As we boarded the different boats, one student in each boat was in charge of carrying a lamp to help illuminate the way and ward off any creature that might try to attack. The boats, driven by magic, floated across the dark lake that remained calm in the night. All the boats, moving in formation, sailed toward a grotto visible beneath the castle.
In the sky, a few carriages could be seen, drawn by thestrals.
"The lake has no direct connection to other lakes, rivers, or seas. However, if traveled with a magical device, there is a shortcut to other navigable areas. Also, you children must be very careful not to fall from the boats, since terrifying creatures live in this lake: the giant squid, a colony of selkies, grindylows, and many others that threaten your life," said Hagrid as he sailed alone in one of the boats.
The rest of the students went three to four per boat, according to the instructions Hagrid had given before boarding.
"Once I heard that a student fell into this lake while in a boat, and the squid put him back into it. So, I don't think all of them are as bad as Hagrid says," Patrick whispered into my ear.
Before reaching the great castle, lights began to rise from the lake, floating and guiding the boats to a direct view of the castle—the great academy of magic and wizardry, Hogwarts. The castle stood on mountains near the lake. Hogwarts was one of the three most important schools in Europe, training people with magical abilities to become qualified witches and wizards. The other two most renowned schools were: my former academy, the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France, and Durmstrang Institute (which almost entirely focused on the Dark Arts), believed to be located in northern Europe.
Hogwarts, like the other academies, was hidden by the most powerful enchantments protecting the castle, classified as anti-Apparition spells and Muggle-repelling charms (such as Repello Muggletum).
"Careful, children, lower your heads," Hagrid instructed as the boats entered the cleft.
Without hesitation, the other students, along with Patrick, ducked their heads to avoid any blows. Though truthfully, none realized that Hagrid was the only one who needed to watch out—because of his size, he alone was at risk of hitting his head.
As the boats sailed through the cleft, I could feel some kind of vines and roots brushing against my head—not bothersome, at least not for us. But Hagrid, on the other hand, got tangled a few times, grumbling the whole way that nobody ever cleaned this place.
At the end of the cleft, a sort of dock came into view, better lit by the lamps, while the moonlight illuminated flowers and grass, making them appear to shine with their own light.
The lamps also guided the way to a wide, rocky, somewhat steep staircase.
"Wow… It's beautiful," Patrick said, his face full of wonder.
Part of me felt a bit guilty for not being able to enjoy this like the other students. It was a lonely feeling, especially seeing Patrick's face glowing with excitement.
"Alright, children, we're here," Hagrid announced just before we got off the boats.
"Woah, this is incredible, don't you think, Dion? I can't wait to find out which house we'll be in. I hope it's the same one," Patrick said, excited.
"Yes, you're right, the castle is quite imposing. Which house would you like to be in?"
"That's a good question. Hmm, I think I'd like either Hufflepuff or Slytherin, though my parents were in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw… what about you?" Patrick asked, trembling with excitement he couldn't contain.
"Slytherin isn't a bad option. Unlike your parents, my mother was the only one who studied here at Hogwarts, many years ago. If I remember right… I think she was in Gryffindor."
"Amazing, so that means you're half Muggle?" Patrick asked curiously about my origins.
"Hahaha, no, and even if I were, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But that's not the case. My father studied at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. My parents first met at one of the Triwizard Tournaments."
"What? Seriously? Your parents are from two different academies? That's awesome." A smile spread wider and wider across Patrick's face.
"Yes, that's right. My father took part in the tournament, and though he didn't win the cup, he did win my mother's heart."
"That's so corny, hahaha, I wasn't expecting such an amazing past for your parents. I suppose they're incredible wizards now," Patrick exclaimed joyfully.
"They would be without a doubt… they died a few years ago."
"Oh… I'm so sorry, I didn't mean…" Patrick said with a sad look.
"Don't worry, really, it's nothing. Let's keep walking, or we'll fall behind."
After a few seconds in which only the voices of other children getting to know each other could be heard, Patrick broke the silence left behind by our earlier conversation.
"So, Slytherin, not a bad option," Patrick said, a curious expression on his face, walking clumsily to make the walk toward the castle more entertaining.
"I wouldn't mind ending up in another house, honestly. It was just the first one I thought of."
I had no particular preference for any house, but analyzing the situation, it would certainly make things easier to get closer to what I sought.
"You're right… Though people often say the darkest wizards of Hogwarts came from Slytherin. Among the most well-known… You know, the one everyone knows." Patrick lowered his voice before saying those last words.
"The house doesn't define you as a good wizard or a bad one. It's your actions and purposes that push you to that."
"That's true, Dion. But you know what? Whatever house it is, and whether or not we end up together, I hope things go well for both of us," Patrick said, lifting his gaze toward the castle.
"They will, Patrick… they will."
Now that I was closer to the castle, I could say it was even bigger than the palace of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. The castle was a bit more rustic compared to the refined style of Beauxbatons students.
I would have liked to visit this place during the Triwizard Tournament… but back then, I couldn't come. This place was completely new to me.
At first glance, Beauxbatons Palace was still more beautiful. Surrounded mostly by majestic gardens and magically created fountains outside the mountainous landscape, the Beauxbatons castle shone with elegance.
In the dining hall, wooden nymphs serenaded students while they ate, turning every meal into a beautiful singing show. And although that was magnificent, nothing surpassed Christmas—the best time to celebrate at Beauxbatons. Though most students went home, I stayed for some holidays, avoiding the painful memories of Christmases without my parents. Instead, I'd retreat to the hall to read, surrounded by great, shining ice sculptures that never melted, glittering like diamond statues.
Though not confirmed, it was often said that Beauxbatons Castle and its grounds were largely funded with alchemists' gold. In memory of this, a magnificent fountain was built in the school's central park, believed to hold healing and beautifying powers.
After several minutes climbing the mountain where Hogwarts stood, we finally reached one of the academy's main entrances: a great wooden door with metal details loomed before us.
"Alright, gather around, everyone! Is anyone missing?" Hagrid shouted.
Once sure all were present, Hagrid knocked a few times on the door. It opened automatically, and we all began to enter—some students more excited than others, shoving for the chance to get the first glimpse of the castle's interior as quickly as possible.
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