The platform at Hogsmeade Station was alive with excitement and anticipation. Students old and new gathered in clusters, chattering animatedly as they disembarked from the Hogwarts Express. Amidst the throng, a booming voice called out, "Firs' years! Firs' years, over here!"
Izzy turned toward the source of the voice and saw a towering figure with a wild beard and kind eyes, holding a lantern high above his head. She recognized him from her readings as Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.
"Come on, Izzy," Fred said with a grin, nudging her gently. "Time for the grand tour."
She followed Fred, George, and Angelina through the crowd, weaving their way toward Hagrid. The lantern's warm glow illuminated Hagrid's broad smile as he gathered the first-year students around him.
"All right, first years," Hagrid called out, his voice resonant and hearty. "Follow me! Mind yer step, now."
The group of first years trailed after Hagrid, leaving the bustling platform behind. The path led them down a steep, narrow trail, flanked by dense woods that seemed to whisper secrets as they passed. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth.
As they emerged from the trees, a breathtaking sight greeted them. The vast expanse of the Black Lake stretched out before them, its surface shimmering under the pale light of the crescent moon. Across the lake, perched majestically on a rocky outcrop, was Hogwarts Castle. Its towers and turrets stood tall and proud, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.
"Wow," Angelina whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
"Impressive, isn't it?" George added, his voice tinged with excitement.
Izzy felt a surge of emotion as she gazed at the castle. It was more magnificent than she had ever imagined, its presence both daunting and exhilarating.
Hagrid led them to the edge of the lake, where a fleet of small boats awaited, bobbing gently in the water. "Four to a boat!" Hagrid called, guiding the students into their vessels.
Fred, George, Angelina, and Izzy climbed into one of the boats, settling onto the wooden benches. The boat rocked slightly as they found their balance, the water lapping softly against its sides.
Hagrid took his place in a larger boat at the front of the fleet. "Forward!" he commanded, and the boats began to glide smoothly across the lake, propelled by an unseen force.
The journey across the Black Lake was magical. The boats moved in perfect harmony, cutting through the still waters with ease. The reflection of Hogwarts shimmered on the surface, creating an almost surreal mirror image that seemed to blur the line between reality and dream.
Izzy leaned over the edge of the boat, her emerald eyes keen and curious. As the boat glided across the lake, she extended her hand, her fingers skimming the cold surface of the water. The chill of the lake sent a shiver up her spine, but she found it exhilarating. Ripples fanned out from her touch, distorting the moon's reflection.
Suddenly, she caught sight of movement beneath the surface. Her breath hitched as she peered closer, her eyes straining to see through the dark, murky water. A faint glow emerged, illuminating the silhouettes of aquatic creatures gliding gracefully just below.
"Look," she whispered, pointing toward the shapes in the water. Fred, George, and Angelina leaned over to see, their expressions mirroring her awe.
In the dim light, they could make out the sinuous forms of what appeared to be Grindylows—small, horned water demons that lurked in the depths. Their green, webbed fingers moved with fluid grace, and their eyes glowed faintly as they observed the passing boats.
"Grindylows," Izzy murmured, recalling the descriptions from her readings. "They live in the lake."
The creatures watched them for a moment before darting away into the depths, their eerie glow fading into the darkness. Izzy's heart raced with excitement at the encounter, her mind racing with thoughts of the many magical creatures she would encounter at Hogwarts.
The boat continued its journey, and Izzy's hand lingered on the surface of the water, feeling a connection to the ancient magic that permeated the lake. The cold, smooth touch of the water seemed to whisper secrets of the depths, filling her with a sense of wonder and anticipation for the adventures that awaited her.
As they neared the shore, the silhouette of Hogwarts grew larger and more imposing. The castle's towers reached towards the sky, their stone walls bathed in the moonlight. The boats docked at a small pier beneath the shadow of the castle, and Hagrid stepped onto the shore first, holding his lantern high to light the way.
"Up the stairs an' into the Great Hall," he instructed, leading the group up a steep flight of stone steps.
The first years followed, their footsteps echoing off the stone as they climbed. The entrance to the castle was imposing, its massive wooden doors adorned with ironwork and ancient runes. Hagrid pushed the doors open, revealing a grand foyer with high ceilings and torch-lit walls.
"Firs' years, wait here," Hagrid said, gesturing for them to gather near the entrance. "Professor McGonagall will be along shortly to take you to the Sorting Ceremony."
As the first years assembled, their excitement and nervousness palpable, Izzy took a moment to absorb her surroundings. The grandeur of the castle was awe-inspiring, its halls steeped in history and magic. She felt a deep sense of belonging, a connection to the legacy of Hogwarts and the promise of the adventures that awaited.
The first years gathered nervously in the grand foyer, the massive wooden doors of the Great Hall looming before them. Excitement and anxiety mingled in the air as they awaited the moment that would define their future at Hogwarts. The group was abuzz with whispered conversations and curious glances.
The doors creaked open, revealing a vast hall illuminated by floating candles and the enchanted ceiling, which reflected the starry night sky outside. Professor McGonagall, tall and stern, stood at the entrance, her sharp eyes scanning the group of new students.
"Follow me," she instructed, her voice carrying an air of authority that silenced the chattering students.
Izzy, along with Fred, George, Angelina, and the other first years, filed into the Great Hall. The long tables of the four Hogwarts houses stretched before them, filled with older students who watched the newcomers with interest. The air was filled with the murmurs of speculation and the occasional burst of laughter.
At the front of the hall stood the Sorting Hat, placed on a stool. Its aged, battered appearance belied the wisdom and power it held within. Professor McGonagall stood beside it, holding a long scroll of parchment.
"When I call your name, you will come forward, put on the hat, and sit on the stool to be sorted," she announced. "Ackerley, Stewart!"
A nervous-looking boy stepped forward, his steps hesitant. He sat on the stool, and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. After a moment's pause, the hat shouted, "Ravenclaw!" Applause erupted from the Ravenclaw table as Stewart joined them, relief evident on his face.
"Baddock, Malcolm!" McGonagall called next. A boy with a determined expression walked up and donned the hat. "Slytherin!" the hat proclaimed, and the Slytherin table cheered.
Izzy watched intently, her mind racing with thoughts of where she might be sorted. The names continued to be called, each new student stepping forward with a mix of trepidation and excitement.
"Bell, Katie!" A girl with a confident stride approached the stool. The hat barely touched her head before declaring, "Gryffindor!" Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table, where Fred and George greeted her with enthusiastic applause.
"Johnson, Angelina!" McGonagall called. Angelina took a deep breath and walked to the stool. After a brief moment, the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table cheered loudly, welcoming another new member.
"Jordan, Lee!" A boy with dreadlocks and an infectious grin approached the stool. The hat took a bit longer this time before deciding, "Gryffindor!" Lee joined his friends at the Gryffindor table, high-fiving Fred and George.
As more names were called, the anticipation built. Izzy's turn was approaching, and she could feel her heart beating faster. She watched as the Sorting Hat continued its work, sorting students into their respective houses.
Finally, McGonagall called, "Black, Izanami!"