Hogwarts Castle.
"Professor McGonagall is waiting for you inside. I wish you a pleasant start to your school year!"
Hagrid stood at the dock, trying to make his expression and voice as gentle as possible.
But the new students, who were already scared out of their wits, continued to tremble.
This included Malfoy and his group, who were helping each other down the boat with great difficulty.
"Hagrid, remember our agreement! I'm really looking forward to seeing the Acromantulas," Cro waved at Hagrid.
"Of course, they are very cute little creatures; I'm sure you will like them!"
Hagrid spoke to Cro with a face full of pride.
Their conversation echoed across the entire dock, making the newly quiet students wail again.
"There really are Acromantulas! I don't want to, I don't want to! Mom, I want to go home!!"
"Damn it, why is this happening? Is the family really testing us?"
"Acromantulas are extremely dangerous magical creatures, especially in groups. Aren't we going to our deaths?"
Wails and cries echoed in waves.
Cro pursed his lips, somewhat regretful.
These people looked like they were crying intensely, but they had only contributed four bronze treasure chests.
Not even a silver one.
It seemed he had really squeezed them dry.
"Hagrid, we'll be going now. We'll see you when we have time," Cro waved at the dazed Hagrid.
He led the two girls towards the distant castle.
Their luggage would be transported by house-elves.
Once they were sorted into houses, the house-elves would send their luggage over.
At this moment, Cro couldn't help but feel a little excited.
Although he had known he was in the world of Harry Potter, actually arriving at Hogwarts brought about a different feeling.
This feeling was hard to describe.
If he had to say it, it was an indescribable excitement and thrill!
Luna, Pansy,
I'm here!!
...
Looking at the new students below, their eyes swollen like dates, Professor McGonagall furrowed her brows.
"Once you go in, there will be a Sorting Ceremony that decides which house you will enter."
As soon as she finished speaking, the new students cried out again.
Professor McGonagall frowned and waved her wand a few times.
The crying students instantly fell silent.
"I don't know what's wrong with you, but this is Hogwarts, and you don't need to be afraid. The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin; follow me."
Professor McGonagall turned and pushed open the great hall doors.
The Hogwarts Great Hall was incredibly splendid.
Four long tables ran across the entire hall.
Countless candles floated above the hall.
The ceiling looked like a starry sky.
At this moment, the Hogwarts professors had long been waiting.
Seeing the shivering new students enter the hall, several professors exchanged questioning glances with Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall shook her head helplessly.
She also wanted to know what had happened.
The older students were stifling their laughter, struggling not to burst into laughter.
Every year, there are new students undergoing the entrance exams, but this year there seemed to be particularly many!
"This is Hogwarts? It really looks exactly like what is described in the books: a magical hall, a starry sky ceiling, and floating candles."
Hermione looked around the hall, excited.
Everything here was something she had never seen before.
Although she had read about it in books, that was still just books.
It couldn't compare to the shock of seeing it with her own eyes!
Cro affectionately patted her little hand.
"Don't be nervous during the Sorting; it doesn't matter which house you're sorted into. We're all at Hogwarts and won't be separated."
"Mm."
Hermione nodded obediently.
Cassandra gave the two of them a speechless glance.
Still in your little group?
Did you forget there was still another person?
"Quiet down! The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin; please come forward when I call your name!"
Professor McGonagall held her wand with a serious expression.
On the chair beside her was the tattered Sorting Hat.
Upon hearing this, the new students turned pale.
They trembled in fear.
The scene made the older students laugh uncontrollably.
The professors frowned in confusion.
Professor McGonagall remained expressionless.
"First up: Hermione Granger!"
When the familiar name was called, a faint smile appeared on Professor McGonagall's face as she looked at Hermione, who had walked up to her.
"How have you been lately? Hmm, and that lucky little guy Cro."
Professor McGonagall picked up the Sorting Hat and gestured for Hermione to sit on the stool.
"I'm good; Cro and I bought many books and learned a lot from them!"
Hermione sat down obediently and answered Professor McGonagall's question softly.
"That's great."
Professor McGonagall smiled as she placed the dirty Sorting Hat on Hermione's head.
"Eager for knowledge! Diligent and studious! You should go to Ravenclaw; it would suit you well."
The Sorting Hat paused for a moment before continuing.
"However, you are also very brave and would fit in well with Gryffindor. Let me think..."
"Gryffindor!!"
The Sorting Hat's shout echoed throughout the hall.
This was followed by intense applause.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall."
After Hermione took off the Sorting Hat and thanked Professor McGonagall, she quickly walked toward the Gryffindor table.
As she sat down, she didn't forget to give Cro and Cassandra a look, signaling them to come to Gryffindor as well.
"No... no troll? Didn't they say there would be an entrance exam?"
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T/N:
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