Hagrid's towering figure led the way, the lantern in his hand casting a faint, flickering glow into the night.
Behind him, the group of first-year students followed closely, huddling in their robes like a huddle of little penguins against the biting night chill.
They soon arrived at the edge of the Black Lake, where a fleet of small boats sat moored and waiting by the shore.
"Right then, no more than four to a boat! Watch your step, don't go falling in!" Hagrid's booming voice rang out from the front.
Harry looked up at the majestic castle towering over the opposite shore, a spark of excitement flickering in his chest.
The start of term had finally arrived!
Recalling the magic he had read about in his textbooks, Harry was filled with anticipation for the wondrous journey ahead.
The first years quickly called out to the new friends they had made on the Hogwarts Express and scrambled into the nearest boats.
"Let's take this one," Ron said beside him.
Harry nodded and hopped in. Joining them were Hermione Granger and the somewhat clumsy Neville Longbottom, both new friends he had met on the train.
He had kept Professor Wick's advice in mind, making a sincere effort to get to know those around him.
It was true that people as unpleasant as Malfoy existed, but he also had the right to choose his own friends. The realization gave him an immense sense of security.
Compared to the days of being bullied and friendless, the warmth he felt now was incredibly real.
Once the four were aboard, the little boat detached itself from the shore and glided slowly toward the opposite bank.
"Does anyone know how they test us? You know, for the House sorting?" Ron asked.
Neville's face turned pale, and he spoke up uneasily. "I don't know either. My family wouldn't say... I just hope it's not too hard. I told you guys, I'm practically a Squib."
He grew more panicked as he spoke, terrified that a single test would lead to his expulsion.
If he were sent home right then and there, he wouldn't know how to face his gran.
"It probably won't be that hard..." Harry said, though he sounded uncertain. He felt a pang of regret now; he really should have written to Professor Wick to ask.
But thanks to Professor Wick, his life at the Dursleys' had been much better, giving him the chance to study his textbooks over the holidays. At least he was somewhat prepared.
In the past, his books likely would have been locked in the cupboard all summer.
"There's nothing to be afraid of. I'm sure I can pass the test!" Hermione said, lifting her chin confidently.
Despite her words, her posture was stiff. She began muttering under her breath, reviewing the spells she had memorized.
Ron made a miserable face. "But... but I heard Fred and George say the entrance exam involves fighting a troll!"
At those words, the faces of everyone in the boat went white.
Both Harry and Hermione had seen descriptions of trolls in books; they were incredibly savage and dangerous creatures.
"No... you can't be serious... In that case, I won't have to worry about how to face my gran after being expelled," Neville whimpered, nearly in tears. "Because I'll probably be dead before the night is over."
"Your brothers must be joking, Ron," Hermione said, trying to stay calm. "Hogwarts would never disregard the safety of its students!"
"Right. If the test were that dangerous, Professor Wick would have told me," Harry said, feeling his heart settle slightly.
Professor Wick had been his parents' comrade-in-arms; he cared about Harry's safety more than anyone. If the test were truly life-threatening, he would have mentioned something.
"Harry... do you know Professor Wick well?" Ron asked.
"He was a comrade of my parents," Harry said with a small smile. "Did you know? The first birthday present I ever received was from him."
The other three had heard Harry mention a bit about his family on the train, and they understood how he felt.
For someone who had spent so long in the shadows, a sudden beam of light meant everything.
"You mean Victor Wick... Professor Wick?" Neville asked, sounding excited. "I know who he is."
"I'm not surprised. The Daily Prophet reported on how he fought off a Dark wizard at Gringotts," Harry replied with a smile.
"No... I didn't learn about him from the papers. I grew up hearing his name. If it hadn't been for the intelligence he provided, my mum and dad might not even be alive today," Neville said earnestly.
Hearing this, Harry couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness and envy.
"He did save many people... it's just that the critical intel for my parents came a step too late. He's always felt guilty about it; he even apologized to me."
Ron quickly patted Harry on the shoulder to comfort him and instinctively changed the subject. "Professor Wick is a legend! My dad said he went undercover in You-Know-Who's ranks all by himself and sent back loads of crucial information. It's a miracle... You-Know-Who never trusts anyone, yet he managed to infiltrate them perfectly."
Harry's interest was piqued. "Do you know how he managed to do it?"
"I'm not exactly sure, but my dad says he apparently went and met You-Know-Who face-to-face!" Ron's voice trembled slightly.
Harry's eyes lit up. To walk right up to a powerful Dark wizard... that was incredibly brave!
From what Harry knew of Hogwarts so far, if Professor Wick had attended the school, he must have been a Gryffindor!
"He had a secret meeting with You-Know-Who that lasted all night, and shortly after, he became his most trusted lieutenant! No one knows what they discussed," Ron said admiringly. "It's unbelievable that such a legendary figure is going to be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year."
Hermione remained silent, but a glint of anticipation flashed in her eyes.
A hero who had fought Dark wizards would surely have unique insights into the subject. She was bound to learn many useful spells from him!
But... that was provided she could pass the sorting test first!
At that thought, Hermione redoubled her efforts, mentally reciting the content she had memorized before the start of term.
Soon, the boats reached the shore. The first years climbed out and followed Hagrid toward the massive castle doors.
"Though... I heard the Defense Against the Dark Arts post is cursed," Ron said suddenly, leaning in conspiratorially. "Ever since who-knows-when, no professor has lasted more than a year. By the end of the term, something bizarre always happens to them, and they have to find someone new for the next year. I even heard one professor was gored to death by a Tebo in the Forbidden Forest."
"Is that true?" Harry asked, shocked.
"It's absolutely true... I wonder if Professor Wick will be able to..." Ron trailed off, but they all understood what he meant.