The Hogwarts Express slowed as it approached the castle grounds, steam hissing from the engine as the students pressed their faces against the windows, eager to catch their first glimpse of Hogwarts Academy of Duelists. The castle loomed in the distance, dark and majestic, its turrets reaching into the twilight sky.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Jackie gathered their things, the excitement in the air almost tangible as the train finally came to a stop. Students flooded out of the compartments, pulling trunks and clutching their decks—or in some cases, holding tight to empty holsters, eager to find out which deck would choose them.
"First years, over here!" came a booming voice.
At the end of the platform stood a towering man, not quite giant but impressively tall and broad-shouldered, built like a lumberjack. His plaid shirt rolled up at the sleeves revealed thick, muscular arms, and his beard was scruffy but well-kept. He looked every bit the outdoorsman—someone who had spent his life working the land.
"That's Hagrid!" Hermione whispered excitedly. "He's the Hogwarts landscaper and jack-of-all-trades!"
"Blimey," Ron muttered, staring at Hagrid's massive form. "He looks like he could duel the train itself."
"First years, this way!" Hagrid called, waving them over. His voice was deep and welcoming, with a touch of warmth that put Harry and the others at ease.
"Come on, now," Hagrid said as they approached, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "Welcome to Hogwarts! Name's Hagrid—I'll be takin' you lot up to the castle."
The first years gathered around Hagrid, awed by his size but comforted by his friendly demeanor. He guided them through the path leading to the castle, his heavy boots thudding against the ground as they walked. As they got closer, the castle became even more breathtaking, its stone walls gleaming in the moonlight.
"Ready for your first duel?" Hagrid asked, looking down at them with a knowing smile. "Well, not quite yet. First, we'll get you settled, and you'll have to find your decks. The real fun starts after that."
Harry exchanged a look with Ron and Hermione, his nerves prickling again. He wasn't even sure how the deck-choosing ceremony would work, let alone how to duel with the deck once he had it. Still, the excitement was there, mingling with his uncertainty.
Jackie walked calmly beside them, taking it all in with a quiet smile. Her dark blue eyes, speckled with silver like the night sky, seemed to sparkle as they approached the grand entrance of the castle.
They finally reached the castle doors, where Hagrid waved them inside. The Great Hall was just as magnificent as Harry had imagined, its towering ceilings glittering with floating lanterns, casting a warm glow over the room. Rows of tables were lined up, waiting for the students to sit after their sorting.
As the first years gathered, murmurs of excitement and nervous energy filled the room. At the head of the hall stood Headmaster Dumbledore, his silver beard flowing down over his chest, eyes sparkling with wisdom and amusement.
"Welcome, students," Dumbledore said in a voice that silenced the hall at once. "To Hogwarts Academy of Duelists."
Harry felt a shiver run down his spine. This was it—the place where his journey as a duelist would truly begin.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "before we get to the Sorting, you must first find your deck—the one that will choose you."
With a wave of his hand, enchanted maps appeared before each of the first years, glowing faintly in the dim light. Harry's map shimmered, as if waiting for him to take hold of it.
