Arrival at Hogwarts

After getting off the train, the night chill made Neville unconsciously shrink his neck. Glancing at Klein beside him, who had already changed into his robes, he couldn't help speaking up.

"You know, Neville, the trick to not feeling cold is to pretend you're warm. It's a psychological technique. You can try it too."

Speaking slowly and deliberately, Klein still wore that carefree expression, as if the cold air didn't bother him at all.

"Really?"

A look of surprise lit up Neville's face as he believed Klein's words without reservation.

But in reality, no matter how much he muttered "not cold," his body kept shivering uncontrollably.

"Alright, that was a joke. The reason I'm not cold is because I'm wearing an extra layer of undershirt."

Though messing with an honest guy was amusing, it inevitably stirred a sense of guilt. Watching the chubby little guy's adorably naive look, Klein was finally pricked by his dwindling conscience and told him the truth.

"Klein!"

Realizing he'd been tricked, Neville let out a strange yelp, his round eyes wide.

He wasn't really angry—in fact, he was quite happy that Klein was willing to joke around with him.

"Alright, everyone off the train? Gather over here."

Suddenly, a voice as deep as thunder rumbled from the front of the line. A burly, bearded giant waved a lantern back and forth, trying to catch everyone's attention.

"I'm here to pick you up. Any first-years still on the train? No? Great, follow me! And watch your step!"

Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, looked delighted. He hummed an unfamiliar tune as he beckoned the first-years.

Stepping out of the dark, cold station, they found themselves surrounded by dense ancient trees, the silence almost eerie.

"Ooh, careful now, this bit's a bit tricky."

Hagrid shook his lantern and led the way down a steep, narrow path. The crowd hurried after him, stumbling and slipping along the way. Before long, their freshly changed robes were stained with wet mud and dew.

"I hate this road."

Neville sniffled and muttered quietly, a protruding bush having just torn his sock.

"Hang in there a little longer. I think we should be close to the school."

A hint of helplessness crossed Klein's face as he gently comforted the other.

Sure enough, the moment he finished speaking, Hagrid's booming voice rang out again.

"Hogwarts is here!"

"Whoa~"

Young as they were, the boys and girls who'd been exhausted moments before instantly perked up. They rushed to the end of the path, eagerly gazing into the distance—across a great black lake stood a castle, its towers rising high, windows glittering under the starry sky.

"Hogwarts."

Klein murmured to himself, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

This castle would become his new starting point.

"Alright, there'll be plenty of time to marvel once we're inside the castle. Now, onto the boats!"

Hagrid pointed to a row of small boats moored by the lake and spoke loudly.

"No more than four per boat. Hurry up, you little ones."

Klein and Neville found a boat at random and sat down steadily. Sharing their boat were a black boy named Dean and a quiet little girl who barely spoke.

"Everyone on board?"

Hagrid scanned the shore, saw no one was left behind, and bellowed.

"Let's set off!"

A fleet of boats laden with students glided forward, cutting through the calm lake surface.

Past the cliffs, through the vines, Hogwarts grew larger before their eyes until the ancient castle seemed to tower directly overhead, a breathtaking sight.

"Alright, we're here."

Disembarking at what looked like an underground dock, Hagrid led the group onto a path of crushed stone and pebbles. Through a hidden tunnel, across damp grass, and up several stone steps, they gathered before a massive oak door.

"Bang, bang, bang."

Raising his huge fist, he pounded the wooden door three times, then turned around with a sincere, cheerful smile.

"Welcome to Hogwarts."

"Creak~"

The oak door swung open, revealing a tall, thin witch in emerald-green robes and a pointed hat, her expression very stern.

"Professor McGonagall, these are the first-years."

Before the woman could speak, Hagrid bowed his head, seeming to hold great respect for her.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here."

Professor McGonagall nodded slightly and pulled the oak door wide, revealing the castle's interior—stone walls hung with blazing torches, a ceiling so high it was nearly invisible, and a grand marble staircase straight ahead leading to the upper floors.

"Then, follow me."

Leaving that behind, she turned and walked into the castle.

The youths and maidens filed in after her, jostling shoulder to shoulder, craning their necks to curiously take in everything around them they could see.

"This way."

Professor McGonagall didn't let the group linger in the main hall; instead, she led them directly to a small, empty room. Hanging on the walls were four banners, bearing the emblems of a lion, a serpent, an eagle, and a badger, looking very ancient.

"Children, welcome to Hogwarts. The Opening Feast is about to begin, but before you enter the dining hall, you must determine which House you will join. The Sorting Ceremony is a very important ritual, because during your time at school, your House will be your home at Hogwarts. You will attend classes with your fellow House members, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend your free time in your House common room."

Pausing, Professor McGonagall pointed at the banners and began introducing the four Houses of Hogwarts.

"The four Houses are named: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own glorious history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. During your time at Hogwarts, your excellent performance will earn points for your House, while any rule-breaking will cause your House to lose points. At the end of the year, the House with the highest points will receive the Academy Cup, a great honor. I hope that no matter which House you are sorted into, you will strive to bring glory to it. In a few minutes, the Sorting Ceremony will take place before all the teachers and students. I suggest you tidy yourselves up and look spirited while you wait."

With that, her gaze lingered for a moment on Neville's robes, making the chubby boy suddenly very nervous.

"When you're ready, I'll come get you. Also, please remain quiet."

Leaving that instruction, Professor McGonagall exited the room.

"Whew~"

Neville let out a long breath, finally relaxing.