The Art of Deception

Chapter 6

It was a crisp, clear night when the Hogwarts Express finally pulled into Hogsmeade Station, its wheels screeching as it came to a stop. The train's whistle echoed through the night, signaling the end of a long journey. Aurelia, Harry, and Ron, now fully dressed in their Hogwarts robes, stepped off the train and onto the platform. The cool night air hit them, and they blinked in surprise as they took in their surroundings. The distant hum of the castle's magic seemed to fill the air.

"Right, then! First years! This way, please! Come on, now, don't be shy! Hurry up!" Hagrid's booming voice called out, cutting through the excitement of the crowd. He waved his lantern in the air, gesturing for the new students to follow.

Aurelia grinned at Harry and Ron as they made their way toward the giant of a man, whose wild hair and beard seemed to blend into the night. "You ready for this?" she asked, her voice full of excitement.

"Let's get this over with," Ron muttered, looking both nervous and thrilled.

"Hey, Hagrid!" The twins called out in unison, catching Hagrid's attention.

"Hello, twins," Hagrid smiled at them, his eyes twinkling.

"Right then, this way to the boats! Follow me, first years! Don't lag behind now!" Hagrid called again, leading the group through the shadows of the platform. The students followed closely behind, their robes swishing softly as they moved.

As they walked, they caught glimpses of the dark water and the outline of the distant castle, looming in the distance like something out of a dream. The excitement was palpable, and Aurelia felt her heart race as they approached the boats waiting for them. The massive, ancient structure of Hogwarts was about to become their new home, and the journey had only just begun.

Later, they all boarded the boats, each one filled with first-year students, and slowly drifted across the vast, still lake. The water shimmered under the moonlight, reflecting the faint glow of the castle's many windows. Everyone aboard was silent, too mesmerized by the view ahead to speak.

"Wicked," Ron muttered after a moment, staring at the towering castle, his voice filled with awe. His wide eyes scanned the view, taking in every detail.

Aurelia, sitting next to him, glanced down at the dark water. "Think there's some kind of monster beneath us?" she asked casually, her voice full of mischief.

Ron's face went pale. "Oh Merlin, I hope not," he said, eyes darting nervously over the rippling water.

Hagrid, who was rowing the boat in front of them, let out a deep, rumbling laugh. "Well, there is a giant squid, grindylows, mermaids..." he said, his tone so casual that it only made Ron look more frightened. "But don't worry. None of them really care about you—unless you're a tasty snack."

Ron visibly shuddered, his eyes now locked onto the water. "Please tell me you're joking," he muttered, clearly unnerved.

Aurelia chuckled, nudging him lightly. "Relax, Ron. I'm sure Peony will scare off any monsters down there," she said, glancing fondly at her snake, who had curled herself lazily around Aurelia's neck. Peony flicked her tongue in a slow motion as if agreeing.

Hagrid laughed at the comment, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe so. But there's always something lurking in the water, no matter how safe you feel."

The boats continued on, drawing closer to the magnificent Hogwarts Castle. The students couldn't help but marvel at its towering spires and the soft glow of light coming from its countless windows. It looked like a place of magic, mystery, and wonder.

As the boats made their final approach toward the castle, the students could see shadows of people moving in the windows above. The castle's massive stone walls loomed ahead, a beacon in the night. For the first time, they realized that they were no longer just kids from the Muggle world—they were about to step into a world full of magic and endless possibilities.