They had thought the rain would stop by the time they reached Hogwarts, but it was coming down even harder when the train stopped.
The young wizards stood in the carriage doorways, gazing hesitantly at the downpour outside. Thunder rumbled overhead, and none of them wanted to plunge into that icy rain.
At Hagrid's urging, they finally ducked their heads like quails and scrambled miserably into the carriages.
Then they clung to the carriage doors, looking sympathetically at the first-years, who were already soaked to the skin.
"Oh, I can't imagine crossing the lake in this weather."
Hermione was shivering all over. Her hair clung to her face, and water kept dripping from its ends.
She was not the only one; everyone in the carriage was in the same state. By the time they finally sorted themselves out with magic, the carriage had passed through the gates of Hogwarts.
Everyone began looking forward to the warm Great Hall and hot pumpkin juice. The great event they had been so eagerly speculating about earlier had long since been pushed aside.
The Great Hall was as magnificent as ever, with extra decorations for the start-of-term feast.
Hundreds upon hundreds of candles floated above the tables, making the golden plates and goblets gleam.
The four long house tables were already packed with chattering students.
There was a fifth table at the far end of the Great Hall, where the staff sat side by side, facing their students.
Quite a few staff seats were empty just then. Hagrid was still outside, leading the first-years across the Black Lake, while Professor McGonagall was in the Entrance Hall, preparing to bring them in for the Sorting.
Zhang Xiao stared at the empty seats. One belonged to the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, though he did