The sky had transformed into a rich indigo, the final hints of orange slowly disappearing beyond the horizon. The air was invigorating, filled with the earthy aroma of wet soil and a subtle, enigmatic musk wafting from the Forbidden Forest nearby. As the first-year students disembarked from the train onto the chilly, shadowy platform of Hogsmeade Station, a buzz of nervous anticipation rippled through the crowd.
Arnit straightened his robe, absorbing the scene around him. The soft glow of the lanterns flickered, creating long, haunting shadows that danced among the assembled students. Suddenly, a powerful, resonant voice cut through the murmur.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years, over here!"
A massive figure loomed over the students, standing head and shoulders above the tallest among them. The man had a wild mane of shaggy black hair, a thick beard that nearly obscured his kindly face, and beetle-black eyes that twinkled warmly in the lantern light.
"Blimey," muttered Cedric beside Arnit, tilting his head up. "He's huge!"
"That's not just huge," Arnit whispered, "That's unnatural."
'He must be somehow related to the giants.' thought Arnit.
The towering man grinned down at them, waving a massive hand to usher the students forward.
"Come along now, no dawdlin'! Boats are waitin' fer yeh!"
The crowd of first-years murmured in awe as they followed. Arnit, Cedric, and the Weasley twins walked together, watching as the giant man moved with surprising gentleness, ensuring that every student was accounted for.
"Oi, Fred," George whispered, "Reckon he wrestles mountain trolls for fun?"
"Or eats 'em for breakfast," Fred quipped, grinning.
Arnit smirked but kept his focus on Hagrid. His presence was intimidating, yet oddly comforting. There was something about him—an aura of trust, strength, and genuine care.
As they approached the water's edge, the first-years gasped in unison. Before them stretched a vast, black lake, its glassy surface reflecting the pinpricks of stars above. But what stole their breath away was what lay beyond—the distant silhouette of a castle, perched atop a great mountain, its many towers and turrets glowing softly with golden light.
"Welcome ter Hogwarts," Hagrid said, smiling proudly as the students took in the sight.
The twins let out low whistles. "Now that's proper magical, that is."
Arnit's heart raced within his chest. He had poured over tales of Hogwarts, envisioned it countless times in his mind, yet nothing—neither the books nor the legends—could truly convey the reality of this moment. What left him even more amazed was the familiar magic he sensed, reminiscent of the enchantment from the pendant he received as a gift. This realization hinted that Hogwarts was constructed with ancient magic, a secret that few modern wizards and witches were aware of.
'The whole castle feels alive. Well, it looks like I did the right thing by coming here.
"Right then! Four ter a boat!" Hagrid bellowed, gesturing toward the small wooden boats bobbing near the shore.
Arnit climbed into a boat with Cedric and the Weasley twins.. As soon as all the students were seated, the boats moved forward on their own, gliding smoothly across the lake.
'Hmm, the boats are enchanted too.' arnit tried look deep inside the lake but due to darkness, he can't see much. But he has a feeling that there is something huge inside this lake, and it's magical.
Cedric exhaled, leaning back slightly. "I think this is the best night of my life."
Arnit smiled, but his hazel eyes remained fixed on Hogwarts, looming larger with every second.
The boats glided effortlessly over the surface of the Black Lake, enchanted to navigate without the need for oars. As they approached the majestic outline of Hogwarts Castle, the first-years were captivated, unable to look away. The warm glow from the windows shimmered on the water, casting dancing reflections on their astonished faces.
Arnit sat quietly in his boat, his hazel eyes following the towering spires and turrets that rose above them. He sensed the magic in the atmosphere, a soft hum that felt like a presence either welcoming them or observing their arrival.
As the boats drew closer to the shore, stone steps emerged, leading from the lake up to the castle.
"Keep yer heads down!" Hagrid shouted, just as they passed under a curtain of ivy that draped over an arched entrance in the cliff.
One by one, the boats arrived at a small underground dock. Hagrid was the first to step onto the platform, his large boots thudding heavily against the stone. He turned around, raising a lantern high.
"Everyone out now! Mind yer step!"
The first-years climbed out, some shivering from the cool night air. Arnit adjusted his cloak as he stepped onto solid ground, his heart pounding faster now.
Hagrid led them up a narrow stone passageway, damp with the scent of moss and lake water. The path twisted upwards, the echoes of their footsteps bouncing off the ancient walls. Then, quite suddenly—
They emerged into the open.
A vast lawn spread out before them, bathed in moonlight, with the massive, towering wooden doors of Hogwarts standing just ahead. The castle seemed even grander up close, its high windows twinkling like a sky full of stars.
And standing before the entrance, waiting with a stern expression, was Professor McGonagall.
She was tall, dressed in deep emerald robes, her sharp gaze scanning the gathered first-years with quiet authority. Her presence alone demanded attention.
"Thank you, Hagrid," she said, her voice crisp yet controlled.
Hagrid nodded. "I'll be off then—sorting's 'bout ter start soon." With a last look at the students, he turned and strode away toward another entrance, leaving them alone with McGonagall. She showed the first years into a small, empty chamber of the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.
Professor McGonagall let the silence stretch for a moment, then clasped her hands together.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice firm and clear. "In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and enter the Great Hall, where you will be sorted into your houses."
A murmur ran through the first-years. Arnit exchanged a quick glance with Cedric, who looked just as curious as he was.
McGonagall continued, "The Sorting Ceremony is one of the most important traditions at Hogwarts. Your house will be your home for the next seven years. It will be like your family. You will sleep in your house dormitory, take lessons with your housemates, and earn points for your house. However," she added, her gaze sharpening, "misbehavior will cost your house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup."
She let her words sink in before continuing.
"The four houses of Hogwarts are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
She paused slightly on the last name, as if expecting a reaction—and she got one. Some students whispered nervously at the mention of Slytherin.
McGonagall's expression remained neutral. "Each house has its own unique qualities and values, and I trust you will all do your best to bring honor to the house you are placed in."
Arnit listened intently, filing away every detail. He had read about the Sorting Hat, but now that the moment was actually here, the reality of it made his stomach tighten.
McGonagall straightened. "Now, follow me."
The large doors creaked open, and the first-years stepped inside following the professor.
A wave of warmth greeted them, along with the rich scent of candle wax and old parchment. The Great Hall was breathtaking—a vast chamber with floating candles suspended in mid-air, their soft glow illuminating the long tables where students were seated. The ceiling, enchanted to mirror the sky outside, shimmered with deep indigo, speckled with stars.
The older students, already seated at their house tables, turned to watch as the new arrivals entered. Some smiled encouragingly, others whispered among themselves.
At the far end of the hall, beneath an elaborate golden chair, stood a wooden stool—and on top of it sat the Sorting Hat.
The ancient hat looked worn and patched, but even from where he stood, Arnit could feel the magic emanating from it.
Cedric leaned into Arnit's shoulders, whispering in his ears, "you knew about this beforehand, right? The sorting hat! And here I thought professors will ask puzzles to distribute students into their houses. I even bought so many books of puzzles to read. How wasteful."
Arnit just sniggered at Cedric's misery.
"HaHa, how funny!" quipped cedric from the side.
McGonagall led them to a stop before the staff table, where Professor Dumbledore sat in the center, his half-moon glasses twinkling as he watched the first-years with quiet amusement. There is only one word in Arnit's mind after seeing Dumbledore for the first time, powerful.
'It feels like there's so much magic trapped inside the headmaster, waiting to be unleashed. It's comparable to my grandfather. While grandfather's magic feels like a calm and gentle breeze, headmaster's magic feels like a calm before the storm.' thought Arnit in wonder.
Suddenly the hat on the stool twitched and made a voice like it's clearing its throat-
'It's enchanted! No wonder…'
And started singing-
♪
Oh, you may think I'm just a hat,
All battered, old, and worn,
But I've sorted minds both sharp and bright
Since Hogwarts first was born!
So gather 'round and lend an ear,
For now it's time to see—
Which house shall shape your fate and path?
Come, place your trust in me!
---
Brave Gryffindor, so bold and true,
Where courage lights the way,
With daring hearts and fearless minds,
They rise to face the fray.
Or wise old Ravenclaw awaits,
For those who seek to know,
With wit and learning sharp as steel,
Their knowledge shall only grow.
Then Hufflepuff, so kind and strong,
With patience tried and true,
Where loyalty and honest hearts
Will always welcome you.
And sly Slytherin, so shrewd and keen,
With cunning, charm, and guile,
They carve their way through fate itself,
With ambition all the while.
---
Yet heed my words, oh young and bright,
For houses are but names,
It's how you choose to wield your gifts
That shapes your life's great game.
So sit you down and try me on,
Don't tremble, fret, or fear—
For I shall read the depths within,
And place you true and clear!
♪
The hall erupts into applause as the Sorting Hat finishes its song, before McGonagall steps forward and turns to the students. "When I call your name, you will step forward, sit on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will determine which house you belong to."
She unrolled a parchment scroll and began calling names.