Looking at Cedric, who was burying his head like an ostrich, Kevin smoothly changed the subject: "George, Fred, why don't you tell us about Gryffindor?"
Fred immediately straightened his back, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm: "Speaking of Gryffindor—"
"—that's the best house at Hogwarts!" George chimed in, and the two of them spoke in perfect synchronicity, as if performing a well-rehearsed double act.
"We represent courage and daring," Fred waved his wand, drawing a golden-red spark in the air that danced briefly before fizzling out.
"The common room is in the highest tower," George mysteriously lowered his voice, "and you can see the entire Black Lake and the Forbidden Forest from up there."
Cedric, having recovered from his embarrassment, added: "Every house has unique strengths. Hufflepuff values loyalty and diligence."
"What about Ravenclaw and Slytherin?" Kevin asked, genuinely curious.
"Ravenclaw represents wisdom, and I think you might go there," Cedric explained, "while Slytherin values ambition and lineage. However, every house has produced great wizards."
George made a face: "Although Slytherin has indeed produced the most Dark Wizards."
"George!" Cedric shot him a reproachful look, "This isn't the time to instill prejudice in a young wizard."
Kevin nodded thoughtfully: "So what are the criteria for sorting?"
The three of them exchanged a mysterious glance. "That's a secret."
"Every young wizard must experience it personally," George added mysteriously, "Trust me, it will definitely be unforgettable."
Looking at the three in perfect sync, Kevin secretly smiled. As expected, this traditional bit of mischief from the wizarding world was passed down through generations.
"But we can tell you about Quidditch, that's the best sport in the wizarding world!" George suddenly pulled a miniature Golden Snitch from his pocket, and it fluttered its wings endlessly in his palm, its tiny wings a blur of motion.
For the rest of the journey, the three enthusiastically described the rules of Quidditch, team composition, and various exciting moments to Kevin. Fred and George gesticulated wildly, demonstrating how Bludgers flew and Seekers dove, while Cedric explained in more detail the importance of the Seeker and the thrill of catching the elusive Snitch.
"We've all joined our respective house teams," Cedric said, a proud glint in his eye. "Although we can't participate in official matches in our first year, we started training long ago, and now that we're in our second year, we can finally join."
"I hope you like Quidditch too," George said, clapping Kevin on the back, "That way we can play together. Of course, it would be even better if you were sorted into Gryffindor!"
The sky outside the window gradually darkened, and raindrops began to tap against the glass, their rhythm soothing and steady.
"We're almost there," Cedric noticed Kevin's somewhat excited mood and soothed him, "The feeling of seeing Hogwarts for the first time… it's indescribable."
The train finally slowed to a stop, and an announcement came over the loudspeaker: "Hogsmeade Station, all students please disembark."
The four of them packed their luggage and followed the crowd towards the train door. The rain outside was heavier now, and the platform was slick with moisture. As soon as Kevin stepped off the train, cold raindrops hit his face, sending a shiver down his spine.
"First-year young wizards! This way!" A booming voice cut through the rain. Kevin turned to look and saw a giant at least three meters tall standing at the end of the platform. His thick black beard almost covered his entire face, and he held a swaying oil lamp that cast dancing shadows across the wet stones.
"That's Hagrid," George whispered in Kevin's ear, "the gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys, a really good person."
After parting with the three, Kevin followed Hagrid towards the small boats by the Black Lake.
Hagrid led the young wizards down a steep, narrow path, which was muddy and slippery in the rain. Kevin saw countless ripples forming on the surface of the Black Lake in the distance, caused by the falling raindrops, the water shimmering under the faint light.
"No more than four people per boat!" Hagrid shouted, pointing to a row of small boats by the lake.
Kevin and three other young wizards—a nervous blonde girl and two boys who were discussing animatedly—boarded a small boat. The rain grew heavier, and Kevin's robes were soaked, clinging uncomfortably to his body.
"Dry as new," he murmured, with a gentle flick of his wand. A warm current surged from the tip of his wand, instantly evaporating the water from his clothes and hair.
"Wow!" The blonde girl looked at him in surprise, "Where did you learn that?"
Kevin said, "I read it in a book."
"Lumos," he cast another spell, and the tip of his wand immediately glowed with a soft light, dispelling the surrounding darkness.
The young wizards on the surrounding boats all looked in surprise at this sudden point of light.
"You must be from a pure-blood family, right? I tried at home and didn't succeed," one of the boys on the boat suddenly spoke up when he saw Kevin's magic.
"That's right, my mom said that these are all things teachers will teach at school, and only people from pure-blood families learn them in advance," another boy echoed.
"I'm from a Muggle family, and I taught myself all of this at home," Kevin replied calmly.
The small boats began to move automatically towards the opposite side of the lake, through the thick curtain of rain. Kevin held up his glowing wand, and suddenly, a huge dark shadow swept through the water, causing the boat to rock slightly.
"What was that?" A boy asked in terror.
"Probably a giant squid," Kevin guessed, recalling what he had read in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, "It's very friendly."
Just then, the rain lessened slightly, and Kevin looked up, his breath catching—Hogwarts Castle stood on the cliff across the lake, countless windows emitting warm light, and towers and spires piercing the night sky. Against the gloomy sky, the castle appeared even more mysterious.
It was far less tall than those skyscrapers, but it was the place Kevin had always dreamed of.
"It's incredible, isn't it?" The blonde girl whispered, equally awestruck by the sight.
After the boats docked, the young wizards followed Hagrid up the stone steps to a huge oak door. Hagrid raised his enormous fist and knocked three times on the door.
The door opened, and Professor McGonagall stood there, her green robes and tight bun giving her an aura of authority without needing to express anger.
"Thank you, Hagrid. The young wizards are with me now." Her voice was clear and strong.
"Alright, Professor McGonagall." Hagrid nodded and turned to leave.
Professor McGonagall stood at the oak door, waving her wand, and the young wizards' soaked robes instantly became dry and neat.
Then, Professor McGonagall led them through the Great Hall and into a side door, which led to a small, empty room that everyone crowded into.
"Welcome to Hogwarts."
Her voice was not loud, but it magically carried to every corner.
"The Welcome Feast is about to begin." Professor McGonagall slightly raised her chin, "But before you enjoy the feast, you must undergo an important ceremony."
She suddenly waved her wand, and several silver-blue sparks burst from the tip. These sparks formed four lifelike animals in the air: a roaring lion, a lazy badger, a soaring eagle, and a coiled snake.
"The four houses of Hogwarts are," as she explained, the animal crests successively exploded into brilliant fireworks, "Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
Professor McGonagall then introduced the sorting, as well as the characteristics of each house and the rules of the House Cup to the young wizards.
"Each house has unique traditions and glory." Her gaze suddenly sharpened, "But remember, winning the House Cup isn't about belittling others, but about surpassing yourselves."
"The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin." As Professor McGonagall turned, her robes swept in a neat arc, "I suggest you—"
Her words were interrupted by a scream. A group of glowing ghosts suddenly surged from the walls, and Nearly Headless Nick was gleefully showing his wobbling head to the young wizards.
"Silence!" Professor McGonagall's voice cracked through the air like a whip. The ghosts immediately fell silent, obediently floating to one side. The Fat Friar even made a zipping motion over his mouth.
"As I was saying," she took a deep breath and pulled a roll of yellowed parchment from her sleeve, "before the entire school, you will be sorted into your respective houses."
"When your name is called, please step forward and put on the Sorting Hat." Professor McGonagall unrolled the parchment, "Now, tidy yourselves."
The young wizards immediately became a mess. Some frantically smoothed out the wrinkles in their robes, while others desperately tried to comb their rain-soaked hair