When we arrived at the Hogsmeade Station, Hermione Granger appeared in our compartment again.
"Follow me; you will be in the boats with the first-years." She said as she led us to the exit of the train. "When you see a really big man, just follow his instructions." She said slowly, as if we were three-year-olds, and then left.
Ok, when she said 'a really big man', I imagined a 7-foot-tall dude or something like that. I was wrong. He was at least 12 feet tall and 3 times wider than a normal guy. I guessed that was where the weirdness started.
I wasn't really sure what was more eye-catching: him, or the huge castle surrounded by a lake. It was Annabeth's paradise; I swear she had a glimmer in her eyes when she saw it. We walked up to the dude reluctantly, a bit intimidated.
"FIRS' YEARS, THIS WAY." He boomed, gesturing to some small boats in the lake. He turned to us and opened a smile which made him slightly less frightening. "Yeh mus' be the Americans. I'm Professor Hagrid, but call me Hagrid, follow me."
He led us to two slightly bigger boats.
"I'll be givin' yeh a personal tour." He said. "Four in 'ne boat, five in 'nother."
We did what he said: Hazel, Frank, Nico, Leo and I in one boat, the rest on the other one. The Professor sat on an even bigger one, and we took off.
"Dumbledore said that I should answer yer questions. What didn' he explain yet?" Hagrid inquired while we sailed through the lake.
"What do you know about us?" Annabeth asked carefully.
"I know 'bout tha', and I was told to remind yeh tha' you can't tell anyone 'bout it."
We all nodded.
"What's the story about the architecture of Hogwarts?" Annabeth asked after a second and we groaned.
"I believe Hermione will answer tha' question better than I will." He replied. "'ave you met 'er yet?"
"Yes, she's a bit of a…" Leo said.
"Of a know-it-all?" Hagrid completed.
We all nodded.
"She's like tha' when yeh meet her, but trus' me, she's very nice." He said. "And by the way, don't ever call 'er a know-it-all in front of 'er; the las' time someone did, she was almos' squished by a troll." He said which made us stare at him inquisitively.
"There are monsters in this world?" Jason asked.
"I wouldn't call 'em monsters; they prefer the term magical creatures. They aren't necessarily good or bad. The troll, for example wasn't evil; he was jus' aggressive and happen'd to be set free by a professor."
"A Professor almost killed a student?!" Annabeth asked indignantly.
"Two, actually. But the firs' one wasn't on purpose." He answered.
"And the second was?!" She asked crossly which made him chuckle.
"I believe yeh'll be good friends with Hermione." He marveled and looked up, as did we. We were right next to the castle. "This is our stop. Sorry that I haven' explained anything very well; stop by my hut if you want help with somethin'." He said as he got up and helped us out of our boats. "ALL RIGH', EV'RYBODY THROUGH THA' DOOR." He boomed as he pointed to the door. "YOU'LL MEET PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL THERE."
We followed his instructions and stopped at a big hall with two enormous doors. A Professor, who was probably this McGonagall, was standing there. She was tall, old and stern-looking, with small green eyes and black, and wore a cloak matching her eyes.
"Good night, children and welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House and I will be your Transfiguration Professor." She said. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before that, you shall be sorted into your houses. Your house will be 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 ceremony will take place in a moment, but I suggest you wait quietly. I'll return when we are ready." And with that, she left.
Excited whispers filled the room. Some kids were eyeing us curiously, which made me a bit uncomfortable; I never liked too much attention. Yes, a daughter of Aphrodite doesn't like being the center of attentions, get over it. The Professor came back after a minute or so, gesturing for us to come forward. She opened the doors and the first thing I saw were four huge tables, packed with students of various ages.
Everyone started moving forward and formed a line. The ceiling was a reproduction of the sky, and hundreds of candles floated around. Up against a wall, pushed incredibly away from us, was a table with Dumbledore, Hagrid and other people who I assumed were teachers.
As soon as we started walking, all eyes were on us, especially my friends and I. Students were pointing at us, whispering. My palms started sweating and I felt a tiny pit form in my stomach, my nervousness was completely noticeable. Leo just put his arm around me and said:
"Relax, Pretty Girl. Everything is going to be ok. Just remember your first day at camp. Don't be nervous." He said and let go.
Just to make it clear, Pretty Girl is their nickname for me; each of us has one. Some examples are Merry Elf, Gold Digger, Enlightened One and Voodoo Man. I think you can figure out which one's which. Yes, we're weird like that.
And then I suddenly felt a little better, knowing that I wouldn't have to be alone, that I was with my friends. And Jason.
"The sorting shall begin." McGonagall announced as she looked at a piece of parchment. "Abraham, Joshua." She announced as a small boy walked up and placed the hat on his head.
"HUFFLEPUFF." It yelled.
I'm serious. It actually yelled. The hat freaking talked. As in, using words, and speaking. I've seen some pretty freaky shit in my life, but talking hats were not on the list. What's next? A talking scarf?
One more chapter! They're finally in Hogwarts! Please favorite, review and follow!
I do not own Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and whatever.
