While the three of them were talking, time passed quickly. In a blink of an eye, the sky darkened, and the speed of the train gradually decreased as it prepared to arrive at the station.
The three quickly took off their Muggle jackets and put on their Hogwarts robes.
Looking at the light rain falling outside the window and feeling the wet and cold weather, Alvin couldn't help but shiver.
Thinking of something, Alvin opened his suitcase, took out a scarf, and wrapped it around Cho's neck.
"Put this on, it's raining and cold outside."
Cho blushed slightly but didn't reject his kindness.
The train arrived at the station, and Alvin and Cho walked out with the crowd.
"First-year students, first-year students, over here!"
A loud voice came from not far away. A man who was more than three meters tall and looked like he could carry a horse on his shoulders stood there, constantly beckoning new students to gather around him.
"Cho, I'll go first." Nodding to Cho, Alvin made his way to line up with Hagrid.
"Good luck, Alvin. I hope you get sorted into Ravenclaw," Cho said with anticipation.
Looking at Cho's expectant eyes, Alvin felt a little bitter in his heart. Just for his surname, Gaunt, he was basically destined for Slytherin.
But for Cho's sake, he would try to see if he could convince the Sorting Hat. Besides, he wasn't too fond of Slytherin. As a half-blood wizard entering Slytherin, there would definitely be trouble.
Soon, all the new students gathered around Hagrid, who counted the number of people. Hagrid took an oil lamp and led the group of little wizards away, calling back to them as they walked.
"Watch your step, be careful, this part of the path is tricky!"
A group of little wizards followed Hagrid with difficulty. Hagrid was far ahead, and the old oil lamp was very dim.
Alvin pulled out his wand. "Lumos."
Immediately, his wand emitted a soft white light. The little wizards behind him breathed a sigh of relief.
"Wow, Ron, look at him, that's amazing."
Hearing the voice, Alvin couldn't help but turn his head. Unexpectedly, behind him were Ron and Harry.
Seeing Alvin turn around, Harry felt a little embarrassed. Talking behind someone's back was always a bit awkward, even if it was complimentary.
"Hi, my name is Harry Potter, and this is Ron Weasley."
Alvin nodded at him and introduced himself.
"Hi, I'm Alvin Gaunt."
Harry noticed that Alvin didn't show any excitement upon hearing his name, and guessed that Alvin was probably from the ordinary world.
"Hello, are you from a normal family? I mean, a Muggle family."
"You're amazing, I still can't cast a spell, but I met a girl on the train, her name is Hermione Granger. She's also Muggle-born, but she helped fix my glasses with a spell."
Harry was very happy. Although people in the wizarding world treated him well and saw him as a savior, he himself had no idea what he had done to deserve it.
So when he met someone from a similar Muggle background who didn't make a fuss about his name, he felt very happy.
"It's nothing, I just learned it myself after I got my books, and I was lucky enough to pick up a thing or two."
Alvin didn't deliberately distance himself from Harry; he welcomed normal interaction. As for whether Dumbledore would set traps for him, that remained to be seen.
Harry smiled embarrassingly. Since getting his textbook, he had read it, but reciting the spells didn't yield any results. He hadn't tried again.
"Which house do you hope to be sorted into? Ron says Gryffindor is the best house, and I hope I won't end up in Slytherin."
Ron nodded in agreement. For the Weasleys, Gryffindor was the best house. If he ended up in Slytherin, he would be considered a disgrace to the family.
Alvin smiled and didn't comment, thinking of the fresh and beautiful girl with her soft hands. He said involuntarily, "I'd rather go to Ravenclaw. It's very fitting."
"What?"
Harry said he didn't hear.
"Nothing, I just think Ravenclaw suits me better, I prefer it there."
"Oh, alright."
Harry was a little disappointed to find that his new friend didn't want to go to Gryffindor, but he didn't interfere with others' preferences.
Under Hagrid's guidance, the little wizards boarded the boats in groups of four. The boats gradually approached the cliff. Under Hagrid's command, the little wizards ducked their heads and passed under the bridge.
Alvin couldn't help but laugh. It was obvious that Hagrid, even when ducking, was twice the height of the little wizards, yet everyone still ducked.
Finally, the boats slowly approached the pier, and Hagrid led them through the tunnel, across the grass, and to the main entrance of the magnificent castle.
After the sound of an organ, the castle gate slowly opened.
A witch with a serious expression and an old-fashioned face walked out, wearing an emerald green wizard's hat. Her serious demeanor made the little wizards, who had been chattering, fall silent.
"Professor McGonagall, the first-year students are here," Hagrid indicated.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here."
Professor McGonagall's expression softened slightly. With a wave of her wand, she tidied up the rain-soaked and messy robes of the little wizards.
Immediately, the little wizards' impression of Professor McGonagall improved.
Professor McGonagall led the group of freshmen into the hall. It was simple and elegant, with countless burning torches hanging on the walls and countless stars twinkling in the dome.
At the head of the hall was a long table, with a gray-haired old man in the middle, talking to Snape on his left.
The four long tables below were arranged vertically, with countless candles floating above them. The tables were full of golden goblets and plates, and the older students sat next to them.
There was a high stool in the center, and the Sorting Hat was placed on it.
Professor McGonagall didn't lead them directly through the hall but turned right, asking the little wizards to line up. Some of the other students in the auditorium were talking to each other, and many wizards were looking their way.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. Next, we need to determine which house you belong to before you can officially enter."
"I'll call your names, and then please step onto the platform, put on the Sorting Hat, and it will decide where you belong."
Alvin lined up with the little wizards, looking at the scene in front of him, it felt like a dream. He was excited.
Hogwarts, here I come!