Kyle had always been curious about how the first-year boats moved at Hogwarts. He used to think it was all magic, but now he had his doubts.
Despite observing for a long time, Kyle couldn't detect any magical traces on the boat. There was also Hagrid, a half-giant nearly four meters tall, who looked much heavier than the four first-year wizards. Yet, the draft of his boat was exactly the same as that of the smaller boats, which seemed odd.
Of course, it was possible that these boats had advanced, hidden enchantments or were some kind of alchemical items. But Kyle preferred to think that something was supporting the boats from beneath the lake.
"Could it be the giant squid?" he wondered.
He leaned over the side to peer into the water, but the visibility in the Black Lake was too low at night. He couldn't see anything other than his own reflection.
...
Before long, the boats left the tunnel and arrived at what seemed like an underground dock. Everyone disembarked and followed Hagrid up a cobblestone path, eventually reaching a damp patch of grass beneath Hogwarts Castle.
Then, they followed the stone steps up to a massive oak door.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Hagrid announced, turning around to knock on the castle door with his huge fist three times.
The door opened, revealing a stern-looking woman in an emerald green robe... well, actually, she was a black-haired witch.
Some people have a certain presence when they appear, like the teacher who watches over the classroom from the back window. Their presence naturally silences a room. Professor McGonagall was like that.
As soon as she appeared, the chatter around them ceased. Even Hagrid became more reserved and said formally, "First years are here, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here," she replied.
Professor McGonagall looked over the group and then led them into the castle.
The stone walls of the castle were lined with blazing torches, filling the space with warmth and dispelling the chill from outside. Many of the young wizards, who had been shivering, seemed to relax a bit.
To their right, there was a closed door, and Kyle could hear a hum of voices coming from inside. But Professor McGonagall did not linger and instead guided them to an empty room at the end of the hall.
"First of all, welcome to Hogwarts," she began, delivering her usual opening speech.
"The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you must be sorted into your houses. Sorting is a very important ceremony because, during your time here, your house will be like your family at Hogwarts..."
Even though Kyle already knew what was coming, he listened carefully. He had to stay attentive since he was standing in the front row, right under Professor McGonagall's gaze. If he seemed distracted now, it might cause trouble for him later.
Besides, this was a classic moment, one that only happened once, so Kyle didn't want to miss it.
By now, Professor McGonagall had finished discussing the House Cup and was introducing the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Or, to put it more simply, the brave, the loyal, the wise, and the ambitious.
The little wizards around him listened intently, their eyes filled with anticipation. From time to time, they glanced towards the Great Hall, eager to rush in.
...
"In a few minutes, the Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the entire school. I suggest you freshen up and look your best while you wait."
"I'll come back to get you when it's time," Professor McGonagall said, giving them a final glance. "Please remain quiet while you wait."
Her last remark turned out to be unnecessary, as the silence lifted as soon as she left the room.
A group of first-years quickly gathered, excitedly discussing what would happen next.
"How are we going to be sorted? Do we get to choose ourselves?" a nervous young witch asked.
This was the question on everyone's mind.
"Maybe there will be some kind of test, like at Smeltings School," suggested a Muggle-born boy. "When I got my letter from Hogwarts, I had already been accepted to Smeltings, but I chose to come here... Well, actually, Professor McGonagall convinced my mom. She really wanted me to go to Smeltings."
It was an attempt to boast, but it fell flat since everyone was more interested in the Sorting Ceremony than in his story about Smeltings. Besides, many students didn't even know what Smeltings School was.
"I think the heads of the houses choose their students," another student chimed in confidently. "That's how it works at Ilvermorny, except they use statues. My dad is friends with the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and he told me."
His explanation was more convincing, and he quickly gained a number of supporters. He seemed quite pleased with himself, telling anyone who would listen about his father's connections.
You'd almost think his father was the Minister of Magic.
Just then, Kyle felt a tug on his robe sleeve. He turned to find Kanna looking nervous.
"Kyle, is it true that the heads of houses pick the students?" she asked anxiously. "What if none of the houses want me? Will I be expelled?"
"Don't worry, that won't happen," Kyle reassured her with a smile. "Think about it—Ilvermorny and Hogwarts are different schools. They wouldn't use the same method. That would be way too unoriginal."
"I see..." Kanna said, sighing with relief. She continued, "Do you know how they sort us, then?"
"Well... I do," Kyle said, leaning closer to whisper in her ear. "It's simple. The professors cast the Avada Kedavra curse on each of us. Whoever survives gets to enroll. But don't worry, you won't be expelled."
Just as he said this, a ghost happened to float by.
Kyle turned and waved cheerfully, saying, "Hello, sir! We're about to be sorted into houses. Wish us luck!"
The ghost, not quite understanding the young wizard, gave a polite nod in response to the greeting.
Seeing this, the light in Kanna's eyes faded instantly, and she stood there, looking stunned as if her soul had left her body.
(End of Chapter)
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