NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 16: Across the Lake
The train screeched to a halt, the bustling energy of students filling the platform. Nero stepped onto the cobblestones of Hogsmeade Station, his senses alive with the crisp, cool air and the distant sound of water. Lanterns swayed in the breeze, casting flickering light across the crowd.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!"
A booming voice rose above the chatter, and Nero turned to see the towering figure of Rubeus Hagrid. The half-giant stood head and shoulders above the throng, his wild mane of hair illuminated by his lantern.
"That's Hagrid?" Ember whispered, her eyes wide with amazement.
"He's... bigger than I imagined," Alaric added, though there was no fear in his tone, only wonder.
Hagrid's name was known to the magical family that attended Hogwarts.
"Come on, now!" Hagrid called, waving the first-years over with a broad grin. "Follow me, we'll be takin' the boats across the lake!"
Nero, Ember, Lilith, and Alaric moved as part of the crowd of first-years, weaving through the sea of older students heading in a different direction. Hagrid's presence seemed to steady the group as he led them down a winding path toward the lakeshore.
As they approached, the still, glassy surface of the Black Lake stretched out before them. The moon cast a silver sheen over the water, and on the far side, the majestic silhouette of Hogwarts loomed, its turrets and towers glowing with golden light.
"Wow," Ember breathed, her usual energy giving way to awe.
Even Lilith, usually composed and guarded, seemed momentarily captivated. Her gray eyes softened, reflecting the shimmering lake.
"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called, his voice carrying easily over the sound of rippling water.
Nero, Ember, Alaric, and Lilith climbed into a small wooden boat, its gentle rocking barely noticeable. Nero took a moment to steady his balance before settling in, his gaze lingering on the castle.
As the boats began to glide smoothly across the lake, Hagrid's booming voice carried over the water. "Everyone settlin' in all right? Don't worry, the boats know what they're doin'!"
He walked along the shoreline for a moment, lantern swinging in his hand, before calling out to specific groups. When he stopped near Nero's boat, he crouched slightly to meet their gaze, the lantern light illuminating his kind expression.
"You doin' all right there, lad?" Hagrid asked Nero directly, his warm tone carrying a hint of encouragement.
"Yes, sir," Nero replied, his voice steady and respectful.
"Good, good," Hagrid said with a nod, his eyes twinkling. "Ye've got a look about ye, think you'll do just fine at Hogwarts." He straightened up and turned his attention to the rest of the boats, shouting a quick, "Hold on tight now!".
"That was nice of him," Alaric said as the boats began to glide across the lake, propelled by an unseen force.
"He seems kind," Nero agreed, his thoughts briefly dwelling on the gentle encouragement. Funny to think that Hagrid had been mistaken as the one who opened the chamber of secrets.
The ride across the lake was both serene and awe-inspiring. The castle grew larger with every passing moment, its grandeur imposing and beautiful. Ember couldn't resist pointing out the tallest tower, while Alaric speculated about what might be hidden in the castle's depths. Lilith, however, remained quiet, her gaze locked on the towering spires, as if already planning her exploration of the school.
The boats docked at a small, ivy-covered jetty beneath the shadow of the castle. Hagrid helped each group disembark before leading them up a steep, winding path to the castle's grand entrance.
Once inside, the first-years found themselves in a vast stone chamber lit by flickering torches. The air carried the scent of aged wood and ancient magic.
"Wait here," Hagrid said, his voice gentler now. "Professor McGonagall'll be along in a moment to explain what's next."
As if on cue, the sharp click of heels on stone echoed through the chamber. Professor McGonagall entered, her presence commanding respect with every step. Her back robe swept the floor, and her piercing gaze swept over the group of first-years, silencing their murmurs.
"Thank you Hagrid. I will take over from here." she then turned towards us "Welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her voice crisp and clear. "In just a moment, you will proceed into the Great Hall, where the Sorting Ceremony will take place.
"When I call your name, you will come forward, take a seat, and place the sorting hat upon your head. It will read your heart, your mind, and your abilities, and it will tell us where you belong. You may hear it speak in your mind. When the Sorting Hat makes its decision, it will announce your House aloud."
She let that information sink in for a moment before adding, "Now, there are four Houses here at Hogwarts: Gryffindor, where the brave and daring reside, Hufflepuff, for those who value hard work, loyalty, and fairness, Ravenclaw, for those who value wisdom and creativity, and Slytherin, for those with ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness."
The house you are sorted into will become your family here at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn you points, and any rule-breaking will cost you points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup, a great honor."
"Each house has its own unique qualities and values, but all are equal in importance. I trust you will all do your best to uphold the reputation of whichever house you are sorted into."
She paused, her gaze briefly lingering on a few students, including Nero.
"Once the Sorting is complete, you will join your fellow students at the appropriate table," McGonagall finished, her gaze narrowing slightly as she gave one final, serious glance around. "I trust each of you will conduct yourselves with the honor expected of Hogwarts students, no matter which House you are placed in."
The room was silent, the weight of her words settling over them.
"Now," McGonagall continued, her tone softening just slightly, "please wait here while we make the final preparations."
With that, she turned and left the chamber, leaving the first-years in an anxious buzz of excitement and curiosity. Nero glanced at his companions, sensing the nervous energy among them.
"I've heard the Sorting Hat ultimately respects your wishes," he said quietly, offering a reassuring smile. "And if all else fails, well, we can always rely on our not-so unbreakable vow to make the best of it." His tone was light, hoping to bring some levity to the moment.
Ember stammered "Who-who-who is nervous?".
Then, as if a sudden thought struck her, she clutched her head dramatically and screamed, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! You're right, Nero! I cannot look uncool at the dawn of my legend!" Her exaggerated cry melted into a confident grin as she struck a mock heroic pose, earning a few chuckles from the group.
Lilith, who had covered her ears during Ember's outburst, removed her hands with an almost imperceptible sigh. A faint, knowing smile tugged at her lips, a rare display of amusement that Nero couldn't help but notice. Her subtle nod felt like a quiet acknowledgment of his effort to soothe their nerves.
Alaric laughed heartily, his easygoing nature shining through as he clapped Nero on the shoulder. "Thanks, Nero. Honestly, I think you're right. No matter what happens, we'll stick together, yeah?"
The Sorting Ceremony awaited.
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2nd chapter of the day as promised (2/2)
50 chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 66: The Summon (4)