Daily Life at Hogwarts - Chapter 18

Sadly, most of the young wizards on the boats were too occupied shivering in the cold rain to admire the silhouette of Hogwarts Castle amidst the rainy veil.

“Why do first-year students have to cross the river by boat?” Albert turned his attention from the castle to the three chattering people in his boat.

“I don’t know, nor do I want to,” one replied.

“I agree, it’s freezing,” the twins chimed in. With the cold numbing them, who could care about such traditions?

Albert shook his head. He had some knowledge about this boat ride. It was a tradition, mirroring the journey taken by the four founders of Hogwarts. The fact that boats held four students each symbolized the unity of the founders. It served as a rite of passage, letting new students experience the excitement and remember the struggles faced by the founders.

But how many of them truly understand that now?

Hagrid, who was leading them, might not even be aware of it.

Most students wouldn’t care about such rituals anymore.

“Watch out, duck!” Hagrid shouted.

Upon hearing the warning, the newbies instantly ducked as they sailed through an underpass, towards the docks beneath the castle.

“I hate rain,” one of the twins muttered, sneezing as the wetness clung to him.

They all looked miserable, drenched from head to toe.

“How did you manage to stay dry?” Lee Jordan asked in astonishment, noting Albert’s dry robe and hat.

“Just a simple spell,” Albert whispered, noting others’ curious glances.

“Alright, everyone, follow me,” Hagrid said, holding a lantern. He led the first-years up a path paved with broken stones, arriving at the lawn below the castle. In front of them were stone steps leading to the castle’s oak doors.

Professor McGonagall, in her emerald green robe, stood before the oak door of the castle. Albert recognized her. She had visited his house once.

“Thank you, Hagrid. I’ll take it from here,” Professor McGonagall scanned the messy-looking students, and Albert thought he saw a twitch at the corner of her lips.

The sorry state of the soaked and muddy students would surely amuse anyone.

“First years, this way.”

As they followed Professor McGonagall inside, Albert marveled at the ancient stone walls of the castle.

“That’s Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House. Percy told me she’s quite strict,” George whispered.

“Oh, I’ve met her. My sister loves the trick she does, turning a teacup into a mouse,” Albert was lost in thoughts, wondering about the ever-burning torches on the walls. Rumor had it that there was an eternal flame spell, and he pondered if it was applied here.

“What are you looking at?” Fred nudged him.

“I’m wondering about those flames. They aren’t ordinary,” Albert said, noting there was no smoke.

Fred looked puzzled for a moment.

Albert decided to further investigate the mysteries of the castle later. There were secrets here worth uncovering.

As this thought crossed his mind, a mission popped up:

Ancient School of a Thousand Years: Hogwarts

Hogwarts is a mysterious and ancient school of magic, existing for millennia. Countless secrets lie hidden within this castle. As a curious explorer, you shouldn’t miss this chance. Explore Hogwarts before graduation and uncover its mysteries.

Current Progress: 1%.

Rewards: 1,000-100,000 experience points, 1-10 skill points.

“Damn!” Albert thought. This was the most epic quest he’d ever seen.

Are they trying to turn me into a nocturnal wanderer?

It seems that mastering the Disillusionment Charm needs to be prioritized. Albert began pondering ways to learn the spell.

The first-year students were led by Professor McGonagall into the waiting room for Sorting. The room was rather tight, and they were all squeezed close together.

“Welcome to Hogwarts,” Professor McGonagall began her usual introductory speech. “The Start-of-Term Feast is about to begin, but before you join it, you need to be sorted into your respective houses.”

It felt like a never-ending speech, dragging on just like those prolonged leaders’ talks from a bygone era. Though Professor McGonagall wasn’t as exaggerated, she did go on for a good ten minutes or so.

To Albert, the essence of her speech could be distilled into three key points: accommodation, Sorting, and the House Cup.

After briefing them on the Hogwarts traditions, Professor McGonagall queued up the first-years to clean the dirt and water off them.

As the Deputy Headmistress, she couldn’t stand the idea of new students entering the Great Hall looking so bedraggled. It was a matter of school pride.

The students eagerly lined up, hoping to be quickly dried. The cold dampness made them feel quite uncomfortable.

“Is this like sardine canning?” Albert observed the situation and chose to stay at the back of the line, knowing he wasn’t as affected by the rain.

Professor McGonagall was efficient, skillfully using the Scourgify and drying spells. In a matter of minutes, it was Albert’s turn.

She gave Albert a slightly puzzled look, and, casting the spell on him, his clothes immediately became dry and warm, and the mud splatters vanished.

“Now, remain quiet,” Professor McGonagall instructed. “Once everything is ready, I’ll come to fetch you.”

With McGonagall out of the room, the students began whispering amongst themselves about the Sorting process.

“How will they sort us?”

“How can they accurately place everyone in the right house?”

“Maybe there’s some kind of test.”

The mere mention of a test had everyone nervous.

Albert had to suppress his laughter, realizing why older students enjoyed keeping the Sorting process a secret from the newcomers.

What a wicked bunch!

“Aren’t you nervous? I’m Alicia Spinnet,” a girl approached him, recalling that Albert had helped her earlier.

She was likely intrigued by Albert’s calm demeanor, making him seem as if he knew the secret of the Sorting.

And she wasn’t wrong.

“As long as it’s not Slytherin, I’m good,” Albert shrugged, not giving away any hints about the Sorting. It was genuinely entertaining watching the new students’ anxious faces.

Alright, Albert had to admit he did have a wicked sense of humor.