Summary: The train reaches Hogsmeade Station at dusk. As the first-years disembark, a booming voice cuts through the chill air. Hagrid greets them with his signature warmth, but Ron—his usual unpredictable self—takes it a step further. His enthusiastic introduction catches Hagrid off guard and ends with Ron triumphantly riding on his shoulder, shouting to the crowd below.
---
[Echo from end of chapter 1:]
> Harry made a strangled sound somewhere between a snort and a sigh.
---
The train gave a loud, drawn-out whistle as it slowed into the station. Dusk had settled gently across the landscape, casting deep purples and silvers across the misty hills of Hogsmeade. Lanterns flickered outside the windows, and the excitement in the air turned electric as students began to gather their things.
"Blimey," Ron said, leaning toward the window, "this is it."
Harry stood up, trying to straighten his robes. Ron didn't bother.
They joined the small herd of first-years moving through the corridor and off the train. The platform was slick with moisture from the lake breeze, and the last bit of sunset glinted off the cold water in the distance.
Then came the voice.
"Firs' years! Firs' years this way! C'mon now, follow me!"
It boomed across the station like a friendly avalanche.
A man—no, a mountain in a coat—stood waving a lantern, beard flowing like a battle banner in the wind.
Ron's eyes lit up.
"Oh. My. Godric," he whispered reverently. "He's magnificent."
The man, of course, was Rubeus Hagrid.
As students filed toward him, Hermione clutched her books, glancing around nervously. Harry looked slightly overwhelmed by the size of the man beckoning them.
But Ron—
Ron marched straight up to him, arms open like he was greeting a childhood friend.
"Hello, giant man!" he exclaimed, beaming. "Nice to meet you! Your presence fills me with joy!!"
Hagrid blinked, then threw back his head and let out a thunderous laugh that echoed into the hills.
"HAHAHA! What a sweet boy!" he bellowed, clearly delighted.
Ron pressed on, eyes wide with the sincerity of a child about to ask Santa for a dragon.
"Can you put me on your shoulder?!"
Hagrid blinked again, then chuckled, setting down his lantern.
"Haha, sure, boy—come on then! Up yeh go!"
And before anyone could stop him, Ron had leapt forward like a kid at a theme park, scrambling up Hagrid's arm with the grace of a squirrel on espresso. With one big hoist, Hagrid settled him comfortably on his broad shoulder.
Ron sat there proudly, one hand gripping the collar of Hagrid's coat like reins.
He turned to the gathered crowd of first-years below and spread his arms wide.
"HA! NOW YOU ALL ARE BENEATH ME! MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
There was a silence.
Harry was halfway between laughter and secondhand embarrassment.
Hermione looked like she'd just witnessed a rule being physically broken.
Neville whispered, "Is that allowed?"
A blonde girl near the back murmured, "...is he alright?"
But Hagrid? Hagrid was grinning from ear to shaggy ear.
"Yer a funny one, Ron!" he roared. "Right—Firs' years! This way to the boats!"
Ron, still on his perch, pointed dramatically ahead like a pirate spotting land.
"ONWARD, BEAR-MAN! TO DESTINY!"
Hagrid laughed again and started down the path with lantern swaying, while the rest of the first-years—some giggling, some stunned—followed behind him, crunching through gravel and wonder.
The path to the lake curved gently through mist and cool evening air, the crunch of feet over gravel creating a rhythm beneath the lantern's swing. Hagrid led the way with Ron still perched atop his shoulder, commanding the trail like some bizarre redheaded general.
As they crested a small ridge, the black glass of the lake spread out before them—still, wide, and impossibly vast under the rising moon. Docked along the shore were dozens of small boats bobbing gently, empty and waiting.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called out, lowering Ron to the ground like a sack of potatoes. "Get in, now — careful, mind yer step."
Feet splashed against the shallows as students began to shuffle into groups. Hermione was already counting heads. Harry looked both impressed and mildly windblown.
Ron landed on the ground with theatrical grace, then spun dramatically to face Hagrid, placing one hand over his heart and raising the other toward the sky.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Bear Man," he declared solemnly. "Farewell!"
Hagrid blinked.
Then barked another laugh. "Go on with yeh, yer daft little hero."
Ron gave a deep, noble bow, then turned and strutted toward the nearest boat like a man who'd just left a throne room.
Harry was already halfway into one, smiling and shaking his head.
"You do know he's going to remember you forever, right?" Harry said.
"That's the goal," Ron replied, hopping in beside him. "Make a good first impression. Or at least a confusing one."
Hermione, Neville, and a few other students continued staring as if they'd just seen something against the laws of physics. Hermione opened her mouth, then shut it again, sat in the boat across from them, and said nothing.
Ron leaned back and grinned at Harry.
"I like this place already."
The boats rocked gently, waiting.
Then Hagrid gave a final shout.
"Right then—FORWARD!"
And the boats began to glide across the black water like they'd been waiting their whole lives for this moment.