#1 Arrival at Hogsmeade Station

It was fully dark outside, as the Hogwarts Express slowed along its tracks - then hissed at a stop at Hogsmeade Station. The doors all flung open, and everyone was advised to leave their luggage and other belongings. As students began to leave the train, Hagrid, who was twice as tall as an average man, made his way along the platform.

'First years.' His booming voice carried over the nervous chatter and delightful conversation. 'First years, this way.' He waited for them to gather around him before leading the way down towards the lake where many rowboats were docked without any notable paddles or otherwise.

'Three ter a boat,' Hagrid said. He watched dutifully as the rowboats filled with students. Once everyone was onboard, he sat at the front in a boat entirely to himself. 'Forward!' he said. With a lurch, the boats slowly and magically made their way across the ink-coloured lake reflecting the night sky.

It was then the first years would catch their first sight of Hogwarts. The castle was huge and lit like a fairytale. The moment was an amazing that none of them would ever forget. Hagrid would then lead them up many outdoor stairs to a door, making sure to have them wait by the Entrance Hall until they'd be called into the Great Hall for their sorting.

Meanwhile, after arriving on the platform, the rest of the student body made their way to horseless carriages that would transport them along a forest-side path towards the Hogwarts front gates. Many chatted with friends along the way, exciting for the delicious feast that awaited them, or simply sat quietly to enjoy the ride.

As it was a new experience for second years, they'd be non-the-wiser to what happened next. The older years, however, were quick to notice an official-looking meeting taking place by the opened iron gates. Three ministry officials talked with Professor and Deputy Headmistress McGonagall, who looked rather sour and displeased by whatever they were discussing. 

Professors Snape and Sprout were also nearby, watching the students who entered the grounds to walk their way to the castle - standing guard as if looking for something out of place. Sprout was friendly and reassuring, while Snape looked impossibly more irritated than usual.

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This thread is used to leave the train then the platform. You're welcome to post reactions to your year's portion of this post, as your character makes their way to the castle. If you'd rather skip it and proceed to the "Welcome Feast" post in the Great Hall, go right on ahead. First years must wait until someone collects them from another area to bring them into the hall, but can still post at the Great Hall thread for simplicity.

Older students can enter the hall and take their seats at their respective house tables. Everything's all set for dinner, but the plate and goblets are completely bare until after the sorting has taken place and the Headmaster given his speech.