A Wave of Mods

After changing into his Wizard's Robes, the steam train carrying Li Wei and the others slowly came to a halt amid the sound of its whistle.

The final stop of the steam train, Hogsmeade Station, had arrived!

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Someone outside the train struck an iron bell, urging the young wizards on the train to disembark.

The senior students had already left their carriages and, following the route designated by the school, boarded Thestral-drawn carriages to return to Hogwarts Castle.

Li Wei and the others had already received reminders before getting off that they did not need to take their luggage, as dedicated personnel would transport it to their dormitories.

Therefore, Li Wei, Hermione, and the others simply wore their wizard's robes, held their wands, and got off the train amidst the night.

"First-year little wizards, first-year Hogwarts new students, come over to me!"

"Don't run around, I'm Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and I've been assigned by Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster, to lead you to the castle!"

"First-year little wizards, first-year..."

Li Wei, having just stepped off the train, saw a towering figure nearly four meters tall under the illumination of the platform lights, shouting loudly with a rough voice.

Well, this giant gentleman should be the guide!

Li Wei said a word to Hermione, Hannah, and the others, then strode toward Hagrid.

As dusk fell, Li Wei and the other first-year little wizard tykes formed a line like little chicks, following closely behind the mother hen Hagrid.

As Li Wei followed the main group forward, he noticed that the smoke of the Fantasy MOD System quietly emerged once again, forming a line of prompts before his eyes:

[Half-Giant Hagrid detected, loading Mixed-Blood MOD...]

[Loading complete, congratulations to the host for obtaining the Mixed-Blood MOD!]

He was just about to open the MOD to look at the specific introduction of this new MOD when his feet suddenly went empty, nearly causing him to stumble, and a burst of exclamations came from beside him.

Li Wei looked up and saw that they had already begun walking down a slope, at the end of which was a Black Lake rippling with waves under the moonlight.

The downhill path by the lake was extremely steep and rugged, and quite a few young wizards walked awkwardly and took a tumble in the darkness.

"Lumos!"

Li Wei shook his head, raised his Elderwood Phoenix Feather Wand, and summoned a fist-sized, hazy ball of light that slowly rose, emitting a faint white glow and illuminating the surroundings.

Only, he regretted it the moment he finished casting the spell!

Because of the light, the young wizards gathered around like phototactic little animals, crowding the people around him into a chaotic mess and shoving Li Wei into a disheveled state as well.

Fortunately, the path by the lake was not long, and Li Wei finally stumbled his way to the lakeside.

"Four to a boat, don't crowd, don't overload, be careful not to fall into the lake!"

Hagrid held an oil lamp, completely unfazed by the chaotic situation of the young wizards, and shouted loudly.

He had to experience similar situations every year, so he was already well-accustomed to it and knew how to deal with every kind of scenario.

Li Wei, Hermione, Hannah, and Neville boarded a small boat, which sailed automatically amidst the rippling waves, crossing the Black Lake and preparing to land at the secret dock of Hogwarts Castle.

"I read in a book that, according to legend, Lady Ravenclaw dreamt of a warty hog that brought her to the location where Hogwarts Castle stands."

"Now we are crossing the Black Lake by boat, which is imitating the way the four founders came to Hogwarts back then!"

Hermione explained the reason why new students had to do this in a lingering tone amidst the sound of the waves.

Li Wei did not speak, but Nami in his arms let out a "pew" cry, while behind the two of them, Trevor in Neville's arms was too well-behaved to dare move again.

A steep cliff towered over the Black Lake, covered with ivy. As the boat sailed toward the hidden entrance of the cliff, Hagrid shouted loudly:

"Heads down! Watch your heads!"

Hannah at the bow of the boat hurriedly lowered her head. Only after the boat sailed into the entrance did she discover that out of the entire fleet of boats, only Hagrid needed to duck because he was far too tall.

"We're finally here!"

Li Wei spoke in a low voice, raising his head with a burning gaze to look at Hogwarts Castle as it rushed into view under the moonlight. Countless sharp spires stretched into the high sky, and lamplight filtered through the window lattice, casting a warm orange-yellow glow that filled people with yearning for that place!

"It's so beautiful~ Is this Hogwarts?! I guess I'll never forget this scene for the rest of my life!"

Hermione beside him also exclaimed in disbelief, like a chant.

"Yeah, it's so beautiful it's unforgettable for a lifetime!"

Looking past Hermione's profile, Li Wei gazed once again at the towering Hogwarts Castle. This was where the dreams of countless people began!

After getting off the boat and stepping onto the hidden port beneath the castle, the smoke rolled before Li Wei's eyes once again, and a prompt quietly emerged:

[Hogwarts Castle detected, host has officially arrived at the school, Learning MOD loading...]

[Wizard Tower MOD loading...]

[Exploration MOD loading...]

[Download complete, congratulations to the host for obtaining...]

Loading three MODs in succession—truly living up to being the main setting of the story: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

Li Wei had no time to check carefully; he only had time to sigh with emotion in his heart before waving away the smoke, falling into line, and following Hagrid into Hogwarts Castle.

Climbing the stone steps, Hagrid led them to a large door and knocked heavily on it three times.

The heavy doors opened, and Professor McGonagall, whom Li Wei had not seen in many days, appeared.

She wore a low-key yet luxurious emerald-green robe and a pointed wizard's hat, looking at the young witches and wizards with a slightly expectant expression.

"First-year newbies, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid indicated that his duty was complete.

"Thank you for the effort, Hagrid," Professor McGonagall nodded at Hagrid, indicating that she would take over the task of guiding the new students from here on.

Hagrid turned and left, but before going, he greeted and waved to a thin, small boy in the line of young wizards.

Watching Hagrid leave, Professor McGonagall's expression turned stern, and with just a single sweep of her gaze, the noisy young wizards instantly quieted down like startled quails.

"Welcome all new students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"

Professor McGonagall expertly spoke the words she said every year to welcome the new students, though her gaze glanced at Li Wei in the line, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as she continued:

"The opening banquet is about to begin!

However, before attending the opening feast, you must first be sorted into your houses.

The Sorting is a very important ceremony because during your time at school, your house will be your home at Hogwarts.

Within the house, you will study and live together, getting along like a close-knit family.

Any action you take at Hogwarts may earn or lose points for your house, which will directly determine the winner of the highest honor of the year—the House Cup.

The four houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin.

The four houses are entirely equal, and no matter which house you are sorted into, I wish you a happy and fulfilling journey of learning at Hogwarts!

In just a few minutes, the Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the entire school's staff and students.

My final suggestion to you is to tidy up your appearance first and greet the only Sorting Ceremony of your lives with your best posture—perk up!"

With that, Professor McGonagall glanced at Li Wei once more, turned around, and headed back into the Great Hall.