The carriages rolled through the moonlit grounds, wheels crunching on gravel as Hogwarts Castle rose, majestic and ageless, against the night sky. Sagar, now a seasoned second-year, felt a thrill of anticipation as the castle's windows glowed with welcoming light. The Patel twins, wide-eyed with awe, pressed their faces to the glass, whispering questions about the castle's secrets.
As the carriages stopped, older students streamed up the steps, laughter and chatter echoing beneath the stone archways. Sagar paused to help the twins with their trunks, reassuring them with a smile. "You'll be fine. Just follow the crowd and enjoy the magic."
Inside, the Great Hall was a riot of color and sound. Four long tables stretched the length of the room, already filling with returning students. Overhead, floating candles cast a warm glow, illuminating the enchanted ceiling, which tonight mirrored a star-studded sky5. The walls were lined with living portraits, who gossiped and waved at familiar faces. The excitement was palpable—old friends reunited, new friendships waiting to be forged.
The first years, including the Patel twins, were gathered by Professor McGonagall at the entrance25. Sagar watched with a mixture of fondness and nostalgia as they lined up, nerves and excitement written on their faces. He remembered his own Sorting, the thrill and uncertainty as the Hat weighed his fate.
The doors swung open, and the first years filed in, drawing the attention of every student in the hall. The Sorting Ceremony began, as it did every year: the Headmaster's welcome, the Sorting Hat's whimsical song, and the slow roll-call of names15. Each new student sat on the stool, the Hat placed upon their head, and after a moment of deliberation, the Hall would erupt in cheers as another witch or wizard joined their House135.
Sagar caught the Patel twins' eyes as they waited their turn, giving them an encouraging nod. One by one, they were sorted—Priya into Ravenclaw, Arjun into Hufflepuff—each welcomed with applause and beaming Housemates.
Once the Sorting was complete, the feast began. Platters of roast chicken, mountains of potatoes, and every dessert imaginable appeared on the tables. Sagar joined in the revelry, exchanging stories of summer adventures with his friends, and welcoming the new Slytherins with a few words of advice.
The excitement of the feast was matched only by the anticipation of the year ahead. Whispers of new professors, rumors of secret chambers, and the promise of magical mischief filled the air. Sagar listened, always alert for hints of mystery or adventure.
As the meal ended, the Headmaster stood and addressed the students, reminding them of the castle's rules—and, with a twinkle in his eye, warning them to avoid certain forbidden corridors. Sagar exchanged a knowing glance with Hermione, both remembering how little such warnings had deterred them last year.
The prefects led the students to their dormitories, and Sagar found himself once again descending into the cool, green-lit corridors of Slytherin. The familiar comfort of his House welcomed him, but his mind was already racing with possibilities: new spells to master, secrets to uncover, and friendships to deepen.
As he lay in bed that night, the castle quiet around him, Sagar felt the pulse of magic in the stones and the promise of another extraordinary year. Hogwarts, with all its wonder and danger, was home once more.