When the clock struck 5 pm, Altair, Aurelia, and Cho closed the window, pulled down the blind, and locked the door.
There was ample space inside, but the young Black opened his trunk, and the three of them climbed inside it, arriving in a room that resembled a study, next to a library and a lab. There was even a bedroom and a bath...
Without a word, Aurelia and Cho undressed and changed into their uniforms and robes, completely unfazed by each other's nakedness.
They didn't mind Altair changing alongside them. Not at all. After all, Aurelia was his future wife, and Cho was destined to be his Handwife. They had shared a bed, bathed together, and helped one another wash.
The young Black finished dressing faster than both of them, as usual, and then helped brush their hair and get them ready.
By 6 p.m., they returned to their cabin, ensuring all their belongings were secure.
Corvus was awake now, and Cho happily fed him his evening meal, gently informing him that he would be taken to the Hogwarts Owlery later and must not panic.
Not that an Eagle Owl would panic. Highly intelligent, the bird acknowledged her words with a slow, deliberate blink.
Aurelia fed Sidious a couple of treats, promising a proper meal later. The cat didn't fuss. He knew his mistress would never let him go hungry.
And if she were ever away, he was more than capable of sneaking out to hunt rodents or even birds to fill his belly.
Outside, the sun was setting, and the sky had darkened beneath ominous clouds.
Though they couldn't see much of the scenery, they glimpsed the silhouette of a felled tree, an ominous omen, and the haunting outline of the castle in the distance.
The Hogwarts Express rolled into Hogsmeade Station at exactly 7 pm, and the older students, especially the seniors, quickly disembarked.
The three waited until their carriage was empty before stepping out. Just as Tonks had described, Hagrid was unmistakable.
He was massive, a giant of a man with a thick beard, and he beamed at them as they approached the gathering of First Years.
"That's a lovely cat you have there. Beautiful!"
"Thank you," Aurelia smiled, making it clear Sidious belonged to her, even though Altair was the one carrying him.
"Hey, why were you sitting in the last carriage? Isn't it for the seniors?" a young boy asked.
Several students who recognised them gave the boy strange looks. It was clear that their parents had warned them not to get on bad terms with the Heir Black and little Miss Malfoy.
"Oh, there's no such rule. If you're brave enough to sit with them, you can. A lot of students with older siblings prefer to sit there," Hagrid said with a shrug. He looked around. "This should be the lot of you, right?"
The group didn't quite know how to respond and simply raised their brows as he let out a sheepish laugh.
"There was a girl last year who fell into a deep sleep. We left without her..."
They stared at him, deadpanned.
"Shouldn't you check the train?" Cho frowned.
"Oh! Right! The Prefects!" His face lit up when he saw them stepping out of the first carriage.
"All clear, Hagrid!" Nymphadora shouted, waving from afar, and the big man chuckled with relief.
"Let's go, let's go. The boats are waiting."
The Black Lake, also known as the Great Lake, was only a few hundred metres from the station. People in dark cloaks, hats shadowing their faces, stood silently in the boats waiting for them.
The sight unsettled many of the Muggle-borns and even some wizarding children, but under Hagrid's encouragement, they stepped into the eerie boats, each lit by a single lantern.
The entire fleet departed together, gliding over the mirror-like surface of the lake. Not a word was spoken as everyone stared at the haunting castle in the distance, perched on a mountain high above.
It took about thirty minutes to cross the lake and reach the ivy-veiled tunnel beneath the mountain. After sailing through it, they arrived at a hidden dock beneath the castle.
Once the students disembarked, the cloaked boatmen drifted away, vanishing into the dark. Hagrid led the group into a cavern and through a tall metal gate. Beyond it was a narrow, winding staircase.
The climb seemed endless, but at last, they stepped out onto the lawn beside the castle's front entrance.
Gasps rippled through the group as they took in the full view of the towering, ancient, and grand structure now lit in its full splendour.
"Beautiful, in'it?" Hagrid grinned at their awe. "Over here, over here."
He led them up a flight of stone steps to the massive oak doors and knocked three times.
Even Aurelia's heart skipped a beat as the great doors groaned open, revealing an old witch in emerald green robes.
"Professor McGonagall!" Hagrid beamed.
"Thank you for bringing the First Years, Hagrid," she said kindly, causing him to blush.
"Just doin' my job, Professor."
She gave him a soft smile before her eyes swept across the group, pausing when they landed on Altair, who met her gaze with curiosity.
"This way, please," she said warmly and gestured for them to follow her.
The castle was enormous. No, colossal. It took them a minute to reach the antechamber outside the Great Hall, but the walk was thrilling, filled with whispering portraits and echoing halls.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said once they arrived. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats, you must be sorted into your Houses.
"The Sorting is a very important ceremony, because while you're here, your House will be like your family. You will attend classes with your Housemates, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend your free time in the common room.
"There are four Houses at Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each has a long, noble history and has produced exceptional witches and wizards. Your triumphs will earn points for your House, and your mistakes will cost them.
At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the House Cup, and the best students will be immortalised in the Hall of Fame.
If you seek excellence, you must prove yourself here, or you will simply be lost in the crowd of those who never make a name for themselves.
Of course, fun is important too. And you'll find soon enough that Hogwarts is one of the most magical and fun places in the world." She smiled playfully. "That's not a lie."
Some of the students looked sheepish for doubting her. She reached out and gently patted the head of a young girl whose eyes were wide with wonder.
"Now, please form three lines and wait quietly. When the doors open, Hagrid will lead you into the Great Hall. Please excuse me."
She disappeared through a side door, and the students waited nervously.
After several minutes, the massive door to the Entrance Hall opened, and Hagrid led them to the great double doors of the Great Hall.
"Don't be nervous. The Houses are only for life," he said with a grin.
Altair hadn't expected Hagrid to be humorous, and it made him smile.
"What House were you in?" he asked.
"Gryffindor," Hagrid replied proudly. "When these doors open, follow me in quietly. Professor McGonagall will call your names. You'll go up one at a time, sit on the stool, and she'll place the Sorting Hat on your head. Don't worry, it's not scary."
"Are you even scared of anything?" Cho asked, amused.
"No."
The students laughed, but the moment was interrupted as ghostly figures began emerging from the walls and floor.
"Ghosts!" someone shrieked, and panic broke out.
The spirits chuckled, clearly entertained. Their laughter helped calm the group down, and they began introducing themselves.
There was the Fat Friar, Bloody Baron, and Nearly Headless Nick, who made several students pale when he revealed why he was called "nearly" headless.
The encounter didn't last long. Just a short while later, the great doors opened.
The group stepped inside and was immediately struck by the sight.
The Great Hall was vast. Altair, Aurelia, and Cho instinctively looked up to the enchanted ceiling, which mirrored the sky above. Tonight, it showed heavy clouds, rumbling and flashing with lightning.
Hundreds of floating candles bathed the room in warm golden light, flickering above the four long tables where students in black robes sat beneath House banners.
A gentle hush fell across the Hall as the older students turned to watch the newcomers.
At the far end stood the staff table on a raised platform. And in front of it, on a three-legged stool, was a very old, shabby wizard's hat, frayed and lopsided, but unmistakably alive.
It was magical in every way imaginable.
Altair felt countless eyes on him but refused to meet any of them. He was genuinely intrigued by the Hall and chose to focus on its atmosphere instead.
"Come along," Hagrid whispered, leading them forward.
They reached the platform, where Professor McGonagall stood beside the stool, smiling gently, and then the hat twitched.
It came alive and began to sing...
"A thousand years and more have passed
Since founders four began the task
Of building up a school of lore
To teach young witches, wizards, more.
They each had traits they prized the most
And picked the ones they thought would boast
The courage, wit, or noble heart
To play in full a Hogwarts part.
Brave Gryffindor chose those who dare,
With nerves of steel and lion's flair.
Through fire or fear, they lead the charge
With hearts so bold and spirits large.
Wise Ravenclaw picked those who seek
The truths that only sharp minds speak.
With wit and learning as their guide,
They chase the stars with quiet pride.
Fair Hufflepuff looked for the kind,
With loyal hearts and steady mind.
No boast or brag, they simply do
What's good and right, and strong and true.
Great Slytherin, with proud grace,
Sought cunning minds to shape their place.
And those who honour their blood the most;
Ambitious, resourceful, sharp, and full of pride,
They do what's needed, and they thrive.
Now here I shall sit upon your head,
To read the thoughts within your stead.
So do not fear, and do not stall;
I'll place you true, and that is all."
A smile tugged at Altair's lips when the Hall fell into utter silence. It was undoubtedly because of the verses the Hat had sung about Slytherin.
Professor McGonagall broke the quiet with applause, and soon enough, the Hall erupted with loud clapping, lifting the mood instantly.
"Now, as I call your name, please come forward and sit on this stool. The Sorting Hat will place you where you belong, and you must go and join your family at their table," she said, then unrolled a scroll.
"Ainsworth, Leo."
She called out the first name, and a boy with brown hair and a calm demeanour stepped onto the platform.
McGonagall picked up the Hat and placed it on his head as he sat down on the stool.
A few seconds later, the Hat announced his House.
"Ravenclaw!"
A loud but well-mannered applause came from the Ravenclaw table, and the boy happily hopped off the stool and made his way to it.
"Audley, James."
The next boy, wearing a bright smile, eagerly sat down, and this time the Hat took a little longer.
"Hufflepuff!"
The Hufflepuff table burst into cheers at the announcement, and although James seemed slightly disappointed, he still smiled and rushed over to join them.
"Black, Altair."
The moment his name was spoken, the Hall fell into utter silence. Even the teachers held their breath as he stepped onto the platform with a composure and grace that seemed far beyond his age.
He calmly sat on the stool, and Professor McGonagall placed the Hat on his head, still visibly tense.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Lord Morvaine," the Hat said aloud, and the tension in the Hall spiked.
"My apologies, but I cannot allow you to enter my mind," Altair communicated silently through the mental link that had just formed.
"It's quite all right. I know where you belong, My Lord... Slytherin!"
The moment the Hat made the announcement, every student at the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables stood up and applauded. It felt more like a salute as he walked down the platform and took his seat at the centre of the green-clad table.
He gave a nod and a faint smile, and only then did the others sit down. None of the students seated near him uttered a word.
Professor McGonagall stood quietly for a few seconds, and those watching closely noticed a faint tremble in her hand.
"Boots, Isla."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Boots, Terry."
"Hufflepuff."
"Bulstrode, Stephen."
"Slytherin."
"Byrce, Cillian."
"Hufflepuff!"
...
"Caddogan, Beatrice."
"Gryffindor!"
"Cameroth, Henry."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Campbell, Enola."
"Gryffindor."
"Chang, Cho."
When her name was announced, Altair finally turned to face the platform and smiled at her confident gait.
The Hat rested on her head for a while, clearly in a dilemma. She was as much a Ravenclaw as she was a Slytherin.
In the end, the Hat made its choice based on her heart's desire.
"Slytherin!"
Altair slowly stood up and began to clap for her, prompting the rest of the Slytherins to follow suit.
He did not sit down again, so no one else dared to either.
And thus, the Sorting continued.
"Coombs, Peter."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Corner, Lydia."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Corner, Michael."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Cornfoot, Stephen."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Derrick, Bradley."
"Slytherin!"
"Dobbs, Emma."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Dunstan, Callum."
"Gryffindor!"
"Entwhistle, Daniel."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Fawley, Ambrose."
"Slytherin!"
"Fenwick, Olivia."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Gallagher, Hugh."
"Gryffindor!"
"Goldstein, Anthony."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Higgs, Terence."
"Slytherin!"
"Holmes, Annabeth."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Hopkirk, Nora."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Jones, Megan."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Jordan, Elvis."
"Gryffindor!"
"Kirke, Andrew."
"Gryffindor!"
... ... ...
"MacDougal, Morag."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Malfoy, Aurelia."
At last, after a long wait, her name was called.
She climbed the platform gracefully, and Sidious sat obediently on the top step to wait for her.
Professor McGonagall had not even placed the Hat fully on her head when it made the announcement.
"Slytherin!"
Aurelia beamed with pride and scooped up Sidious into her arms as she walked to her table, taking her place to Altair's right.
The ceremony went on, and a few more students were sorted into Slytherin.
In the end, out of the hundred and twelve students, thirty-three joined Hufflepuff, twenty-nine to Gryffindor, twenty-six to Ravenclaw, and twenty-four to Slytherin.
Once all were seated, Dumbledore slowly rose to his feet. His eyes sparkled beneath his half-moon spectacles as he smiled broadly, instantly drawing the Hall's attention.
He gave a witty, light-hearted speech that contained some rather profound wisdom, then explained a few essential rules for the newcomers.
After that, he introduced the teaching staff, strictly forbade the students from going to the Forbidden Forest, warning them of their deaths, and instructed everyone to follow their Prefects to the dormitories after the feast.
"What feast?" someone called out playfully from the Gryffindor table, causing ripples of laughter throughout the Hall.
Dumbledore chuckled, apologised for keeping them all hungry, and then clapped his hands.
In an instant, the tables were laden with delicious, sumptuous meals, and the aroma that followed made everyone's mouth water.
Aurelia carefully selected a few items and served them to Sidious before she began to eat herself.
Soon, cheerful conversation filled the Hall, and the dinner feast stretched over the next hour.
Before they left, a choir performed a song to welcome the students to Hogwarts. Afterwards, the Headmaster dismissed them, and they were placed under the guidance of their House Prefects.