As the train slowed to a stop, the first-year students disembarked onto the platform, where a towering figure with a warm smile awaited them. "Firs'-years! Over here!" Hagrid's booming voice echoed through the crowd, drawing the attention of the young witches and wizards.
Harry, Hermione, and Neville followed the group, stepping into the cool night air. The towering silhouette of Hogwarts loomed in the distance, bathed in the glow of countless lanterns. The sight left the students breathless.
"Wow," Hermione murmured, eyes wide in awe. "It looks even more magnificent in person."
Neville, gripping Trevor the toad tightly, gulped. "It looks... big. Really big."
Harry chuckled. "That just means there's more to explore."
Hagrid led them to the edge of the Great Lake, where a fleet of small boats bobbed gently on the water. "No more'n four to a boat!" he instructed.
Harry, Hermione, and Neville quickly climbed into one, and before they could wonder who would join them, a blonde-haired girl hesitantly stepped forward. "Mind if I sit here?" she asked with a polite smile.
"Not at all," Harry said, motioning for her to sit. "I'm Harry, this is Hermione, and that's Neville."
"Hannah Abbott," she introduced herself. "Nice to meet you."
The boats moved smoothly across the glassy lake, the magic propelling them forward without a single ripple in the water. The reflection of Hogwarts shimmered below, creating an almost dreamlike image of the castle.
"Isn't it fascinating how the boats move on their own? I read about this in 'Hogwarts, A History'—they're enchanted to always take the safest route."
Neville, on the other hand, looked a little green. "I hope I don't fall in," he muttered, clutching the sides of the boat.
"You won't," Harry reassured him. "These boats have been carrying students for centuries without a single incident."
Hannah smiled kindly at Neville. "If it makes you feel better, I can swim. If you fall, I'll save you."
Neville gave a weak chuckle at that, visibly relaxing a little.
As the boats drifted closer to the castle, the full majesty of Hogwarts became clearer. Towering spires, glowing windows, and the sheer grandeur of the ancient stone structure captivated the students. Even Harry, despite all his accumulated knowledge, felt a thrill at the sight. The castle wasn't just a school; it was a place filled with history, secrets, and magic waiting to be uncovered.
Then, as they neared the bridge leading to the entrance, Hagrid's booming voice echoed across the water. "Duck when we get to the bridge, everyone!"
At his command, nearly all the students instinctively lowered their heads. However, Harry simply chuckled, remaining upright.
Hermione, noticing, frowned at him. "Why aren't you bowing? And why did you chuckle?"
Harry smirked and gestured toward Hagrid, who was crouching awkwardly in his own boat. "Hagrid's half-giant, Hermione. He's massive. If he didn't bow, he'd knock himself out on the bridge. But us? We're just little kids. We're not even close to hitting it."
Hermione's eyes widened as she processed his words, then she let out a small laugh. "Oh. That actually makes a lot of sense."
As the boats passed safely under the bridge, the first years sat up again, sharing amused looks. The excitement of what was to come filled the air, the Sorting awaiting them just beyond the castle's great doors.