Adam waited with the other first-years on the platform, a mix of nervous anticipation and excitement in the air. The chatter around him was lively, with students craning their necks to catch glimpses of anything unusual. A thrill ran through him as he spotted a large, towering figure making his way through the crowd. It was unmistakably Hagrid, the half-giant with a gentle smile despite his intimidating size.

"First years! First years, this way!" Hagrid called out, his voice booming over the crowd. "Don’t be shy, now!"

Adam joined the crowd of first-years following Hagrid down a steep, narrow path, the buzz of excited conversation dwindling as they moved away from the platform. The path soon opened up, revealing the magnificent Black Lake, its dark waters stretching out beneath the evening sky. Small boats were waiting at the shore, bobbing gently as the waves lapped against them.

The seniors would be traveling a different way, but Adam felt a strange excitement at the idea of taking the boats across the lake. He’d read in books that this was the traditional way for first-years to approach Hogwarts, but seeing it in person was something else entirely.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called, ushering the students towards the small vessels.

Adam climbed into a boat, settling himself as it rocked beneath him. Taking a deep breath, he gazed out across the lake. When everyone had boarded, Hagrid gave a wave, and the boats began gliding smoothly across the water, seemingly moving by magic alone.

As they moved further from the shore, the view of Hogwarts Castle came into sight, towering above them in the distance, its many turrets and spires outlined against the twilight sky. The sight took Adam’s breath away. He’d grown up in a grand castle himself, but there was something magical, almost timeless, about Hogwarts that struck him. The way it stood above the lake, illuminated by countless golden lights, made it look like something out of a dream.

The other students around him were equally captivated, craning their necks to take it all in. Adam’s eyes scanned the lake's surface, his thoughts drift to the elusive and fascinating creature rumored to dwell beneath: the giant squid. He's heard stories from his sister Elara about the enormous, gentle creature, how it's supposedly been living in the lake for generations, and is somewhat of a school legend.

Adam knew the giant squid was a unique and curious being, often described by older students as harmless and even friendly—known to occasionally nudge boats playfully or surface to sun itself on rare, sunny days. It’s said to have deep crimson eyes that glint just under the water’s surface and long, curling tentacles capable of reaching halfway across the lake. Adam wondered what it would be like to meet the creature, maybe even communicate with it someday—a thought that brought a spark of excitement to his journey. Perhaps, he muses, if he could make a friend out of the squid, it might even be helpful in ways he couldn't predict.

The squid doesn’t appear as the boats glide quietly over the water, and Adam finds himself a little disappointed. He recalls, though, that it's shy and isn’t always seen by students. He considers how the giant squid didn't make it into the movies he had watched back his previous world, which felt like such a missed opportunity. The creature, with all its mystery and subtle friendliness, could be a remarkable ally or at least an occasional sight that would make his time at Hogwarts that much more memorable.

Imagining the squid’s massive, coiling limbs curling just below his boat, he decides then and there that befriending it is one of his goals. After all, it’s not every day that someone gets the chance to interact with a creature of such size and longevity. In a world that holds so many magical secrets, Adam feels determined to uncover as many as he can.

As they drew closer to the shore, the boats continued to glide effortlessly. Hagrid guided them towards a small landing, where they disembarked, staring up at the castle looming above them.

The castle is an imposing yet welcoming sight—its ancient stone walls rising high against the darkening sky, illuminated by a smattering of warm lights glowing from within the countless windows. Each tower and turret seems to reach out toward the stars, while the vastness of the castle hints at the many hidden corridors, staircases, and secrets awaiting discovery inside.

Adam’s gaze sweeps over the massive, ironbound oak doors that stand at the entrance, large enough to allow giants through, but tonight, they seem to beckon the small, wide-eyed first years with an almost magical pull. He can't help but marvel at the sharp, intricate arches carved above, each corner of the stonework depicting strange creatures or ancient symbols he doesn’t yet understand.

As they move up the winding path toward the castle, he notices how the walls around them are covered with creeping ivy, leaves fluttering softly in the night breeze. A faint aroma of old wood, parchment, and a hint of something sweet—perhaps remnants from the feasts held within—drifts down to meet them, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.

He catches glimpses of the castle’s towering spires, peeking up from behind the tall battlements, each one hinting at classrooms and common rooms, observatories and libraries, hidden behind heavy walls steeped in centuries of history. Shadows play across the stone, cast by the flickering torches lining the entryway, and the light reflects off the high, stained-glass windows, each panel depicting scenes of magic and wonder. In the half-darkness, some of the images seem almost to move, as though enchanted to shift in the firelight.

Overwhelmed yet exhilarated, Adam realizes that the reality of Hogwarts far exceeds any dream he’d ever had. The sheer presence of the castle feels alive—like it is waiting to reveal its secrets, to test his courage, and to embrace him in a world he knows is far beyond anything he has ever experienced.

As they waited, the doors creaked open, revealing Professor McGonagall standing there in her robes, her expression a blend of sternness and warmth after climbing the stairs.

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"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice carrying clearly over the crowd. "In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting Ceremony is very important, as your house will be like your family here at Hogwarts."

She proceeded to explain each of the four houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—describing the qualities that defined them. Adam listened intently, though he already knew much of what she was saying. He found himself wondering about the experiences that awaited him here, in a school so rich with tradition and history.

Just then, there was a small commotion as Neville Longbottom, a round-faced boy near the front, caught sight of his toad, which he had evidently lost earlier on the train. He made a wild grab for it, managing to catch it just in time, and flushed red when McGonagall gave him an exasperated look. “Sorry, Professor… it got away,” he mumbled, holding the toad tightly.

She nodded curtly. "The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily," she said, before disappearing through another set of doors.

As they waited, Adam found himself drifting towards the edge of the group, observing the other students. He spotted Draco Malfoy moving over to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, he introduces himself to Harry after recognizing him as "the famous Harry Potter." He immediately offers a handshake, but his attitude is somewhat condescending. Draco subtly insults Ron and his family, hinting at their lower social status in the wizarding world by remarking on their hand-me-down clothes and large family. Draco's comment is also a veiled insult toward those he sees as inferior due to blood status, something he likely picked up from his family's beliefs.

Draco tried to convince Harry to be cautious about his choice of friends, implying that he’d be better off aligning with him rather than "the wrong sort." His words were a clear jab at Ron and the Weasley family's modest status. Harry, however, declined Draco's offer politely but firmly, choosing loyalty to Ron, even after their short acquaintance.

Draco’s expression turned smug, clearly affronted by the rejection. But then he caught sight of Adam, who was watching him with a look of clear disdain. Draco’s words caught in his throat as he recalled his father’s advice: never to cross paths with the Morgans in the wrong way. Though Adam’s family was a respected pure-blood lineage, they held progressive views and didn’t discriminate between pure-bloods and half-bloods—something Draco knew was better left unchallenged.

The tension was palpable as Draco faltered, his bravado slipping just long enough to earn puzzled glances from his companions. He quickly resumed his usual tone, though Adam’s silent defiance seemed to linger in his mind.

Adam felt a slight smirk tug at the corner of his mouth. He could already tell Draco would be trouble—but he was prepared for it.

Finally, they were led into the Great Hall, and Adam’s awe grew as he took in the vast room with its enchanted ceiling that mirrored the night sky. Thousands of candles floated in the air, casting a warm glow over the four long tables where the older students sat, all watching the newcomers with interest.

The first-years gathered at the front, facing the teachers’ table. As Professor Dumbledore rose to address them, the room fell silent. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!". Adam knew it was joke as per books. Dumbledore adds a few important warnings: He reminds all students that the Forbidden forest on the school grounds is strictly out of bounds. While he doesn’t elaborate on the dangers within, the students—especially first years—are given enough of a hint to know they should avoid it. He also tells students to avoid the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side, "unless they wish to die a very painful death." His words are oddly humorous yet foreboding, warning them away from this area without fully explaining why.

One by one, the new students were called up to sit on the stool, the Sorting Hat placed upon their heads. The Hat's voice rang out in the hall, as it declared each student’s house, the cheers from the respective tables filling the room. Adam watched with interest, waiting for his turn. He noted Harry Potter’s selection into Gryffindor, hearing the murmurs and whispers as the name sank in, followed by the loud cheers from the Gryffindor table.

Then, Adam’s name was called. A ripple of murmurs ran through the crowd as he stepped forward. Some of the teachers exchanged knowing glances, and even some of the older students seemed to be whispering about him. He noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione among them, their curious expressions mixed with intrigue.

The Hat was placed on his head, and he felt its voice, low and thoughtful, speaking in his mind.

"Ah, another Morgan, but… different, yes, very different. I've sorted many in your family, but there’s something unique about you. You would do well in any house, I must say. Such bravery, but tempered with wisdom… and a strong sense of loyalty, too.”

Adam held his breath, unsure of where the Hat might place him. Finally, the Hat gave a hum of satisfaction and proclaimed, "Gryffindor!"

He felt a rush of exhilaration as the Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. Making his way over, he spotted his sister Elara at the Slytherin table. She gave him a subtle wave, which he returned with a smile. He remembered her saying that Slytherin had been the best fit for her, despite the negative reputation it often carried. He respected her choice, knowing that each house held its own strengths and weaknesses.

Settling in at the Gryffindor table, Adam was warmly welcomed by his housemates. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were especially curious about him, as were some older students who recognized the Morgan name. Thanks to his sister Elara and his family’s long-standing presence at Hogwarts, Adam was already known to a few students. His calm demeanor and lack of the usual pure-blood prejudices intrigued everyone around him.

As the feast began, Adam found himself easily drawn into conversations with both first-years and older students, sharing stories and laughter. He was even introduced to Nearly Headless Nick, Gryffindor’s resident ghost, and watched as Nick floated about, entertaining students with his unique brand of ghostly charm. By the end of the night, Adam felt a surprising sense of camaraderie—a warmth he hadn’t expected—as they made their way through the Grand Staircase to the Gryffindor common room. The staircase itself struck him as iconic, an architectural marvel essential for navigating the castle’s many levels and mysterious passages. Its magical, shifting steps were as captivating as they were unpredictable, adding an air of excitement (and a bit of challenge) to life at Hogwarts.

When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, the Gryffindors spoke the password and were ushered into the welcoming common room. After receiving instructions from the House Prefect, Adam and the other first-years were shown to their dorms. Though he found himself in a different room from Harry and Ron, he didn’t mind; each of them was exhausted from the whirlwind of the evening.

In the quiet of his room, he opened his trunk and also checked on Seraphina, his pet owl. He stroked her feathers gently, murmuring reassuring words as she nestled into his hand. Lying back in bed, he reflected on everything that had happened, feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity for what the next day would bring.