Chapter 9: Arrival at Hogwarts and Sorting

The Hogwarts Express finally began to slow as it approached its destination. The once quiet compartment was now buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The castle loomed ahead, its towering spires silhouetted against the night sky, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. Even from a distance, the sight was breathtaking, a symbol of power and magic that had stood the test of time.

Alaric watched as the others in the compartment began to gather their belongings, their earlier conversation forgotten in the thrill of finally arriving at Hogwarts. But while the others were focused on the castle, Alaric's thoughts were elsewhere—on the challenges that awaited him within those ancient walls.

Draco was the first to speak, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and pride. "There it is. Hogwarts. Our new home for the next seven years."

The rest of the group fell silent, each taking in the sight of the grand castle. Even Pansy, who was usually quick with a sarcastic remark, seemed momentarily speechless. The enormity of what lay ahead had finally dawned on them.

Alaric, however, felt a sense of calm purpose as he gazed at the castle. This was not just a school to him—it was the stage upon which he would shape his destiny, where he would forge alliances and crush those who stood in his way. The Peverell and Le Fay bloodlines flowed through his veins, and he knew that Hogwarts would be the place where he would prove his worth.

As the train came to a stop, the students began filing out of their compartments and onto the platform. The air was filled with the sounds of chattering voices, the rustling of robes, and the occasional hoot of an owl. Alaric and his companions joined the throng of students making their way toward the carriages that would take them to the castle.

"First years, over here! First years, follow me!"

The booming voice of Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper, echoed over the crowd. Alaric glanced over and saw the massive figure of Hagrid holding a lantern aloft, beckoning the first-year students to follow him.

"We'll take the boats across the lake," Hagrid announced, his voice cheerful despite the dark, chilly night. "Come on, follow me, everyone!"

Alaric joined the procession of first-year students as they followed Hagrid to the edge of the lake. The water was dark and still, reflecting the stars and the silhouette of the castle. Small wooden boats bobbed gently at the shore, waiting to carry the students across.

Draco, Blaise, Theodore, Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy all found themselves in the same boat, and Alaric climbed in after them. The boat rocked slightly as he settled into his seat, and Hagrid gave a final wave before taking his place in a boat of his own.

"Forward!" Hagrid called, and the boats began to glide smoothly across the water, seemingly of their own accord.

The journey across the lake was short, but it was a time for reflection. The castle loomed closer with every moment, its windows glowing like beacons in the night. The atmosphere in the boat was quiet, each of them lost in their thoughts. Alaric could feel the weight of anticipation settling over the group, and he knew that this moment would be etched into their memories forever.

As they reached the opposite shore, Hagrid helped them out of the boats and led them up a steep, narrow path toward the castle. The path was lined with ancient trees, their branches swaying gently in the wind. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth.

Finally, they reached the massive front doors of the castle. Hagrid knocked three times with a large, knobby fist, and the doors swung open with a creak. Standing in the doorway was a tall, stern-looking witch with sharp features and glasses perched on the bridge of her nose.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said, her voice carrying the authority of someone who had seen countless students pass through these halls. "Please follow me."

The first-years were led through the entrance hall and into a smaller chamber off to the side. The chamber was dimly lit, with high, vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from the history of Hogwarts. The students gathered nervously, whispering to one another as they awaited the Sorting Ceremony.

Professor McGonagall stood before them, her expression serious. "In a few moments, you will be sorted into your houses. While you are here, your house will be like your family. You will sleep in your house dormitory, attend classes with your housemates, and spend your free time in your house common room."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be like your family. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. I hope you will all be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."

With that, she led them out of the chamber and into the Great Hall. The sight that greeted them was nothing short of magical. The ceiling was enchanted to look like the night sky, complete with twinkling stars and a crescent moon. Four long tables stretched the length of the hall, each one filled with students in their house colors. At the far end of the hall was the staff table, where the teachers sat, watching the new students with interest.

In the center of the hall, on a raised platform, stood a stool with a tattered old hat resting on it—the Sorting Hat.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward and unrolled a long parchment. "When I call your name, you will come forward and place the Sorting Hat on your head. You will then be sorted into your house."

The first name was called, and a nervous-looking boy stepped forward to be sorted. Alaric watched as one by one, the new students were placed into their respective houses. The tension in the air was palpable, each student holding their breath as they awaited their turn.

Finally, it was Alaric's turn. "Peverell, Alaric," Professor McGonagall called, her voice carrying across the hall.

Alaric stepped forward, his expression calm and composed. He could feel the eyes of every student and teacher on him as he approached the stool. As he sat down and placed the Sorting Hat on his head, he heard a voice in his ear—soft and contemplative.

"Ah, a Peverell. I haven't sorted one of your line in many years," the Sorting Hat whispered. "And such a unique mind you have... ambitious, cunning, powerful... but also intelligent, resourceful, and with a strong sense of self. You could do well in any house, but I see where your heart truly lies."

There was a pause, and then the hat called out, loud and clear: "SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table erupted into applause, and Alaric stood, making his way to his new housemates. He was greeted with nods of approval and claps on the back as he took his seat, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. This was where he belonged, among those who understood the importance of power, legacy, and ambition.

As the Sorting continued, Alaric watched as his companions were sorted as well. Draco, Blaise, Theodore, Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy—all placed in Slytherin, as expected. The bonds they had begun to form on the train were now solidified by their shared house.

But as Alaric looked around the Great Hall, he noticed something interesting. Hermione Granger had been sorted into Gryffindor, as had Ron Weasley. The two of them sat at their table, looking distinctly uncomfortable as they cast glances toward the Slytherin table.

Alaric's eyes met Hermione's for a brief moment, and he saw the same determination in her gaze that he had seen earlier. She was strong-willed, that much was clear. But she had no idea what she was up against.

The night was just beginning, but the seeds of the future had already been sown. The bonds forged tonight would become the foundation for the power they would wield in the years to come.

And Alaric Peverell intended to make sure that his name would be remembered long after they had left these hallowed halls.