Leaning back in his seat, Ethan listened to the soft hum of the Hogwarts Express filling the compartment like a lullaby. Outside the window, the countryside stretched endlessly, a living painting of green pastures, scattered sheep, and far-off cottages wrapped in early autumn haze. The train rolled forward, steady and sure, its wheels clattering over the tracks in a rhythm that felt almost like a heartbeat.
He didn't realize how tense he'd been until now. For the first time in what felt like forever, he let out a deep, unguarded sigh. He was relaxed. Completely, utterly relaxed.
His old life already felt distant. Nine-to-five routines, long hours in front of a screen, the repetitive cycle of adult responsibilities, it was all a blur now. Like it had happened to someone else. Here, magic breathed in the air, in every puff of steam from the engine, in the feel of his wand tucked safely inside his robes, in the laughter of the students echoing down the train's corridors. He was no longer an outsider looking in. He was here. Living it.
The compartment door slid open occasionally as curious students peeked in, some searching for friends, others just exploring. Ethan offered polite nods but didn't speak much. He didn't need to. It was enough just to be present, to watch this world unfold around him. At some point, he had fallen asleep, content with everyrhing. He'd already changed into his Hogwarts robes earlier, their weight oddly comforting.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, bathing the land in orange and gold, the train gradually began to slow. The peaceful atmosphere inside the compartment gave way to a sudden buzz of movement. Students leaned against the windows, pressed their noses to the glass, eagerly pointing at the fading horizon. The announcement came a few minutes later, loud and clear.
"We will be arriving at Hogsmeade Station shortly! Please leave your belongings on the train, as they will be taken to the school separately!"
Ethan stood, stretching his arms before adjusting his robes. He slipped his wand deeper into the inner pocket and gave one final glance out the window. Shadows lengthened across the landscape as twilight settled in.
When the train finally came to a halt, the compartment doors slid open with soft thuds. Ethan stepped into the corridor, joining the stream of students as they exited onto the platform.
Cool night air caressed his face the moment he stepped down from the train. The scent of damp wood, moss, and faraway smoke filled his lungs. The platform buzzed with noise and excitement. Students were chattering, owls hooting, trunks thudding. In the midst of the chaos, a familiar, booming voice rose above the rest.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!"
And there he was. Hagrid.
No matter how many times he'd seen Hagrid in books or on screen, seeing him in person was something else entirely. The half-giant towered over the students, his tangled beard like a wild hedge, his eyes kind and bright beneath bushy brows. His enormous moleskin coat flapped as he gestured the first years toward him.
Ethan's gaze shifted briefly, just enough to spot them in the crowd. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, all completely unaware of the things waiting them ahead. Ron's ears were red as he awkwardly fiddled with his wand, Harry looked quietly stunned by everything around him, and Hermione was already halfway through a fast-paced explanation about the proper behavior in magical schools.
He smiled faintly. The story was playing out just as it should.
"Come along now, follow me!" Hagrid's voice echoed through the night.
They followed the half-giant down a sloping path, the forest rising on either side. Trees loomed like silent guardians, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The only light came from the lantern in Hagrid's massive hand, casting golden rings onto the dirt path. Students whispered around Ethan as they walked, hushed and eager, anticipation building with every step.
Then, the forest parted.
Gasps rippled through the group.
The lake stretched out before them like a sheet of black glass, perfectly still beneath the moonlit sky. Reflections shimmered on its surface. At the shore, a collection of small boats bobbed patiently in the water.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called.
Pairs and trios hurried to climb in together, some laughing nervously, others clinging to one another. Ethan hesitated only a moment before stepping into an empty boat. Most had already filled up while he was trying to catch an early glimpse of the castle, but he didn't mind. It meant no distractions. It meant he could soak in every moment.
The boat gave a soft lurch when all had boarded and began to move without any push. The lake stretched ever wider around them, and the sound of water lapping against the sides was all that remained of the world.
And then it came into view.
Hogwarts.
The castle loomed ahead, bathed in warm, flickering torchlight. Towering spires clawed at the sky, and hundreds of windows glowed like stars trapped in stone. It rose above the cliffside like a relic of time, ageless and proud. Students fell silent, their breath caught in their throats. No words were needed.
Even Ethan found himself momentarily speechless. He'd seen the castle before,on screens, in pages. But this? This was something else. This was real. Every stone, every, bit of ivy clinging to the walls, it was all there. And he was part of it.
The boats glided beneath a stone archway, the echoes of the lake echoing softly off the ceiling above. Moments later, they gently bumped against the dock.
Students began climbing out, wide-eyed and whispering. Ethan stepped onto the stone, his shoes slightly damp from the lapping water. Hagrid led them up a winding stairway that climbed toward the castle, its torches flickering in iron brackets along the walls.
The air grew warmer as they entered the courtyard. The murmur of voices from inside the castle hinted at the feasts and festivities waiting within.
Then, the great oak doors loomed before them.
Massive. Ancient. Silent.
With a low groan, the doors began to open.
Ethan stepped through them along with the rest of the first years. This was it. The Sorting Ceremony was moments away. He was standing inside the place where legends were made.