The boat came to a stop beneath the steep cliff, and the group of young witches and wizards began chattering excitedly, buzzing about the life that awaited them at the magic school.
Hagrid led the way with his oil lamp, and before long, they arrived at the grand gates of Hogwarts.
Lucas and Hermione followed closely behind the rest of the crowd.
Lucas spotted Malfoy and his two cronies hiding among the students right away.
Clearly, the jolt he gave Malfoy back on the boat had left quite the impression.
After all, even while seasick, Lucas had managed to hold back the true power of the lightning spell—had he not, Malfoy might've been fried to a crisp and sunk to the bottom of the lake.
The gates swung open. Just beyond, a wide staircase led up to the castle. At the top stood Professor McGonagall, her robes neat and her expression composed, waiting patiently for them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said.
She then explained the procedures ahead. First would be the Sorting Ceremony, where students would be sorted into their houses. The houses would determine class schedules, dormitories, and compete throughout the year for the House Cup.
"Alright, the Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. Get yourselves ready."
With that, Professor McGonagall turned and headed into the Great Hall to prepare.
"It's true, then—Harry Potter really came to Hogwarts," someone whispered.
Malfoy slowly approached Harry, legs still trembling slightly, and held out a hand. "My name's Draco Malfoy. Friends?"
Pfft— Ronald snorted with laughter before Harry could even respond.
"What are you laughing at?" Malfoy sneered, turning toward Ron. "Red hair… you must be a Weasley."
Then, with his usual arrogance, he added, "Harry, you should know—not all wizarding families are equal—"
His voice trailed off and abruptly stopped.
"That's an interesting theory," Lucas said, stepping forward with a slight smirk.
Malfoy scowled and turned back to Harry. "You'll regret this," he muttered, then disappeared into the crowd.
Harry Potter was indeed a living legend in the wizarding world. It was surprising that even after being humiliated, Malfoy still tried to befriend him.
Without saying more, Lucas walked with Hermione through the doors now open before them.
Professor McGonagall returned, organizing the first-years into two neat lines. They followed her into the vast and magnificent Great Hall.
The hall was already packed. Students from the four houses filled long tables, buzzing with excitement. At the front sat the faculty, and in the center, none other than the greatest wizard of the age—Albus Dumbledore.
Seated at one end of the table, Lucas caught sight of Professor Snape, who nodded at him in recognition.
Professor McGonagall brought out an old, tattered wizard's hat and placed it on a small stool. A seam near the brim opened like a mouth, and the Sorting Hat began to sing a peculiar song none of the first-years had heard before.
Ugly thing, Lucas thought.
McGonagall stood beside the stool, holding a long roll of parchment.
"Hannah Abbott!" she called.
Lucas watched as the nervous girl sat down and placed the hat on her head. The moment it touched her hair, the Sorting Hat called out, "Hufflepuff!"
Relieved, Hannah hurried over to her new house table. More students followed.
"Draco Malfoy," McGonagall called next. Malfoy marched to the stool stiffly.
"Slytherin!"
"Ronald Weasley."
"Gryffindor!"
Soon, it was Hermione's turn.
"Good luck!" Lucas said.
Hermione nodded and stepped up, placing the hat on her head.
"Gryffindor!"
"Whew…" Hermione let out a breath of relief, smiling happily as she went to her new house. She looked back and nodded at Lucas, who smiled in return.
He knew he wouldn't be joining her—he didn't exactly have the Gryffindor temperament.
"Harry Potter!"
McGonagall's voice boomed through the hall. The students erupted in excited whispers.
"The Boy Who Lived!"
"Is that really Harry Potter?!"
Everyone leaned in eagerly as Harry walked up and placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
The sorting took longer this time. It was clear he was having a silent conversation with the hat.
Finally:
"Gryffindor!"
Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table.
After a few more students, it was finally Lucas's turn.
"Lucas Geralt!" Professor McGonagall announced.
Hermione, who had been chatting with upperclassmen, immediately turned to watch.
Lucas stepped up calmly, took a seat, and placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
"Hmm... you'd do well in Slytherin," the Sorting Hat murmured in his ear. "But Ravenclaw suits you too... smart, ambitious, powerful. You have potential."
"Very well then—Slytherin!"
Hermione looked down in disappointment. Meanwhile, Malfoy froze.
No way… we're in the same house?!
Lucas removed the hat and walked over to the Slytherin table with a faint smile. Several students welcomed him right away.
There were actually many Muggle-borns and half-bloods in Slytherin—not quite the elitist house everyone assumed. Only a few blood purists stood out with their cold stares.
Lucas spotted the boy sitting beside Malfoy and politely asked him to move. He then sat down directly next to the blond boy.
"My name's Lucas Geralt. Friends, Malfoy?"
Malfoy's eyes twitched, but he extended a trembling hand.
"Draco Malfoy... sure, friends."
Lucas smiled. A warm one—but to Malfoy, it felt more like a warning.
After the sorting ended, Headmaster Dumbledore stood and gave a short, warm speech to welcome the new students. Then, with a clap of his hands, the tables filled with delicious food.
Dishes materialized out of nowhere. The smell filled the hall, and Lucas's eyes sparkled.
Taking a bite of roasted meat, Lucas looked over at Malfoy, who was still hesitant.
"Come on—eat up! What's stopping you?"