Charles clenched his fists, ready to lunge at Travers, but Alex stepped between them, placing a hand on Charles' shoulder.

"Don't let him get to you, Charles," Alex said quietly. "He's trying to provoke you on purpose. Stay calm."

Just then, Hagrid stepped in, his massive frame blocking the confrontation. "No fighting outside the school grounds. If you want to start anything here, I’ve got the right to send ya home straight away. Then you'll have to explain why you missed your first year at Hogwarts."

The threat of being sent home seemed to work. Travers, though still smirking, backed off slightly, muttering under his breath, "Hmph… guess I’ll let you off this time, McKinnon. But don't think this is over."

Charles scowled as Travers walked away, but Alex pulled him aside and whispered, "That guy's just looking for trouble. You did the right thing by not giving in. If you had attacked him, you could have been expelled before even starting your first day."

"You're right. I almost lost my temper. Thanks, Alex," Charles said, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

Vivian, who had watched the whole exchange with wide eyes, chimed in, "That Travers kid is bad news. He’s from a family that supports the Dark Lord. Hogwarts really shouldn’t let people like him in."

"His family may support You-Know-Who, but that doesn’t mean the school can refuse him. As long as he's got magical talent, he’s allowed to attend," Alex said, though he agreed that Travers seemed like trouble.

With the confrontation defused, the three of them followed Hagrid and the other first-years along a winding path. After a short walk, they arrived at the edge of a large, dark lake. On the other side of the water stood the grand, towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle, illuminated by the faint glow of lanterns.

"Wow," Vivian whispered in awe, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the castle.

Charles and Alex, equally struck by the beauty of Hogwarts, stared silently at the impressive view.

"There she is, Hogwarts!" Hagrid called out with pride. "We'll be takin' boats across the lake to get there. No more than four to a boat! C'mon, first years, follow me!"

Alex, Vivian, and Charles quickly found a boat and climbed in, their excitement growing as they neared the legendary school. The cool breeze off the lake ruffled their robes, and the gentle rocking of the boat added to the feeling of anticipation.

As the small group of first-year students stepped into their boats, Alex, Charles, Vivian, and Orianna settled into the same boat. Under Hagrid's booming instructions, each boat gently glided across the calm surface of the lake.

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Alex couldn’t help but notice the boat seemed to move with minimal effort on his part, enchanted to follow a magical path toward the towering Hogwarts castle. Vivian began to chat nervously, sharing rumors she'd heard.

"You know, the four in each boat are supposed to represent the founders of Hogwarts," she whispered, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Alex glanced at the looming castle ahead, listening as she continued, "The journey across the lake is a tradition—like retracing the steps of the founders when they built the school."

The view of Hogwarts drew closer, the castle appearing more magnificent with each passing moment, illuminated by the glow of the moon. It stood on a cliff, proud and unyielding, with its countless towers reaching toward the sky.

"Everyone off!" Hagrid called, guiding the group onto the shore.

The first-year students stepped off the boats, awe-struck by the imposing grandeur of the castle, now in full view. They followed Hagrid along a steep path that wound up the cliffside, huffing and puffing as they climbed.

When they finally reached the top, Hogwarts loomed even larger—its stone walls seeming to stretch endlessly toward the heavens.

As they entered the great entrance hall, Alex felt a chill of excitement. Standing tall and stern at the top of the steps was a middle-aged witch dressed in dark green robes—Professor McGonagall. Her gaze swept over the students before settling on Alex. She gave him a brief glare, clearly having heard of his earlier mischief. Alex chuckled inwardly but straightened his back to avoid drawing more attention.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall began, her voice sharp but inviting. "Before we begin the opening feast, each of you will be sorted into your house. Your house will be like your family for the rest of your time at Hogwarts. Work hard and win points, and your house could win the coveted House Cup at the end of the year."

The students shifted nervously, some whispering amongst themselves about the sorting ceremony. Alex noticed Vivian looking particularly anxious.

"Do you think it’s an exam?" she whispered to Alex, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her robe. "I didn’t study at all over the summer."

Alex smiled, shaking his head. "I'm sure it won't be that bad," he said, trying to calm her nerves.

Soon enough, Professor McGonagall led the group into the Great Hall, and the first-year students gasped in unison. The ceiling seemed to stretch endlessly, mimicking the night sky filled with stars. Hundreds of floating candles illuminated the hall, casting a warm, magical glow. Four long tables were filled with students from the upper years, all of them staring curiously at the new arrivals.

At the front of the hall sat the famous Sorting Hat, worn and old, resting on a chair. As they gathered before it, the hat began to sing, its tune off-key but brimming with ancient magic.

One by one, the students were called forward, placed under the hat, and sorted into their houses.

When Orianna, the girl who had shared the boat with them, was called, she nervously approached the chair. After a brief pause, the Sorting Hat declared her a Ravenclaw, earning cheers from the table of blue-clad students.

Vivian's turn came next. Her face tightened with anticipation as the hat was placed on her head.

"Slytherin!" it shouted, and she walked over to the green-and-silver table, flashing Alex a nervous grin.

Charles was next, and to no one's surprise, the Sorting Hat quickly placed him in Gryffindor, the house of the brave. Alex could only chuckle at how perfectly his friends fit their houses.

Finally, it was Alex's turn. He stepped forward, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on him as Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head. His mind raced for a moment, wondering what house would suit him best.