The small boat passed through a cave covered with ivy, rounded a corner, and finally arrived at the small dock below the castle.
The new students disembarked one by one, Hagrid stood on the shore to maintain order, gesturing for them to walk up the stone steps on their own.
At the end of the stone steps was a huge, open oak door, where two professors stood: Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape.
Professor McGonagall is much the same as her character in the movie; serious and earnest, she looks like a highly respected old professor.
Snape surprised Herman somewhat. His wide black robes remained unchanged, and if unfolded, they would probably resemble a giant bat, but his greasy hair appeared remarkably smooth today, and his hairstyle had been meticulously styled, as if he had been specially groomed.
Herman slowed his pace upon seeing this, wondering to himself: Could there be something to celebrate? The last time they met, Snape looked quite disheveled.
Professor McGonagall stood by the door, her expression somewhat grim, and spoke in a low voice to Snape: "Thank you, Professor Snape. Having you with me to welcome the new students certainly puts my mind at ease. After what happened on the train, we must strengthen school security this semester to prevent those dark creatures from getting in."
Snape's reaction was rather indifferent. He clasped his hands in front of him, his wide black robes almost making him look like a black pillar, and he clearly showed no interest in Professor McGonagall's words.
He wasn't here to greet these "empty-headed" little ones at the entrance because the Hogwarts Express had been attacked.
"I heard our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor did very well on the train," Snape said with a hint of criticism. "Luckily. If he had been bitten by Vampire, it would have been a real record— the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor to resign before even starting."
Clearly, he was still somewhat resentful about not getting the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
McGonagall pretended not to understand Snape's implied meaning and continued, "Speaking of Vampire, Professor Snape, I'll need you to prepare some potent Blood Poison Potion and Wolfsbane Potion in advance. The headmaster said they won't give up easily."
Snape casually replied, "Got it." Then his gaze swept casually over the new students filing in, and suddenly his eyes lit up.
Long red hair, almond-shaped emerald green eyes, and that brand-new school uniform.
In an instant, Snape seemed to transform back into that lonely little boy he once was, following Lily through the gates of Hogwarts. He had once thought those days would last forever, until the Sorting Ceremony shattered all those promises.
" Professor Snape! It's time to greet the students." McGonagall reminded him quickly when she noticed Snape suddenly lost in thought.
Snape was pulled back from his memories. As Harry drew closer, he unconsciously took a half-step back, but quickly regained his expressionless demeanor.
But his words clearly betrayed that he hadn't fully recovered. "Well, Professor McGonagall, I see there's no danger now, so I'll take my leave. You can handle the welcoming ceremony. I'd like to check the supplies; the two potions you mentioned are too rare, I'm afraid we should prepare them in advance."
McGonagall glanced at the students who had all entered the castle; there was indeed no longer any risk.
Moreover, inside the castle, the vice-principal has sufficient authority to activate living statues, defensive magic, and so on. Even if Vampire or Werewolf were to invade, he would be fully capable of handling it.
"Very well, Professor Snape, go ahead and get busy. Let Professor Sprout know if you need any materials, and I'll let her know in advance."
After giving her instructions to McGonagall and Snape, she turned to face the freshmen, her voice cool and formal. "Freshmen, come with me. The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin."
She led the new students through the Entrance Hall to the entrance of the brightly lit Great Hall, where she stopped and briefly explained the college division rules.
The freshmen whispered among themselves; some were so nervous their palms were sweating, while others muttered to themselves which college they hoped to be assigned to.
Professor McGonagall unfolded the parchment in her hand and read out the first name, " Hannah Abbott."
Hannah stepped out of the crowd, her steps a little stiff, but still steady.
She walked to the worn-out bar stool and sat down. Professor McGonagall gently placed the Sorting Hat on her head. The hat was silent for a moment, then called out loudly, " Hufflepuff!"
A round of applause and cheers erupted at the Hufflepuff table.
Hannah breathed a sigh of relief and ran towards the long table, a smile finally appearing on her face. As she sat down at the Hufflepuff table, she didn't forget to wave in Herman's direction.
Herman waved back at her, silently thinking, "It's so much better to be a captive. Compared to Harry, Hannah is much more lovable, except for her greed."
Thinking of this, he unconsciously glanced at Harry.
As if sensing something, Harry turned her head, one hand already resting on the wand handle, and made a slight gesture towards Herman.
Herman immediately forced a genuine smile to show his loyalty, silently planning: Once the academy is divided, I will definitely stay far away from this demon pill.
The next few names were called one after another, and the freshmen walked towards the stool one by one. Herman stood silently in the crowd watching until Professor McGonagall's voice rang out again.
" Draco Malfoy."
A blonde woman named Draco emerged from the crowd, her posture upright, chin slightly raised, her steps leisurely as if she had walked this passageway a thousand times before. She sat down on the high stool, and the brim of the Sorting Hat fluttered swiftly the moment it touched her head.
Slytherin!
Before she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted Slytherin table. Draco removed her hat, gracefully rose to her feet, and her gaze pierced through the crowd to lock onto Herman. She tilted her head slightly, a smirk playing on her lips, and silently mouthed, "See? It's simple, just make your request."
Herman gave her a thumbs-up and mouthed "okay, okay, okay".
Draco turned around with satisfaction and walked to the Slytherin table. She sat down near the center, placed her hands on the table, and sat upright like a cat preparing to inspect its subordinates. Even in front of strangers, she still paid great attention to aristocratic etiquette.
The branch campus continues.
Professor McGonagall read out the next name, and the atmosphere in the Great Hall shifted slightly. " Neville Longbottom."
The moment the name was uttered, even the candlelight seemed to flicker. Almost simultaneously, all the conversations at the long tables ceased, and countless eyes turned to the boy. Neville, trying to maintain a steady pace, made his way through the crowd and sat down on a bench. The Sorting Hat fell, and without the slightest hesitation, he announced loudly, " Gryffindor!"
A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table, with George and Fred being the first to stand up and bang their fists on the table. Neville's tense expression instantly turned into a relieved smile, and he strode over to the table, where George pulled him to sit down beside him.
"Look! The Son of the Champion has arrived at Gryffindor!" Fred shouted excitedly. "This year's House Cup is definitely ours!"