As Void, Harry, and the rest of the first years disembarked from the train, they were immediately greeted by a booming voice that cut through the chilly night air. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" called Hagrid, his large frame standing out among the crowd.
Void and Harry exchanged excited glances and made their way over to Hagrid. "Hi, Hagrid!" Harry said with a wide smile.
"Hey, Hagrid," Void added. "Good to see you again."
Hagrid beamed down at them. "Well, if it ain't Harry and Void! Good to see yeh both. Ready fer yer first night at Hogwarts?"
Void nodded and then gestured to Neville, who was standing nervously nearby. "Hagrid, this is Neville. He has a toad named Trevor that keeps running away. Do you think you could help him make a home for it so it won't escape?"
Hagrid looked down at Neville, his warm smile widening. "Course I can, Neville. Come see me at me hut when yeh've got some free time, and we'll sort somethin' out fer Trevor."
Neville's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Hagrid!"
"Alright, now," Hagrid said, turning back to the group. "We need ter get yeh all to the boats. No more than four per boat!"
As they made their way to the boats, Ron grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him towards one, along with Hermione and Neville. Void, meanwhile, joined Daphne, Tracey, and another first-year in another boat. The boats were small and bobbed gently on the surface of the black lake.
As they set off, the sight of Hogwarts Castle came into view, illuminated by the moonlight and looking majestic and awe-inspiring. The first years gasped and marvelled at the sight, the castle's many turrets and towers casting long shadows across the water.
"Wow," Void murmured, taking in the grandeur of the castle. "It's even more amazing than I imagined."
Daphne nodded, her usually composed demeanour softening with awe. "It's incredible."
The boats glided smoothly across the lake, eventually reaching the opposite shore where they were guided to the entrance of the castle.
"Everyone here? Good. Now, follow me," Hagrid said, leading them through the hall and into a smaller chamber off to the side. They were greeted by Professor McGonagall, who stood tall and stern, her eyes sweeping over the group of first years.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice firm but kind. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. As you are sorted into your houses, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."
"Now, please wait here. You will be called into the Great Hall shortly for the Sorting Ceremony," McGonagall instructed.
As they waited, the nervous and excited first years began to chatter amongst themselves. Various rumours circulated about the Sorting, with some students suggesting it involved difficult magical tests, while others speculated about duelling or solving puzzles.
Harry and Ron stood together, trying to calm their nerves. "So, how does this Sorting work?" Harry asked, his voice betraying his anxiety.
Ron shrugged, looking equally nervous. "I've heard it could be anything. My brothers told me all sorts of stories, but I think they were just trying to scare me."
Void stood nearby, keeping an eye on Harry and Ron while chatting with Daphne and Tracey. He was looking around when he noticed a first-year student approaching Harry with two larger boys flanking him.
Draco Malfoy, with his blond hair slicked back and an air of arrogance, stepped forward, extending his hand to Harry with a somewhat condescending smile. "So, it's true then. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," Draco said, looking Harry up and down. "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."
He nodded towards Crabbe and Goyle, who smirked behind him. Harry, remembering Hagrid's advice and his conversation with Ron on the train, looked at Draco's outstretched hand but didn't shake it. Instead, he said politely but firmly, "I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks."
Draco's face reddened with anger and embarrassment as he withdrew his hand. "I'd be careful if I were you, Potter," he said coolly. "Unless you're a bit politer, you'll go the same way as your parents. They didn't know what was good for them either. You hang around with riff-raff like the Weasleys and that Hagrid, and it'll rub off on you."
Just as Draco finished speaking, Void, who had seen the entire interaction, stepped forward. He shook Draco's outstretched hand, adding a bit of strength to his grip, and introduced himself. "Void L. Potter. Are you threatening Harry and me, Draco? That would have consequences, you know."
Draco winced at the strength of Void's handshake and tried to pull his hand back. Void continued, "I've read up on wizarding law, and threatening the last heir of a Most Ancient and Most Noble House is a serious matter. Are you prepared for the consequences of your actions?"
The pureblood and half-blood students nearby were shocked and surprised by what had just happened. Draco's face turned even redder with embarrassment and anger. "I... I wasn't threatening anyone," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. "Just offering some friendly advice."
Void released Draco's hand, his gaze steady. "Then I suggest you choose your words more carefully next time. We wouldn't want any misunderstandings, would we?"
Draco glared at Void, but before he could respond, Professor McGonagall called for the students to line up. "It's time for the Sorting Ceremony," she announced, and the first years quickly fell into line, the tension from the earlier confrontation still lingering in the air.
As they made their way into the Great Hall, the first years were filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement. The hall was illuminated by thousands of floating candles, and the enchanted ceiling reflected the night sky. The older students watched with interest as the new arrivals filed in.
The Sorting Hat, placed on a stool at the front of the hall, began to sing its song, welcoming the new students and explaining the qualities of each house. The first years listened intently, their anxiety mounting as they awaited their turn to be sorted.
The Sorting Hat, placed on a stool at the front of the hall, began to sing its song, welcoming the new students and explaining the qualities of each house.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
The hall erupted in applause as the Sorting Hat finished its song. Professor McGonagall stepped forward with a long roll of parchment and began to call out names.
"Abbott, Hannah!" A girl with blonde pigtails stepped forward nervously and sat on the stool. The hat was placed on her head and after a moment it called out, "Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuff table cheered and clapped as Hannah made her way over to join them.
"Bones, Susan!" Susan Bones, a red-haired girl, walked up and sat on the stool. The hat deliberated for a moment before announcing, "Hufflepuff!" More cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table.
"Boot, Terry!" A boy with dark hair stepped forward. After a brief pause, the hat called out, "Ravenclaw!" The Ravenclaw table applauded as Terry joined them.
"Brocklehurst, Mandy!" The hat had barely touched Mandy's head when it shouted, "Ravenclaw!"
"Brown, Lavender!" A girl with curly hair walked up nervously. The hat took its time before finally declaring, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table cheered as Lavender joined them.
"Bulstrode, Millicent!" The hat didn't take long to decide, "Slytherin!" Millicent walked over to the cheering Slytherin table.
"Finch-Fletchley, Justin!" The hat considered for a moment before calling out, "Hufflepuff!" The Hufflepuff table cheered once again.
"Finnigan, Seamus!" Seamus sat on the stool, looking a bit nervous. The hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers.
"Granger, Hermione!" Hermione walked up confidently and sat on the stool. The hat took a little longer with her before finally declaring, "Gryffindor!" Hermione looked relieved and happy as she joined the Gryffindor table.
"Greengrass, Daphne!" Daphne stepped forward, her expression calm. The hat didn't take long to decide, "Slytherin!" Daphne walked over to the cheering Slytherin table.
"Longbottom, Neville!" Neville stumbled a bit as he walked up. The hat seemed to take a long time with Neville before finally shouting, "Gryffindor!" Neville looked relieved as he joined the cheering Gryffindor table.
"Malfoy, Draco!" Draco strutted forward and sat on the stool. The hat barely touched his head before declaring, "Slytherin!" Draco smirked as he joined the Slytherin table.
"Nott, Theodore!" The hat took a moment before calling out, "Slytherin!"
"Parkinson, Pansy!" The hat quickly decided, "Slytherin!" Pansy joined her fellow Slytherins.
"Patil, Padma!" The hat considered for a moment before calling out, "Ravenclaw!" Padma joined the cheering Ravenclaw table.
"Patil, Parvati!" The hat quickly decided, "Gryffindor!" Parvati joined her fellow first year at the Gryffindor table.
"Perks, Sally-Anne!" The hat took a moment before declaring, "Hufflepuff!"
"Potter, Harry!" The hall fell silent as Harry stepped forward. The hat took its time with Harry, finally calling out, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Harry made his way over to join them.
Then, it was Void's turn.
"Potter, Void," called Professor McGonagall. Void walked up and sat on the stool, feeling the Hat settle over his eyes.
As the Hat was placed on Void's head, he heard a voice in his mind and was startled by the sudden intrusion. The Hat's voice was calm and inquisitive, "Ah, what do we have here? Quite a complex mind, and those Occlumency shields are impressive."
Void's heart pounded as he worried that the Hat might reveal his secrets to Dumbledore or others. However, the Hat reassured him, "Salazar Slytherin made certain that it was impossible for the Hat to divulge detailed information about a student's memories to anyone, not even the founders. I don't read memories per se, but I perceive the mind as a whole, picking up personality traits and habits to decide the house."
Void felt a sense of relief wash over him as the Hat continued, "A tricky one indeed," the Hat chuckled aloud, causing the hall to murmur with curiosity.
Back in Void's mind, the Hat continued its analysis, "You are courageous and loyal, much like Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff, but only for those you truly care about. Your mind is as sharp and insightful as Rowena Ravenclaw's, and you even possess her gift of eidetic memory, which she was most proud of. Yet, your thirst for knowledge isn't for its own sake but for power and security. Your ambition, yes, your ambition is as strong as Salazar Slytherin's—perhaps even more so, for you seek to become the most powerful to ensure your safety from all threats."
The Hat's laughter echoed both in Void's mind and in the hall, surprising everyone who had been waiting for a good forty-five minutes. Professor McGonagall finally asked, "Have you made a decision yet? We need to proceed with the other students."
The Hat responded, "Yes, yes, indeed. This is it! You are—"
Just as the Hat was about to declare Slytherin, Void's concern for Harry surged. "Can I be with Harry? He's nervous about being separated from me," Void thought desperately.
The Hat considered this and responded, "It is the rule that I sort you into the house that suits you best. While I can place you in Gryffindor, you will not be as happy or thrive as much as you would in Slytherin."
Seeing the worry in Harry's eyes, Void felt a pang of sadness but decided it was best for both of them. "It's fine," he thought to the Hat.
The Hat then declared aloud, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Void joined them. Harry looked immensely relieved and happy, and Void felt a mix of emotions but knew he had made the right choice for now.
As the word "Gryffindor" was announced, not only did Harry's face light up with relief and happiness, but even Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a sense of satisfaction and relief. Being in the same house would allow him to keep a closer eye on both Void and Harry, ensuring their safety and guiding them as needed.
Void made his way to the Gryffindor table amidst enthusiastic cheers and applause. Harry greeted him with a wide smile, and they sat together, feeling a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for the adventures ahead.
The Sorting continued, and as more students found their places within the four houses, the hall buzzed with excitement and energy. Soon, the Sorting Hat had finished its task, and Professor McGonagall rolled up her parchment and took the Hat away.
Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling as he addressed the students. "Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
The hall erupted in laughter and applause, and with a wave of Dumbledore's hand, the tables filled with a magnificent feast. Platters of roast beef, chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, sausages, bacon, steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and, for some strange reason, peppermint humbugs, appeared before the hungry students.
Void marvelled at the spread, filling his plate with a bit of everything. As he and Harry dug into their food, they chatted with their new housemates, learning about the various traditions and secrets of Gryffindor House.
As the students settled in for the feast, the house ghosts made their appearances. Nearly Headless Nick, the ghost of Gryffindor House, floated by and introduced himself to the first-years. His nearly severed head, which wobbled precariously on his neck, fascinated and slightly horrified the new students.
"Good evening, new Gryffindors," Nick said, bowing slightly. "I am Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, but you can call me Nearly Headless Nick."
One of the first-years, Seamus Finnigan, asked with wide eyes, "How can you be nearly headless?"
Nick sighed dramatically. "Like this," he said, and with a swift motion, he pulled at the flap of skin holding his head to his neck. The head flopped to the side, hanging on by a thin thread of ghostly sinew.
The first-years gasped, a mix of awe and disgust on their faces. Nick, enjoying their reactions, engaged them in friendly conversation, making them feel welcome and entertained.
As the feast continued, the hall was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. Plates piled high with food were passed around, and the students indulged in the delicious array of dishes. Void and Harry enjoyed the company of their new friends, feeling the warmth and camaraderie of their house.
The students laughed, and the atmosphere lightened even more. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his half-moon spectacles as he continued, "Now that we have that out of the way, a few start-of-term notices."
The room fell silent as he proceeded with the announcements. "First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all students. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."
His gaze briefly flickered to the Gryffindor table, where Fred and George Weasley exchanged amused glances.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors."
Harry and Void exchanged curious looks, imagining the mischief that must have prompted such a rule.
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
Void's interest was piqued. He had read about Quidditch and was eager to see the game in action.
"And finally," Dumbledore continued, "I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
A murmur of confusion and curiosity rippled through the hall. Harry and Void looked at each other with raised eyebrows.
"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" Dumbledore said enthusiastically.
The students groaned good-naturedly as Dumbledore waved his wand, and a long golden ribbon flew out, twisting into words. "Everyone pick their favorite tune," he said, "and off we go!"
The hall filled with a cacophony of different tunes and rhythms as the students sang along to the Hogwarts school song. Dumbledore conducted with gusto, his arms waving energetically. When the last few students finished, Dumbledore clapped his hands, beaming.
"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"
Percy Weasley, the Gryffindor prefect, gathered the first-year students and led them out of the Great Hall. They followed him through a maze of corridors and staircases, some of which moved, until they reached a large portrait of a very fat woman in a pink silk dress.
"Caput Draconis," Percy said, and the portrait swung open, revealing the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. The first-years were in awe as they stepped inside.
The common room was warm and inviting, with a roaring fire in the fireplace, comfortable armchairs, and tables where students could study or play games. The room was decorated with Gryffindor colors – red and gold – and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. The older Gryffindors greeted the new students with smiles and friendly chatter.
"Welcome to Gryffindor!" Fred and George Weasley called out in unison, making the first-years laugh.
Void and Harry found seats near the fire, their exhaustion from the day's events mingling with their excitement. As they settled in, they couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and anticipation. Hogwarts was already proving to be a place of wonder and adventure, and they were eager to see what the future held.
The older students shared stories about their experiences at Hogwarts, offering advice and encouragement to the newcomers. Void listened intently, absorbing every detail. Harry, too, felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.
As the evening wore on, the first-years began to feel the weight of the day's excitement. Percy clapped his hands to get their attention. "Alright, first-years, it's time to head to bed. Follow me, and I'll show you to your dormitories."
Void and Harry, along with the other first-year boys, followed Percy up a spiral staircase to a cozy dormitory with four-poster beds. Each bed had curtains for privacy, and their trunks were already placed at the foot of their beds.
Harry was with Ron, Neville, Dean, and Seamus in their dormitory. As Void was about to head to his own room, he said, "Goodnight, Harry," with a reassuring smile.
"Goodnight, Void," Harry replied, feeling a sense of comfort from Yue's presence. Yue stayed with Harry, keeping a watchful eye on Ron's pet rat, Scabbers, ensuring Harry wasn't left alone with the rodent.
Void made his way to his own dormitory, where he found only three beds instead of the usual five. He felt fortunate that the student he was placed with seemed okay, though Void didn't recall him from the movies or books.
As Void settled in, he greeted his dormmates and said, "Goodnight, everyone."
"Goodnight," they responded in unison.
Void proceeded with his night routine, drawing the privacy curtains around his bed. While the others thought he was going to sleep, Void had other plans. He pulled out a book he needed to finish and began reading under the covers, the soft glow of his wand providing just enough light.
The dormitory was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of sheets and the gentle breathing of his roommates. As Void delved into his book, his mind buzzed with the events of the day and the new world he was becoming a part of. He knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges and discoveries, but he felt ready to face them head-on, armed with knowledge and determination.
As the night wore on, Void continued to read, absorbing the magical knowledge that would help him navigate his new life at Hogwarts. The warmth and comfort of the Gryffindor common room and dormitory provided a safe haven for his studies, and he felt a deep sense of belonging.
With each turn of the page, Void grew more confident in his abilities and more eager to uncover the secrets of the magical world. He knew that, with friends like Harry and the support of his housemates, he could overcome any obstacle that came his way.
Finally, as the clock ticked past midnight, Void closed his book and placed it under his pillow. He lay back, closing his eyes and letting the day's events wash over him. With a contented sigh, he drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever the next day would bring at Hogwarts.