Sora, Donald, and Goofy exited their horseless carriage and walked through what looked like the main courtyard to the castle. Students were gathering together with their friends, beginning their conversations and filing inside. It was obvious to Sora what most of them were talking about, as he was sure rumors of the events on the train had spread, thus earning the three stares from several of the students.
"Looks like we're getting popular," Sora observed.
"Let's just find Professor McGoug—uh, McGrown—," Goofy stuttered.
"McGonagall!" corrected Donald.
Sora agreed, and the three followed the rest of the students inside the castle.
Inside, all of the students were ushered into another room. At a glance, Sora could see through the open door that it was fairly grand inside, and students were finding their seats.
"You three," came and elderly woman's voice, with the hint of a Scottish accent.
The three heroes turned in the direction of the voice and found a woman dressed in emerald green robes, and wore a pointed hat cocked to one side. Her hair was drawn in a bun, and her eyes fit her prim expression as she stared through her glasses down at Sora.
"Professor McGonagall?" Sora asked.
"Yes, and you three have yet to step foot in a class room, and already you've caused quite the commotion. Now, if you please, follow me."
The three were a little frightened at the woman. Clearly, the statement that Mr. Weasley had made on the train was not to be underestimated. Still, they took to a rather brisk stride as Professor McGonagall led them through the halls of the castle.
"Professor Dumbledore is very content that you have arrived, but I am not so convinced. How a boy, not even seventeen yet, and two anthropomorphic creatures could help these students is beyond me."
Sora was about to rebuke when she continued, "But, I trust the headmaster's decisions, and so I will concede to arguing." She stopped when the group came to a door at the end of one of the halls. Just as Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked around confused, the door opened, and a man not unlike Merlin appeared.
He was dressed in robes colored in the gentlest shade of violet. His silver beard was so long that it was tucked inside his belt. Half-moon spectacles lined his calm face above his crooked nose, and behind them were eyes of the calmest blue.
"Professor Dumbledore, Master Yen Sid's—apprentices." McGonagall stated.
"Ah yes, welcome to Hogwarts." Dumbledore warmly greeted the three heroes. "I am in deep gratitude for your coming. I must give my deepest regards to Master Yen Sid. Now, I am aware that there was a bit of trouble on the train."
He hadn't missed a beat, and quickly wanted to hear of their endeavors.
"Uh, yes sir," Sora started. "The heartless came on board, but nobody was hurt."
For a moment, Sora could see a grim expression on the old wizard, but it was soon replaced with one of relief. "Good. But now I feel it is time we go to the feast. Afterwards we will discuss the reason of your being here." He extended his arm towards the door, and everyone, except Professor McGonagall, who had retreated back down the hall, went in.
"She must prepare the first-years," Dumbledore explained as Sora looked back.
As they walked in, they were greeted with the white noise of many people locked in their own conversations. Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked out and saw all the students sitting in four long rows of tables situated in a grand hall. Everybody was lost in their discussions, and failed to notice them come in. Then they looked up towards the ceiling, or where there was supposed to be a ceiling. The night sky lighted by the moon shone through into the hall. Floating candles hovered above the tables giving off a serene glow. To Sora's left, there was another long table with people who appeared much older than the students. Sora could only assume that these were the teachers. They had noticed their entrance and each gave a long stern look to the three of them. Sora noticed Hagrid was seated their as well and gestured over.
"Have a seat, you three." Next to Hagrid were three vacant seats. Dumbledore had already taken his at the center of the table and looked out among the students.
"Hey, I thought this was a feast," Donald said.
"It's comin'. Have ter wait fer the rest o' the students, now don' we," Hagrid responded, leaving the fowl a little dejected.
Just as Hagrid finished, the grand doors at the other end of the hall were opened, and Professor McGonagall led in a group of small, nervous-looking first-years. The noise died down, and now everyone's eyes fell on the group. They made their way to the front of the all where a lone stool stood in front of the table where the teachers sat. Sora finally noticed the old, wrinkled hat that sat on top of the stool.
"When I call your name, you will be sorted into your houses," McGonagall stated. From there, she read off the first name from a piece of parchment. A little girl apprehensively emerged from the group and sat on the stool. McGonagall placed the old hat on the student's head.
"Well, the first student to be sorted," came a wry voice.
Sora looked around but could not find the source. "Let's see, dedicated, and loyal, very good qualities those are," said the voice again. Sora turned his head back towards the girl, and saw the hat moving. Much to his astonishment, the hat was talking!
"I know, HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat shouted, and the table on the far left erupted in cheers as the student made her way there.
For the next few minutes, the first-years were sorted into their appropriate houses. Sora, Donald, and Goofy were still confused and amazed at how and ordinary looking wizard hat could talk and decide where to place everyone. The tables were busy greeting their new students when Dumbledore stood up.
"Before we begin our banquet," he began as the hall silenced. "I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you."
Sora, Donald, and Goofy were lost in confusion once again when Hagrid stated, "Go on, eat up you three. You were beggin' fer food earlier." They looked up at the half-giant, then down at the table. Hot, steaming food had miraculously appeared before them. Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked at each other then back down and happily delved in.
….
As the feast started to come to a close, Dumbledore once again stood up, and the students obliged by silencing themselves.
"Before we are sent off, I have a few announcements. First, congratulations to our new Potions Master, Professor Slughorn." Dumbledore gestured to a stout man with a long mustache, and the hall gave applause.
"With Professor Slughorn taking over potions, the Defense Against the Dark Arts position will be given to Professor Snape." Dumbledore looked towards a man at the other end of the table. Gasps and whispers erupted from the students as Sora looked at the man. His hair was an oily black, and curtained his pale white face. He had a look of disdain as he nodded towards Dumbledore. The whispers died as a subdued applause replaced them.
"Not much liked by the students, Professor Snape is," Hagrid pointed out. "He's been after that position fer years."
"Dark arts?" Sora questioned. He then looked at his two friends. "Wonder how we'll be teaching them about the heartless."
"Gawrsh, hadn't really thought about it yet," Goofy responded as he put his head in his hand.
"Awe, we'll figure something out," the Mage reassured.
"And now," Dumbledore continued, "it is time for us to tuck in."
And with that, all of the students rose from their seats and began to file out of the hall. Shouts of "Gryffindor follow me" and "Slytherin this way" were heard among the crowds.
As the hall emptied, the teachers began to make their way out as well. Hagrid bid his good night and followed suit. Soon Sora, Donald and Goofy were left with Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.
"It is time to discuss why you are here. I'm sure Master Yen Sid told you, however, I must reassure you that this will be no easy task."
"Yes sir," the three responded as though they were talking to Yen Sid himself.
"Now, for the first few weeks, I want you to attend some of the classes, get a grasp at how the students learn. By doing this, you will learn your way around the castle. I hear you've become acquaintances with Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger."
Sora nodded yes.
Dumbledore chuckled as he continued, "I am not surprised. When something happens to this castle, those three seem to always be in the middle of the situation. Very well. You three will observe their classes. In a few weeks time, I will have notices about the castle of your teachings. These students must know of the dark times that lie ahead."
Th three looked at each other and nodded in agreement, then back at Dumbledore.
"Professor McGonagall has agreed to keep an eye on you. Try not to get into any trouble." Dumbledore smiled at this last statement.
He then looked at Professor McGonagall. "I shall see to it that any rule breaking will be severely dealt with," she started. "You three must conduct yourselves professionally. You are, after all, teachers now."
"Right," Sora responded.
"I believe that settles everything then," said Dumbledore as he stood up. "Time for us to tuck in as well."
And with that, the five made their way out of the Great Hall. Dumbledore split off from the group as McGonagall led Sora, Donald, and Goofy outside of the castle.
"You three will be staying in a hut next to Hagrid's."
"We can't stay in the castle?" Sora asked, a little disappointed.
"No, but I feel you might like these accommodations better," McGonagall responded as they made their way down a rocky hill towards the tree line. Sora noticed at the bottom of the hill was a tiny hut with a light glimmering inside. It sat up against the dark forest, which screamed "do not enter" to the three. Next to the tiny hut was another, slightly bigger. It looked rather inviting with its small home appearance. Hagrid stepped out of the tiny hut, which amazed the three heroes that he could fit in it.
"Good evening Hagrid. I shall leave them in your care now."
McGonagall then turned and made her way back to the castle.
"Looks like you three will be staying out here with me. Well, best be inside then, no tellin' what might come out of there," he said looking towards the forest.
"What is in there?" Sora asked.
"Uh, well, um…I'll tell ya when you come to me class."
Sora rolled his eyes, but then looked towards the dark trees again. He could sense something in there-whether dangerous or not, he could not tell.
"C'mon Sora, let's get some sleep," Donald suggested.
They walked into their hut and quickly found their beds. They quickly settled in, and fell asleep, eagerly awaiting to see what new adventure lay in the castle.