Phineas pointed to the two little wizards on the same boat and said,
"As for the other pure-blooded little wizards, it was because of my eldest brother, who openly opposed Voldemort. When Voldemort fell, my parents had passed away and my second brother disappeared. I did not help any Death Eaters. According to some family information, many people were reported through Professor Dumbledore, so the descendants of these Death Eaters reject me and even hate me."
Now the little witch understood that the handsome and aristocratic young man in front of her had offended almost everyone in the wizarding world. Therefore, there was a hint of sadness in the eyes she looked at Phineas with.
Phineas saw the worry in the little witch's eyes and couldn't help but sigh. She was really a kind little witch.
"Don't worry about me, I can still handle this. I haven't asked yet, what is your name? My name is Phineas Black, and I have the same name as a former Headmaster of Hogwarts. He is my ancestor."
The little witch was obviously a little flattered, especially in front of a boy who had scared her before, but now seemed sympathetic.
"Ah, my name is Angelina Johnson. Nice to meet you."
Phineas smiled and looked at the other two little wizards.
"What about you?"
Because of Phineas's explanation, the two little wizards were no longer so afraid of him, so they spoke.
"My name is Roger Davies."
"I'm Alicia Spinnet."
While the four of them were talking, the fleet glided smoothly across the mirror-like water. Except for Phineas and the others, everyone else was silent. His earlier explanation had been heard by everyone, including Hagrid.
This made Hagrid, who didn't have any good feelings for Phineas, grow quiet. He felt that Phineas had been living alone all these years. However, his transformation was not known to others.
As the fleet drew closer to the cliff where the castle stood, the young wizards had to look higher and higher to take in the magnificent view.
"Lower your heads!"
Hagrid shouted as the boats reached the edge of the cliff. The young wizards naturally followed his instructions.
However, when the boats passed through the ivy-draped entrance of the waterway beneath the castle, the students discovered that the only one who actually needed to duck was Hagrid.
Eventually, they docked at an underground port. Judging by the surroundings, it was clearly not a commonly used path—perhaps one reserved for first-years.
From there, they climbed a rocky, mossy path covered in pebbles. After a long trek, they reached a patch of grass beneath the towering castle.
The massive oak front doors loomed ahead. The young wizards stopped instinctively.
Hagrid stepped forward and turned around.
"Is everyone here?"
Once he confirmed it, he knocked three times on the massive door. Each knock sounded like a hammer blow.
The door opened at once. Standing there was a tall witch in emerald green robes, with black hair and a serious expression.
Phineas recognized her. He had read her article on the train not long ago. She was the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts and the one who wrote the admission letters to new students—Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Hagrid's next words confirmed it.
"Professor McGonagall, the first-years are all here."
Professor McGonagall nodded.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them in."
She pushed the door open, revealing the great entrance hall.
It was so vast it could probably contain an entire Muggle house. The walls were brightly lit with flaming torches, the ceiling soared high above them, and a grand staircase of white marble led upwards.
Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, they crossed a flag-stone floor patterned with colorful banners. After a short walk, they reached a door behind which they could hear the chatter of hundreds of students.
Professor McGonagall turned to face them.
"First of all, welcome to Hogwarts."
Her voice was loud and commanding.
"The start-of-term feast will begin shortly. But before that, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting Ceremony is very important because while you are here, your house will be your family. You will have classes, sleep in the same dormitory, and spend free time together in your house."
"There are four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each has its own noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are here, your triumphs will earn your house points. Any rule-breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup—a great honor. I hope each of you will do your best to bring glory to your house."
She paused, then added,
"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the entire school. I suggest you take a moment to tidy yourselves up."
Her eyes scanned the crowd, and several of the young witches and wizards hurried to straighten their robes or smooth their hair.
Satisfied, Professor McGonagall gave a small smile.
"We will call you in when we are ready. Until then, please wait here quietly."
With that, she turned and left, efficient and to the point.
After she departed, a wave of whispers broke out. The students were wondering aloud how the Sorting would work.
Hogwarts had a long-standing tradition of not revealing the details of the Sorting Ceremony to new students. It was a shared secret among all who had been sorted.
Amid the whispers, Professor McGonagall returned.
"Now move forward. The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin."
She raised her voice over the crowd.
"Form a line and follow me."
Although the whispers had irritated her slightly, she showed no anger. After all, they hadn't broken any rules.
The young wizards stepped through the doors ahead—and into a magnificent hall.