Chapter 11: Boat Ride
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"Watch your step. You don't want to take a dip in this lake!"
Following the giant's advice, Thane carefully stepped onto one of the rowboats, waiting for them at the edge of the lake before moving to the front and sitting on one of the wooden planks that acted as seating.
Despite the sun having long dipped below the horizon, Thane could still see across the lake and appreciate the awe-inspiring view in front of him. Atop a cliff stood a massive castle, and there was no doubt in Thane's mind that he was staring at Hogwarts. And while the sheer size of the building would have been impressive on its own, Thane was entranced by the fluctuating aura surrounding the castle. It wasn't so much a visual spectacle but something Thane felt within his bones, every aura was different giving off a unique blend of impressions.
"Magnificent, isn't it?"
Thane looked over his shoulder and stared up at the bushy-haired girl standing over him. "Do you mind if I sit next to you?"
Thane moved aside making room for the girl who thanked him with a smile, "Did you know that Hogwarts Castle is considered one of the safest locations in all of the wizarding world."
"Well, it certainly looks secure," Thane commented before he offered his hand to the girl, "Thane Carter, nice to meet you…again."
"Hermione Granger," The girl replied as she shook Thane's hand, "And sorry about barging in on your conversation."
"It's fine, I thought it was hilarious. But why exactly were you looking for a frog?" Thane asked with a confused smile.
"It was actually a toad," Hermione corrected, "Also just to be clear it wasn't my pet, I was helping someone else."
"Well that's noble of you, I know I would be in a panic if I lost Ingrid on a train." Thane replied as the boat they were sitting on lurched into motion and set sail despite the lack of a sail or oars.
"Ingrid? Is that the name of your familiar?" Hermione asked to which Thane nodded, "Do you want to meet her?"
Hermione blinked, "You have your familiar with you? Did you get a toad as well?"
"Why would I get a toad?" Thane asked as he pulled aside the collar of his robe. Ingrid's emerald-scaled head suddenly appeared with a friendly hiss.
Hermione screamed as she stared at Ingrid and shot up to her feet with enough force to rock the boat in the water. Hermione's scream of fear turned into panic as she stumbled back and tripped over the side of the boat.
Before she could fall into the water, Thane's hand shot out as a silver vine erupted from his palm and wrapped around Hermione's wrist. Feeling something yank on her arm and stop her fall, Hermione looked down to see the silver conjuration wound tightly around her wrist.
Quickly sitting back down as the boat continued to rock gently, Hermione watched as Thane lowered his hand, and the vine disappeared as if it had never existed, "H-how did you do that? T-that was wandless magic!"
"I'd rather not answer that," Thane replied as he glanced away from Hermione who was staring at him like a puzzle she needed to piece together, "I'd also appreciate it if you don't tell anybody about what you just saw."
"Fine, but just know, eventually, I'll figure it out," Hermione replied confidently as she crossed her arms and turned her nose up at Thane.
In a stunned silence Thane stared at Hermione in disbelief before turning to look back at the lake all while Ingrid let out the equivalent of a serpentine laughter.
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"Alright everybody off, one at a time no pushing!"
Stepping off the boat Thane offered his hand to Hermione only for her to ignore him with a huff as she promptly walked past him.
"Welcome all to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Tonight you take your first step to becoming the fully capable wizards and witches you are destined to become. That first step is being sorted into your House, as many of you know there are four houses."
Thane turned around as he heard Professor McGonagall's voice and found her addressing the crowd standing in front of a pair of large wooden doors leading to the castle.
"Every year each house competes for the House Cup, by having the most points at the end of the school year. Your Professors can award points for completing worthy tasks such as answering a question in your classes and making sure your fellow housemates follow the rules. But points can also be deducted for bad behavior, so conduct yourself accordingly."
After McGonagalls' welcoming speech the doors opened and they were guided down a high arched hallway lit by candles and decorated with massive paintings, some of which moved when Thane looked at them.
Eventually, they arrived at another set of doors, which swung open to reveal a massive dining hall with several long tables piled high with platters of food and desserts. At a brief glance, Thane realized the tables were separated by houses, and the people at each one wore robes bearing different insignia.
Cheers erupted through the dining hall as McGonagall guided them to a smaller, empty table in the center of the room. Sitting down as quickly as he could, Thane continued to look around when he spotted McGonagall walking to the back of the room. A final table stood behind it, behind which Thane assumed the rest of the teaching staff sat.
From the middle seat of the head table an old man with long white hair and a majestic snow white bear stood and the movement made his shimmering silver robes ripple. Almost instantly all conversation in the room cut off leaving an almost eerie silence in its wake.
"Hello all, it's wonderful to see everyone so spirited today. My name is Albus Dumbledore, and I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
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