Chapter 18: A Prankster's Mind
Chapter 18: A Prankster's Mind
Alas, most of the young witches and wizards on the boat had no time to admire Hogwarts Castle through the veil of rain. The cold raindrops chilled them to the bone, causing them to shiver uncontrollably.
"Why do first-years have to cross the lake by boat?" Albert retracted his gaze and turned to the three students on the boat, their teeth chattering from the cold.
"I-I don't know, and I don't want to know," one of them replied.
"Me neither. It's freezing," the twins chimed in. They were too busy trying to keep warm to care about anything else.
Albert shook his head. He had some knowledge of this boat-crossing ceremony. It was meant to replicate the journey of the four founders when they first arrived at Hogwarts. The boats were grouped in fours to represent the founders, and it served as a sort of initiation ritual, allowing new students to experience the excitement and joy of the founders while also reminding them of the hardships they endured to establish the school.
However, he wondered how many people truly understood the significance of this tradition, even Hagrid, who was guiding them across the lake.
But then again, most students wouldn't bother with such details.
"Watch your heads!" Hagrid shouted as they approached the cliff.
The students quickly ducked as the boat passed under the low-hanging rocks. Soon, they reached the docks below the castle.
"This weather is dreadful. I hate the rain," one of the twins complained, hugging themselves for warmth and sneezing.
Everyone was soaked to the bone, shivering uncontrollably.
"How did you manage to stay dry?" Jordan Lee asked in amazement, noticing that Albert's robe and pointed hat were untouched by the rain.
"Just a simple spell," Albert explained softly, noticing the curious glances from the others.
"Alright, follow me, everyone," Hagrid said, holding up his lantern. He led the students along a gravel path that wound upwards, eventually reaching a grassy area below the castle. Before them lay a set of stone steps that led up to a large oak door.
Standing at the door was a witch dressed in emerald green robes—Professor McGonagall, whom Albert recognized from her visit to his home.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here," Professor McGonagall said. She surveyed the bedraggled group, and Albert could have sworn he saw her lips twitch.
It was no surprise, given the state of the first-years. They were far beyond mere bedraggled; each one of them looked like a drowned rat, with mud splattered on their robes.
"Follow me, first-years," Professor McGonagall said, leading them into the castle. Albert lingered at the back of the group, taking in the ancient castle that had stood for a millennium.
"That's Professor McGonagall, the Head of Gryffindor. Percy said she's very strict," George whispered.
"Oh, I've met her once. My sister loved it when she turned teacups into mice," Albert replied, his attention still on the stone walls. He wondered if the torches burning brightly along the walls were the so-called eternal flames.
According to legend, there was a type of fairy fire that could burn forever, and it seemed to fit the description of what he was seeing.
"Come on, what are you looking at?" Fred nudged Albert gently, urging him to move along.
"I'm just wondering what kind of magical fire it is. It's definitely not ordinary flames since there's no smoke," Albert mused.
Fred opened his mouth but closed it again, unsure how to respond.
Albert made a mental note to explore the castle further and uncover its secrets. As if reading his thoughts, a panel suddenly appeared before him, displaying a new task:
Ancient School: Hogwarts Hogwarts is an ancient and mysterious school of magic that has stood for a millennium. Within its ancient walls lie countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. As an intrepid explorer driven by curiosity, you must not let this opportunity pass. Explore Hogwarts Castle before graduation and uncover its hidden secrets.
Current Progress: 1%.
Rewards: 1000-100000 experience points, 1-10 skill points.
"Holy crap!" Albert exclaimed inwardly, astonished by the task that had just appeared.
This was, without a doubt, the coolest task he had ever seen.
Was the system trying to turn him into a nocturnal wanderer? It seemed like learning the Disillusionment Charm had just become a top priority. Albert began to ponder how he could get his hands on the charm's incantation.
The first-years were herded into a small waiting room by Professor McGonagall, where they huddled together in the limited space.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said, following the annual tradition of welcoming the new students. "The start-of-term feast is about to begin, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you must first be sorted into your houses..."
Just like the never-ending speeches of his previous life's leaders: I'll just say a few words, and then they would ramble on for half an hour or more. While Professor McGonagall wasn't quite that bad, she still managed to speak for over ten minutes.
Albert summarized her lengthy speech into three main points: accommodation, the sorting ceremony, and the House Cup.
After concluding the customary welcome message, Professor McGonagall instructed the students to line up so she could remove the dirt and moisture from their clothes and robes.
As the deputy headmistress, she couldn't bear to let the students enter the Great Hall looking so disheveled—it would be a disgrace to Hogwarts.
The students jostled to get into the line, eager to dry off their soggy clothes. The dampness and chill had made them uncomfortable.
"Are we squeezing in like sardines?" Albert remarked with amusement as he watched the crowd. He took a step back, choosing to stay at the end of the line. The rain hadn't bothered him much.
Professor McGonagall worked swiftly, skillfully casting cleaning and drying charms. In just a few minutes, it was Albert's turn.
She gave him a slightly curious look before performing the same charms on him, leaving his clothes dry and warm, and his boots and trousers free of mud.
"Now, please remain quiet," Professor McGonagall said in a loud voice. "I will come to fetch you once they are ready for us on the other side."
After the professor left the room, the students whispered among themselves, their conversations revolving around the sorting ceremony.
"How does the sorting work?"
"How do they manage to place everyone in the right house?"
"Maybe there's some kind of test involved."
The mention of a test made everyone nervous.
Albert, however, found the whole situation amusing. He now understood why others were reluctant to explain the sorting process to new students.
What a bunch of pranksters! "You don't seem nervous at all. I'm Alicia Spinnet," a girl said, approaching Albert. He had offered her a helping hand earlier when she stumbled.
Of course, her reason for initiating a conversation was likely due to Albert's calm demeanor, which made him seem like someone who knew the secret behind the sorting ceremony.
And indeed, she was right.
"As long as it's not Slytherin, I'm fine with any house," Albert shrugged, deliberately withholding any explanation about the ceremony. He found it quite entertaining to see the anxious expressions on the other students' faces.
Okay, Albert admitted to himself, he was a bit of a prankster too.
(End of Chapter)
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