Harry potter and the stone

The crisp night air bit at Harry's face as he followed the other first years down the narrow, uneven path leading away from the train station. The sound of water lapping against the shore reached his ears before he saw it, and when the trees opened up to reveal the vast expanse of the Black Lake, Harry stopped in his tracks.

The water stretched out before them like a sheet of ink, reflecting the glittering stars above. In the distance, the towering silhouette of Hogwarts loomed against the night sky, its windows glowing warmly.

"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid called, waving his lantern toward the small fleet of boats moored at the edge of the lake. The boats bobbed gently, as if waiting for them.

Harry hesitated, watching as groups of students hurried forward to claim their places. A few glanced at him, but none spoke. For a moment, he considered waiting until everyone else had gone so he could take a boat alone, but Hagrid's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Harry! Over here!"

Harry turned to see Hagrid gesturing toward an empty boat near the front. He nodded and moved quickly to claim it, climbing in carefully so as not to tip it over.

"Room for one more?"

Harry looked up to see a pale, pointed face staring down at him. Draco Malfoy. Harry hesitated but nodded reluctantly. Malfoy stepped into the boat with an air of confidence, settling himself across from Harry.

"Well, it's not much, is it?" Malfoy said, wrinkling his nose as he glanced around. "I thought there'd be something grander for the first night."

Harry didn't respond, gripping the edge of the boat as it rocked slightly.

The other boats were filling quickly. To Harry's mild relief, Ron Weasley didn't join them, instead climbing into a boat with two other students Harry didn't recognize.

"Everyone ready?" Hagrid called, stepping into the last boat himself. The lantern in his hand cast flickering light across the water. "Off we go, then!"

Without anyone touching the oars, the boats began to glide across the lake, silent and smooth.

The Lake's Secrets

The further they went, the darker and quieter the world seemed to grow. The only sounds were the gentle splash of water and the occasional whisper from the other boats.

Malfoy leaned back, inspecting his nails. "So, Potter," he said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What do you think of all this?"

Harry glanced at him. "It's… different."

Malfoy smirked. "Different. That's one way to put it. You'll see soon enough, though—Hogwarts is full of all sorts. Some better than others."

Harry frowned but didn't reply. He turned his attention back to the castle, which was growing larger and more imposing with every passing moment.

"You're awfully quiet," Malfoy continued, tilting his head. "You've been raised by Muggles, haven't you? Bet all this is a bit much for you."

Harry bristled but forced himself to stay calm. "It's fine."

Before Malfoy could press further, something beneath the surface of the water caught Harry's eye. A faint ripple, too large to be caused by their small boats. He leaned over slightly, trying to see.

"Careful, Potter," Malfoy said with a sneer. "Wouldn't want you falling in. Who knows what's down there?"

Harry ignored him, but the ripple disappeared as quickly as it had come.

A Sudden Halt

The boats continued their steady glide until, at last, they rounded a bend, and the full grandeur of Hogwarts came into view. Gasps rippled through the first years as they took in the sight: the massive stone walls, the towers reaching high into the sky, and the warm glow of lights spilling out onto the grounds.

Harry felt his breath catch again. For all the strangeness and uncertainty of the past few days, this—this—was something magical.

"Head down!" Hagrid called as the boats approached a rocky cliff. Harry ducked just in time to avoid the low-hanging ivy that brushed against the top of the boat. They passed under an archway and into a dark tunnel, the walls dripping with moisture.

The boats came to a gentle stop at a small underground dock, where Hagrid was already climbing out of his boat.

"Everyone out! Mind yer step, now!"

Harry climbed out carefully, his legs wobbling slightly after the smooth ride. The air in the tunnel was cool and damp, and the sound of dripping water echoed faintly.

Malfoy stepped out with practiced ease, brushing imaginary dust from his robes. "Well, that was charming," he muttered under his breath.

Harry ignored him, following the other students as Hagrid led them up a narrow set of stone steps. His heart was pounding again, but this time it wasn't nerves. It was anticipation.

Hogwarts was just beyond those stairs.