Harry Potter : This Progress Too Much

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The train slowed down and came to a halt with a loud whistle.

Excited and nervous first-year students eagerly pushed and shoved their way toward the side door, stepping onto a small, dimly lit platform.

David, who had just disembarked, immediately felt a chill in the air. The Scottish Highlands in September had already embraced autumn, and the night air had dropped to a biting single-digit temperature.

"It's freezing," he thought, rubbing his arms.

"Warming Charm!"

With a flick of his wand, warmth spread over his body, making the cold bearable. The Warming Charm was a simple yet practical spell, usually introduced in third-year textbooks, but David had learned it early.

He glanced around and noticed Hermione and Neville shivering beside him. Without hesitation, he cast the same spell on them.

"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully, pulling her cloak tighter around her.

"Thanks, mate," Neville added, looking relieved.

Nearby, Cassandra stood with her arms folded, pretending not to be affected by the cold. But her slightly clenched jaw betrayed her discomfort. David sighed and cast the charm on her as well.

Cassandra hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Thank... thank you."

Without another word, she turned and walked away toward another group of students. Like Draco Malfoy, she had her own circle—other pure-blood heirs who viewed Hogwarts as a continuation of their family legacy rather than just a school.

Today, however, she had chosen to travel alone in a private compartment. Unfortunately, her plan backfired when she was forced to listen to constant chatter for hours. Now that they had arrived, she wasted no time rejoining her social circle.

"First-years! First-years, this way! Watch your step!"

A booming voice echoed across the platform. A towering figure holding an oil lamp stood at the edge of the crowd.

David recognized him instantly—Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.

Despite his kind demeanor, his sheer size and wild appearance made many first-years step back nervously.

David, however, was more preoccupied with an entirely different thought: How did his parents even manage...?

A pure-blooded giant was at least four meters tall, while the average wizard was about 1.78 meters. The image in David's mind was too ridiculous to ignore.

"A small horse pulling a big cart? A toothpick stirring a giant cauldron?"

He shook his head, trying to dismiss the absurd thoughts, and followed the others as they trailed behind Hagrid.

The path leading away from the platform was narrow, steep, and slippery. On either side, darkness loomed, with only the faint glow of Hagrid's lantern guiding the way.

Finally, they reached the edge of a vast, black lake. Across the water, perched on the hillside, stood the magnificent Hogwarts Castle. Its towering spires and twinkling windows glowed against the starry sky, an awe-inspiring sight that left many first-years speechless.

"It's just like the books described," David thought, his excitement growing.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called out, directing the students toward the waiting vessels.

David climbed into a boat with Hermione, Neville, and a blonde-haired girl who quickly introduced herself.

"Hannah Abbott," she said with a smile. "Nice to meet you all!"

David recognized her name immediately. She was the future "Hatstall" student, someone who could fit into multiple houses.

As the boats drifted across the lake, Hermione and Neville both grew quieter, their earlier excitement replaced by nervousness.

"I really hope I get into Gryffindor," Hermione murmured, wringing her hands.

"Gryffindor is the best house, isn't it?"

Years of wizarding books, magazines, and stories had painted Gryffindor as the most prestigious house. For Hermione, the idea of being anywhere else felt unthinkable.

Neville sighed. "My grandmother expects me to be in Gryffindor. Everyone in my family was in Gryffindor… but what if I'm not good enough?"

David knew Neville lacked confidence, but he also knew that the Sorting Hat would see the courage hidden within him.

Meanwhile, Hannah Abbott seemed completely at ease. "I'm hoping for Hufflepuff," she said cheerfully.

The others looked at her curiously.

"Most of my family was in Hufflepuff," she explained. "It just seems like the right fit. Plus, the dormitory is close to the kitchens, and the house-elves there make the best food."

David chuckled. She has her priorities straight.

"What about you, David?" Hermione asked.

David thought for a moment. "As long as it's not Slytherin, I'm fine with any house," he said honestly.

Slytherin was out of the question for him. It was rare for Muggle-borns to be sorted there, and even half-bloods faced difficulties unless they were exceptionally talented or ambitious.

Ravenclaw, on the other hand, intrigued him. The house prized intelligence and had its own private library—a haven for those who loved learning.

Hufflepuff was another solid choice. Despite its reputation as the "leftover" house, it had the strongest sense of unity and loyalty.

Gryffindor, however, was noisy and chaotic. The house was famous for pranks, Quidditch, and mischief—none of which particularly appealed to him.

Hermione frowned. "You're not giving a real answer."

David smirked. "If I had to choose, I'd say Ravenclaw is the best fit for you. 'Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.' Sounds like you, doesn't it?"

Hermione hesitated. "I did think about it… but I still believe Gryffindor is the best."

David didn't argue. Gryffindor was home to some of the greatest wizards in history. In the Muggle world, people often judged schools based on their famous alumni. Hermione had likely applied that same logic to Hogwarts.

The boats continued gliding smoothly across the lake. Soon, they passed under a curtain of ivy and arrived at a hidden underground dock. One by one, the first-years stepped out onto a damp, pebbled path.

As they climbed out of the tunnel, they emerged onto a wide, open field beneath the shadow of the towering castle.

Hagrid counted them quickly before leading them toward a grand stone staircase.

David took a deep breath as they neared the massive castle doors. This is it. The beginning of everything.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Hagrid raised his enormous fist and knocked three times on the heavy wooden doors.

The great doors swung open almost immediately, revealing a stern-looking witch in emerald-green robes.

David recognized her instantly—Professor Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House.

"Thank you, Hagrid," she said with a polite nod. "I will take over from here."

Hagrid nodded and stepped aside, letting Professor McGonagall address the first-years.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "In a few moments, you will enter the Great Hall, where the Sorting Ceremony will take place. Your house will be your family while you are here. It will be a source of pride, camaraderie, and learning. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each has its own unique history and values."

A few students gulped nervously.

"You will be sorted based on your abilities and characteristics. The Sorting is final, and you are expected to uphold the honor of your house at all times."

She took a step back and gestured toward the massive entrance.

"Follow me."

The doors swung wider, revealing the dazzling glow of candlelit chandeliers and the long, gleaming tables of the Great Hall.

The Sorting Ceremony was about to begin.

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