Isidora's Revenge

Chapter 5

The first day of the school year had arrived, and students were beginning to arrive at Hogsmeade Station. The area was heavily guarded, with Aurors stationed all around, prepared for any threats. Andrea made her way down the steps from the bridge overlooking the tracks, her gaze constantly scanning her surroundings. In the distance, she saw a plume of steam rising and then heard the train's horn echo through the valley. It reminded her of her own journey on the train, though she'd only experienced it in her sixth year.

As the train came to a steady halt at the platform, students started to disembark, and Aurors guided them toward the carriages or boats for their trip to Hogwarts. First-year students gathered at the front, waiting for a professor to lead them.

Fortunately for Andrea, Sebastian had been assigned the task of guiding the first years. He waited patiently until all the first years had stepped off the train, then began leading them down to the boats by the lake. Andrea followed closely behind, providing added protection for the group. The first years appeared bewildered by the boat transport, as did Andrea, who hadn't arrived by boat herself—she had travelled by carriage. Smiling, she chuckled to herself, and even helped a few of the students step carefully into the boats.

As the boats drifted across the lake, the students chatted among themselves, but fell silent when Hogwarts came into view. Sebastian called out over the sound of the water, "Welcome to Hogwarts." The castle's grandeur slowly emerged, fully visible against the darkening sky. The first years stared in awe, a mixture of amazement and admiration on their faces. Andrea couldn't help but smile to herself, catching some of their astonished comments about the castle's beauty and size.

When they reached the shore, Sebastian led the students up from the boathouse toward the Great Hall. Andrea moved ahead, slipping through the castle's hallways so she could reach the Great Hall before them. As she entered, she saw that the rest of the students were already seated, the hall alive with conversation and the buzz of the new school year. Passing by several tables, she overheard excited whispers from students remarking on the presence of Aurors at the station and during their journey to the castle.

At the front of the hall, she saw Professor Weasley, who turned to her as she approached.

"They'll be ready in just a few minutes," she said with a warm smile.

Professor Weasley nodded and stepped up to the podium at the front of the Great Hall, prompting the room to fall silent. "Please join me in welcoming our newest students to Hogwarts. We all remember how daunting this experience can be, so, as always, let's show them kindness." She clapped her hands, and the large doors to the hall swung open.

Sebastian entered, leading the line of first years, who gathered at the front for the Sorting Ceremony. Professor Weasley placed a chair before the podium, and beside it sat the Sorting Hat, which looked slightly disdainful as it awaited its duty.

Taking the hat by its top and raising it into the air, Professor Weasley held a list in her other hand. "Now, when I call your name, please come forward. I will place the Sorting Hat upon your head, and you'll be sorted into one of the four houses: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Once sorted, join your respective house tables."

One by one, she read out names from her list, and each sorting was met with applause from the students. Watching from nearby, Andrea couldn't help but remember her own Sorting Ceremony—one she'd nearly been late to.

When the Sorting Ceremony concluded, Professor Weasley returned to the podium, clapping her hands again to quiet the hall.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," she began. "First, I'd like to address the presence of Aurors, which some of you may already be aware of. The Ministry has stationed Aurors here to ensure the safety of both students and staff within Hogwarts and in the surrounding areas. There is no need for concern; these Aurors are here solely for your protection and will not interfere with your schooling. On that note, I'd like to introduce Auror Officer Andrea Taylor, who has been appointed to Hogwarts and will be with us for the year."