Surging In

The deep-red train let out a long whistle, billowing thick steam as it slowly pulled into Hogsmeade Station.

The train jolted to a stop. The next second, every carriage door slid open, and hundreds upon thousands of witches and wizards in all manner of dress stepped down.

Bulgarian wizards in indigo silk robes descended with their heads held high; Egyptian wizards wrapped in camel-hair cloaks wore glittering golden jewelry; Indian Female Witches had saris fluttering in the wind; and wizards from the Brazilian rainforest wore emerald-green cloaks, with color-changing flowers hanging around their necks.

"Make way! Please make way!"

A deep, booming voice shouted. People nearby turned to look and saw two enormous moose pulling a carriage, swaying along the path. The shout had actually come from one of the moose.

Several Russian wizards in Scarlet Stand-collar Uniforms strode past, their Bearskin Boots making the wooden platform creak. A sharp-eyed snowy owl perched on one of their shoulders.

The familiar owl made Hagrid think of the first time he had met Harry. A warm smile appeared on the Half-Giant's face as he waved his arms and called out, "Hogwarts welcomes you all! Please come this way, the carriages are waiting ahead!"

"Oh, Ra above!" A wizard in white robes looked at Hagrid's enormous stature and could not help exclaiming, "You're really tall, sir!"

Hagrid gave an honest, bashful smile, and Madame Maxime's angry voice suddenly flashed through his mind—

"I'm just big-boned!"

"Please follow me, ladies and gentlemen."

Outside the station, more than a hundred carriages were already waiting quietly, adorned with unprecedentedly lavish decorations:

Silver thread traced constellation patterns across the black leather; delicate wind chimes and lanterns hung from both sides of the carriages; thick yellow carpets lay beneath the seats; even the wheel spokes were wrapped in