Hogwarts and the Sorting Ceremony! Part-1

{Hogsmede, somewhere in Scotland}

{08:23 PM, 1st Sept, 1988}

The train finally came to a stop, Rigel wasn't sure how or why the school insisted on this method of travel, it was slow and bothersome. Plus it segregated students into groups and houses early, because that was all everyone could talk about.

Rigel left the compartment first, he walked for a couple of seconds before descending the train, Rigel was quite tall for a first year but he was still dwarfed by Hagrid's height. Rigel had to tilt his head all the way up to look at the man's face hidden behind his unkempt beard.

Rigel shuddered as he stopped his thoughts from wandering as he moved towards him, a steady stream of students descended the Hogwarts Express as Hagrid kept shouting loudly. A group of students gathered as they made their way to a shore that was outside the Hogsmeade station.

Rigel had a feeling of excitement as he looked at the glittering waters of the black lake. According to popular gaming mechanics, the existence of Harry's cupboard room proved their existence, the black lake should be a dungeon. After searching for a bit, Rigel didn't find any hint of abnormality, he suppressed his excitement as the first years were already starting to board the boats 4 at a time.

"Rigel let's go!" Harry shouted and Rigel followed his voice absentmindedly.

Fred, George, and Harry were ready to hop into a boat that didn't look like it would make it even halfway through this journey. Rigel looked at Hagrids massive figure before he rushed to the boat and quickly hopped in behind Fred.

"Everybody in?" Hagrid confirmed and after a slight delay as Hagrid counted the number of heads bobbing along the small waves of the lake, they set off.

The start wasn't as rocky, as the boats left automatically like an automated car, Rigel had the time and patience to take in the sites while Fred and George were already ready to tussle with each other in an attempt to see 'if the water was cold'.

The Black Lake was a vast, dark, and enigmatic body of water that adds depth and a magical view of Hogwarts. Its size, darkness, and the presence of magical creatures create an atmosphere of awe and wonder, making it an integral part of the captivating view as their boats came across a clearing.

The image of an ancient castle, filled with magic and light, reflected clearly in the black lake was one of the most spectacular sights that Rigel had ever witnessed. He put his hand in the water, the cold water was in sharp contrast to the magnificent weight. Rigel enjoyed the quiet atmosphere for a couple of minutes as the murmurings started all around once again.

Fred inched a little closer to Rigel who simply flicked his hand ant-clockwise and his wand left the wand hostler and appeared in his grip. The sudden pause and wide-eyed expression of the Weasley twin was so comical Harry and George laughed at his expense.

Amid an awed atmosphere, the group of first-years arrived at the shore, Rigel walked on the perfectly cut grass as they made their way across the field to an empty courtyard and two massive wooden gates.

Hagrid walked up to the gates and knocked with his impossibly large knuckles. After a couple of seconds, the doors opened and Rigel looked as Prof. McGonagall stepped out. She thanked Hagrid and then looked at everyone impassively, Rigel's gaze collided with her but he received no special recognition.

"Everyone's ready for you now, follow me, and please maintain your decorum as new members of our esteemed institution..." After the short speech, she turned around with an impossibly straight gait and opened the massive doors that dwarfed her.

Rigel followed the crowd as they made their way past another obstacle, he was expecting the ghosts to greet them while they waited but it seems those scenes weren't scripted.

After entering the doors, they arrived at the Grand Entrance Hall. It was a vast, cavernous space with high ceilings, adorned with magnificent chandeliers and intricately carved pillars. The hall is filled with warmth and the soft glow of magical torches, casting a welcoming light on those who pass through.

George sneakily pulled his wand out of his trousers and pointed the wand in an exaggerated manner as he incanted, "Wingardium Leviosa."

Rigel knew he blundered the spell but he still looked curiously if anything worked. After a second of looking at the impossibly still candle, Harry and Fred gave George a deadpan look.

"Please refrain from your attempts at casting magic in Hogwarts hallways," Prof. McGonagall's strict voice echoed cowing the first years as she held the doors to what Rigel can assume is the entrance to the great hall.

The Great Hall stood at the heart of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a magnificent and awe-inspiring space that buzzed with energy and anticipation. The grand double doors swung open as their small group followed Prof. McGonagall in, revealing the vast expanse of the hall. High ceilings soared above, adorned with bewitched decorations that mimicked the night sky, complete with twinkling stars and floating candles that cast a warm, gentle glow throughout the room.

Stretching the length of the hall were four long house tables, each displaying their respective house colors and adorned with an array of delicious food and goblets filled with various beverages.

The Gryffindor table, draped in crimson and gold, was a vibrant display of bravery and courage. The Hufflepuff table, resplendent in yellow and black, emanated an aura of loyalty and hard work. The Ravenclaw table, clad in blue and silver, exuded an air of wisdom and wit. Lastly, the Slytherin table, adorned in green and silver, whispered of ambition and cunning.

Rigel trotted in between the Hufflepuff and the Ravenclaw table, there were several people peeking at their group with interest, while several others just simply looked bored out of their minds.

The walls of the Great Hall were embellished with ornate tapestries that depicted pivotal moments from the wizarding world's history. Ancient portraits adorned the walls as well, their eyes following their group with a hint of curiosity. High windows allowed natural light to stream in, casting ethereal beams across the room and accentuating the vibrant colors of the house banners that hung proudly, displaying the crests of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Between the chatter of the four houses, their group walked up the platform and arrived beside the faculty table. Upon a stool, a dusty old hat was sitting. Rigel hesitated for just a moment but when passing by it he looked at it carefully hoping to observe some information from the game's interface.

...

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AN- The story will return on the 1st of July...