Chapter 5 – Sorting Shadows
"Firs' years, this way!" Hagrid shouted, holding a large lantern high above his head. His voice echoed off the still water as the first-years made their way to the docks by the lake.
Harry felt the cool air brush against his skin, carrying the faint smell of damp moss and the promise of something magical. He turned his head and stared at the castle up on the cliff—Hogwarts. Lit with golden lights, it looked like something out of a fairy tale… or maybe a dream he couldn't quite remember.
Hermione was beside him, holding her books close. "It's even more beautiful than I imagined," she whispered.
Harry nodded, quietly agreeing. Ron just looked like he was trying not to be sick. "I didn't think there'd be a boat ride," he muttered.
"Four to a boat!" Hagrid called again.
Harry ended up in a boat with Hermione, Ron, and Draco. As they pushed off, the small vessel rocked gently, floating over the smooth black surface of the lake.
"This feels unreal," Draco murmured. "I mean, I knew Hogwarts was magical, but this…"
"I've read about it," Hermione said quickly. "The lake is supposed to have all sorts of magical creatures in it. Merpeople, grindylows, even a giant squid."
Ron made a face. "Please don't say that while we're floating."
Harry chuckled softly. "It's fine. I don't think anything's going to bother us. They're probably used to this."
They floated in silence for a while, letting the image of the castle reflect in their eyes. As they passed under a dark archway in the mountain, lanterns lining the walls lit up on their own, casting a golden glow on the water.
After what felt like a long descent, the boats came to a stop by an underground dock. Hagrid helped them out one by one.
"Mind yer step, now. Follow me!"
---
The Entrance Hall
They climbed a winding stone path until they reached the massive oak doors of the castle. Hagrid gave them a knock and the doors opened slowly, revealing a tall woman in green robes. Her hair was tied back tightly, and her eyes looked like they could see right through you.
"Thank you, Hagrid," she said. "I will take them from here."
She turned to the group. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and head of Gryffindor House. I teach Transfiguration. The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. You will be sorted into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin."
Hermione leaned over and whispered, "She's strict… but fair."
McGonagall continued, "Your house will be like your family at Hogwarts. You will sleep, eat, and attend classes with your housemates. Now, please follow me."
She turned briskly, and the students followed her through another set of large doors.
---
The Great Hall
As they entered, everyone gasped.
The ceiling looked like the night sky, filled with stars and wispy clouds. Hundreds of candles floated in the air, casting a warm light over the four long house tables. The walls were decorated with rich tapestries and banners representing each house.
At the far end sat the staff table. All the teachers were already seated.
Harry noticed a tall man with a long silver beard and half-moon spectacles smiling gently. That had to be Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and one of the most powerful wizards alive.
Next to him sat a man with black robes and sallow skin. His eyes were dark, deep, and slightly cold—but there was a familiarity to them that Harry couldn't ignore.
"That's Professor Severus Snape," Hermione whispered. "He's the Potions Master and head of Slytherin House."
Harry gave Snape a small nod when their eyes met.
Surprisingly, Snape gave a faint nod back—nothing warm, but not hostile either.
To Snape's right sat a tiny professor with wild white hair, looking like he was halfway asleep. "That's Professor Filius Flitwick, head of Ravenclaw House," Hermione said. "He teaches Charms."
Then there was a cheerful, round-faced witch wearing pink robes and a flowery hat. "That's Professor Pomona Sprout, head of Hufflepuff House, and she teaches Herbology."
Harry also noticed a kind-looking older woman in mauve sitting near the end. That was Madam Poppy Pomfrey, the school nurse. And nearby was a large, wild-haired man with yellow eyes—Professor Rubeus Hagrid, who was not only the Keeper of Keys and Grounds but now taught Care of Magical Creatures, though that wouldn't be until third year.
One teacher was not seated but pacing near the doorway, adjusting his turban nervously. "That's Professor Quirinus Quirrell," Hermione said quietly. "He teaches Defence Against the Dark Arts."
The students stood at the front, where an old stool was placed with a very worn, patched hat sitting on it.
Suddenly, the hat twitched… then opened a long slit that formed into a mouth.
It began to sing.
"A thousand years or more ago,
When I was just a hat,
The founders of this noble school
Thought I should have a chat…"
The song continued, explaining the four houses and how the hat would choose where each student truly belonged.
When it ended, there was a polite round of applause, and Professor McGonagall unrolled her scroll.