Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Train to Hogwarts
Atlas woke early the next morning, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Today, he would board the Hogwarts Express and journey to the legendary wizarding school. Eldridge was already up, bustling around the small room at the Leaky Cauldron.
"Ready for your big day?" Eldridge asked with a smile.
Atlas nodded, feeling a bit of trepidation mixed with anticipation. They had a quick breakfast before heading to King's Cross Station. The station was bustling with Muggles, and Atlas felt a bit overwhelmed by the noise and crowds.
"Stick close," Eldridge advised as they wove through the throngs of travelers. They reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. "Just walk straight at the barrier. Don't hesitate."
Atlas took a deep breath and, with a final glance at Eldridge, pushed his trolley towards the barrier. He braced himself for a collision but instead found himself on Platform 9¾, surrounded by students and their families. The platform was alive with magic; steam from the Hogwarts Express mingled with the chatter of students and the shouts of families bidding their farewells.
The Hogwarts Express, a gleaming scarlet steam engine with gold trim, stood waiting. The sight was enchanting, and Atlas felt a mix of wonder and nervousness. Eldridge gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Remember, Atlas, trust yourself. You'll do great."
As he boarded the train, Atlas was greeted by the bustle inside. The corridors were lined with compartments, each filled with students and their families. He finally found an empty compartment and settled in. The door slid open, and a girl with long blonde hair and icy blue eyes stepped in. She looked at Atlas with a curious expression.
"Mind if I sit here?" she asked.
Atlas shook his head. "Go ahead."
"I'm Daphne. Daphne Greengrass," she introduced herself as she sat down.
"Atlas Blaze," he replied.
Before they could continue their conversation, the door slid open again, and a bushy-haired girl with an air of determination stepped in. "Everywhere else is full. Do you mind?"
Daphne shrugged, and Atlas nodded. "Sure."
"I'm Hermione Granger," she said as she sat down, immediately pulling out a thick book and starting to read.
As the train began to move, the compartment filled with the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks. The scent of parchment and chocolate filled the air as the trolley lady arrived, offering a variety of magical snacks. Atlas bought a few Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, intrigued by the whimsical treats. He tried not to be too dismayed by the occasional unpleasant flavor of the beans, finding comfort in the sweet, familiar taste of the chocolate.
The journey was punctuated by several events. At one point, a group of rowdy students from Gryffindor burst into their compartment, laughing and shouting. One of them, a tall boy with a mop of red hair, immediately struck up a conversation with Hermione. The atmosphere was lively, but Atlas felt out of place, standing on the periphery of their enthusiasm.
He overheard bits of conversation about past adventures and pranks, which only deepened his feeling of isolation. As the conversation shifted to discussing the upcoming Sorting Ceremony, the red-haired boy turned to Atlas. "Are you nervous about the sorting?"
Atlas shrugged, not quite sure how to respond. "A bit."
"Don't worry," the boy said with a grin. "The hat always knows what it's doing."
Just as the train was approaching Hogwarts, a sudden jolt threw the compartment into chaos. The lights flickered, and a loud crash echoed from the next compartment. The door slid open, and a panicked face appeared.
"What's happening?" the boy asked.
Before anyone could respond, the compartment door slammed shut, and the train lurched forward. Atlas and the others exchanged worried glances, unsure of what had caused the commotion. Hermione, ever the inquisitive one, tried to look out the window but saw only the blur of darkening trees.
The train eventually stabilized, and the remainder of the journey passed in relative silence. As the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. The giant man with the beard, who was there to greet the first years, waved them over with a broad grin.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" he bellowed, his voice carrying over the crowd.
Atlas followed Daphne and Hermione, feeling the weight of his uncertainty. The group was led to a dock where small boats awaited. The sky was beginning to darken, and the lake shimmered under the last light of day. The boats were rowed across the Black Lake, the calm water reflecting the stars and the illuminated castle on the horizon. The grandeur of Hogwarts loomed closer, its turrets and spires bathed in a magical glow. Atlas felt a surge of both wonder and apprehension.
As they neared the castle, they were led up a flight of stone steps to the castle's entrance. The doors creaked open, revealing the magnificent Great Hall. Atlas stepped inside, his breath catching at the sight before him. The hall was breathtakingly beautiful, with enchanted candles floating above and a ceiling that mirrored the night sky. The long house tables were set with gleaming silverware, and the students gazed up at the enchanted ceiling in awe.
One by one, students were called up to the Sorting Hat, which was placed on their heads and whispered its decision. Atlas watched intently, feeling the weight of his own impending sorting. When it was finally his turn, he stepped forward, his heart pounding. The hall was silent, the eyes of his fellow students on him.
The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and he heard a voice in his mind. "Interesting... very interesting. A strong will, and a heart full of resilience. You have faced much, young one. But where to put you?"
The hat's deliberation seemed to stretch on forever. Atlas could feel his anxiety building. Finally, the hat spoke aloud, "Slytherin!"
As he joined the Slytherin table, he was met with a chilly reception. The table's occupants regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and disdain, their whispers cutting through the air. The term "Mudblood" was thrown around, and Atlas felt the weight of their judgment. The reputation of Slytherin as a house of cunning and ambition seemed all too real.
Daphne, who had also been sorted into Slytherin, gave him a sympathetic nod. She leaned closer, speaking softly. "Don't let them get to you. They'll warm up once they get to know you."
Eldridge, who was at the staff table, gave him an encouraging nod, but the sense of alienation was palpable. Despite the cold reception, Atlas sat down and tried to focus on the feast before him. The platters were filled with a variety of delicious foods, and despite his nerves, he managed to enjoy the meal.
As the feast continued, Atlas caught glimpses of the other houses. Gryffindor was lively and cheerful, Hufflepuff was warm and welcoming, and Ravenclaw was engaged in animated discussions. The contrast between the houses highlighted the challenge Atlas faced in finding his place within Slytherin.
The night ended with the announcement of the start of the school year, and the students were dismissed to their common rooms. Atlas followed the Slytherins, feeling a mixture of hope and apprehension as he faced the unknown challenges ahead.
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(A/N- if you are still reading the story, then please comment it will motivate me 🙏🏼)
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