~ "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." — Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
~
~ Corvus Black - POV ~
~ Hogwarts Castle, Highlands, Scotland ~
Twenty-two first year's. Just twenty-two new students of the '84-'85 incoming school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
At least that is the number I counted when we were called to gather around a certain lovable half-giant, who stood at a staggering height of 11'6", that happens to be the Keeper of the Keys and Grounds for Hogwarts. Other than his downplayed height, Rubeus Hagrid looks a lot like his movie counterpart, from his kind yet dimwitted personality right down to his large scruffy beard that reaches over his chest, ending just above his belly.
'I should make sure that I try to befriend him while I'm here. The possible access to the Forbidden Forest alone would be a major gain, but getting to know the half-human half-giant magical creature's lover sounds like a great idea in of itself.'
"Firs' year's, firs' year's over here. Gather around me now firs' year's." He called out repeatedly as students stepped off the Hogwarts Express.
As Hagrid started herding us first year's away from Hogsmeade Station towards the docked boats on the Black Lake, my thoughts wandered back to the decreased population of students of Hogwarts.
Just from what I spotted of the upper years that were headed for the seemingly self driven horse carriages; which were actually being pulled by Thestrals-a breed of winged horse characterized by their skeletal bodies, reptilian faces, and bat-like wings. They are entirely invisible to anyone who has not witnessed and fully processed death, making them appear as grim omens, though they are actually quite gentle and highly intelligent creatures.
'Or so I've read, and I can also see them, which I was expecting as I've experienced death let alone been a witness to it.'
There's about only two hundred plus students in the upper year classes this year alone. A population that should increase in the coming decade before Voldemorts second Wizarding War. By Harry Potters first year student population should shoot up from these meager numbers to around six to eight hundred students in total.
'Then there is going to be more magical blood spilled for no reason other than Voldemort and his egotistical desire to be feared and obeyed. And let's not forget his plans for enslaving the entirety of the Muggle population of Britain and then the entire world. Which isn't a horrible idea, but I know for certain that he's not the right person for the job. On just the fact that he has completely lost his mind after ripping his own soul into multiple pieces alone should be reason enough to have disqualified him as any rational persons choice of a Lord to follow.' I lamented the future of Wizarding Britain's primary future Dark Lord problems while following Hagrid down a dirt path towards the docked encathed boats that would ferry us across the Black Lake.
"Four to a boat. Watch yer steps, gettin' on in, ya hear!" He yelled out as he made sure each first was aboard before he climbed into the rowboat at the front of the que.
As the small fleet of rowboat, which are enchanted to sail across the Black Lake with a need for oars, emerge from the steep, narrow path with Hagrid at the front, the first year's and I finally get to see Hogwarts in all its magical glory. They are stunned by the sight of the vast, turreted castle perched atop a high mountain, its windows sparkling against the starry night sky. I; on the other hand, not that Hogwarts isn't awe-inspiring and incredible, am momentarily struck by the sheer magic my senses are picking up from the castle and the land around it.
'The Hogwarts founder's must have been quite lucky to have discovered this place that's sitting upon magical ley-lines, or were the ley-lines converged here by the founders in some way? I hope Rowena Ravenclaws' Room of Requirement has the answers to that enquiry as I'm sure I'm not going to find it in a book in the library, even in the restricted area.'
After an awe-inspiring boat ride across the Black Lake and awesomeness of the castle's grandeur, we approach the towering cliffs beneath the castle, and Hagrid calls for everyone to duck, which is only necessary for him really. The vessels travel through a hidden curtain of ivy and into a dark tunnel. This tunnel brings us right beneath the school to an underground harbor known as the Boathouse, where we clamber out onto the rocky shore.
From the hidden pebble beach of the Boathouse, the first-years, with Hagrid at the front, walk up a path and flights of stairs that lead to the expansive lawns. We then finally gather in the shadow of an imposing oak front doors of the school. After Hagrid knocks, the heavy doors swing open to reveal Professor McGonagall, dressed in her emerald-green robes with her witches hat properly sitting upon her head, staring down at us through her glasses.
"The firs' year's, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid calls out to her when he reaches her, towering over the old witch.
"Thank you, Hagrid, you may proceed and take your seat in the Great Hall, I shall take it from here." She says to him with her posh Scottish accent and watches as Hagrid proceeds to follow her instruction before turning to face us.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, the start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." She strictly yet not unkindly explains to us before turning around to enter the Great Hall after telling us to wait a moment.
We didn't have to wait long before she returned to lead us into the Great Hall. I, like my year mates, was taking in all the sights of the Hall, especially the enchanted ceiling. I'm pretty sure a future Ravenclaw student pulled a Hermione and said they read about it in Hogwarts; A History.
Finally, we twenty-two firsties, arrived at the front of the hall just before the platform that had the illustrious staff of Hogwarts seated, especially Dumbledore with his golden throne like chair. But before I could take in all of the current staff and try to put a name to them, McGonagall stepped up next to a stool with a weathered old hat; The Sorting Hat, which starts to move and the creases of the hat forming into hollow eyes and a mouth, then the hat starts singing.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
~