The Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade station with a hiss of steam and a clang of brakes. Harry, Daphne, Draco and Hermione stepped out onto the platform, their eyes filled with awe and excitement. Just as they were about to take in the surroundings, a colossal figure approached them. It was Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant and Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.

Hagrid's eyes twinkled as he extended a massive hand toward Harry. "Harry Potter, is it?" he boomed. "I've been waitin' for this moment. Heard a lot about ya from Lily, Sirius, and Remus. Fine people, they are."

Harry shook Hagrid's hand with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Hagrid."

Daphne chimed in, "And I'm Daphne Greengrass, and this is Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy."

Hagrid gave them a friendly nod before leading them to the boats waiting by the water. One by one, the first-year students boarded, their boats accommodating the perfect number of passengers. Hagrid waved his hand, and the boats glided across the dark waters of the Black Lake, heading toward the imposing silhouette of Hogwarts Castle.

As they approached the castle, its massive oak doors swung open, revealing the warmth of the castle's interior. Hagrid ushered the students inside and announced their arrival to Professor McGonagall, who instructed them to wait for their names to be called for the Sorting Ceremony.

The four friends exchanged nervous glances, knowing that this was the moment their Hogwarts journey truly began.

Daphne whispered to Harry, "Remember what we talked about on the train? Be yourself, and everything will be fine."

Hermione nodded; her eyes filled with determination. "Yes, and don't forget that we're here for each other, no matter which house we end up in."

The Sorting Hat ceremony proceeded in its usual fashion for most students, but when Daphne's name was called, she approached the stool with grace and composure. The Sorting Hat barely touched her head before declaring, "Ravenclaw!" Daphne flashed a proud smile at Harry and Hermione as she made her way to the blue-and-silver-clad table.

Draco Malfoy stepped forward confidently, his blond hair neatly combed. The hall watched with bated breath as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head.

Sorting Hat: (shouted) "SLYTHERIN!"

The Sorting Hat's decision was swift and decisive, leaving no room for doubt. Draco Malfoy smirked with satisfaction as he took his seat at the Slytherin table, already feeling at home among those who valued ambition and cunning.

Hermione followed, and the Sorting Hat took a moment longer before shouting, "Ravenclaw!" The Ravenclaw table burst into applause once more, welcoming their new members.

When Harry's name was called, a stunned silence fell over the Great Hall. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, stepped forward. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and it began to speak, its voice echoing throughout the hall.

Sorting Hat: (pauses) "Ah, Harry Potter, I've been waiting for you. Your reputation precedes you; you know."

Harry: (thoughtfully) "I've heard a lot about Hogwarts. It's an honor to finally be here."

Sorting Hat: "An honor, indeed. You have the heart of a Gryffindor, the ambition of a Slytherin, the loyalty of a Hufflepuff, and the thirst for knowledge of a Ravenclaw. But where to place you? Let's see... RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table erupted into applause, while the other tables watched in astonishment. Harry removed the hat and made his way to the blue-and-silver-clad table. Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor, exchanged a puzzled glance with Professor Flitwick.

The Gryffindor table, where Professor McGonagall presided as head, emitted a collective groan. Fred and George Weasley, the notorious twins, pretended to writhe in agony, eliciting laughter from their fellow students.

Over at the Ravenclaw table, Professor Filius Flitwick couldn't contain his delight as he clapped enthusiastically. "A fine addition to Ravenclaw! Lily's son, no less."

McGonagall: (whispering to Flitwick) "I thought for sure he'd be in Gryffindor, given his parents."

Flitwick: (smiling) "But, Minerva, the Sorting Hat takes a student's choice into account. Harry values knowledge and learning, and Ravenclaw suits him."

Severus Snape, head of Slytherin, couldn't hide his disdain as he watched Harry join the Ravenclaw table. The Slytherin students exchanged sly glances, and Snape sneered.

As the Sorting Hat moved on to the next student, Dumbledore couldn't hide his surprise and frustration. He had hoped to place Harry in Gryffindor with Ron Weasley, believing that Harry would be friendless and easily influenced. The Sorting Hat's decision had thrown a wrench into his plans. Dumbledore discreetly attempted to delve into Harry's mind, but he was swiftly rebuffed by Harry's Occlumency shields, leaving Dumbledore feeling both frustrated and intrigued.

Dumbledore delivered his welcoming speech, issued warnings about the third-floor corridor, and then commenced the school feast. After the feast, the first-year students were led to their respective common rooms by their house prefects.

Once Harry, Daphne, and Hermione reached the entrance of the Ravenclaw common room, they found themselves facing a magnificent portrait of a wise-looking wizard. The portrait cleared its throat and began to speak.

Portrait: "Welcome to the Ravenclaw common room. To enter, you must first answer a riddle. Are you ready?"

Daphne stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We are."

Portrait: "Very well. Here's your riddle: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"

The three friends exchanged puzzled glances, but Daphne's eyes suddenly lit up with realization.

Daphne: (excitedly) "It's an echo!"

The portrait's face broke into a delighted smile, and the door to the common room swung open.

Portrait: "Correct! Well done, young Ravenclaws. You may enter."

Harry, Daphne, and Hermione stepped through the entrance, greeted by the warm and cozy atmosphere of the Ravenclaw common room. As they made their way to their respective dormitories, they couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging in their new house.

Later that evening, after Harry had settled into his new dormitory in Ravenclaw Tower, he retrieved a small, ornate two-way mirror from his trunk. It was charmed to allow communication between its two parts, even across great distances.

The mirror shimmered for a moment, and then the familiar faces of his family appeared in it. They smiled warmly at him.

Harry held the mirror in his hand and gazed into it, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "Hey there, Mum, Sirius, Remus, Lyall, and Hope. I made it to Hogwarts. It's just as amazing as you described."

Lily: "Oh, Harry, we're so proud of you! How was your first day at Hogwarts?"

Sirius: "And which house did they sort you into, Harry?"

Remus: "We've been waiting anxiously to hear from you."

Lyall: "Tell us everything, Harry."

Hope: "We're here to listen, dear."

Harry: (grinning) "It was incredible! I met a half-giant named Hagrid, and he told me stories about all of you. I made friends with Daphne Greengrass and Hermione Granger. And about the house... well, you won't believe it. I'm in Ravenclaw!"

There was a moment of surprise and joy in the faces of his family members.

Lily: "Ravenclaw? That's wonderful, Harry!"

Sirius: "Well, you've got brains like your mum, that's for sure."

Remus: "That's fantastic news, Harry."

Lyall: "We always knew you had a keen mind."

Hope: "You're following in the footsteps of some brilliant witches and wizards."

Harry: "Thanks, Mum, Sirius, Remus, Lyall, and Hope. It's different from what you all went through, but I promise I'll do my best and make you proud."

Lily: "We're already proud of you, Harry, no matter which house you're in."

Sirius: "Just be yourself, mate, and enjoy every moment of your time at Hogwarts."

Remus: "You've got a great group of friends to support you, too."

Lyall: "Keep learning and growing, Harry. We'll always be here for you."

Hope: "And never forget, you're surrounded by love and wisdom, no matter where you are."

As Harry continued to talk to his family through the two-way mirror, he felt their love and guidance surrounding him. It was a comforting reminder that, no matter where he was or what challenges he faced, he was never truly alone. With the support of his friends and the wisdom of his family, Harry was ready to embrace his journey at Hogwarts and all the adventures that lay ahead.