Chapter 11

The small fleet of boats set off across the calm lake immediately.

This must be the First Years' entrance ceremony, Albert thought as he gazed up at the towering castle, recalling the books he had read in his past life.

Perhaps the four founders of this magical school once sailed this very path, leading a boat across the black lake to Hogwarts. That's why the new students had to cross the lake as well.

The boats slowly approached the castle. As the first boats neared the cliff, Hagrid shouted, "Heads down!"

Everyone ducked as the boats carried them through the hidden open entrance.

The boats followed a dark tunnel that led beneath the castle, finally arriving at what looked like an underground dock. They climbed out onto solid ground.

Everyone followed Hagrid and gathered in front of a massive wooden door.

"Is everyone here?" Hagrid asked. After counting the heads, he raised his huge hand and knocked on the castle door three times.

The door opened immediately. Standing in the doorway was a tall witch with black hair and dressed in green robes, her expression stern. This had to be Professor McGonagall.

"I've brought the first years, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid said.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here," McGonagall replied.

She then instructed all the new students to follow her. The walls of the corridor were lined with burning torches, and the ceiling was so high that it was almost impossible to see the top. Ahead of them was a grand marble staircase leading directly to the upper floors.

After a few turns, Professor McGonagall led the first years into a small empty room at the end of the hallway. The students shuffled inside, nervously rubbing their shoulders and glancing around, knowing a very important moment was about to take place.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said. "The opening banquet is about to begin, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you must first be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be like your family at Hogwarts. You will have classes with the other members of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

"The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has a proud history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. During your time at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honor for any house.

"In a few moments, the Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the whole school. I suggest you smarten yourselves up as best you can while you wait. I'll come to fetch you when we are ready."

With that, Professor McGonagall left the room.

The atmosphere in the small room grew tense, except for Albert, who, having traveled through time, knew exactly what the Sorting Ceremony entailed. Neville, standing beside him, was trembling slightly, while Hermione's lips were moving as if she were silently reciting something. After all, Hogwarts was the only wizarding school in the UK, and being expelled would be a lifelong shame.

Albert looked around and noticed that everyone, even the students from wizarding families, appeared anxious. This seemed to be some sort of ancient jest, and he couldn't help but pity the British sense of humor.

Just when everyone was worrying about what would happen next, about twenty ghosts suddenly appeared through the wall behind them. They drifted across the room, paying little attention to the children.

A fat friar, a ghost who had lived at the school for thirty years, smiled at them and said, "I suppose you're about to be Sorted, aren't you?"

Some students nodded silently.

"I hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" the ghost said cheerily. "I was in that house—"

The ghost didn't finish his sentence because, at that moment, a high-pitched voice called out, "Move along now, the Sorting Ceremony is about to start."

It was Professor McGonagall. The ghosts glided one by one through the opposite wall and disappeared. McGonagall instructed the first years, "Now, form a line and follow me."

They filed out of the room and into the Great Hall. There were four long tables filled with golden plates and goblets, and many students were already seated. Each long table was assigned to a specific house.

Albert looked up and saw the starry sky on the enchanted ceiling. It was hard to believe that this place wasn't outdoors. Thousands of lit candles floated in the air, illuminating the entire hall without a drop of wax or a wisp of smoke. The sight was truly magical.

Professor McGonagall gently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years and set a pointed wizard's hat on top of it.

This must be the Sorting Hat, imbued with the wisdom of the four founders and one of Hogwarts' most treasured artifacts. But to be honest, Albert couldn't help but think that if this hat had been used every year without ever being cleaned, it must be filled with a thousand years' worth of dust.

After a brief pause, during which the hat sang its annual song, Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a very large scroll in her hand.

"When you hear your name, please come forward, sit on the stool, and put on the hat. Wait patiently for it to announce the house you'll be joining," she instructed.

The most anticipated moment of the school year, the Sorting Ceremony, had finally begun.