The first-year students stood clustered before the grand iron gates of Hogwarts, the castle towering above them like a monument to magic itself. The cool night air buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as they waited for Professor McGonagall to arrive.
Ron, standing among the group, leaned toward Harry and Jason. "My brothers told me all about the sorting ceremony," he whispered conspiratorially. "Said we had to fight a troll to get in!"
A collective gasp rippled through the group, and several students paled at the thought. Jason arched an eyebrow but remained silent for a moment, letting the tension build before stepping in.
"Ron," Jason said, his tone light but precise, "didn't you say your brothers are pranksters? It sounds to me like they were just trying to mess with you."
Ron's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Blimey, you're right! Why didn't I think of that? Thanks, Jason. I'd have looked like a right fool believing that."
Several students exhaled in relief, the fear of trolls replaced with tentative smiles.
From behind, a drawling voice cut through the murmur. "So it's true, then," Draco Malfoy said, lounging against the railing. His sharp features twisted into a smug expression. "What they were saying on the train—Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."
Malfoy stepped forward, positioning himself directly in front of Harry. "I'm Draco Malfoy," he said, his voice dripping with self-importance. He glanced at Ron disdainfully before returning his gaze to Harry. "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others. Make sure you join the right kind."
Before Harry could respond, the gates creaked open, and a tall witch dressed in emerald-green robes appeared. Her sharp eyes immediately found Malfoy.
"In the line, Mr. Malfoy," she said sternly.
Draco flushed and quickly retreated back into the group. The witch turned her attention to the rest of the students.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her voice crisp and commanding. "The sorting ceremony will begin shortly, where you will be placed into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Your house will be your family during your time here, and your actions will earn or lose points for your house. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the house cup—an honor every student should strive for. However," she added, her gaze sweeping the group, "bad behavior will be punished with the loss of house points."
She stepped aside and gestured toward the castle. "Now, follow me."
The first-years entered the Great Hall in awe. Four long tables stretched across the room, filled with older students who turned to watch as the newcomers made their way through. Above them, the enchanted ceiling mirrored the night sky, stars twinkling against the inky blackness.
"It's not real," Hermione Granger whispered, her voice filled with excitement. "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."
Jason, walking alongside Harry and Ron, smiled to himself.
This is it "Peak cinema" . ohh the scene played like they are supposed to .
All those years of waiting, and now I'm finally here.
At the front of the hall, Professor McGonagall stepped forward and raised her hand for silence.
"Before we begin," she announced, "the Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, would like to say a few words."
Dumbledore rose from his seat at the staff table, his long beard gleaming in the candlelight. He spread his arms wide in a gesture of welcome.
"To our new students: welcome! And to our returning students: welcome back! I must remind you all that the Forbidden Forest is, as its name suggests, forbidden. Additionally, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is strictly off-limits unless you wish to meet an untimely end. Thank you"
The students laughed nervously, though some of the first-years exchanged worried glances.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward again, holding a long scroll. "When I call your name, you will come forward and sit on the stool to be sorted by the Sorting Hat," she explained.
One by one, the students were called. Ron was among the first. The hat barely touched his head before shouting, "Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers as Ron joined them. More names were called, and the sorting proceeded smoothly. Ron and Hermione were both sorted into Gryffindor, much to their delight. Draco Malfoy and his cronies were predictably sorted into Slytherin.
Finally, it was Jason's turn.
"Bourne, Jason," McGonagall called.
Jason stepped forward, his steps steady, and sat on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and a voice immediately spoke in his ear.
"Hmmm… another difficult one. Ambitious, cunning… you'd do well in Slytherin."
Jason thought back quickly. "Ravenclaw."
The hat paused. "Ravenclaw? Your ambition suits you to Slytherin. Why not embrace it?"
Jason's inner voice was calm. "Because I seek power and knowledge. Slytherin would unnecessarily complicate things."
The hat chuckled. "Ah, clever. Very clever. But you could achieve greatness in Slytherin as well."
"I doubt that," Jason countered. "Ravenclaw offers the tools and opportunities I need."
The hat considered for a moment longer before declaring loudly, "RAVENCLAW!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted into applause as Jason stood and made his way to join them.
Jason settled in at the Ravenclaw table, glancing back toward the Gryffindor table where Harry and Ron sat.
Ron sighed, nudging Harry. "Knew he'd end up in Ravenclaw. Bloke's too smart for Gryffindor."
Harry nodded, watching Jason. "Still, wish he was with us. He was good company."
As Dumbledore rose again to give his final welcome, the tables magically filled with food, and the students dug in eagerly. Ghosts floated above the tables, engaging in conversation or occasionally spooking an unsuspecting first-year.
Jason couldn't help but smile as he watched the lively scene.