Hogwarts
September 1st, 1971
The sky had darkened by the time the train began to slow, casting long shadows across the countryside. Excitement and nervous energy buzzed through the corridors as students hurriedly changed into their robes. The chatter and laughter grew louder, and Remus found himself caught up in the frenzy as the boys around him scrambled for their belongings.
“Oi, Peter, you’ve got your robes on backwards,” Sirius said, smirking as Peter fumbled with the fastenings.
“Do I?” Peter said, his voice rising in panic.
“Relax, I’m joking,” Sirius said, rolling his eyes.
James laughed as he wrestled his trunk down from the rack. “You’re cruel, Black.”
“I prefer ‘hilariously honest,’” Sirius replied, tossing his own robes over his head.
Remus, already dressed, sat quietly by the window, watching as the dark silhouette of the castle loomed closer. The sight of it took his breath away. Its turrets and towers were illuminated by the warm glow of countless lanterns, and it stood tall and imposing against the inky sky.
“Wow,” he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
James caught his expression and grinned. “Amazing, isn’t it? Dad said there’s nowhere else like it.”
“Looks like something out of a fairy tale,” Peter added, staring wide-eyed.
Sirius, leaning against the doorframe, smirked. “Well, let’s hope the food is just as magical. I’m starving.”
The train came to a halt with a loud screech, and the boys were swept along by the tide of students pouring out onto the platform. The cool night air hit Remus’s face as he stepped down, and he shivered slightly, pulling his robes tighter around him.
“Firs’ years! Firs’ years over here!”
The booming voice made Remus jump. He turned to see a giant of a man waving a lantern high above his head. His wild beard and tangled hair gave him an intimidating appearance, but his smile was warm and kind.
“That’s Hagrid,” James whispered to him. “Dad said he’s brilliant.”
“Come on, then!” Hagrid called, herding the first-years together. “Follow me! Mind yer step now!”
The group of nervous first-years trailed after him, the older students heading in another direction. Remus tried to stay close to James and the others, though he found himself jostled by the crowd.
The path sloped downward, and soon they reached the edge of a vast, black lake. Boats bobbed gently in the water, and the reflection of the castle shimmered on the surface like something out of a dream.
“Four to a boat!” Hagrid called.
Remus climbed into a boat with James, Sirius, and Peter. The wooden vessel rocked slightly as they settled in, and Peter gripped the sides tightly, looking pale.
“I hate boats,” he muttered.
“You hate everything,” James said with a grin.
“Not true,” Peter protested, though his knuckles were white.
The boats glided across the lake, propelled by an unseen force. The journey was quiet, save for the occasional whisper or gasp as the castle came into clearer view. Remus couldn’t tear his eyes away.
They reached the shore, and Hagrid led them up a winding path to the castle’s massive front doors. The air was filled with the sound of nervous shuffling and whispered speculation.
“Think we’ll have to fight a dragon to get sorted?” Sirius asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Peter’s eyes widened. “A d-d-dragon?”
“No, Peter,” James said, laughing. “He’s joking. Honestly, you’re so gullible.”
The doors creaked open, and they were ushered inside a vast entrance hall. The stone walls rose high above them, and the flickering light of torches cast long shadows.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” a stern voice said, cutting through the buzz of chatter.
A tall witch in emerald-green robes stood before them, her sharp gaze sweeping over the group. Her presence demanded attention, and the first-years quickly fell silent.
“I am Professor McGonagall,” she continued. “In a few moments, you will be sorted into your houses. They will be like your family while you are here at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn your house points; any rule-breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the House Cup.”
Remus’s stomach twisted. The weight of her words made his nerves return tenfold. A family? He’d barely managed to make it through the train ride without embarrassing himself. How was he supposed to fit into a house full of strangers?
“Now, follow me,” McGonagall said, turning sharply on her heel.
The group filed after her, their footsteps echoing on the stone floor. They entered the Great Hall, and Remus’s breath caught in his throat.
The ceiling was a vast, enchanted sky filled with twinkling stars. Floating candles hovered above long tables, casting a warm glow on the students already seated. At the far end of the hall, the staff table sat beneath a magnificent golden chandelier.
“Wow,” James whispered beside him.
“Yeah,” Sirius agreed, for once not making a sarcastic comment.
Remus barely heard them. His heart was racing as they were led to the front of the hall, where a tattered, ancient hat sat atop a stool.
“When I call your name,” McGonagall announced, “you will come forward and be sorted.”
The room fell silent, and the Sorting began.