Chapter 3
It was nearly nighttime, and the six friends had already changed into their Hogwarts robes.
“I wonder what it will be like,” Annabella stated nervously.
“Well, whatever it will be, I hope we are all in the same house,” muttered Destiny.
Destiny followed Hagrid, a huge man with wild hair. He appeared fierce, but these feelings disappeared the moment he called gently, "Firs' years, 'ver here! Firs' years, line up 'ver here please!"
Alaina and Destiny shared a boat as they sailed across the lake. "I hear there's a giant squid," muttered Annabella in another. Destiny nervously peered into the depths of the lake below, but saw nothing. At one point, Jean let out a petrifying scream because she almost fell in. Annabella tried hard not to laugh.
The moment Hagrid knocked on the door with his giant fist, the door sprang open. A woman stood there, and Destiny's first thought was to never cross her. She had spectacles, and her brows were furrowed as she surveyed Hagrid and the first years. Her hair was up in a tight bun, with not a hair out of place. She shivered in the cold night air as she observed the woman.
"Thank you, Hagrid," she greeted curtly. To them, she said, "Follow me."
She led them into the Great Hall, which was full of laughter and talk, with wizards and witches of all ages. Hundreds of candles floated in midair, and torches were lit along the chamber. Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the room, holding a roll of parchment in one hand. "When I call your name, you will come up here send put on the Sorting Hat. Whichever House you will be sorted in will be somewhat of your family while you are here at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn you points, and any rule-breaking will lose you points."
Destiny noticed that when she said this, many students shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Destiny was up first. When she slipped the hat on, a voice spoke as if it was her conscience, making her jump slightly. "I see, plenty of will to prove your worth. Bravery in there too, hmm? You know, Gryffindor entails these things. That is what sets Gryffindors apart! Well, if I may...GRYFFINDOR!" it shouted to the whole hall.
The Gryffindor table cheered for her, and she sat excitedly at an empty seat. Destiny somehow thought that the Sorting Hat could read minds. Alaina was sorted into Gryffindor as well, so she took a seat next to Destiny.
“Welcome!” greeted a ghost. Destiny felt her jaw drop. “I don’t believe I have introduced myself. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, if you please.”
A fifth-year girl pointed to him, and remarked, “He’s actually Nearly Headless Nick.”
“I would prefer Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-” he started, but Albus Dumbledore had rose from his chair, and a sudden hush had risen over the tables.
“Well, to our first-years,” he announced, “I must say, you must habituate to my whimsical ideas at start-of-the-term and end-of-the-term feasts.”
They all laughed cheerfully. “We all must accord to each other’s personalities and differences, because that is what Hogwarts is all about. First, a few notices must be announced. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to inform you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The list comprises of about four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch’s office.
“To our first-years, you should be aware that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds to all students, including the wizarding village of Hogsmead to all those below third-year.
“Well, I believe that is all, and-” Dumbledore stopped. Professor McGonagall had come up and whispered something in his ear. He smiled. “Also, those who are interested for playing for their House teams should note that they must consult their team captain for the try-out date. Now, off to bed. Chop, chop!”
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