As the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogwarts Castle, a light drizzle began to fall.
Shielding themselves from the rain, the students filed into the Great Hall and took their seats at their respective House tables. Alistair noticed that Dumbledore, Snape, and the other professors were already seated at the staff table. Professor Grubbly-Plank had taken over the Care of Magical Creatures position, while the seat for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor remained empty.
The long tables were nearly packed with students, and the first-years stood in the center for the Sorting. The Sorting Hat sang its song, which touched upon the safety of the houses and emphasized that the Sorting was not meant to divide students or fracture friendships. The atmosphere in the Great Hall instantly grew quite a bit heavier.
Chapter 328