Chapter Text
As the sun sank behind the clouds, the air buzzed with anticipation. The older students were eager to greet the halls of Hogwarts, the first years anxious about their sorting and a few others just waiting for the welcome feast to begin.
A shrill whistle up ahead signalled their nearing and the students scrambled to change into their school robes.
As the train reached its destination, students started to scramble in all directions, when came down donned in black robes, the four students Harry had seen in Kings Cross Station earlier that day. And again, all the crowd parted to give them way, just as Hagrid came into view.
“Firs’ ye’s follo’ meh, ove’ her’, fi’st ye’s he’e, don’ break lines yeh!”
With his huge build, he easily towered over all those present, and he started leading the first years,
“All yer luggage will be sent to Hogwarts, just follow the line, everyone.”
As the lines started to move forward, he found himself peeking over others to catch a glimpse of blond hair.
“Who are you looking at?” he felt a nudge from Ron, “Don’t tell me you can't see that giant even with those glasses of yours?”
“He’s Hagrid, the groundskeeper in Hogwarts,” Harry replied, proud of himself for knowing something the other didn’t. “He helped me buy my stuff for Hogwarts, we went to Diagon Alley. He even got me Hedgewig..” he recalled fondly.
Moving forward, his ramble was cut off as they neared a huge lake, and students began to board the boats.
“No more ‘en a FOUR ’ to each one! Don’t yeh crowd, there a’ enough fo’ all yeh lot!”, Hagrid’s voice boomed over the chattering. “No more than FOUR EACH !”
He and Ron jumped into an empty boat, along with the girl from earlier, Hermione , and the boy who lost his Toad earlier, Neville Longbottom as he introduced himself.
As they talked more about houses, which one they would get, and the sorting ceremony the atmosphere lightened into something comfortable and he couldn’t help but feel at ease.
When the castle came into view there were gasps of surprise rippling across the lake.
Harry couldn't help but stare at the massive castle before him. It was like nothing he had ever seen before, a sight taken straight out of fairy-tales. The sheer scale of the structure and its stunning glow left him unable to tear his gaze away, not unlike his fellow students.
It was as if he had stepped into another world, one far more magical and captivating than the mundane reality he knew. It wasn’t a dream, he reminded himself, a huge grin on his face.
Away from uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia! Away from Dudley!!
Harry couldn’t help but look forward to this new reality of his.
As they reached the doors, Hagrid knocked three times on the castle doors, which swung open at once, revealing a tall, black-haired witch in emerald green robes. She had a very stern face, and- ‘This was not someone to cross’ flitted across his brain.
“The firs’-years, Professor McGonagall,” said Hagrid.
After thanking Hagrid she pulled the doors wide.
The first-years followed Professor McGonagall through the Entrance Hall into a small empty chamber, where everyone crowded together, peering around nervously.
That's when his eyes landed on the nobles from earlier. Despite the crowded conditions, they looked pristine and well-kept, as if nothing could mar their impeccable appearance.
“Purebloods,” Ron supplied finding Harry staring, “they are like the Royalty amongst Wizards. Well, atleast according to them, that is.”
Even amidst the low light and the huddle of students, he could easily pick the most courteous of them, holding themselves at a distance from the bustle and yet close enough to be polite., with no fear or nervousness visible on their faces.
Professor McGonagall spoke about the Sorting Ceremony, the different Houses, and matters of such import, and while all the students looked rather nervous, they stood with their heads held high, exuding cool confidence.
“I shall return when we are ready for you,” Professor McGonagall left the chamber, “please wait quietly.” , leaving the terrified first years muttering anxiously amongst themselves about an upcoming test, to be held in front of the whole school.
Just then something unexpected made him jump a foot in the air, and several people screamed. Surprised gasps echoed around the small chamber.
Around twenty or so pearly white and slightly transparent figures glided across the room talking to each other and hardly glancing at the assorted crowd. They seemed to be arguing.
‘Ghosts!!’ whispered Ron.
When suddenly a ghost wearing ruff and tights cut himself off with a “What are you all doing here?” he drew closer, causing the students to shiver with a tinge of fear. It was a translucent, human-like form, hovering in the air and casting a pall of uncertainty over the room.
Nobody answered at first, but as the figure drew closer, a gracefully confident voice issued through the air: "We are the new students." Malfoy responded, “We will be joining you this year.”
His words seemed to ease the tension in the room and the other students began to feel more accepting of the new arrivals.
‘About to be sorted, I suppose?’
Malfoy nodded politely in response. Once.
‘Ah! Such a gentleman!’ cried one, ‘Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old house, you know.’
‘Oh no!’ cried another, ‘he’s certainly a Gryffindor! Standing his ground, Look how chivalrous!’
‘Of course not! Saw how he took the lead? Already a charmer! He is definitely joining my snakes!!”
‘He is so young and already has so much presence of mind!!! He would be a wonderful addition to to my my house! The Ravenclaws!!’ joined another.
‘Move along now,’ said a sharp voice. ‘The Sorting Ceremony’s about to start.’ Professor McGonagall had returned. One by one, the ghosts floated away, through the opposite wall, still arguing in hushed tones.
Professor McGonagall turned to recognize Malfoy, nodding with approval before turning away. Harry noticed Blaise pass a secret and playful smirk toward the prince, and he responded with a wink of his own.
His eyes widened with some surprise at the curious exchange.
He turned to find Ron in a similar state of disbelief. He must have noticed the exchange too, then.
‘Now, form a line,’ Professor McGonagall told the first years, ‘and follow me.’