Chapter 17

Harry, Dorea, and Charlus stepped gracefully out of the Floo at the Leaky Cauldron, brushing off the remnants of soot from their robes. The familiar, bustling inn was alive with the early morning buzz of witches and wizards, all preparing for their own travels. As the trio composed themselves, they quickly spotted Sirius and Amelia Black seated at a corner table with Susan Bones. The young girl waved enthusiastically at Harry, who returned the gesture with a grin.

"Harry! Over here!" Susan called out, her face bright with excitement.

Charlus, ever the gentleman, led Dorea towards the table, greeting Sirius and Amelia warmly. "Good morning, everyone," he said, his voice cheerful. "Looks like we're all set for quite the day."

Dorea, her eyes twinkling, hugged Susan briefly before settling down. "It's so wonderful to see you, dear. All ready for your big adventure?"

Susan nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mrs. Potter. I can't wait to get to Hogwarts!"

Harry, meanwhile, was exchanging greetings with Sirius and Amelia. Sirius ruffled his godson's hair affectionately. "Ready for the big leagues, kiddo?" he asked with a grin.

Harry laughed, nodding. "I think so. It's going to be amazing."

Amelia smiled warmly at Harry, her tone motherly. "You'll do great, Harry. Just remember to enjoy yourself and make the most of it."

As they chatted, the door of the Leaky Cauldron opened once more, and the Tonks family entered. Andromeda, looking every bit the elegant witch, led the way, followed by Ted, who was carrying a rather large trunk, and Tonks, whose hair was currently a vibrant shade of bubblegum pink.

"Morning, everyone!" Andromeda greeted as she approached the group. "Quite the gathering we have here."

Tonks, grinning widely, gave Harry a quick hug. "Hey, kid! Ready to rock Hogwarts?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry chuckled. "Absolutely! Are you coming to see us off, or just here for the chaos?"

"Both, of course," Tonks replied with a wink.

As they all settled into conversation, the anticipation in the air was palpable. They discussed everything from last-minute packing worries to favorite Hogwarts memories, with the adults sharing advice and the children eagerly listening and asking questions.

A short while later, the Leaky Cauldron's door swung open again, and Neville Longbottom entered, accompanied by his formidable grandmother, Augusta. The Longbottom matriarch was dressed impeccably in her usual austere attire, while Neville looked both nervous and excited.

"Good morning, everyone," Augusta greeted, her voice warm despite her stern demeanor. "Sorry we're a bit late. Neville was double-checking his packing."

"Morning, Augusta, Neville," Charlus greeted them with a smile. "No worries, we've got plenty of time."

Neville, spotting Harry, grinned nervously. "Hey, Harry. All set for Hogwarts?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! It's going to be great, Neville."

The last arrivals were the Greengrass and Davis families. Daphne and Astoria Greengrass entered with their parents, followed closely by Tracey Davis and her mother. The two families exchanged polite greetings with the others, and soon, the whole group was engaged in cheerful conversation.

Dorea, noticing the time, clapped her hands lightly. "Well, it seems we're all here. Shall we make our way to King's Cross?"

There was a chorus of agreement, and the group began to gather their things. Ted Tonks and Charlus took charge of the luggage, while the rest ensured the children were ready and accounted for. As they exited the Leaky Cauldron, the excitement of the impending journey to Hogwarts filled the air. The parents and guardians exchanged fond farewells and last-minute advice with their children, while the young witches and wizards eagerly anticipated the magical journey ahead.

The group made their way to King's Cross Station, heading towards the secret entrance to Platform 9 and 3/4. As they neared the barrier, the children watched in awe and excitement, ready to pass through and board the Hogwarts Express, marking the beginning of their new adventure at the famous wizarding school.

—

As the bustling crowd moved through King's Cross Station, a young girl with bushy brown hair and a determined expression stood with her parents, trying to locate the elusive Platform 9 and 3/4. Hermione Granger, who had been eagerly awaiting her first year at Hogwarts, clutched her ticket while her parents looked around in confusion.

"Mum, Dad, it says here we need to find the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10," Hermione explained, her voice tinged with both excitement and urgency. She had read all the books she could find on the wizarding world, and she knew this was where they were supposed to go.

Her mother, looking slightly bewildered, asked, "Are you sure this is the right place, Hermione?"

"Yes, absolutely," Hermione replied, though a hint of uncertainty crept into her voice as she scanned the busy station.

Just then, Harry, accompanied by his grandparents Charlus and Dorea Potter, along with Sirius and Amelia Black, Susan, and the Tonks family, were heading towards the barrier themselves. Harry noticed Hermione and her parents looking lost and decided to offer help.

"Grandma, Grandpa," Harry said, gesturing towards the Grangers, "they seem like they could use some help finding the platform."

Charlus nodded in agreement. "Let's go see if we can assist them."

The group approached the Grangers, and Harry stepped forward with a friendly smile. "Excuse me, are you looking for Platform 9 and 3/4?"

Hermione's eyes widened as she recognized him immediately by the faded scar on his forehead. "You're Harry Potter!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and awe. "I've read all about you! I'm Hermione Granger, and these are my parents. We're trying to find the platform, but we're not sure how to get there."

Harry smiled, a bit taken aback by her enthusiasm. "Nice to meet you, Hermione. I'm Harry, and these are my grandparents, Charlus and Dorea Potter. We can show you the way."

Dorea stepped forward, smiling warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione. This must be a bit overwhelming for you, but don't worry—we'll get you there."

Hermione nodded eagerly, grateful for the assistance. "I've read everything I could find about Hogwarts and the magical world, but I didn't expect it to be quite this… mysterious."

Charlus chuckled. "It can be a bit tricky if you're not used to it. Just follow us."

The group made their way towards the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. Harry explained, "All you need to do is walk straight at the barrier. It looks solid, but you won't crash—just trust it."

Hermione's parents exchanged uncertain glances but followed Harry's lead. Hermione, brimming with excitement, took a deep breath and led the way, walking briskly towards the barrier. She and her parents vanished through it without a hitch.

Harry and the rest of the group followed, emerging onto Platform 9 and 3/4. The sight of the scarlet Hogwarts Express and the crowd of students and families filled Hermione's eyes with wonder.

"It's amazing," she breathed, looking around with wide eyes.

Dorea smiled, feeling a fondness for the eager young witch. "Welcome to Platform 9 and 3/4, Hermione. This is where your journey to Hogwarts begins. It's the start of a wonderful adventure."

Hermione's parents, still absorbing the magical atmosphere, thanked the Potters. "We really appreciate your help," Mrs. Granger said, smiling warmly.

"It was our pleasure," Charlus responded. "Enjoy your time at Hogwarts, Hermione. You're going to learn so much and have a fantastic time."

With heartfelt thanks and goodbyes, Hermione and her parents boarded the train. As they did, Hermione gave Harry a grateful smile. "Thank you, Harry. I can't wait to start learning everything I can."

Harry grinned back, feeling a connection with his new classmate. "Me too. See you on the train!"

As the train's whistle blew, signaling the final call for boarding, the Potters, Blacks, Tonks, and Grangers shared one last wave. The children were now ready to embark on their journey to Hogwarts, eager to start the magical adventure awaiting them.

—

As the Hogwarts Express steamed steadily away from King's Cross Station, the atmosphere in the train's compartments buzzed with excitement and chatter. Harry, along with his friends and the newly introduced Hermione, moved through the bustling corridor in search of a place to sit. Eventually, they found an empty compartment toward the middle of the train, and everyone began to settle in.

The compartment was spacious enough for their group, and they quickly stowed away their trunks and cages, including Harry's snowy owl, Hedwig, who hooted softly from her perch. As they all took their seats, there was a palpable mix of nerves and anticipation among them. The air was filled with the scent of the train's plush upholstery and the distant hum of conversation from other students.

Harry, seated near the window, took a moment to look around at his friends before turning his attention to Hermione, who was sitting opposite him. With a smile, he began the introductions, wanting everyone to feel comfortable and familiar with each other.

"Everyone, this is Hermione Granger," Harry said, gesturing toward the bushy-haired girl who was still clutching a thick book in her lap. "She's new to the magical world, just like me, but she's been reading up on everything she could find."

Hermione blushed slightly at the introduction, smiling shyly at the group. "Hi, everyone. It's so exciting to finally meet other witches and wizards."

Harry continued, pointing to a girl with auburn hair and kind eyes. "This is Susan Bones. She's from a really well-known family in the wizarding world. Her aunt is actually the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Susan nodded warmly. "Hi, Hermione! Don't worry, you'll fit right in. My aunt has told me so much about Hogwarts, and I'm sure we'll have a great time."

Next, Harry gestured to a round-faced boy who looked a bit nervous but managed a friendly smile. "And this is Neville Longbottom. He's really into Herbology, and his family has a long history in the magical community."

Neville gave a small wave. "Nice to meet you, Hermione. My gran's been drilling me all summer about Hogwarts."

Harry then introduced a girl with striking, bubblegum-pink hair and a mischievous glint in her eye. "This is Tonks—well, her full name is Nymphadora Tonks, but she hates it. She's great at Metamorphmagus magic, which means she can change her appearance at will."

Tonks grinned, her hair shifting to a vibrant turquoise. "Yeah, just call me Tonks. It's a lot easier. Welcome aboard, Hermione."

Hermione's eyes widened in amazement. "That's incredible! You can just change your appearance like that?"

Tonks nodded proudly. "Yup, comes in handy. Maybe one day I'll teach you a few tricks."

Harry then turned to two girls sitting next to each other, both with an air of quiet confidence. "This is Daphne Greengrass and her friend Tracey Davis. They're both really smart and come from old pure-blood families. Daphne's been helping me get up to speed on wizarding traditions."

Daphne gave a polite nod. "It's nice to meet you, Hermione. If you have any questions about the magical world, feel free to ask."

Tracey smiled. "Yeah, we're all in this together now. It's going to be quite the adventure."

Finally, Harry introduced a blonde girl who had joined them after finding the group. "And this is Hannah Abbott. She's a good friend of Susan's and always knows how to make everyone feel welcome."

Hannah grinned brightly. "Hi, Hermione! We're going to have so much fun at Hogwarts. I've been reading up on the history of the school, and there's so much to learn."

As the introductions concluded, the group relaxed into easy conversation. Hermione, ever curious, began asking about Hogwarts, the different houses, and the magical subjects they would study. The others were eager to share what they knew, recounting stories they had heard from family members or read in books.

Susan and Hannah talked about the different houses at Hogwarts and speculated on which house they might be sorted into. Neville shared his nervousness about possibly ending up in Slytherin, while Tonks joked about how she'd probably get into trouble on her first day. Daphne and Tracey discussed the importance of house pride and traditions, offering Hermione insights into the world of pure-blood customs.

As the train continued its journey, a trolley lady arrived with a cart full of magical sweets and snacks. The group eagerly bought a variety of treats, including Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and Pumpkin Pasties. Hermione, having read about these in her books, was particularly excited to try them for the first time.

Harry, noticing Hermione's curiosity, handed her a Chocolate Frog. "Here, try one. Just be careful—they really do jump!"

Hermione gingerly unwrapped the Chocolate Frog, only to laugh in delight as it tried to hop away. She caught it and took a bite, savoring the rich chocolate. "This is amazing! I've read so much about them, but experiencing it is something else."

As they enjoyed their snacks, the conversation flowed easily, with the group bonding over shared excitement and a bit of nervousness about starting their magical education. The compartment was filled with laughter and the sound of wrappers being opened, and for a moment, all the anxieties about their new journey seemed to melt away.

The group of young witches and wizards, united by their shared excitement and curiosity, settled comfortably into their new friendships. They knew they were on the brink of something extraordinary—a journey that would shape their lives in ways they couldn't yet imagine. As the Hogwarts Express carried them closer to their new home, the bonds they were forming promised to be strong and lasting, ready to face whatever challenges and adventures awaited them at Hogwarts.

—

As the Hogwarts Express continued its journey, the compartment buzzed with lively conversation. The group had quickly settled into an easy camaraderie, with everyone sharing stories and discussing their expectations for the coming school year.

Hermione, still holding the stack of books, looked around at her new friends with wide-eyed curiosity. "I've read so much about you, Harry," she began, a hint of awe in her voice. "There are so many books detailing how you defeated You-Know-Who. They make you sound like some kind of child prodigy."

Harry chuckled, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his eyes. "Yeah, I've seen a few of those books," he replied, glancing at the titles. "They're quite something, aren't they? But to be honest, they're mostly fiction."

Susan, sitting next to Harry, nodded. "The wizarding world loves a good story," she added. "And with Harry's story, they've really run wild with the imagination."

Hermione frowned, flipping through one of the books. "But they all seem so detailed. They describe the night at Godric's Hollow, how you supposedly survived the Killing Curse, and even how you supposedly defeated You-Know-Who." She hesitated, lowering her voice as if the name itself carried a curse.

Harry sighed, leaning back in his seat. "Here's the thing: there were only four people there that night—my parents, Voldemort, and me. My parents are dead, and Voldemort... well, he's not exactly giving interviews. As for me, I was just a baby. I don't remember anything from that night."

Tonks, who had been listening with interest, interjected, "And Harry hasn't exactly been running around giving press conferences about his life, either. Most of what's out there is pure speculation or just made up."

Hermione looked incredulous. "So, the books are just... lies?"

Neville, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "Not lies, exactly. More like... embellishments. People needed something to hold onto after the war, and Harry's story gave them that. But it's important to remember that there's a big difference between the legend and the truth."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Exactly. People needed a hero, and they built one up out of the scraps of what they knew. The reality is a lot less exciting. I mean, really, how could a baby defeat an all-powerful Dark Lord? Did they think I threw my used diaper at him or something?" He grinned, trying to inject some humor into the conversation.

Daphne smirked, catching on to Harry's attempt to lighten the mood. "Maybe they thought you drooled him to death," she suggested with a laugh, and the rest of the group joined in, breaking the tension.

Hermione, still looking a bit stunned, finally smiled. "I guess I have a lot to learn about the wizarding world. It's just... I thought I knew so much from these books."

Susan patted her arm reassuringly. "Don't worry, Hermione. The wizarding world is full of surprises, and not everything you read is accurate. The important thing is that we're all here to learn and experience it for ourselves."

Hermione nodded, her expression determined. "You're right. I'm excited to learn everything I can, and I'm glad I have you all to help me navigate this new world."

Tracey, who had been quietly listening, added, "And we're glad to have you, Hermione. It's going to be an exciting year for all of us."

As the train sped towards Hogwarts, the group continued to chat, sharing stories about their lives and their expectations for the year ahead. Harry felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was grateful for the chance to set the record straight with Hermione and even more grateful for the understanding and supportive friends he had found. It was clear that, despite the myths and rumors that surrounded him, he was just another student embarking on a new adventure, eager to discover what lay ahead.

The conversation gradually shifted to more mundane topics, like which house they might be sorted into, what classes they were looking forward to, and what they thought Hogwarts would be like. The mood was light and full of anticipation. Harry, watching his friends laugh and chat, felt a warmth spread through him. This was the start of something new, something real, and he couldn't wait to experience it with the people around him.

As the Hogwarts Express chugged along, carrying them closer to their destination, Harry looked out the window at the passing countryside, feeling a sense of excitement and contentment. He had left the myths and rumors behind and was stepping into a world where he could forge his own path, surrounded by friends who knew and accepted him for who he really was. It was a fresh start, and Harry was ready to embrace it wholeheartedly.

—

As the Hogwarts Express chugged along the tracks, the conversation among the kids deepened. The excitement was palpable, and the topic of Sorting seemed to bring a mix of curiosity, anxiety, and anticipation to the group.

Hermione, always keen to share what she had learned, said, "I've read so much about Hogwarts and the Houses. Gryffindor seems like a great fit, especially because of all the brave witches and wizards it's produced. And Dumbledore himself was a Gryffindor! I mean, who wouldn't want to follow in his footsteps?"

Her enthusiasm was clear, but so was her uncertainty. She looked around at her new friends, seeking their opinions.

Neville, who had been listening intently, spoke up with a gentle smile. "My Gran always talks about Gryffindor's bravery and courage. But she also says that bravery comes in many forms. She's always reminded me that it's more important to be true to who you are than to try and be like someone else, even if that someone is as great as Dumbledore."

Tonks, her hair shifting colors as she spoke, grinned and added, "Yeah, Gryffindor's cool and all, but every House has its own thing going for it. I think it's more about where you feel you belong rather than trying to live up to some grand reputation. And hey, troublemakers can be found in all the Houses!" She winked at Harry, who chuckled.

Harry, sensing Hermione's apprehension, leaned forward. "Hermione, it's great to admire someone like Dumbledore, but don't feel like you have to follow in his exact footsteps. Be the first Hermione Granger, not the next Albus Dumbledore. You have your own strengths and talents that will shine through, no matter which House you end up in."

Susan nodded in agreement. "That's right. My aunt always says that Hufflepuff is known for loyalty and hard work. A lot of people overlook those qualities, but they're just as important as bravery or cunning. The most important thing is to find a place where you feel at home."

Daphne, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with her usual poise. "Slytherin values ambition and resourcefulness. It's not just about being sneaky or looking out for yourself. It's about having the drive to achieve your goals and the cunning to navigate life's challenges. Every House has its own strengths, and Slytherin is no exception."

Tracey added, "And don't forget Ravenclaw. It's all about wit, learning, and creativity. If you love knowledge and challenging yourself, that's a great place to be. The important thing is to not limit yourself to one House just because of what you've read or heard. The Sorting Hat considers who you are as a person."

Hermione nodded, absorbing their words. "I guess I hadn't thought about it that way," she admitted. "I've been so focused on what I read and the idea of Gryffindor being the best because of Dumbledore. But you're right, I should find my own place and not just try to emulate someone else."

Harry smiled, relieved that Hermione was opening up to the idea. "Exactly. The Sorting Hat takes your choice into account, but it's also there to help you find the best fit. Just be honest with yourself about what you want and who you are."

Tonks grinned mischievously. "Besides, no matter where we end up, we'll still be friends. Hogwarts is a big place with loads of opportunities. We'll have plenty of chances to hang out, cause a bit of mischief, and maybe even make a name for ourselves."

The others laughed, the tension easing as they continued to discuss the Houses. They shared rumors and stories they had heard, from Gryffindor's daring escapades and Hufflepuff's legendary kindness to Slytherin's clever strategies and Ravenclaw's intellectual pursuits. Each story added to the rich tapestry of Hogwarts life, making them all the more excited about the adventure ahead.

As the conversation flowed, Harry noticed Hermione relax, a thoughtful expression on her face. It was clear she was reconsidering her expectations and embracing the idea of finding her own path at Hogwarts. The support and camaraderie among the group gave her confidence, and Harry felt a swell of gratitude for the friends who were already becoming like a family.

The train sped on, bringing them closer to Hogwarts and the start of their new journey. The kids chatted animatedly, sharing their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. They knew that no matter which House they ended up in, they were ready to face the challenges and adventures together, supporting each other every step of the way. As they settled into the journey, the excitement of the unknown mingled with the comfort of newfound friendships, setting the stage for an unforgettable start to their magical education.

—

As the Hogwarts Express approached Hogsmeade Station, the excitement within the compartment reached its peak. Harry, Hermione, Tonks, Susan, Neville, Daphne, Tracey, and Hannah were immersed in a lively discussion about what awaited them at Hogwarts, sharing their hopes, fears, and the wonders they expected to encounter.

The conversation paused abruptly as the compartment door slid open, revealing Draco Malfoy flanked by the burly figures of Crabbe and Goyle. Draco's face was set in a practiced expression of superiority, a performance for his father's allies and a facade he was required to maintain.

"Well, well, well," Draco drawled, his voice dripping with disdain. "If it isn't Harry Potter and his band of misfits."

Harry exchanged a quick, knowing glance with his friends. His grandfathers, Charlus and Arcturus, had informed him of Draco's true role within the complicated political landscape. Draco's mother, Narcissa, was a spy for the Legion, covertly monitoring her husband Lucius Malfoy's activities. Draco was being groomed for a similar role, even if it meant pretending to be the epitome of a Pureblood heir in public.

Draco's gaze swept over the group and landed on Hermione. "And what do we have here? A Muggle-born, no doubt." He sneered, but there was a slight hesitation that only Harry caught.

Hermione stiffened, but before she could respond, Harry intervened. "Yes, this is Hermione Granger. And these are our friends: Tonks, Susan, Neville, Daphne, Tracey, and Hannah."

Draco's sneer faltered when he recognized Daphne and Tracey, both from well-respected Pureblood families. He quickly regained his composure, directing his next comment to Harry. "You should be careful about the company you keep, Potter. Not everyone is worthy of your friendship."

Harry leaned back, regarding Draco with a calm, unwavering gaze. "Funny you should say that, Draco. I was just thinking the same thing."

An awkward silence settled over the compartment, punctuated only by the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks. Crabbe and Goyle exchanged bewildered glances, clearly unsure how to react to this unexpected confrontation.

Draco's eyes narrowed, but he kept his composure. "Just a friendly piece of advice, Potter. Not everyone can be trusted."

Harry's gaze didn't waver. "Thanks for the advice, Malfoy. We'll keep that in mind."

Draco lingered for a moment, as if debating whether to push further. Finally, he turned on his heel, signaling Crabbe and Goyle to follow him. "See you around, Potter. Enjoy your time at Hogwarts."

As the door slid shut behind them, the tension in the compartment eased. Hermione turned to Harry, her expression a mix of curiosity and confusion. "What was that about?"

Harry shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just Draco being Draco. Don't let him get to you."

Neville frowned. "He's always like that. Thinks he's better than everyone else."

Daphne nodded thoughtfully. "Draco's complicated. There's more to him than meets the eye."

Tonks, her hair shifting to a bright blue, grinned. "Well, I guess we'll just have to see what happens. Hogwarts is going to be interesting, that's for sure."

As the train continued its journey, the conversation shifted back to their anticipation for the Sorting and the adventures ahead. Harry felt a mix of excitement and determination. This year would be filled with challenges and discoveries, but with his friends by his side, he was ready to face whatever came their way.

As the train began to slow down, signaling their arrival at Hogsmeade Station, the excitement was palpable. They gathered their belongings, ready to disembark and embark on their Hogwarts journey.

The train's final approach to the station was marked by a flurry of activity as students prepared to leave the carriages. Just before they reached the platform, the compartment door slid open again. This time, it was not an unwelcome visitor but a welcome reminder of their new beginning. Harry glanced at his friends, feeling a deep sense of readiness and excitement for the adventures that awaited them at Hogwarts. With the support and camaraderie of his friends, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

—

As the Hogwarts Express finally came to a stop at Hogsmeade Station, the excitement among the first-year students was palpable. Harry, Hermione, Tonks, Susan, Neville, Daphne, Tracey, and Hannah gathered their belongings and stepped off the train, joining the throng of students on the platform.

The crisp evening air was filled with the sounds of chattering students and the occasional hoot of an owl. Lanterns flickered, casting a warm glow over the bustling platform. Harry felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he took in the scene, his eyes scanning for any sign of what to do next.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" A booming voice called out, cutting through the noise.

Harry turned to see a giant of a man waving a lantern, his bushy beard and wild hair unmistakable even from a distance. He recognized the man from his grandparents' stories: Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.

"Come on, let's go," Harry said to his friends, leading the way towards Hagrid.

As they approached, Hagrid beamed down at them. "Hello there! You must be Harry Potter!" He extended a massive hand, which Harry shook enthusiastically.

"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you, Hagrid," Harry replied, smiling up at the giant.

Hagrid's eyes twinkled with warmth. "Good ter meet yeh, Harry. An' who might yer friends be?"

Harry introduced each of his companions in turn. "This is Hermione Granger, Tonks, Susan Bones, Neville Longbottom, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, and Hannah Abbott."

Hagrid greeted each of them with a friendly smile. "Well, welcome ter Hogwarts, all of yeh. Now, follow me. We'll be takin' the boats across the lake. It's a grand sight, that is."

The first-year students gathered around Hagrid, their excitement mounting. He led them down a steep, narrow path that twisted and turned through the dark, dense trees. Harry could hear the murmur of the lake ahead, and the anticipation of seeing Hogwarts for the first time made his heart race.

"Mind yer step, now," Hagrid cautioned as they reached the shore of the lake. Multiple small boats awaited them, each bobbing gently in the water.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called out, helping the students climb in.

Harry, Hermione, Tonks, and Neville clambered into one boat, while Susan, Daphne, Tracey, and Hannah settled into another. Hagrid took a boat for himself, ensuring that everyone was settled before they set off.

"Right then, forward!" Hagrid called, and the boats began to glide smoothly across the lake.

The journey across the lake was magical. The water reflected the starlit sky, and a sense of wonder filled the air. As they rounded a bend, Hogwarts Castle came into view, its turrets and towers rising majestically against the night sky. Gasps of awe filled the air as the students took in the breathtaking sight.

"It's even more amazing than I imagined," Hermione whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

Harry nodded, feeling a deep sense of awe and anticipation. "Yeah, it really is."

The boats glided effortlessly across the lake, drawing closer to the castle with each passing moment. The glow from the windows cast a warm, inviting light on the water, making the castle look even more enchanting.

As they reached the shore, Hagrid helped them out of the boats and led them up a stone staircase carved into the cliff. The path wound its way up to a large, oak front door, which Hagrid knocked on with his massive fist.

The door swung open to reveal Professor McGonagall, her stern expression softened slightly by the sight of the eager first-year students. "Thank you, Hagrid," she said, nodding to the giant.

"No problem, Professor," Hagrid replied. "I'll leave 'em in yer capable hands."

Professor McGonagall turned her attention to the students. "Welcome to Hogwarts," she said. "In a few moments, you will enter the Great Hall to be sorted into your Houses. The House you are sorted into will be like your family here at Hogwarts. Follow me."

With a final glance at Hagrid, who gave them an encouraging smile, Harry and his friends followed Professor McGonagall into the castle, their hearts pounding with excitement and anticipation for the adventure that lay ahead.

---

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