His Hidden Side - Draco Malfoy

3- Sorting

The castle blends into the night sky so well, it would be difficult to notice if it wasn't for the full moon casting that bit of light. A few specks of light are in the night sky glistening. They've got to be stars, you don't see many of those in London.

The world seems very still as we all step off the train. The world is quiet, slow and calm. Even my cat has finally gone to sleep. All that can be heard are the whispers of the students. Luna informs me that we've stopped at Hogsmeade Station. Through the bleak amount of light, I can see a small brick building and a bridge stretching across the tracks. This place is considerably smaller than King's Cross Station.

I noticed that the smaller children - first year I'm guessing - are being lead away from the rest of us by someone who does not look like an average human.
I can just see his silhouette, but he looks twice as tall as a person and very much wider too. Almost like a giant. Hes got an oil lamp in his abnormally large hand, and when he pulls it up to his face, I gasp...

The light illuminates the features of a ghastly looking face. He's got a large face with large features, however almost all of it is sheltered by his long bushy hair and lengthy bread. His softy wrinkled face and furrowed brows made him look like the type of man who would get angered by a small misendeavor and possibly squish you.

I felt scared for these little children who were being lead away by him, it seemed he was leading them to their death, like a large, cotton dressed grim reaper.

"Don't worry Lily. That's Hagrid. The kindest soul you could ever meet," Luna reassures me placing a hand on my shoulder. Was my fear so obvious?

"Then why does he look like he's leading the children to their doom?" I reply sarcastically which causes her to giggle and shake her head.

"Since it's their first year here, they're getting to Hogwarts by boat, it's tradition."

"How are we getting there?" As I say that, I spot a line of black, large wheeled carriages waiting just a few meters away. I unintentionally see Draco and his clan getting into one at the front. He turns his head, looking at my direction. He doesn't react. He must have forgotten our run in I hope.

Each carriage has some kind of horse which pulls it, they didn't look normal. I turn to Luna. "These are strange looking horses. They look like they're skeletal and are those wings?! What are they called?"

"Thestrals." She pauses. "Wait... you can see them?" She gasps looking concerned.

We begin to walk towards our own carriage, I never take my eyes of the 'Thestrals'.

"Only one who had witnessed death can see them. I can see them because... of my mother."

"That's not possible." I laugh uncertainly. "I have never seen anyone die... I've got insane haven't I?"

"You're just as sane as I am Lily..." she sighs with a smile. We got on the carriage without another word about the horses, but I just couldn't get them out of my mind. Luna must have gotten something wrong, I've never witness death.

***

The ride to Hogwarts was short, thank goodness, I couldn't bare to sit any longer. The carriages stopped right at the entrance to Hogwarts, we only had to cross a bridge and go through the gateway.

The castle looked more intimidating in person. The castle alone looked big enough to house all of London's residents. Luna was talking to me, pointing at all the wondrous features of the castle. I was way too distracted to pay attention. This will probably the coolest building I will ever see in my entire life and I wish to enjoy every moment in awe.