The boat came to a stop beneath the imposing cliff, and a group of young wizards looked excited, discussing their upcoming life at Hogwarts.
Hagrid led the way with an oil lamp, and it didn't take long before they reached the gates of Hogwarts. Luke and Hermione followed closely behind the crowd.
Luke spotted Malfoy and his two companions hiding among the students.
Clearly, the intimidation he had inflicted on Malfoy during the boat ride had left an impression.
During Professor McGonagall's introduction, she explained the sorting ceremony, the organization of houses, course assignments, and the House Cup competition at the end of the semester.
"The sorting ceremony will begin shortly, so be prepared," Professor McGonagall concluded before heading to the ceremony hall to make preparations.
"It seems the rumors are true, Harry Potter is really here," Malfoy said, approaching Harry with trembling legs. He extended a hand and said, "I'm Draco Malfoy, friends?"
Before Harry could respond, Ronald burst into laughter at Malfoy's nervousness.
"What are you laughing at?" Malfoy turned to Ronald with a sneer. "Red hair, you must be from the Weasley family."
"Harry, you should know that some wizards are born noble—"
Malfoy's voice trailed off as he glanced at Luke and stopped abruptly.
"That's an interesting theory," Luke remarked with a chuckle as he stepped forward.
"Hmph, Harry, you'll regret it," Malfoy muttered before walking away.
Harry Potter was indeed a living legend in the wizarding world, and it was surprising to see Malfoy's attempt to befriend him after his initial disdain. Without waiting for Harryto respond, Luke and Hermione proceeded toward the open doors.
Professor McGonagall returned and organized the young wizards into two lines, leading them into the hall in an orderly manner.
The Hogwarts auditorium was already packed with people, and senior students occupied the seats for each house. At the front sat the greatest wizard of all time, Albus Dumbledore. On both sides of him were long tables where the faculty and staff were seated.
Luke noticed Professor Snape seated on the far left. Snape nodded in acknowledgment when he saw Luke.
Professor McGonagall placed a weathered wizard hat on a small stool, and the hat, with a stitched mouth-like line, began to sing to the surprised first-year wizards. Luke thought it looked rather ugly.
Professor McGonagall stood nearby with a parchment containing the names of the students. Each student would wear the hat for sorting.
"Hannah Abbott!" she called, mentioning a familiar name.
Luke observed as each young wizard took their turn sitting on the stool and placing the Sorting Hat on their heads. The Sorting Hat called out the names of their respective houses.
"Hufflepuff!"
"Gryffindor!"
"Slytherin!"
It was an exciting moment for the new students, and the Great Hall was filled with anticipation. Luke watched as Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor, offering his silent congratulations.
"Good luck!" he whispered as she made her way to the Gryffindor table, receiving a nod in return.
Then came the legendary name, "Harry Potter!" The audience erupted in cheers and discussions about the Boy Who Lived.
With a sense of reverence, Harry placed the old Sorting Hat on his head. This sorting took longer than the others, as if there was a deep conversation between the hat and the boy.
Finally, the Sorting Hat declared, "Gryffindor!" and the Gryffindor table celebrated their newest member, the famous Harry Potter.
After a few more students were sorted, it was Luke's turn.
"Luke Geralt!" Professor McGonagall called his name. Hermione, who had been chatting with her fellow Gryffindors, shifted her attention to Luke.
Stepping onto the stage, Luke placed the Sorting Hat on his head. The hat seemed to deliberate for a moment, and then it made its choice.
"Slytherin!"
Hermione looked down, disappointment evident on her face, while Draco Malfoy, sitting at the Slytherin table, stiffened. He couldn't believe he was in the same house as Luke Geralt.
Luke removed the hat, smiled, and walked over to the Slytherin table, receiving a welcoming reception from his new housemates. He didn't encounter any exclusion, except from a few pure-blood nobles.
To integrate better into the Slytherin group, Luke invited the attendant next to Malfoy to leave and sat beside him.
"I'm Luke Geralt, let's be friends, Malfoy."
Malfoy's pupils trembled, and he extended a trembling hand.
"Draco Malfoy, my friend."
Luke's lips twitched slightly, his smile having an unsettling quality that didn't escape Malfoy's notice.
After the Sorting Hat ceremony, Headmaster Dumbledore spoke a few words, and then a sumptuous dinner appeared on the tables, filling the Great Hall with delicious aromas.
Luke's eyes sparkled with delight as he dug into the food that had appeared out of thin air. Everything looked delectable, and the aroma wafted through the hall. He glanced at Malfoy, who couldn't seem to stop eating.
"Eat up! Why hold back?" Luke encouraged him with a grin.
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