Hogwarts

The rest of the journey passed in silence, a peaceful lull after the trio had left. Draco relished the solitude, using it to reflect on the bizarre circumstances that had led him here. It was still surreal—this new reality where everything looked the same, yet held a darker, sharper edge.

The train gradually slowed, its soft lurch snapping Draco out of his thoughts. He glanced out the window, where the dark outlines of trees swayed gently under the night sky. Their shadows flickered as the train moved closer to its final destination.

"Freshers, leave your bags in the compartment; they will be transferred to your dorm afterward," came a voice over the speakers, crackling slightly..

The compartment buzzed with the voices of excited students eager for their first glimpse of Hogwarts. Draco sat up straighter, adjusting the cuffs of his cloak, feeling the weight of expectations settle on his shoulders.

"First years! This way, first years!" boomed a voice from outside the train.

He exited the compartment alone, having noticed that Hermione had left after some time, perhaps uncomfortable around him. It was a familiar feeling—being on the outskirts, a position he had grown accustomed to in his past life.

As he stepped out, Draco was greeted by thick, velvety darkness, the sky above scattered with stars like cold pinpricks. The platform was bustling, the chatter of students blending with the echo of footsteps against the stone as seniors directed them. He inhaled deeply, the sharp scent of pine and damp earth filling his lungs, grounding him in this new reality.

"First years, this way!" the same booming voice called again.

Draco turned to see a giant of a man—a half-giant—holding a lantern high above his head. The light illuminated a wild tangle of hair and beard. That was Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper, who, in the original story, wasn't allowed to have a wand. The sight of him sparked a mix of recognition and trepidation in Draco; Hagrid was a key figure, someone who knew much more about the Forbidden Forest than most.

As the crowd of first-years huddled around Hagrid, Draco found himself separated from the familiar faces of his Slytherin companions. He caught a glimpse of Harry further down the platform, standing with Ron and Neville, all wide-eyed and excitedly talking. He also noticed Hermione with an unknown girl, while Crabbe and Goyle were with others. Draco, always keenly aware of his surroundings, caught a few lingering glances from other students. He ignored them, tightening his jaw. He couldn't afford to show weakness, especially not now.

"Hurry up, Harry! Come here!" Hagrid's voice boomed.

Harry turned, flashing an eager smile, while Ron and Neville trailed after him. The whispers began again, the Boy Who Lived drawing attention as effortlessly as ever.

Harry stepped forward, responding, "Hello, Hagrid."

Ron and Neville chimed in as well, eager to be included.

"Right, follow me!" Hagrid called, ushering the first-years forward.

The first-years followed Hagrid down a narrow, winding path, their footsteps echoing in the cool night air. The lanterns carried by Hagrid cast flickering shadows on the uneven terrain, and Draco's mind wandered as the conversation of his fellow students faded into the background. The path grew steeper, and soon they reached the edge of a great lake. The waters stretched out, calm and dark, reflecting the night sky like a mirror. Beyond it, silhouetted against the distant hills, stood Hogwarts.

Draco's breath hitched. The sight of the castle was overwhelming.

Even in his previous life, he remembered seeing it in the movies and thinking it was grand. But standing before the real thing? The sheer size of it was staggering, its towering spires reaching for the sky, each window flickering with a warm, inviting light. It was far more imposing than he had ever imagined.

The sheer size of the castle dwarfed anything Draco had imagined.

Was it this big in the movie too? he wondered, a fleeting thought that reminded him of the world he had left behind.

"Right then!" Hagrid's voice interrupted Draco's thoughts. "Into the boats, four to a boat!"

Draco could feel eyes on him as he approached one of the boats. He took his seat with measured calm, allowing a few other first-years to clamber in beside him. His heart raced; he was in a world of magic, yet he had to be cautious.

Across the water, Harry and Ron were in a boat together, with Neville nervously gripping the side. Draco's attention shifted briefly to them. He couldn't afford to underestimate Harry. Not now, with his parents alive and influential. That changed the stakes, making the situation far more complex.

As the boats drifted silently across the lake, the towering figure of Hogwarts grew ever more imposing, a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. The familiar script of the story Draco once knew no longer felt like a crutch he could lean on.

"Look at that, it's huge!" one of the boys next to Draco whispered, marveling at the castle.

Draco said nothing, but he agreed—it was massive. His thoughts were more calculating. He had to move carefully in this world. His father, Lucius, was more dangerous than shown. The Malfoys seemed to hold even more power in this timeline, which also meant more danger for anyone who stepped out of line. He knew if he wanted to survive, he needed to prepare himself for everything, especially after the family meeting. This world was more realistic—dark wizards conducting rituals requiring human sacrifice, werewolves and vampires were threats, bounty hunters attacking other wizards. And with Voldemort's possible presence looming, he reminded himself of one thing—he was never truly safe.

As the boats glided closer to the shore, Hagrid's booming voice brought them back to the present.

"Nearly there!" he called, as the first-years murmured with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Draco steeled himself. The Sorting was just the beginning. He knew he had to keep his true feelings hidden, even as his mind raced with thoughts of how to manipulate this new reality. He was no longer just a player; he had to be a strategist in a much larger game.

...

Author's pov

Although I have choosen the travelling world as Redo of healer + Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World (for now) but you can suggest other fantasy world which contains dungeons, Demi humans, demons, monsters ,kingdoms, leveling , classes or jobs etc .

Give me a list if possible.

Like World history or building similar to

re monster, Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World, hero of darkness, lust knight etc. As many as you remember.