Chapter 11

The train ride continued, the compartment filled with the chatter and laughter of the children as they got to know each other better. Zatanna performed a few simple magic tricks, much to the delight of everyone, easing any remaining tension.

As the train chugged along, the trolley witch appeared with her cart of sweets and snacks.

"Anything from the trolley, dears?" she asked, her warm smile inviting.

Harry and Neville pooled their money together and bought a variety of treats: Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Pumpkin Pasties, and Cauldron Cakes. They shared everything with the others, even offering some to Ron, who had initially been rude but seemed to soften a bit at the gesture.

Lana and Daphne compared the Chocolate Frog cards they collected, while Zatanna entertained them with more magic tricks using the sweets. Hermione, ever the studious one, pulled out one of her new textbooks and started reading, though she occasionally joined in the conversation.

As the landscape outside the window changed from fields to forests, the excitement in the compartment grew. They were getting closer to Hogwarts, and the reality of their new adventure was sinking in.

Ron, munching on a Pumpkin Pastie, finally decided to break the ice with Pamela. "So, where are you from?" he asked, a bit more politely this time.

Pamela smiled, relieved at the change in tone. "I'm from America. This is all so new to me, but I'm excited to see what Hogwarts is like."

Lana, always the curious one, leaned forward. "Have you heard about the Hogwarts Houses, Pamela?" she asked eagerly.

Pamela shook her head. "Not much. Just that there are four of them, right?"

Daphne nodded. "Yeah, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. They each have their own qualities and characteristics."

Pamela listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "Do you know which House you want to be in?" she asked.

Harry grinned. "My parents were in Gryffindor, but Mum thinks I'll probably end up in Ravenclaw."

Lana nodded enthusiastically. "My uncle and aunty think I'll be in Gryffindor, like them, but I wouldn't mind Ravenclaw either. I love learning new things."

Neville shrugged slightly. "My parents were Gryffindors too. I hope I end up there, but honestly, I'm a bit nervous about it."

Ron leaned back, looking smug. "All my family have been in Gryffindor. It's the best House," he declared with confidence.

Zatanna smiled. "I don't know much about the Houses yet, but I'm open to whatever fits me best. Maybe Gryffindor or Ravenclaw."

Daphne smirked. "My family has a long history in Slytherin, but honestly, I think any House could be interesting. Slytherin has its merits, but I'm curious about the others too."

Ron wrinkled his nose. "Slytherin? Really? I heard they're a bunch of slimy snakes," he commented, unable to hide his disdain.

Daphne's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her tone even. "That's just a stereotype, Ron. Slytherins are ambitious and resourceful. Not all of them are bad."

Hermione, trying to keep the peace, added, "I've read about the Houses, and they all have their strengths. I'm just excited to see where I fit in."

Pamela, sensing the tension, quickly changed the subject. "So, Harry, what kind of magic are you most excited to learn?"

Harry smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Everything, really. But I'm especially curious about Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Neville nodded in agreement. "Same here. My parents were Aurors, so I've heard a lot about it."

Lana looked thoughtful. "I'm interested in Transfiguration. It sounds fascinating to change one thing into another."

Zatanna grinned. "I can't wait to learn more spells. My dad taught me a few tricks, but there's so much more to explore."

Ron looked at Pamela with a hint of curiosity. "You said you're from America. Do you have any family here in Britain?"

Pamela hesitated before answering, "Actually, yes. My dad was Gideon Prewett. So, I guess that makes me related to you, Ron."

Ron looked surprised, his eyes widening. "Wait, really? Gideon Prewett was your dad? Wow, I had no idea. Mum's talked about him and Fabian before. They were her brothers, so I guess that makes you my cousin."

Pamela smiled, a bit shyly. "Yeah, I guess so. It's nice to know I have family here."

Ron nodded, a bit awkwardly, but with a hint of a smile. "Yeah, it is. Welcome to the family, then."

Harry grinned. "Looks like we're all connected in one way or another."

The children continued to chat excitedly about their expectations for Hogwarts, their nerves and excitement mingling as the train carried them closer to their new home.

Before long, the sky darkened, and the train began to slow. The students changed into their robes, buzzing with excitement and a bit of nervousness.

As the train slowed and finally came to a halt, the children's excitement reached a fever pitch. They gathered their belongings, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

"First years, over here! First years!" came a booming voice from the platform. The children saw a giant of a man with a bushy beard waving them over. "Name's Hagrid. Follow me, we'll be takin' the boats across the lake to the castle."

The first years followed Hagrid down a steep, narrow path, gasping as the magnificent sight of Hogwarts Castle came into view, illuminated against the night sky. The castle's many turrets and towers stood tall and imposing, a beacon of mystery and magic.

The small fleet of boats waited at the edge of the lake, bobbing gently in the water. "No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called.

Harry, Neville, Lana, and Zatanna clambered into one boat, while Daphne, Harleen, and Pamela joined another. The boats moved smoothly across the glassy surface of the lake, giving the children their first breathtaking view of Hogwarts up close.

—

As they approached the castle, they disembarked and followed Hagrid up a flight of stone steps to the massive wooden front doors. The doors creaked open, and they were greeted by Professor McGonagall, who led them into the Great Hall.

The grandeur of the Great Hall left them all in awe. Thousands of candles floated in the air, casting a warm glow over the four long house tables. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the night sky, complete with twinkling stars.

Professor McGonagall guided them to the front of the hall, where the Sorting Hat sat on a stool, ready to determine their fates. The entire hall fell silent as the hat began to speak, its brim opening like a mouth.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

The hall erupted in applause as the Sorting Hat finished its song. Professor McGonagall stepped forward with the list of names, ready to begin the sorting ceremony.

Professor McGonagall began calling out names from the list.

"Hannah Abbott!" she announced

Hannah Abbott approached the Sorting Hat with a mix of nervousness and excitement. She had heard stories of the Sorting Ceremony from older students and now it was her turn to experience it firsthand.

As the Sorting Hat was placed upon her head, she held her breath, waiting anxiously for its decision. The hall fell silent as everyone watched intently.

The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind:

"Ah, a kind heart and a gentle spirit, loyal and true. You value friendship and harmony above all else, and your dedication to those you care about is unwavering."

After a brief moment of deliberation, the Sorting Hat declared:

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

A relieved smile spread across Hannah's face as she removed the hat, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her. She joined her new housemates at the Hufflepuff table, where she was greeted with warmth and acceptance, ready to embark on her Hogwarts journey surrounded by friends who shared her values.

"Susan Bones!" Professor McGonagall announced.

Susan Bones approached the Sorting Hat confidently, her eyes bright with anticipation. She had grown up hearing tales of Hogwarts from her older relatives and was eager to finally experience the Sorting Ceremony for herself.

As the Sorting Hat was placed upon her head, she waited patiently, her mind racing with excitement. The hall fell silent as everyone watched, curious to see where she would be placed.

The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind:

"A strong sense of loyalty and a steadfast determination. You value fairness and justice, and your courage shines bright."

After a moment of consideration, the Sorting Hat announced its decision:

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

A smile of satisfaction spread across Susan's face as she removed the hat, feeling a sense of pride in her house placement. She joined her new housemates at the Hufflepuff table, ready to embrace the camaraderie and warmth that awaited her in her new home at Hogwarts.

"Tracy Davis!" Professor McGonagall announced.

Tracy Davis approached the Sorting Hat confidently, her posture poised and her expression determined. She was eager to prove herself and make her mark at Hogwarts, and the Sorting Ceremony was the first step on her journey.

As the Sorting Hat was placed upon her head, Tracy closed her eyes, waiting for its decision. She knew that Slytherin was the house of ambition and cunning, and she was determined to be among its ranks.

The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind:

"A keen intellect and a hunger for success. You possess the drive and ambition to achieve greatness, no matter the cost."

After a brief moment of consideration, the Sorting Hat announced its decision:

"SLYTHERIN!"

Tracy's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she removed the hat, feeling a surge of pride at her house placement. With determination burning in her heart, she joined her new housemates at the Slytherin table, ready to embark on her Hogwarts journey and carve out her own path to success.

"Hermione Granger!" Professor McGonagall announced.

A girl with bushy brown hair stepped forward, her face a mixture of determination and nervousness. She sat on the stool, and Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head. The hat took a moment before it spoke:

"Ah, a bright mind indeed, and a thirst for knowledge. You belong in... RAVENCLAW!"

The table on the right erupted in cheers and applause as Hermione made her way over, smiling broadly. She joined the Ravenclaw table, where the other students welcomed her enthusiastically. The sorting continued, each new student waiting eagerly to find out their Hogwarts house.

"Daphne Greengrass!" Professor McGonagall called.

Daphne stepped forward, her posture confident as she approached the stool. With a determined expression, she sat down and the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. After a brief moment of contemplation, the hat announced its decision:

"Ah, a sharp mind and ambition to match. You will find your place in... SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table erupted into cheers and applause as Daphne made her way over, a proud smile on her face. She joined her new housemates, ready to embark on her Hogwarts journey as a member of Slytherin.

"Lana Lang!" Professor McGonagall called.

Lana stepped forward, her heart pounding with excitement as she approached the stool. With a determined expression, she sat down, and the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. After a moment of deliberation, the hat announced its decision:

"A courageous spirit, burning bright and true. You belong in... GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and applause as Lana made her way over, a wide grin spreading across her face. She joined her new housemates, ready to embrace the adventures that awaited her in Gryffindor.

"Neville Longbottom!" Professor McGonagall called.

Neville nervously made his way to the stool, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he settled the Sorting Hat onto his head, he couldn't help but wonder where he would end up. After a brief moment of consideration, the hat declared:

"A loyal heart, steadfast and true, with a kindness that knows no bounds. You belong in... HUFFLEPUFF!"

The Hufflepuff table erupted into cheers and applause as Neville beamed with pride. He found a seat beside Tonks and her friends, feeling a sense of belonging wash over him as he embraced his new house.

As the sorting continued, Professor McGonagall called out, "Draco Malfoy!"

All eyes turned to the silvery-blonde haired boy who strode confidently to the stool. His demeanor was one of arrogance, his posture exuding an air of superiority that left no doubt as to his self-assurance.

The Sorting Hat was placed upon his head, and a hush fell over the Great Hall as everyone waited in anticipation for its decision.

The Sorting Hat's voice boomed inside his head:

"A cunning mind, sharp as a serpent's fang, with ambition burning bright. You possess a hunger for power and influence, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals."

The boy's expression remained impassive as he waited for the Sorting Hat's verdict, his eyes betraying a hint of impatience.

"SLYTHERIN!" the Sorting Hat announced, its voice echoing throughout the Great Hall.

A smug grin spread across the boy's face as he removed the hat, his silver eyes glinting with satisfaction. With a confident stride, he made his way to the Slytherin table, where he was met with applause and admiration from his new housemates.

Draco Malfoy had found his place among the ambitious and cunning students of Slytherin House, ready to carve out his own path to success within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.

"Harry Potter!" Professor McGonagall's voice rang out through the Great Hall.

Harry walked up to the stool, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. He sat down and felt the Sorting Hat being placed on his head. As the Hat deliberated, Harry couldn't help but wonder which house he would be sorted into.

After what felt like an eternity, the Hat finally spoke, its voice echoing in Harry's mind:

"A mind as sharp as a blade, with a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds. But courage burns bright within you too, a Gryffindor's heart, bold and true. Yet, there's wisdom in your soul, a Ravenclaw's intellect calls to you."

The Great Hall fell silent as the Hat continued to deliberate. Finally, it proclaimed:

"RAVENCLAW!"

A mixture of cheers and applause erupted from the Ravenclaw table as Harry made his way over, feeling a sense of excitement and curiosity about his new house.

"Pamela Isley-Prewett!" Professor McGonagall called out, her voice echoing through the Great Hall.

Pamela walked confidently to the stool, her heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. She sat down and felt the Sorting Hat being placed on her head. As it settled into place, Pamela closed her eyes, wondering which house would become her new home.

The Sorting Hat's voice filled her mind:

"A mind as fertile as the earth itself, with roots that delve deep into the mysteries of the world. But there's a thirst for knowledge that burns within you, a Ravenclaw's heart, seeking truth and wisdom."

Pamela waited anxiously as the Hat seemed to ponder her fate. Finally, it declared:

"RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table erupted into cheers and applause as Pamela joined her new housemates, her heart swelling with pride and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.

As she sat by his side, Harry gave her a small smile, which Pamela returned.

"Harleen Quinzel!" Professor McGonagall called out, her voice resonating in the Great Hall.

Harleen stepped forward, her eyes bright with anticipation, and made her way to the stool. As she sat down, the Sorting Hat was placed upon her head, and she closed her eyes, awaiting its decision.

The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind:

"A heart filled with compassion, a spirit as bright as the sun. Loyalty runs deep within your veins, and fairness guides your every action."

Harleen's heart raced as she listened intently to the Hat's words, wondering which house she would call home.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" the Sorting Hat declared.

The Hufflepuff table erupted into cheers as Harleen beamed with delight, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her as she joined her new housemates, sitting besides Neville. She knew that she had found her place at Hogwarts, and she couldn't wait to embark on this new journey with her friends by her side.

"Ron Weasley!" Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the Great Hall.

Ron strode up to the stool, his head held high despite the nerves fluttering in his stomach. As he sat down and the Sorting Hat was placed upon his head, he braced himself for the Hat's decision.

The Sorting Hat's voice boomed inside his mind:

"A fiery spirit, brave and true, with a heart as bold as a lion's roar. Your loyalty and courage shine bright, guiding you towards greatness."

Ron's heart raced as he waited anxiously for the Sorting Hat to announce his fate. He silently prayed for Gryffindor, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his family.

"GRYFFINDOR!" the Sorting Hat bellowed.

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers as Ron's face broke into a wide grin. He felt a surge of pride and excitement as he joined his new housemates, sitting besides Lana, knowing that he was destined for adventure and bravery in Gryffindor House.

"Zatanna Zatara!" Professor McGonagall called out, her voice carrying across the Great Hall.

Zatanna stepped forward, her heart pounding with anticipation as she made her way to the stool. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she sat down and the Sorting Hat was placed upon her head.

The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in her mind:

"A mind as sharp as a razor, with a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds. Your intellect and creativity are your greatest assets, leading you on a path of wisdom and discovery."

Zatanna's thoughts raced as she waited for the Sorting Hat's decision. She had always admired Ravenclaw House for its dedication to learning and innovation, but a part of her wondered if she truly belonged there.

"RAVENCLAW!" the Sorting Hat declared.

A sense of relief washed over Zatanna as she rose from the stool, a smile spreading across her face. She felt a surge of pride at being chosen for Ravenclaw, knowing that she would be surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared her passion for learning and exploration. With a newfound sense of excitement, she joined Harry, Pamela and Hermione at the Ravenclaw table, eager to embark on this new chapter of her magical journey.

With the sorting complete, the feast began

Dumbledore stood up, his presence commanding the attention of the entire Great Hall. His eyes twinkled with warmth as he addressed the assembled students.

"Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" he began, his voice carrying easily across the room. "Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

"Thank you!"

He sat back down. Everybody clapped and cheered.

With a wave of his wand, the tables groaned under the weight of a delicious spread of food, filling the hall with tantalizing aromas. The students erupted into cheers and applause, eagerly reaching for their favorite dishes as the feast began in earnest.

After the feast, Dumbledore rose once again to address the students, his expression serious yet kind.

"Firstly, I have a few announcements to make," he began, his voice carrying easily across the Great Hall. "As always, the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to all students. I would like to remind you all that the use of magic outside of school grounds is strictly prohibited for underage wizards and witches. We must uphold the International Statute of Secrecy and ensure the safety of our magical community."

"Furthermore," Dumbledore continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students, "I must also remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death."

As Dumbledore's ominous warning echoed through the Great Hall, Harry and his friends exchanged incredulous glances from across their respective house tables. The gravity of Dumbledore's words hung in the air, but instead of instilling fear, they seemed to elicit a collective sense of disbelief and amusement.

Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione, who shrugged in response, her expression mirroring his own incredulity. Ron let out a low whistle, while Neville exchanged a bemused glance with Lana and Zatanna.

"It's like he's asking for trouble," Harry muttered under his breath, earning a stifled chuckle from Zatanna, Pamela and Hermione.

As the laughter subsided and the feast continued, Harry couldn't help but shake his head in amusement. It seemed that even Dumbledore, with all his wisdom and authority, was not immune to the occasional lapse of common sense.

"Now, onto happier matters," Dumbledore said, his tone becoming lighter. "I am pleased to announce that Quidditch trials will be held in the coming weeks for those interested in joining their house teams. Captains, please make arrangements accordingly."

The mention of Quidditch elicited cheers and excited whispers from the students, many of whom were eager to try out for their house teams.

"In addition," Dumbledore continued, "I encourage each and every one of you to make the most of your time here at Hogwarts. Study hard, make new friends, and above all, cherish the magical journey that lies ahead of you."

"And finally, I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Quirrell," Dumbledore announced, gesturing towards the nervous-looking man seated at the staff table.

The students applauded politely, though there were a few curious whispers at the mention of the new teacher.

"I trust that you will give Professor Quirrell the same respect and attention that you have given to all your previous teachers," Dumbledore said, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Now, let us all have a wonderful night's rest. Classes will begin promptly in the morning."

With that, Dumbledore took his seat once again, and the students began to disperse, chatting excitedly about the year ahead.

—

As the Ravenclaw first years passed by the infamous third-floor corridor, Harry leaned in close to Zatanna, his voice barely above a whisper. "Keep an eye out," he murmured, a sense of urgency in his tone.

Zatanna nodded, her eyes scanning their surroundings as they walked. Unbeknownst to their classmates, Harry discreetly activated his X-ray vision, peering through the heavy wooden door of the forbidden corridor.

What he saw on the other side sent a shiver down his spine. There, standing guard in the dimly lit chamber, was a massive three-headed dog, its fur bristling as it paced back and forth. Harry's heart pounded in his chest as he quickly relayed what he saw to Zatanna, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We need to tell mum about this," he said urgently, his eyes darting around for any sign of a teacher or prefect. With the danger lurking just beyond that forbidden door, Harry knew they couldn't afford to ignore what they had discovered.

—

As the Ravenclaw first years approached the door to their common room, they were met with the sight of a majestic eagle statue blocking their path. Penelope Clearwater, the fifth-year prefect accompanying them explained the unique entry system of Ravenclaw House.

"We don't have a set password like the other houses," she began, gesturing towards the eagle. "Instead, you'll be presented with a riddle. To gain entry, you must correctly answer the riddle and provide your reasoning behind the answer."

With a sense of anticipation, the prefect stepped aside, allowing the students to focus on the eagle statue. The eagle's eyes seemed to gleam with intelligence as it posed the riddle to the eager first years.

"Here is your riddle," the eagle announced in a clear, resonant voice. "I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?"

The students exchanged thoughtful glances, their minds racing as they contemplated the answer.

Harry cleared his throat nervously, his mind racing as he formulated his answer. "I believe the answer is an echo," he said, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "Because an echo is a sound that repeats after it has been heard. It doesn't have a physical form, but it is created when sound waves bounce off surfaces and return to the listener, much like how wind can bring an echo to life."

The eagle statue regarded Harry with a solemn gaze, as if weighing the validity of his answer. After a moment of tense silence, the statue's wings unfurled, granting access to the Ravenclaw common room.

The other first years cheered in delight, congratulating Harry on his quick thinking and clever reasoning. With a sense of accomplishment, they followed Harry through the entrance, eager to explore their new home within Hogwarts.

After a few announcements by the Prefect, they head to their dorm room.

Harry cast a few privacy charms around his bed, ensuring that his conversation with Lily would remain confidential. With a flick of his wrist, he activated the communication bracelet and waited anxiously for his mother to answer.

After a moment, Lily's voice came through the bracelet. "Harry, is everything alright?" she asked, concern evident in her tone.

"Yeah, Mum, everything's fine," Harry reassured her quickly. "But I wanted to tell you about something I saw on the third floor corridor. It's blocked off by a door, and I used my X-ray vision to see through it. There's a three-headed dog guarding something. It looked pretty dangerous."

Lily's voice was filled with concern. "A three-headed dog? That sounds incredibly dangerous, Harry," she said, her tone serious. "You must promise me to stay away from that corridor. It's not worth risking your safety."

"I promise, Mum," Harry replied solemnly. "I'll stay away from there. But I just wanted to let you know what I saw. It seemed important."

"Thank you for telling me, Harry," Lily said gratefully. "You did the right thing by informing me. Just focus on your studies and making friends for now. We'll figure out what to do about the three-headed dog later."

With a sense of relief knowing that Harry was safe for the moment, Lily and Harry continued their conversation, discussing his first day at Hogwarts and exchanging stories about their respective days. Despite the distance between them, their bond remained strong, providing comfort and reassurance in uncertain times.

---

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