Michael Brown

Our journey to Hogwarts took two hours. I spent these two hours in the uncomfortable silence, locked in the compartment with a deluded/brainwashed Gryffindor known as Hermione Granger. After I revealed the true depths of her conditioning I decided it would be best to just ignore her, as any further interaction would probably be detrimental to my health. When we finally arrived at the Hogwarts station I hurriedly left the train, desperate to get away from her. I was afraid she would try to follow me, but fortunately Hagrid decided to separate all freshmen from the rest of the students, supposedly to take a more "scenic route" to the castle. I wasn't entirely convinced it was a whole story, but I wouldn't argue with a savage beastmaster of the forbidden forest. I would most likely end up as Aragog's dinner if I were to do that.

Few minutes later I found myself sitting in one of the wooden boats waiting for us at the docks, surrounded by loud, excitable children. As soon as everyone took their seat, the boats started sailing through the lake on its own, as they were supposedly magical, though I didn't entirely believe that. It was more likely that these boats were moving on their own thanks to some underwater tracks placed under them. The faculty probably told everyone that these boats were magical to make all these impressionable children more impressed, making further manipulations easier.

I was also not entirely convinced that these boats were just some innocent means of transport, used to carry the students. I was almost sure that they all had some sort of opening bottom, which would let the teachers dispose of any "undesirables" before they would be able to arrive at the castle and become students, making Hogwarts faculty responsible for their safety.

After all, if Hogwarts teachers actually cared about their students, they wouldn't let more than hundred young children sail through the deep, monster-infested lake in the middle of the night, using some small, wooden boats as transport. The fact that there were no adults on almost any of the boats and the only adult supervisor nearby was Hagrid (almost non-magical half-giant) was a definite proof that the faculty was planning to "thin the herd", so to speak. They would of course only kill muggle-born children, so there wouldn't be any consequences.

After all, what could a muggle do? Hogwarts, as well as other important magical locations, had muggle-repellents (And didn't that name tell a lot about mages' attitude towards muggles?), so a parent couldn't enter the school to ask about their children even if they wanted. They also couldn't tell anyone about the wizarding world because they would either get ridiculed or obliviated for their trouble. Realistically, teachers could do anything to muggle-born children and nobody would be able to do anything about that. It wasn't a comforting thought.

Understanding the nefarious plan of my teachers I spent the next few minutes clinging to the boat's side, anxiously waiting for the bottom of the boat to open, plunging me into the watery depths where mermen would already wait for me with their tridents. I however completely forgot about my previous concerns when the Hogwarts castle came into my view. It was visible even during the night as the lights from the inside of the castle were illuminating the structure, showing everyone its glory. Other children, noticing a gargantuan building, started pointing their fingers and talking excitedly, awestruck by the view. I didn't care about their reactions however, as I was watching Hogwarts completely engrossed, unable to take my eyes off it even for a second. Contrary to other students I didn't feel joy, as I knew the true nature of Hogwarts and it terrified me to my very core.

Hogwarts, contrary to what people thought, was a beast. It might have looked like a castle and might have felt like a castle, but in truth it was an ancient, ever-hungry monster, preying on the students attending it for generations. As I was looking at the castle, I could feel its cold, piercing gaze on me, gauging me with its unseen eyes and debating on whether or not to devour me. The sensation made me shudder, as I was terrified of the being before me. I knew I just encountered the apex predator among the sentient objects. Kenny was dangerous on its own, but comparing it to Hogwarts castle would be like comparing a house cat to the wild tiger, such was the difference between these two beings.

These thoughts led to my realization that I would soon be forced to live inside the bowels of this beast, able to survive only because the castle allowed it. The worst part was that if it were to decide I was better off dead, I wouldn't be able to do anything. All it had to do was to disappear the stairs I was using and I would plummet to my death, unable to react.

It was a horrible thought, one that would probably haunt me through my entire education at Hogwarts.

My unease was growing every second as the boats were sailing towards the castle, eventually reaching its docks, where we stepped out of our boats. At the gate to the castle we were greeted by the sight of professor McGonagall, who was already waiting for our arrival. As we approached her she looked at us with a stern gaze, most likely disappointed that all students were able to arrive unharmed, increasing her future workload. The gaze however only lasted a few seconds before she smiled and introduced herself to the group.

"Good evening. As some of you already know, my name is Minerva McGonagall and I am Hogwarts' deputy headmistress. I will also be your transfiguration teacher during your education at Hogwarts. Everyone is already waiting for you, so please follow me to the great hall" She said confidently, already placing herself as a person of authority inside the minds of students, before turning around and climbing the staircase located behind her. Our entire group immediately followed her, not really having any other option. I briefly entertained the thought of leaving the group and avoiding the obvious trap, but I quickly abandoned that idea. I really didn't want to get lost in such a huge castle and end up in some execution chamber created by Hogwarts castle to dispose of me. For now it would be better to just stick to the group.

Following McGonagall we eventually arrived in front of a huge metal gate where McGonagall finally stopped. Most likely the gate was leading to the great hall, judging by the sounds of activity from behind the gate, but it was also possible that the room behind the gate was actually some sort of slaughterhouse, where we would be quietly disposed of. It wasn't likely, as it would be easier to just sink our boats during the journey to the castle, but I was on guard just in case.

Noticing that everyone was present, McGonagall clapped her hands, gaining everyone's attention.

"Welcome in Hogwarts" Said McGonagall, looking at all of us. "Now, in a few moments you will join other students, but before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. There are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin"

Right, I almost forgot about the house system. It was a system based on dividing students into four groups, which would compete against each other in academics, sports and extracurricular activities with no real reason to do any of that. This system led to artificial tensions between wizards and witches, making any cooperation much harder. People with similar characteristics would stick together, not broadening their horizons. It was so devious that I was sure it was actually some plan created by the Ministry to keep the population unorganized. Yes, it made sense. It was done to separate the population, making it less likely for brave, loyal, ambitious and smart to unite! And there was of course a bias towards the Gryffindor. It was a house where all potential rebels would be placed, carefully nudged into distrusting anyone smart or ambitious enough to help them with their plans! How terrifying!

Unaware of my thoughts, McGonagall continued her speech, knowing that eleven-year-olds wouldn't understand the true meaning behind the house system.

"While you are here, your house will be like your family" Well, the indoctrination started quite early, it seemed. It certainly all sounded really cultish with these black robes, secret houses and "new family", not to mention the fact that Hogwarts was a closed community led by a charismatic leader. I bet that after finishing my education I would be expected to cut any ties with my biological family and devote my life to the wizarding community, converting new members and spreading its influence. I would be able to refuse, but most of the children around me wouldn't know better and agree. Unfortunately I had no way of stopping that, so I could only avert my eyes and worry about my own safety.

McGonagall's speech went on for some time, but eventually someone knocked at the gate from the other side, which seemed to be some sort of a signal. Hearing that, McGonagall stopped her speech and announced.

"It would appear that everything is ready for the sorting ceremony. Please follow me" After saying that McGonagall swung her wand, making the gate open, revealing the great hall behind it and walking inside.

I took a deep breath and followed her.